$16,950.00
Nestled at the foot of Mount Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest mountain, Josephine Falls is one of the jewels of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Here, crystal-clear mountain water tumbles from the Atherton Tablelands over smooth granite boulders into brilliant turquoise pools, creating the famous natural rock waterslide and tranquil swimming holes.
A walking track winds through one of Australia’s most complex rainforest ecosystems—the complex mesophyll vine forest. The cool waters of Josephine Creek, combined with chilled mountain air flowing down the valley, create a unique microclimate that allows many high-altitude rainforest plants to thrive at unusually low elevations. Notable species found here include the elegant Atherton Palm, the giant Potato Fern with its arching three-metre fronds, and Hope’s Cycad (Lepidozamia hopei), an ancient plant found only in the Wet Tropics. Growing up to 20 metres tall, it is believed to be the tallest cycad in the world and produces striking bright red, though toxic, seeds.
The rainforest is equally renowned for its colourful wildlife. Visitors may encounter dazzling Ulysses Butterflies, Green-spotted Triangle Butterflies, Rainbow Lorikeets, Scaly-breasted Lorikeets, Australian King-Parrots, Emerald Doves, Superb Fruit-Doves, and the distinctive Australian Brush-turkey, whose vivid neck wattles provide a splash of colour against the lush green forest. This painting captures the peaceful beauty, cool rainforest atmosphere, and pristine waters that make Josephine Falls one of Far North Queensland’s most treasured natural landscapes.
Bill Cooper AO is known throughout the world for his paintings; The Australian and New Guinean and Nigerian Governments have bought and displayed his original paintings produced for his earlier books. Sir David Attenborough has produced documentaries on his work. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia gave him a rare accolade by presenting him with gold medal for distinction in natural history art. He was the first Australian to be given such an award. The academy does not invite competition for the medal and awards, it only periodically, after scanning the globe for someone “whose artistic endeavours have contributed to mankind”. Books have occupied most of Mr. Cooper’s working life for 30 years. He has published major works on “Birds of Paradise and Bower Birds”, “Parrots of the World”, “Australian Parrots”, and “Kingfishers”. These are equivalent to John Gould’s famous books. Bill Coopers paintings have set a new standard for excellence for scientific publications. His paintings are described as modern monuments to science and art. Bill passed away on 10th May 2015. He held 2 art exhibitions both at Morpeth Gallery, one in 2003 and 10 years later in 2013 this second art exhibition was filmed for Sir David Attenborough.
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