Where to go
A vibrant green land of dramatic mountains, untouched rainforest,
delicious produce and jaw-dropping waterfalls.
The Atherton Tablelands is where I find the best variety of subjects to engage and teach my students photography
Jürgen Freund – Photographer, Freund Factory
Starting just south-west of Cairns and rising more than 700m above sea level, the Atherton Tablelands is a lush, fertile region of rainforest, wetland and savannah. An ancient coral reef has eroded over centuries to form rugged limestone caves in Chillagoe and nearby volcanic crater lakes sit amongst a series of tumbling waterfalls.
You’ll find an incredible array of wildlife here, including brightly coloured frogs and elusive platypus. It’s one of the few places in the country where you might spot the rare Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo. Birds are a real highlight in the Tablelands, too: 327 of the 430 bird species of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics region can be found here. Look up and you might see golden bowerbirds, king parrots, honeyeaters, crimson rosellas and masked owls.
Basalt soil, good rainfall and plenty of sunshine make the Atherton Tablelands something of a food bowl. There are almost 2000 farms, producing delicious tropical fruit such as mangoes, limes and bananas. Experience that goodness first-hand at the Yungaburra Markets or Shaylee Strawberry Farm, where you can pick your own berries. (Or you can grab fresh produce from one of the many roadside stalls – just drop the money into the honesty box).
The Atherton Tablelands is one of Australia’s two major coffee-growing regions and you’ll be able to find an espresso here that would rival anything you’ll get in a Melbourne cafe. Visit Skybury Coffee to walk through the plantation, see the beans being processed and sample one of their award-winning Arabica blends. For something with a little more punch, drop into the Mt Uncle Distillery, which uses Australian botanicals to make award-winning gin.
It’s not all about food here. Bushwalking and hiking trails wind through lush rainforest: take a short track through the Crater Lakes National Park or tackle the challenging Misty Mountains of Wooroonooran National Park.
The Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park has almost 60km of purpose-built trails running from the township of Atherton, through picturesque open forest. Nearby Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park is a network of flowing trails, winding their way through the Lamb Range near Mareeba. Kayak across the rainforest-fringed Lake Barrine, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Eacham or fish for barramundi in Lake Tinaroo.
Don’t miss the Yungaburra Markets, the largest and oldest in the region, held on the fourth Saturday of the month. Pick up some fresh local produce and grab lunch at one of the food trucks.
On the outskirts of the town of Atherton you’ll find a unique Chinese temple dating back to 1903. The timber and corrugated-iron Hou Wang Temple is the only one of its kind outside of China and was built by the large population drawn to the region during a brief gold rush.
The highest mountain in Queensland is in the Atherton Tablelands – the 1622m Bartle Frere. The 15km walking track to the summit is one for the experienced bushwalker only, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views all the way to the coast.
Take a drive around the 17km Waterfall Circuit, which includes many picturesque falls perfect for a dip.
From tasting local produce to celebrating Indigenous culture, here’s how to explore the temptations of the Tablelands.
Hit the famous waterfall circuit, uncover those lesser known or stretch a little further and take a dip in Australia’s widest, single-drop waterfall on the Atherton Tablelands.
Looking for things to do on the Atherton Tablelands? We’ve got the 101 – literally. Here’s 101 activities on the Atherton Tablelands to add to your list.
If your ideal holiday involves roaming from providore to providore, seeing 400-million-year-old rock cave formations and exploring waterfalls in between, there’s a town on the Atherton Tablelands you’ll want to get to know.
The Atherton Tablelands are the kind of place you want to take at your own pace. Jump in a car and head inland to tick off these must-do experiences.
From rolling green pastures, to endless blue skies, the Atherton Tablelands is the Far North’s most underrated answer to pure adventure. The cooler-climate makes its stunning array of landscapes a treat to indulge in, no matter how you choose to do it. Discover accessible travel in the Atherton Tablelands with this guide.
Foodies take a deep breath and prepare your tastebuds for tantalisation. Here’s how to get your foodie fix on the Atherton Tablelands.
Exploring the Atherton Tablelands on two wheels and looking for a place to stay? Here are some accommodation options for your mountain biking adventure.
It’s no coincidence the Atherton Tablelands village of Yungaburra attracts visitors from far and wide. This village, 750m above sea level, translates to Meeting Place in local indigenous dialect – and the trail of headlights coming from Cairns each weekend proves it.
Looking for some new trails to sink your wheels into, Atherton Tablelands has you covered. Choose from more than 70km of the region’s best bike trails and venture into the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park.
Pack the mini-break bag and head for the hills for a long weekend of retreat hopping on the Atherton Tablelands.
If you’re looking to connect with nature and discover a rainforest that’s the oldest, longest and largest in Australia, go behind the foliage with this guide to the five precincts of the Wet Tropics.
This summer, swap your inner city stresses for cool, rainforest rejuvenation, checking into one of these accommodation providers in the rainforest.
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Take a break and ride the Rail Trail in the Atherton Tablelands.
Inspiration for your next roadtrip through the Atherton Tablelands
Cairns to Atherton Tablelands
It’s time to hit the road, from Cairns into the Atherton Tablelands and towards today’s destinations along the Waterfall Circuit.
View itineraryCairns to Cape Tribulation (return)
Welcome to the loveliest little drive in Queensland. Short but oh-so-sweet, the Great Barrier Reef Drive covers just 140km in a straight line north from Cairns to Cape Tribulation via Port Douglas.
View itineraryMareeba to Chillagoe
Stretching from Mareeba to Chillagoe, the Wheelbarrow Way travels through verdant crop-producing farmlands, cattle country, wooded savannah and friendly little towns with impressive histories.
View itineraryCairns to Yungaburra
Cairns to Cairns
Get ready to discover the very best of Tropical North Queensland on the Great Tropical Drive. Some 26 different routes make up the drive, taking you from coast to Savannah, islands to the outback, rainforest to reef.
View itineraryTablelands Tours are a great way to explore Tropical North Queensland’s hidden treasures. Discover specular waterfalls, panoramic World Heritage listed rainforest or tasty fresh local produce at farm gate by experiencing one of the many food trails.
The Atherton Tablelands is full of must-do adventures that are best explored at your own leisurely pace. Hiring a car and self-driving gives you the freedom to discover the hidden treasures.
From delightful boutique stays to holiday parks that come mountain-bike ready… where to rest up in the Tablelands.
Markets, food… and much more. Here are some events to check out in and nearby this cool-climate haven
Competitors push an empty wheelbarrow along the ’Wheelbarrow Way’ between Mareeba and Chillagoe in three stages.
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