View from drive to Atherton Tablelands

Where to go

Atherton Tablelands

Welcome to
Tropical North Queensland’s Lush Highland Plateau

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

millaa millaa falls atherton tablelands

ENTER THE SPECTACULAR

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.

Waterfalls

Kingfisher on branch

INCREDIBLE WILDLIFE

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.

 

HOME TO FABULOUS FRESH PRODUCE

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).

Food trail higlights

ESPRESS YOURSELF

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.

Kahlpahlim Rock Lamb Range hike on the atherton tablelands

HIT THE TRAILS

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.

Hiking & Walking Trails

Mountain biking Misty Mountain Trails

ON THE MOVE

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.

Mountain biking Atherton Tablelands

Tips

  • 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.

Discover More

From tasting local produce to celebrating Indigenous culture, here’s how to explore the temptations of the Tablelands.

zillie falls atherton tablelands
Atherton Tablelands
10 waterfalls to chase on the Atherton 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.

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aerial image of lake eacham
Atherton Tablelands
101 things to do 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.

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emerald creek falls mareeba
Atherton Tablelands
10 things near Mareeba worth the drive from Cairns

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.

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atherton tablelands canopy treehouses
Atherton Tablelands
7 great reasons to head to the Atherton Tablelands

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.

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curtain fig tree accessible travel
Atherton Tablelands
Accessible travel in the Atherton Tablelands

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.

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Lake Barrine Devonshire Tea cafe Atherton Tablelands
Atherton Tablelands
Food trail highlights on the Atherton Tablelands

Foodies take a deep breath and prepare your tastebuds for tantalisation. Here’s how to get your foodie fix on the Atherton Tablelands.

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Bike and Bird
Atherton Tablelands
The top spots to stay around the Atherton Tablelands trails

Exploring the Atherton Tablelands on two wheels and looking for a place to stay? Here are some accommodation options for your mountain biking adventure.

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Atherton Tablelands
Old town young heart: your guide to Yungaburra

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.

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Atherton Forest MTB Park
Atherton Tablelands
Blaze the trails of Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park

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.

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Atherton Tablelands
Retreat Hopping on the Atherton Tablelands

Pack the mini-break bag and head for the hills for a long weekend of retreat hopping on the Atherton Tablelands.

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Daintree Discovery Centre
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The Wet Tropics’ Famous Five Precincts and a guide to exploring them

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.

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outdoor bath tub at silky oaks lodge
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10 relaxing ways to sleep in the rainforest

This summer, swap your inner city stresses for cool, rainforest rejuvenation, checking into one of these accommodation providers in the rainforest.

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Reef to Reef MTB Event
Atherton Tablelands
Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail: relaxed riding

Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Take a break and ride the Rail Trail in the Atherton Tablelands.

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Getting here

  • Getting there by bus

    By coach/bus

    Tablelands 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.

  • Driving in the Atherton Tablelands

    By car

    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.

Stay

From delightful boutique stays to holiday parks that come mountain-bike ready… where to rest up in the Tablelands.

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR

Kicking your week off with breathtaking sights of the @athertontablelands 🍃🦋

Around here, you’ll be treated to an abundance of waterfalls, lakes, local produce and more! 🌴✨ It’s time to explore the rolling hills that stretch for miles, and one of the best places to do it is Millaa Millaa Lookout, also known as the McHugh Lookout 🌱

P.S. get your sightseeing started as the sun rises to catch the golden skies over the Tablelands - and don’t forget your jacket, it’s starting to get chilly 🥶

 🎥 @kellerdiaries #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia 

[ID: Camera panning over woman leaning on wooden fence at lookout on the Atherton Tablelands. She is standing under a tree in a white flowing dress and hat. The view overlooks grassy fields, farmlands and mountains in the distance]
If you need a reason to become a morning person, this is it! 🎈No better way to watch the sunrise over the Atherton Tablelands than gliding above it with @hotairballooncairns

#ExploreTNQ #ExplorecairnsGBR #athertontablelands

[ID: sunrise from a hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands]
Dive into the wild wonders of Tully Gorge National Park! 🌿 Camp, hike, and picnic amidst the lush vibes of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

You can explore from a variety of locations, including the Tablelands or on the coast in Tully. This park’s got it all – from epic river plunges to a chill Butterfly walk 🦋 Embrace the adventure, snag a campsite, and cast a line for a touch of luck in the Tully River. 

📷 @wunez 

P.S. Don’t forget to check with Queensland Parks for the latest advice and tips to make the most of your adventure 

#ExploreTNQ #ThisisQueensland #SeeAustralia #ExploreCairnsGBR
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the tablelands, not a creature was stirring, not even the lambs 🐑 The waterfalls were flowing and mist in the air, in hopes that St. Nick soon would be there 🎄🧡

📸 @queensland #exploreTNQ #exploreCairnsGBR #athertontablelands
Saying bye-bye to the work week on the @athertontablelands 🌴
​
​@tropicalnorthqueensland is home to @australia’s only two species of tree kangaroos - the Lumholtz’s & the Bennett’s tree kangaroos 🌿☀️ These furry faces are notoriously elusive & difficult to spot, even more so because of their solitary nature. They tend to hang out in the canopy & are most active at night, so you’ll count yourself lucky if you manage to spot one in the wild 😴✨ 

Best places to spot tree kangaroos? Rainforest areas on the Tablelands, like @nerada_tea ☕️ Didn’t spot one on your travels? Head to @rainforestation or @wildlifehabitat to check out their resident roos 🙌
​
​📸 @willgilmoree  #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #explorecairnsGBR #exploreTNQ
Tropical North Queensland is a place that screams family fun, so if you’re looking for the ultimate family holiday this should be at the top of your list 🙌 Whether the kids are looking to splash around in the #CairnsEsplanadeLagoon, go waterfall chasing on the tablelands, or spot some epic wildlife, there’s something to suit every little adventurer 🌴🐚 Not to mention some epic beach camp outs ⛺️ Say hello to a lovely little spot called #MissionBeach 🏝👋

📸 @themartins_lapyear #seeaustralia #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland  #exploreTNQ

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