CAIRNS HIGHLANDS / ATHERTON TABLELANDS

Kuranda is the cultural tropical rainforest village of the Far North. It offers a diverse mix of vibrant shops, famous markets and local artists. There is so much to see and do, you can easily spend a whole day in this “must see” destination.

Mareeba is the biggest town on the Tablelands and has developed as a major multicultural centre. There are over 60 tourism-based experiences located in Mareeba, and it is home to people from 64 different national origins.

Tolga is a charming country town that acts as an intersection between Lake Tinaroo, Mareeba and Atherton. It is rich in history with heritage tributes all around the township: make sure you stop in for a coffee and explore.

Lake Tinaroo was formed in the late 1950s: Tinaroo is now a well known tourist spot that serves tens of thousands of visitors and locals each year. All kinds of water-based recreational pursuits can be enjoyed here, including fishing, sailing and water skiing.

Atherton is a historical town with an easy pace; it is located right in the middle of an area that boasts some of the most picturesque driving in Australia. Atherton’s Halloran’s Hill is an ideal vantage point to see the remnants of the regions past volcanic activity.

Yungaburra has long been established as the food and accommodation centre of the Tablelands area. It has existed largely unchanged since 1910, with many of its original buildings still remaining. It boasts country charm and a plethora of things to see and do.

Lake Eacham is a beautiful place to relax and regenerate during your holiday. The famous crater-lake has pristine blue water that is perfect for swimming and is surrounded by upland tropical rainforest. This is a bird watchers paradise!

Lake Barrine is close by Lake Eacham and offers the same stunning combination of blue waters surrounded by lush, tropical rainforest. Enjoy a crater-lake / rainforest cruise, or relax and refresh at the historic Lake Barrine Tea House: you won’t be disappointed.

Chillagoe locals have been welcoming visitors for over a century to see the region’s limestone outcrops, which were a part of a giant sea reef system. The famous Chillagoe Caves systems, that are a part of the outcrops, offer a unique visitor experience.

Step back into the region’s mining history, at the historic Irvinebank. Established in 1882, Irvinebank was once one of the major towns of the north: in it’s “hey day” it boasted the largest tin concentrate reduction plant and smelters in the country.

Malanda is a quiet town which sits in one of the wettest areas of the Atherton Tablelands. Surrounded by pockets of rainforest and rolling hills, Malanda offers many attractions and with its Malanda Falls, it is a part of the famous ‘waterfall circuit’.

Milla Milla is home to great waterfalls and attractions; it is also a part of the ‘waterfall circuit’. A 15km sealed road circuit links the spectacular Milla Milla Falls with Zilla and Elinjaa Falls. Milla Milla also has an interesting Historical Museum.

Tarzali is home to an Australian award winning and nationally recognised tropical gardens setting, secluded accommodation and a fully operational aquaculture farm. Tarzali is located mid-way between Malanda and Milla Milla.

Herberton is a heritage village, boasting rustic old buildings and museums. Tree covered hills create a setting for some of the oldest buildings on the Tablelands, including the School of Arts (1881). This is a renowned centre for bushwalking and horse riding.

Ravenshoe is the highest town in Queensland and its outlying areas offer spectacular scenery; a mixture of dense rainforest, sub-tropical flora and rolling mountain pastures. Well worth a visit, Ravenshoe’s community is growing and vibrant.

Gulf Savannah: The Savannah Way – Australia’s adventure drive – is a 3,501km journey that takes you from tropical Cairns, through the Tablelands and ends in Broome, on the northern coast of Western Australia. It crosses through this unique area.