Atherton Tablelands - Attractions

You can do it which ever way you like, we spent a day in Kuranda, a day doing the lakes and falls, a day doing Josephine Falls and Paronella Park . We took three days to Undara and if you add another day or two you could include Cobbold Gorge

Mareeba Tropical Savanna & Wetlands Centre

The Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve is located only an hour's drive from Cairns or Port Douglas. The Reserve, known locally as the Mareeba Wetlands , protects over 5000 acres of savannas and wetlands, providing a sanctuary for much of tropical Australia 's savanna and wetland flora and fauna , and cultural heritage.

Tichum Creek Coffee Farm

When you drop in you will meet Mario who will make you the best coffee I have tasted and Claudia Sorbello, Tichum Creek Coffee Farm is located between Kuranda and Mareeba (15km from Mareeba and 22km from Kuranda) and is opposite Davies Creek Road turnoff on the Kennedy Highway .

Lake Tinaroo- Danbulla Circuit

The Crater Lakes/Yungaburra/Peeramon

10 minutes drive from Malanda will find you at Lake Eacham , ideal for swimming, bird watching, rainforest walk. Nearby is the giant Red Cedar tree (estimated to be over 500 years old). Rejoin the Gillies Highway for a short drive to Lake Barrine take the Rainforest Cruise on the Lake starts at about 10.15am, and runs at regular intervals. Pelicans, ducks, pythons and eels can be seen. There is a 6 km walk around this lake, or the short walk to the twin Kauri Pines. Have a morning tea or lunch at the Teahouse on the lake.

Yungaburra

Have a look at the famous Curtain Fig Tree and wander through the craft shops. About 5.30pm is a good time to make your way down to the Platypus Viewing Platform, to see if this elusive little animal is about, and do the Petersen Creek walk.

 

Atherton

Atherton Chinatown Museum , visit the Hou Wang Temple built from rainforest timber and corrugated iron (the only surviving temple of its type), and new interpretive museum.
Atherton has two antique shops, one on either end of the main street of the town.

Malanda Falls

Head to Malanda (15mins), visit Malanda Falls and the Visitors Centre. Have a drink in the Historic Malanda Hotel and the browse through the Antique Shop across the road. The Malanda Dairy Centre has a small historical museum.

Mungalli Creek Dairy

Is a bio-dynamic farm situated on Brooks Road , 10 kilometres from Millaa Millaa. The farm produces its own cream, drinking milk, cheese, yoghurt and dips and these are marketed throughout north Queensland . The farm has its own tasting facility where visitors can see the dairy products being made and also sample a range of bio-dynamic dairy products. I can recommend the cheese and yogurt

Ravenshoe Circuit

From Millaa Millaa falls take the East Evelyn Road which travels past the Millaa Millaa Lookout (spectacular views of Mt. Bartle Frere) to join the Kennedy Highway and on to Ravenshoe, Queensland's highest town (920m). This scenic route travels past Windy Hill Wind Farm, Queensland 's only wind generated power system. A must to see is the Ravenshoe Visitor Centre and just a short drive out to The Millstream Falls.

From Ravenshoe take the Kennedy Highway north towards Atherton. Follow the signs into Mt.Hypipamee National Park to view the Crater which is a huge volcanic vent hole and also Dinner Falls .

Rejoin the Kennedy Highway and travel west to the historical mining town of Herberton with its interesting displays of the tin mining era dating back to the mid 19th century and a world class camera museum.

Travel back to Malanda via the Herberton Range and past Hastie‘s Swamp, with it's world class bird hide.

Paronella Park

Experience this truly unique North Queensland tourist attraction incorporating guided tours, Baddagun indigenous aboriginal cultural performances, bush tucker walks, self-guided botanical walks and night tour. Easy access from Cairns , Mission Beach , Townsville and Tablelands.

Originally created in the 1930's by José Paronella, a man with a dream, Paronella Park continues to be enjoyed by visitors from near and far.

We enjoyed the guided tour and the feeding of the fish, eels and turtles. Not to be missed as it is quite unique.

Josephine Falls

Surrounded by lush rainforest, the Babinda Boulders is a popular swimming hole and tourist attraction south of Cairns . It is a classic example of the fast flowing tropical creeks in the area that are perfect for afternoon dips in the cool water to combat the tropical heat.

Visitors to the Babinda Boulders are often amazed that the water is quite cool, even during mid-summer. Just behind The Boulders is Mt Bartle Frere, Queensland 's tallest mountain, from which Babinda Creek's cool water originates. The section of the creek where the water rushes over massive granite boulders, smoothing and shaping them, is referred to as The Babinda Boulders.

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