Atherton Tablelands

Lush green hills, misty waterfalls, and volcanic crater lakes define the Atherton Tablelands, a highland escape west of Cairns. This fertile region is a patchwork of dairy farms, rainforest remnants, and quirky small towns where the air is noticeably cooler. It's a perfect detour for travellers wanting to swap the coastal heat for a dose of country charm and extraordinary wildlife.

Highlights & What to See

• Crater Lakes National Park – Walk the circuit around Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine, two volcanic maar lakes with crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip. Keep an eye out for musky rat-kangaroos and colourful birds.
• Millaa Millaa Falls – The poster child of Tablelands waterfalls, this 18-metre cascade plunges into a perfect swimming hole. Arrive early to have it almost to yourself.
• Curtain Fig Tree – A massive strangler fig with roots that drop 15 metres like a curtain. The short boardwalk makes it accessible, and the scale is awe-inspiring.
• Yungaburra – A heritage-listed village with a thriving café scene. Don't miss the Saturday markets for local produce and the famous platypus viewing platform on Peterson Creek.
• Granite Gorge Nature Park – Wander among giant granite boulders and spot the endemic Mareeba rock-wallabies. You can hand-feed them – a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Undara Lava Tubes – A guided tour through ancient volcanic tubes formed 190,000 years ago. The guided tours are excellent, revealing a unique underground ecosystem.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days gives you time to explore the main attractions without rushing. Base yourself in Atherton or Yungaburra and use a car to loop around the waterfalls circuit, crater lakes, and the lava tubes. A longer stay allows for deeper immersion – try farm-stays, birdwatching at Hasties Swamp, or a cooking class using local ingredients. The Tablelands are also a great stopover between Cairns and the outback town of Undara.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cairns – Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, just an hour's drive east.
• Daintree River – Cruise for crocodiles and birdlife before heading into the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
• Port Douglas – Chic coastal town with markets, restaurants, and access to the reef and rainforest.
• Chillagoe – Outback limestone caves and Aboriginal rock art, about two hours west of the Tablelands.
• Mareeba – Coffee country and home to the Savannahlander train – a quirky rail journey to outback Forsayth.

Please check official sources for current details.