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 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 itineraryCairns to Yungaburra
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.
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
Tropical North’s Queensland’s own one-of-a-kind music festival!
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
Christmas holiday tip 🔔
If you haven`t already, now is the time to get all of your Christmas presents and secret Santa gifts wrapped up and in the sack! Here`s where to find the perfect presents in Tropical North Queensland 🌴
🎁 Buy a Christmas gift that gives back, like adopting an animal or coral tree or purchasing from an eco-certified experience or local artist
🎁 Shop locally at one of Cairns` adorable stores - there`s so many to choose from, you might even end up buying a little something for yourself!
🎁 Visit one of the local markets for all sorts of art, trinkets and gift ideas - there are markets in Cairns, Port Douglas, Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown, Palm Cove and more!
Just casually swinging into sunset on the edge of a volcanic crater 🥰🌅 @mtquincan is a romantic retreat set on the slopes of an extinct volcano in the @athertontablelands that is sure to leave your other half smitten. The luxurious pole treehouses come equipped with a double spa bath and wood fire, perfect for snuggling up on those tropi-cool nights 🛀
📸 @beixin #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: couple sitting on swing hanging from large tree watching the sunset over the rolling hills of the Atherton Tablelands at Mt Quincan Crater Retreat]
Good morning from #Julatten 😍
The @athertontablelands is full of incredible things to discover, from spectacular waterfalls and wonderful wildlife, to delicious local produce 🦋 Not to mention some epic hiking trails, mountain biking and more! 🚵
Where will the first stop be…?
📸 @tina_wilsonn #exploreTNQ #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #explorecairnsGBR
[ID: cottage style property in Julatten, Atherton Tablelands. There is bright green grass, a clear lake and lots of full trees, with mountain ranges visible in the distance.]
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 🥶
📸 @robinlamhj #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
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
It may come as a surprise that one area can encompass @wettropicsworldheritage rainforest, volcanic crater lakes & historic villages, but you can see all of this and more in the @athertontablelands 🌿✨ Discover the drive that dreams are made of as you travel from #Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands 🚘🦋
🎥 @_letsescapetogether_ #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Dreamy mornings above the clouds on the @athertontablelands with @hotairballooncairns ⛅️🎈 As the days get cooler, throw on a jacket & point towards the sky as you discover epic views over #Mareeba & the Tablelands 🌿☀️
📸 @liamhaendel #explorecairnsGBR #exploreTNQ #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Are you visiting Tropical North Queensland soon? Take advantage of our Tropical Dollars and get $100 off tours and experiences* when you book through Experience Oz! Use code TNQ100
