Atherton Tablelands - Tropical North Queensland Holiday Destination

The Atherton Tablelands offers a captivating escape with lush landscapes and diverse natural wonders. Explore ancient rainforests and spectacular waterfalls that cascade through this stunning region. Boasting a temperate climate, the Tablelands are an ideal destination year-round.

For a quieter experience, visit during the low season (December to April), when you can enjoy the region’s comfort without the coastal humidity, yet still be within easy reach of the coast. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the warmth of the tropical sun during the high season (July to November).

Explore Hastie Swamp, where a two-level bird hide offers views of thousands of birds in their natural habitat. Visit the intriguing Crystal Caves on Atherton's Main Street, or marvel at the majestic Mt Mulligan Escarpment. The region is also home to charming antique shops, arts and crafts stores, art galleries, coffee plantations and more. Take your time driving through this fascinating area; if you're planning a longer stay, allow a few days to fully appreciate everything the Tablelands have to offer.

Nestled between 500 and 1000 meters above the Great Barrier Reef, the Atherton Tablelands are a scenic, unspoiled region, perfect for self driving tours. This destination promises not to disappoint.

Discover ancient tropical rainforests, volcanic lakes, and the famous Waterfall Circuit, including Millaa Millaa Falls. The region is rich in natural wonders, with the Mareeba Wetlands, national parks, and World Heritage-listed rainforests. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by the diverse flora and fauna, including tree kangaroos, platypus, brolgas, bandicoot, rock wallabies, and an array of birdlife. Guided night-spotting tours can be arranged through your Atherton accommodation provider.

There is so much to see and do in the Tablelands that we’ve organised them into regions below to help you explore this extraordinary place at your own pace.

• Main attractions
• Northern Tablelands attractions
• Central Tablelands attractions
• Southern Tablelands attractions
• Tours and experiences
• Getting to the Tablelands

Image shows the Hypipamee Crater, courtesy Tourism Queensland

Main Atherton Tablelands Attractions

Beautiful views at Atherton Tablelands

Paronella Park

Nestled within 13 acres of lush rainforest beside the enchanting Mena Creek Falls, Paronella Park is a living testament to the dreams and determination of its founder, José Paronella. Built in the 1930s by this visionary Spanish immigrant, the park is a blend of heritage gardens, whimsical architecture, and awe-inspiring ruins, all designed for public enjoyment.

Despite facing the ravages of time and natural disasters, Paronella Park remains open to the public, offering a unique and captivating experience. Visitors can explore the grand staircase, picnic by the falls, or wander through the heritage gardens that are home to over 7,000 tropical plants and trees. The park also features a hydroelectric system, originally installed by José himself, which still powers the site today.

Guided tours, both day and night, are available, allowing you to uncover the fascinating history and hidden stories behind each structure. Don’t miss the nighttime illumination of the park, where the ruins and gardens are bathed in soft lights, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

This heritage-listed site is a must-see for anyone visiting the Atherton Tablelands, offering a glimpse into the past and a tranquil escape into a world where nature and history meet in perfect harmony.

Atherton Tablelands, Paronella Park and Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit Eco-Tour

The Australian Platypus Park at Tarzali Lakes

Home to a thriving platypus population in a lush, tropical setting, the Australian Platypus Park at Tarzali Lakes attracts visitors from around the world. Enjoy a meal or drink at the Smokehouse Café, offering delicious, reasonably priced options in a relaxed, licensed venue. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for current opening hours and details. 

Gallo Dairyland

Gallo Dairyland is a family-owned and operated dairy farm, nestled on the banks of the Barron River since 1937. Offering more than just an educational experience, this fully functional dairy farm delights visitors with its handcrafted chocolates, gourmet cheeses, and rich Greek yogurt—all made on-site and available for purchase.

Rainforestation Nature Park

Set on 100 acres (40 hectares) of pristine World Heritage-listed rainforest, the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park offers a unique blend of cultural, wildlife, and natural experiences. Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture with interactive performances and demonstrations, including traditional dance, boomerang throwing, and didgeridoo playing.

Explore the park’s Australian native wildlife, where you can encounter kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, and the elusive cassowary up close. Don’t miss the Army Duck Rainforest Tour, a guided adventure aboard an amphibious World War II vehicle that takes you deep into the rainforest, both on land and water, providing a fascinating look at the region’s diverse flora and fauna.

Whether you’re interested in culture, wildlife spotting, or simply the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest, Rainforestation Nature Park offers an all-in-one adventure for visitors of all ages. Book your tickets online through Viator!

Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum

Step back in time at the Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum, the last remaining treasure of Atherton’s historic Chinatown, originally established in the mid-1880s. This remarkable site features the only surviving timber and iron Chinese temple in Australia, built in 1903. Easily accessible by car or daily bus service, the temple invites you to explore its rich history and cultural significance, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the Chinese community that once thrived here.

Atherton Herberton Historic Railway

Journey back to a bygone era aboard the Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway, where the romance of vintage rail travel comes alive. Winding through the picturesque landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands, this charming railway connects the historic towns of Atherton and Herberton, offering a unique way to explore the region's rich heritage. As you ride the meticulously restored trains, you’ll pass through lush rainforests, rolling farmlands, and scenic vistas, all while soaking in the stories of yesteryear. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a railway buff, or simply looking for a memorable adventure, the Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway promises an unforgettable experience.

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Northern Atherton Tablelands Attractions

Golden Drop Winery

Nestled just outside of Mareeba, Golden Drop Winery is a boutique winery renowned for its unique focus on crafting wines from the luscious mangoes grown on its expansive plantation. This family-owned winery offers a delightful twist on traditional winemaking, producing a range of award-winning mango wines, liqueurs, and sparkling wines that capture the essence of the tropics.

Visitors are welcome to stop by the cellar door to sample their signature creations and learn about the winemaking process. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply curious, a visit to Golden Drop Winery promises a refreshing and flavorful experience that showcases the best of the region’s tropical produce. 

Granite Gorge Nature Park

This privately owned nature park features gorgeous and fascinating volcanic-formed scenery stretching over a diverse landscape of volcanic boulders, native bushland and bubbling creeks. Camping is available along with a range of activities including feeding the rock wallabies and many walking tracks.

Warbird Adventures Aviation Museum

Located just south of Mareeba, the Warbird Adventures Aviation Museum is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This fascinating museum showcases a stunning collection of display and fully operational warbirds, each lovingly restored to its original condition. The exhibits offer a rare glimpse into the golden age of aviation, with aircraft that once soared through historic skies.

Mareeba Wetlands

Set across 5,000 acres of pristine land, the Mareeba Tropical Savannas and Wetlands Reserve is a haven for nature lovers. This vast reserve, dotted with lagoons and winding channels, is home to a rich diversity of wetlands wildlife. Visitors can immerse themselves in this unique ecosystem while learning about the vital conservation efforts that help preserve the region’s natural beauty. Whether you're exploring the tranquil waters or spotting native species, the Mareeba Wetlands offers an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of tropical savannas.

Coffee Works

Located in Mareeba, Coffee Works is a boutique roastery renowned for its premium Arabica coffees sourced from local Cairns Highlands plantations. Enjoy a rich cup of coffee paired with a delectable selection of handcrafted chocolates from the on-site Chocolaterie. For tea enthusiasts, Coffee Works also offers a variety of locally sourced teas, providing a delightful taste of the region’s finest leaves.

Mt Mulligan Escarpment

Once a bustling coal mining town, Mount Mulligan is now a ghost town with a haunting past. The area is notable for Queensland's most catastrophic mining disaster, where 75 miners lost their lives in a 1921 underground explosion. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this historical site, including the few remaining structures and the sombre cemetery.

Tyrconnell Historic Goldmine

Situated about an hour and a half from Cairns, the Tyrconnell Historic Goldmine offers a glimpse into the gold rush era of the Cairns region. Over 120 years ago, 10,000 prospectors roamed these hills in search of gold. Experience this fascinating history with a gold panning lesson, a trek through the scenic bush, and enjoy an Aussie BBQ meal. For a truly immersive experience, you can even opt for an overnight stay.

Emerald Creek Falls

Located near Mareeba, Emerald Creek Falls is a hidden gem. This captivating waterfall tumbles over rugged rocks into a series of sparkling pools, surrounded by lush rainforest. The falls are easily accessible via a short walk that offers stunning views of the cascading waters and the verdant landscape. Emerald Creek Falls is a perfect spot for a refreshing swim, a peaceful picnic, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

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Central Atherton Tablelands Attractions

Irvinebank

Discover the charming town of Irvinebank, a hidden gem just a two-hour drive from Cairns. Established in 1882, this historic town features beautiful heritage-listed buildings and a picturesque dam. Relax by the dam, enjoy a picnic, or take a refreshing swim under the canopy of century-old fig trees.  

Herberton

Queensland has had a rich (literally!) and diverse mining history however the town of Herberton was known for producing tin. It's located an hour and a half from Cairns and is home to The Herberton Mining Museum and historic village. The museum offers visitors a great insight into the Queensland mining industry and interestingly enough the Museum is actually built on an old 1880 tin Reward Claim.

Lake Eacham

Eacham

No visit to the Atherton Tablelands is complete without a stop at Lake Eacham, located within Lake Eacham National Park. Formed around 12,000 years ago from volcanic activity, this serene volcanic crater lake is fed by a constant underground stream. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, sunbathing, water sports, or exploring the surrounding rainforest on a bushwalk.

Barrine

Lake Barrine was formed in a similar way to Lake Eacham and is a deep-water lake surrounded by dense rainforest. The Tea House is built on the lake's shore and has been a family-run business since the 1930s. It's a wonderful place to visit for breakfast, lunch and Devonshire teas. You can also enjoy a relaxing boat cruise around the lake.

Lake Tinaroo

Lake Tinaroo is located a few minutes from Atherton and is the region's inland water playground. The lake was created in 1959 when the Barron River was blocked and is now a great place to swim, sail, windsurf, water ski and fish, though if staying on dry land is more your thing then hiking and camping around Lake Tinaroo is another great option.

Atherton

Atherton was the first town settled in the region hence the name the Atherton Tablelands. The pace isn't too quick through the middle of this historic town but it's a pretty place to stop and visit on your way through the area.

The town sits on the side of Hallorans Hill which is an extinct volcano and is surrounded by the Seven Sisters, a small collection of hills.

Malanda

In 2011 The Parish of Malanda celebrated its centenary. The timber business and dairy farmers in the area lobbied to have Malanda join the railway line and in late 1910 the first train came into station. The township is now known for its wonderful bird watching, art galleries and the stunning Malanda Falls.

Yungaburra

Yungaburra is one of the oldest towns in the Tablelands and is part of the National Trust of Queensland. This charming village which was established in 1890 has remained largely unchanged and has been a favourite tourist destination since the 1900s.

One highlight of your trip to Yungaburra should be visiting Peterson's Creek to see the elusive platypus come out in the late afternoon, as well as the Yungaburra Markets. 

Bromfield & Hasties Swamp

The Atherton Tablelands is like Mecca for birdwatchers. You can journey up into the highlands and sit in a relatively cool climate while you keep your eye out for birds. The Bromfield Crater is known as a breeding ground for the Sarus Cranes and is a great place to watch them in flight during the dry season at daybreak or sundown.

Hasties Swamp fills during the Wet Season and is located just outside the town of Atherton and here you'll find some of the best bird watching around in the grassed area which is shaded by the eucalypt trees. If you stay long enough and quiet enough you may come across several hundreds of bird species.

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Curtain fig tree, Cathedral Strangler fig tree and Giant Red Cedar tree

Atherton is home to many grand, old trees which are well worth getting off the beaten track to have a look at. One of those is the Curtain Fig Tree which is one of the largest in North Queensland. There are some great examples of these strangler Curtain Fig Tree just outside of Yungaburra.

If you are in the area then you should check out the Cathedral Fig Tree which sits around 5km from the Gillies Highway. It's a type of Curtain Fig Tree and home to many different species of animals like Possums, Tree kangaroos, Doves and Scrubfowls.

Another of these great trees is the Red Cedar Tree which is the reason why loggers first came to the region. They are known for their supreme wood and their speedy growth. A great example is the Giant Red Cedar which is one of the only survivors of this logging past. It is located just near Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge on Winfield Road.

Overlooking Babinda Creek and Mt Bellenden Kerr

Mt Bartle Frere and Mt Bellenden Kerr

Tropical North Queensland is home to Queensland's highest and second-highest mountains. Mount Bartle Frere is located in the Wooroonooran National Park and sits 1622 metres above sea level. There are lots of different tracks from foothill to summit to explore. There's plenty of rainforest to scramble around and the clouds that come in up top are well worth a visit. Mount Bellenden Ker sits 1593 metres above sea level and stands adjacent to Mt Bartle Frere. You can also explore this mountain and visit the beautiful Josephine Falls and the bubbling rivers which crisscross down the mountain. 

Josephine Falls is a stunning waterfall cascading down a series of granite tiers, with crystal-clear waters that create a picturesque scene. The falls are easily accessible via a scenic walking trail that takes you through ancient rainforest, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing swim in the natural rock pools at the base.

Babinda Boulders, just a short drive away, features a dramatic landscape where massive boulders and the Babinda Creek form a series of spectacular pools and cascading waterfalls. The area is perfect for exploring, with walking tracks that lead you to stunning vantage points and tranquil swimming spots. Both locations offer a serene escape into nature, with opportunities for picnicking and swimming.

Atherton Tablelands and Waterfalls Guided Tour

Babinda, Etty Bay and Paronella Park Tour

Fun, Falls and Forests Day Trip from Cairns

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Southern Atherton Tablelands Attractions

Millstream Falls

Millstream Falls National Park

Millstream Falls National Park is just an hour and half away from Cairns and is a great place to visit as it boasts the widest single-drop falls in Australia. The Big Millstream Falls is a beautiful sight, find the walking track to a viewing area over the falls for a great view. The national park is rich in indigenous and more recent history as it was the site of an army training camp in World War 2. The area was set up as a training ground as it was close to New Guinea and would help give the troops an idea of what South East Asia would be like climate-wise. Take the World War II Heritage track which is an easy 1-kilometre circuit through the area.

Tully Gorge National Park

The Tully Gorge National Park is a terrific place to spend your day and nights camping, bushwalking and picnicking by the Tully River. The park is also one of the wettest places in all of Queensland and is a very popular destination for white-water rafters. If you're not a thrill seeker like the rafters you can watch their progress down the tumbling torrents from many of the lookouts. 

Tully River Full Day White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch

Tully River Full-Day White Water Rafting

Ravenshoe

Ravenshoe is the highest town in all of Queensland and sits above all the others at 930 metres above sea level. The town was founded as a timber town and now is popular with tourists to the Atherton Tablelands wanting to get close to all the wonderful waterfalls, bush walking trails, rainforests and historical landmarks. While you're here make sure to stop off for a cooling drink and a meal at Ravenshoe Hotel, the highest pub in Queensland.

Millaa Millaa Falls

Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit

The Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit takes you past three of the Atherton Tablelands and Wet Tropics' prettiest falls. On the sealed road, your first stop will be at the Millaa Millaa Falls which is really the only spot where you can jump in and enjoy the cooling waters. If you arrive at the right time you might be lucky enough to come across a platypus or the iridescent blue Ulysses Butterfly.

There are plenty of barbeque and picnic facilities here so it's a great place to enjoy your lunch. Hop back in the car and keep your eyes peeled for the next stop, the Zillie Falls. There's no swimming in this waterfall but you can take a short walk through the surrounding forest to the viewing area where you can get a great idea of the rapids and the top of the falls. Finish off with some afternoon tea at the grassed picnic spot at Ellinjaa Falls.

There are some excellent viewing platforms to get great photos at these last falls. It's not recommended you swim in these falls however, you can watch the platypus and turtles frolic in the waters.

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Atherton Tablelands Tours and Experiences Online Now

Atherton Tablelands and Waterfalls Guided Tour

Atherton Tablelands Rain Forest by Night from Cairns

Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Adventure from Cairns

Atherton Tablelands, Paronella Park and Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit Eco-Tour

Cairns Hot Air Balloon and Waterfalls Tour

Fun, Falls and Forests Day Trip from Cairns

Outback Tasting Tour from Port Douglas

Private Boutique Tasting Tour in the Cairns Tablelands

Rainforestation Nature Park

Atherton Tablelands Accommodation

The picturesque towns of the Atherton Tablelands are located between 30 minutes and an hour and a half out of Cairns CBD. As the townships are located at such high levels above sea level the climate is much cooler and more easygoing. It's a great place to escape the humidity of the coastline. 

Most people visiting the Atherton Tablelands are here to bush walk through the national parks, visit waterfalls, go bird watching or to drive from one picture-perfect place to the next. As you can imagine there's a huge array of accommodation locations and types to choose from.

Getting to the Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton Tablelands is around 90 kilometres south-west of Cairns. There are 2 ways to get to the Tablelands from Cairns and it really depends on which attractions you want to see.

The Gillies Highway takes you from the southern side of Cairns and up into the mountains. It's impossible to get lost as the signage is great and it will take you past such sights as Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham.

The other highway to take is the Kuranda Highway which takes you from the northern end of Cairns and into the highlands past all the attractions around Mareeba and through towns like Tolga, Atherton and onto Lake Tinaroo.

It's a beautiful scenic drive to take and the views from the road of the rainforest and sea are outstanding.

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Location Map

More Atherton Tablelands Information

• Tropical Tablelands Tourism - the approved local tourism organisation for the area
• Atherton Tablelands Wikipedia entry