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Discover Atherton and the Tablelands at Milaa Milaa Falls. Photo by Rob and Stephanie Levy/ Flickr.
Unfolding along the Great Diving Range about an hour and a half southwest of Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands are full of contrasts. The area boasts a tropical climate and waterfalls surrounded by old-growth rainforest as well as crater lakes, lava tubes and a thriving agricultural industry centered on dry farming. Once known for tin mining and logging, the area is now home to several national parks that protect endemic bird and marsupial species like tree kangaroos that visitors rarely get to see elsewhere in the wild. In short, there are many unique ways to discover Atherton and the Tablelands.
Independent travelers can drive the scenic route from Cairns to the towns of Atherton or Mareeba, which serve as springboards for natural wonders such as Lake Barrine—a volcanic crater filled with freshwater—and the Curtain Fig Tree. Cultural attractions also abound from Paronella Park to the Hou Wang Chinese Temple, one of few remains from Atherton’s Chinese settlement. Mountain biking is becoming a popular outdoor pursuit, and the Atherton to Milaa Milaa Falls loop is an adventurous alternative to the waterfall circuit drive.
Many guided excursions are also offered throughout the region such as a small-group eco tour of the Tablelands that includes a morning cruise on Lake Barrine; a rainforest walk to the famous Curtain Fig tree and through a 1,000-year-old karri forest; an interpretive tour of Paronella Park; a dip in Milaa Milla Falls; and a two-course lunch atop Mungalli Falls. There are also several nighttime wildlife spotting experiences from the Atherton Tablelands Rainforest Wildlife Tour by Night to the Kuranda Rainforest Night Adventure Tour by Hummer.
—Serena Renner
Discover Atherton and the Tablelands from Cairns & the Tropical North Things to Do
