The Atherton Tablelands are located about an hour’s drive inland of Cairns. The weather and landscapes are quite different from the coast as they sit on top of a plateau which rises up to 1,000 metres above sea level. The farm and grazing lands of the Tableland are the 'food bowl' of the north western tropics, yielding a constant supply of fruit, vegetables and grains both to local and export markets.

From the Atherton township you can visit the Platypus Park where you'll find a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of a wild platypus. Another of the local towns Yungaburra has existed largely unchanged since 1910, with more than 30 heritage listed buildings, as well as cafes, restaurants and arts and craft shops. Nearby are the deep blue waters of twin extinct volcanic crater lakes, Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham as well as the famous Curtain Fig Tree. A must do is the Waterfall Circuit. Based around the tiny town of Milla Milla, which dates back to 1908, the circuit covers a 16km scenic drive taking in Milla Milla, Zillie and Elinjaa Falls. Each offers easily accessible viewing. The longer walks to the base of Zillie and Elinjaa are well worth the effort.

Nearby Mareeba was once the centre of a thriving tobacco industry and the town's large Italian population is testament to the people who pioneered the industry. It is now famous for its coffee plantations. It is also well worth a visit to the Mareeba Wetlands, a 2000ha protected area teeming with bird life, including North Australia's exotic Jabiru and Brolga.

For details of Atherton Tableands accommodation click on the links on the right. Our experienced consultants can easily build any of these experiences into a tailor-made Australia holiday quote for you.