There are two main drawcards to the Atherton Tablelands: all things nature and food! This is a region brimming with exotic and contrasting natural wonders; scenic vistas to take your breath away, lush rainforests with intriguing wildlife, rugged outback to explore and thundering waterfalls with refreshing swimming holes just waiting for you to plunge into. You’re never far from an adventure when you journey into the Atherton Tablelands.
Along the way, your tastebuds will be spoilt for choice too. The rich, fertile soils of the Atherton Tablelands support the diverse local farming industry. Stop into the boutique farms dotted throughout the region and learn about organic and sustainable farming, visit Australia’s oldest coffee plantation or indulge in a decadent cheese platter. A picturesque hour’s drive from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands is a must-do destination when visiting Far North Queensland.
North of Cairns, the Kuranda Range Road takes visitors via the scenic rainforest village of Kuranda with its famous markets, then through the eucalypt forests and granite boulders of the Lamb Range. The southern access route on the Gillies Highway is a stark contrast showcasing the lush rainforest around the waterfalls of Millaa Millaa. This road is an experience itself with its epic 263 corners and 800m elevation change in just 19 km!
To get the most out of your Atherton Tablelands tour, follow the World-Heritage Wet Tropics waterfall circuit to discover beautiful Millaa Millaa, Zillie and Elinjaa Falls. Stop in for a bite to eat at the farmers’ markets in Yungaburra. Check out the 500-year-old, 50m high curtain fig tree in Curtain Fig Tree National Park. And visit the local producers of coffee, tea, dairy, sugar, and tropical fruits, including avocados, citrus, papaya, watermelons, blueberries, and strawberries.
The climate on the Atherton Tablelands is temperate and free from the coastal humidity found in coastal Far North Queensland. This makes it an attractive destination at any time of year. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 35 degrees here. Keep in mind that the summer months from December to March bring the wet season, or as it is known here the “green season”. Tropical rains are welcomed, bringing life to the tropics, and revitalising plants and animals after the stress of the extended dry season.
Ready to delve into the Atherton Tablelands? Pack your walking shoes, swimmers and camera. Prepare to graze your way from one farm gate to another. And take a look at our Atherton Tablelands holiday packages.
Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, is the nearest major city to the Atherton Tablelands. It's an easy drive from Cairns on well-maintained roads up to the tablelands.
Atherton Tablelands is a nature lover's paradise with a plethora of attractions to explore. Some popular attractions include the stunning Millaa Millaa Falls, the expansive Lake Tinaroo, the historic Yungaburra village, the Curtain Fig Tree, and the Atherton Farmers' Market held every Saturday. Visitors can also take scenic drives, go hiking, bird watching, and experience the local Aboriginal culture.
Atherton Tablelands is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tree kangaroos, wallabies, possums, platypuses, echidnas, bandicoots, and a variety of bird species. Not to mention potential crocodiles in the waterways and turtles in the lakes. The region is also known for its abundance of butterflies, with over 400 species found in the area.
While Atherton Tablelands is not known for having crocodiles in its immediate vicinity, it's essential to exercise caution around water bodies. Crocodile presence can vary, so staying informed about local conditions and adhering to safety guidelines is crucial, especially when engaging in activities near rivers or lakes.
The distance between Cairns and Atherton Tablelands is approximately 90 kilometres. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by coach, offering a scenic drive through the lush landscapes of Tropical North Queensland.
Atherton Tablelands enjoys a subtropical climate with cooler temperatures than the coastal areas. With mild temperatures throughout the year, it offers a pleasant escape from the tropical heat. Visitors can experience comfortable conditions, making it an ideal destination for exploring the diverse landscapes, rainforests, and agricultural regions that define this unique part of Queensland.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
.png)
We are a Green Travel Leader. This is awarded to businesses which have consistently proven their commitment to sustainable tourism management over ten years.
As a Sustianable Tourism accredited business, we are proud to offer engaging tourism experiences that follow sound sustainability practices and environmental appreciation.
Quality Tourism accredited businesses like Fun Over 50 lead the way by offering the highest industry standards of customer service, satisfaction, reliability, and ethical practices.
We are committed to operating in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the authenticity and integrity of living cultures of Indigenous communities.
We have incorporated strategic climate change responses across all relevant levels of our planning and operations. We are working towards becoming carbon neutral.
With Advanced Ecotourism certification, we offer outstanding experiences which let you get back to nature, help conservation, and minimise environmental impact.
We are a credible, well trained, and professional business. We conduct business in compliance with Australian Consumer Law and in accordance with ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators represents tour operators and wholesalers. As a full CATO member, we provide authentic and original holidays with sustainable travel.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.
Powered by EngineRoom
Fill out your details and we will get in touch with you to reserve your place on the tour.
We roll out the red carpet so you can just sit back and relax and know that everything is included in your holiday experience, no surprises, all inclusive!
More on tour inclusions
.jpg)
.jpg)
_.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
