Atherton Tablelands Travel Guide

The Atherton Tablelands is Tropical North Queensland’s highland getaway. This mountainous plain is nestled between the Bellenden Ker Range and the Great Dividing Range, at an altitude ranging from 600m to 1100m. The air is cool and fresh. The flora is perpetually green and lush. Despite being only 1 – 2 hours drive from the coastal town of Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands offer an escape from the modern hustle of city life. This is Australian countryside at its very best.

Verdant view typical of the Atherton Tablelands... Far horizons & Rolling Hills

Cathedral Fig Tree

Visitors to Tropical North Queensland often assume that the main attractions are found on the coast, or in coastal waters. Destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas and Daintree Rainforest, and attractions like Skyrail, white water rafting and wildlife parks are all routinely part of any tourist’s itinerary. But many people forget that the mountains straddling Cairns hide a pristine environment that is every bit as special as the coastal strip.

All towns throughout the Atherton Tablelands have their own special attractions;

• Yungaburra has a huge monthly market where unique arts and crafts are sold
• Atherton has the crystal caves and volcanic mountains
• Mareeba has an annual rodeo
• Tolga has a woodcraft gallery
• Herberton features a historic village
• Millaa Millaa has the waterfall circuit
• Malanda has a historic cinema
• Ravenshoe has amazing wind generators
• Chillagoe has ancient limestone caves.

Canoeing at Mareeba Wetlands

The Atherton Tablelands is home to World Heritage listed rainforests, national parks, mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. It is also rated as one of the richest agricultural plains in Australia. If you enjoy bush walking, bird watching, wildlife tours, hot air ballooning, water skiing, fishing, or just lazing around and enjoying the scenery, the Atherton Tablelands has something to offer you.

Accommodation at the Atherton Tablelands includes hotels and motels, bed and breakfast homes, backpackers, farm stays, and caravan and camping parks. Fine dining restaurants are plentiful, and weekend country markets are a fascinating treat that the whole family enjoys.

Every town has a special highland getaway. Brisbane has Toowoomba, Sydney has the Blue Mountains and Melbourne has the Dandenong Forests. Cairns is no exception. We have the Atherton Tablelands.

The Atherton Tableland is an ideal self-drive destination, and we are happy to assist you with car hire, should you be taking up this option. There are also an outstanding selection of Atherton Tablelands Tours which are better for travellers who only have a short time in the area.

Map of Atherton Tablelands

Click on the Atherton Tablelands Map below to see a larger, printable version.

Are you interested in learning how the Atherton Tablelands got its new name, Cairns Highlands?