
Welcome to Atherton Tablelands
Destinations and Things to Do Arts and Culture, Adventure, Family Holidays, Food and Wine, Nature and Parks
Welcome to Atherton Tablelands, Australia
VisitAthertonTablelands.com is your official guide to the vast hinterland playground and cultural and historical features of the lush Atherton Tablelands.
It’s a fertile rural plateau whose major Mareeba and Atherton service smaller communities dotted throughout the rambling countryside where a virtual market garden of produce thrives.
A part of the Great Dividing Range, the Tablelands lies about an hour’s drive ‘up the hill’ southwest of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland.
From tours and attractions to events, restaurants and unique historical sites, plan your trip in this vast region that could give you plenty of fascinating experiences for a week.
Introduction – Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands, often called Cairns Highlands, is a plateau in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. Here you will find several picturesque towns, natural waterfalls, crater lakes, agricultural plantations, pristine rainforests and the rolling green foothills of the Great Dividing Range.
Situated well into the tropics, about an hour’s drive from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands offer an unparalleled opportunity to discover and enjoy nature.
Frequent visitors agree it is a must-see location in the Tropical North Queensland region on any holiday.
This tableland is brimming with activities, so pack a bag, book some accommodation or load up the campervan. You can’t explore everything this region offers in just a day.
Discover crater lakes and waterfalls left by ancient volcanic activity offering a variety of water activities. Lush rainforests provide a hiker’s paradise, and the wetlands have long been considered one of Australia’s major bird-watching areas.
Atherton Tableland Lakes
Lake Barrine |
Lake Eacham |
Lake Euramoo |
Lake Tinaroo |
Mt Hypipamee Crater Lake |
Only minutes into the drive past the small town of Kuranda or up the Gillies Highway, tourists begin to experience the extraordinary beauty surrounding them and unwind.
The mild climate and comfortable temperatures make the Atherton Tablelands a desirable holiday destination.
Unique accommodations houses dot the magnificent scenery, with quaint beds and breakfasts offering reasonable prices and delectable food fare increasingly popular with holiday-seekers.
To cover everything the Atherton Tablelands offers would take pages to write and weeks to experience. Still, one thing for sure is whether you are looking for an adventure filled with excitement or a tropical escape to hide away, the Atherton Tablelands has something for everyone.
Atherton Tablelands Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Atherton Tablelands?
What are the top attractions in Atherton Tablelands?
What is the climate like in Atherton Tablelands?
What are the best times to visit Atherton Tablelands?
In summary, the Atherton Tablelands offers a unique and beautiful region to explore, with stunning natural landscapes, fresh, locally-produced food, and various outdoor activities and events. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, wildlife watching, and much more, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Atherton Tablelands Tours

Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Tour
Jump aboard "Gus the Wonder Bus" for an unforgettable day in the spectacular Atherton Tablelands region. Swim under pristine waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest. Dive...

Kuranda Koala Gardens
Kuranda Koala Gardens is home to many of Australia’s iconic animals including wallabies, wombats, snakes and lizards, gliders and Australia’s freshwater crocodiles.

Birdworld Kuranda
Birdworld Kuranda is home to one of Australia's greatest collections of free-flying birds, so prepare to be surrounded by vibrant colour when you visit.

Mamu Tropical Skywalk
Not only beautiful but sustainable too! You will explore the rainforest from the floor to the canopy and experience breathtaking views from this canopy boardwalk

Rainforestation Nature Park
Visit Rainforestation Kuranda and see Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, Koala and Wildlife Park and World War 2 amphibious Army Duck rainforest tour!

Paronella Park
The Spanish Castle in the Rainforest Spread over 5 Hectares Jose Paronella began construction of his labour of love in the early 1930s

Cairns Rainforestation Nature Park
Visit the iconic Cairns Rainforestation Nature Park and join the Army Duck Tour, Tropical Fruit Orchard and visit the Koala Wildlife Park

Kuranda Rainforest Skyrail
Specifically engineered for breathtaking views, there's no better way to see the Kuranda Rainforest!

KUR-Cow Farm Kuranda
Spend some time enjoying a range of farm activities at KUR-Cow Farm in Kuranda. ATV riding is available in addition to horseback riding.

Rainforestation Kuranda Tour
This Rainforestation Kuranda Tour sees native Australian Animals, Indigenous Australian culture, and Kuranda "The Village in the Rainforest"

Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Self Drive
Enjoy birdseye views of breathtaking rainforests and waterfalls. Discover an eclectic mix of village markets, bushtucker and international cuisines, wildlife and local Aboriginal culture.

Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience Australia's Aboriginal communities are the keepers of the world's oldest cultures. One that has a history of more than 60,000 years! Visit...