ATHERTON WEATHER

Welcome to Atherton Tablelands, Australia

Discover the Atherton Tablelands

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 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, which offer 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 Tinaroo

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, and quaint bed and breakfasts offering reasonable prices and delectable food fare are 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?
The Atherton Tablelands is a fertile region in the Cairns hinterland in the tropical north of Queensland, Australia. The Tablelands span over 15,000 square kilometres and are situated at an altitude of between 500 and 1100 metres above sea level. Rolling hills, waterfalls, rainforests, and fertile agricultural land characterize the region.

What are the top attractions in Atherton Tablelands?
The Atherton Tablelands is a nature lover’s paradise, offering many outdoor activities and stunning natural scenery. Some top attractions include The Waterfalls Circuit, a scenic drive that takes in several stunning waterfalls, including Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, and Ellinjaa Falls. Lake Tinaroo: A popular spot for fishing, camping, boating, and watersports. The Curtain Fig Tree: A giant fig tree over 500 years old and one of the largest of its kind in the world. The Atherton Farmers’ Market: A bustling market that sells fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious local food. The Tablelands Trail: A network of walking and cycling trails that takes visitors through the region’s stunning natural landscapes.

The Atherton Tablelands has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The wet season runs from December to April, with heavy rainfall and occasional tropical cyclones. The dry season runs from May to November, with mild temperatures and clear skies.

⁣The best time to visit the Atherton Tablelands is during the dry season, from May to November, when the weather is mild, and the skies are clear. This is also the best time for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and camping. However, the wet season can also be a beautiful time to visit, as the rainforest comes to life with lush vegetation and flowing waterfalls.

Meet the Wildlife

In summary, the Atherton Tablelands offer a unique and beautiful region to explore. It features 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.

 

Best things to do in the Atherton Tablelands

Atherton Tablelands Tours

Rainforestation & Kuranda Tour

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

$120

Kuranda Skyrail and Rainforestation

This fantastic Kuranda day tour includes the iconic Kuranda Skyrail Cableway, Rainforestation Nature Park, Army Duck and the beautiful Kuranda Village.

$195