Welcome to Atherton Tablelands
Destinations and Things to Do: Arts and Culture, Adventure, Family Holidays, Food and Wine, Nature and Parks
WildlifeWelcome 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
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?
What are the top attractions in Atherton Tablelands?
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
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...
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.
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.
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
Kuranda Scenic Train and Coach
Experience the Kuranda Scenic Train, winding through rainforests, tunnels, and waterfalls, to the charming village of Kuranda.
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
Rainforestation Nature Park
Visit Rainforestation Kuranda and see Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, Koala and Wildlife Park and World War 2 amphibious Army Duck rainforest tour!
Kuranda Rainforest Skyrail
Specifically engineered for breathtaking views, there's no better way to see the Kuranda Rainforest!
Rainforestation & Kuranda Tour
This Rainforestation Kuranda Tour sees native Australian Animals, Indigenous Australian culture, and Kuranda "The Village in the Rainforest"
Full Day Waterfall Tour Cairns
Travel south to discover the hidden beauty of Far North Queensland's most iconic waterfalls and pristine 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.
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.