Quick Answers
What are the top things to do on the Atherton Tablelands?
The Waterfall Circuit, the crater lakes, platypus spotting at Peterson Creek, and the Cathedral and Curtain fig trees.
Where can I go birdwatching?
Hasties Swamp near Atherton, a nationally important waterbird habitat.
What is there further afield?
Chillagoe, two hours west of Atherton, with limestone caves and marble gorges.
“The Atherton Tablelands gives you more choices than any single trip can accommodate. That’s not a problem — it’s an invitation to come back.”
Things to Do on the Atherton Tablelands: A Region That Never Runs Out of Reasons to Stay
The Atherton Tablelands is one of those rare destinations that works well for almost every kind of traveller — and offers so much variety that most visitors leave with a list of things they didn’t get to. Here’s a guide to the experiences that make the Tablelands memorable, from the iconic to the quietly wonderful.
Waterfalls
The Tablelands has more accessible waterfalls than almost anywhere in Australia. The Waterfall Circuit near Millaa Millaa takes you to Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, and Mungalli Falls in a single drive. Further afield, Josephine Falls, Barron Falls, Tully Falls, Windin Falls, and Nandroya Falls each offer something different, from the roar of high-volume falls to the delicate curtains of smaller cascades tucked into rainforest gorges.
Lakes and Wildlife
The volcanic crater lakes, Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine, and Lake Euramoo — are among the most beautiful freshwater environments in Far North Queensland. Swimming, walking, and wildlife watching are all excellent. At dusk, Peterson Creek in Yungaburra offers one of Australia’s most reliable wild platypus viewing experiences. Hasties Swamp near Atherton is a nationally important waterbird habitat that attracts birdwatchers from around the country.
Trees, Caves, and Country
The Cathedral Fig and Curtain Fig trees near Yungaburra are living wonders, ancient strangler figs of extraordinary scale and presence. Chillagoe, two hours west of Atherton, offers limestone caves, marble gorges, and one of the most dramatic geological landscapes in Queensland. The rainforest walks throughout the Tablelands reveal an ecosystem of remarkable richness — with tree kangaroos, cassowaries, bowerbirds, and hundreds of bird species all present for those who look carefully enough.
Tablelands Wildlife to Look For
Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo
Southern Cassowary
Boyd’s Forest DragonA Hot Getaways destination. Where Care is Our Compass.
Travel Kindly
At Hot Getaways, care is our compass — and a little kindness makes every journey better. When you visit the Atherton Tablelands, we gently ask you to:
- Tread lightly — stay on tracks and lookouts, and take special care around waterfalls, which can be slippery and swift.
- Respect the wildlife — never feed the platypus, tree-kangaroos or birds, and observe them quietly from a distance.
- Support local — choosing local operators, cafés and guides helps this beautiful place thrive.
- Honour Country — we travel on the traditional lands and sea Country of Australia’s First Peoples, with gratitude and respect to the Traditional Custodians past and present.
- Be kind to each other — a smile, a little patience and a helping hand make the day lovelier for everyone.
Small acts of care add up to something wonderful. Thank you for travelling kindly.
