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Visitor Information Atherton Tablelands
Overview
Atherton Tablelands, situated close to Cairns and the Great Barrier
Reef, the Waterfalls and Crater Lake District is a wonderful place to
spend some time in Far North Queensland.
Townships in the Tablelands region include: Atherton, Millaa Millaa
(great waterfalls), Yungaburra (Curtain Fig Tree, TheTablelands most
famous tree and many arts & crafts) and Malanda (the norths' only milk
producing district).
With an annual rainfall of around 1400mm, Atherton and its immediate
district are a lovely tropical green. The towns and villages of the
Atherton Tablelands boast a tropical atmosphere and close knit community
spirit. Naturally air-conditioned, being an average 700 metres above sea
level the district is free of coastal humidity and high temperatures.
The perfect summer retreat. Residents boast that they are blessed with
the best weather in the world. With winter getting an occasional helping
of early morning frost and the daily temperature around a perfect 21
degrees Celsius.
An ideal position to base yourself to visit the crater lakes areas and
even explore further west out to the Gulf Savannah.
Atherton
Is a picturesque town right in the heart of Atherton shire. It is also
the Tableland's major commerce centre. Most major roads crossing the
Tablelands come through Atherton, making it an ideal base on the
Tablelands to start your exploring. The Jazz Festival is held annually
in July and attracts jazz lovers from all over Australia. Every
September, the town hosts the Maize festival, with street processions
and a gala ball.
The area is an ecological wonderland of delight for the traveller.
Boasting modern amenities and accommodation facilities. Choose from
historic hotels, bed and breakfast, farm stays and modern motels.
Kuranda - village in the rainforest.
Naturally air-conditioned, beautifully presented and a treat to visit.
Kuranda is definitely a place to put on your agenda.
Kuranda is the cultural tropical rainforest village of the Far North.
only 30 minutes drive through World Heritage Rainforest from Cairns
city, or choose from a scenic rail journey or Kuranda skyrail
cableway. The Barron falls which are an awesome sight to see (especially
during the wet season) are just a short drive from the village.
With a diverse mix of vibrant shops, famous markets and local
artists. Wander through the beautiful rainforest setting and watch
artists at work. Approx. 90 stalls provide an original range of handmade
local arts & crafts plus Australian opals, gemstones, crocodile and
kangaroo leather goods.
Relax and enjoy the tropical delights at one of the local restaurants
and cafes.
Visit the many nature based attractions in Kuranda, including the
butterfly sanctuary, native birds and the magnificent Barron River. Take
a safari tour or river cruise.
Discover some rich Aboriginal heritage as they share part of their
60,000 year history with you.
Each year, in September the town comes alive for the Spring Arts
Festival, a full week of fun. See all the local artists with their works
on display. Some of the worlds best artists have taken up residence in
around Kuranda for the inspirational effects of the majestic rainforest
surrounds.
Escape the heat of the lower coastal plains and spend the night with
accommodation choices ranging from resort style accommodation, camping,
bed & breakfast, backpacker or eco-rainforest cabins. Let the locals
help you experience the hospitality. You'll certainly enjoy Kuranda.
Crater Lakes District and beyond
Lake Tinaroo
Lake Tinaroo has all year round barramundi fishing (the only place
in Queensland where you can legally fish for Barramundi 365 days of
the year). Ideal for water skiing, jet skiing, wind surfing and
other aquatic recreation. The Tinaroo Falls Dam which is constructed
across the Barron River, is 45 metres high, two-thirds the area of
Sydney Harbour and three-quarters the volume. Camping and other
accommodation facilities are available.
LAKE BARRINE & LAKE EACHAM
With a combined total of over 2000 Hectares Lake Barrine & Lake
Eacham National Parks are two volcanic crater lakes full of crystal
clear water surrounded by tropical rainforest. Animals you may
encounter include the Carpet Python, Musky Rat Kangaroo,Water
Dragon, the beautiful Blue Ulysses Butterfly and an abundance of
birdlife, making it ideal for nature study. Fishing is not permitted
in the lakes.
Lake Barrine is a crater lake formed by volcanic activity thousands
of years ago. At 731 metres above sea level and with a depth of 61
metres, Lake Barrine provides an ideal location for swimming and
picnics. It is surrounded by lush rainforest with a cool walking
track around its perimeter. It abounds with wildlife and magnificent
twin Kauri pines.
Lake Eacham, the result of a volcanic eruption, contains some of the
world's clearest water. It is surrounded by lush rainforest, home to
a variety of bird and wildlife which can be viewed by taking a 4km
walk around the track the perimeter of the lake. The serene beauty
of the the lake's environment entices many visitors who enjoy
swimming, picnics and tortoise viewing. Lake Eacham National Park
has an area of 51 hectares and the depth of the lake is 65.5 metres.
Malanda With its picturesque scenery incorporating a number of dairy
farms, Malanda is a pretty country town. The local swimming hole the
Malanda falls. Other features include rainforests walks and the
Malanda environmental centre.
Millaa Milla The start of the famous "Waterfall Circuit". There are
some six waterfalls within 15 kilometres of Millaa Millaa
(Aboriginal for 'plenty water'); The world famous Millaa Millaa
Falls, on the outskirts of Millaa Millaa township, the Zillie Falls,
Ellinjaa Falls, Mungalli Falls, the South Falls and the Pepeina
Falls. Bring plenty of film for the camera and be prepared for some
truly breathtaking scenery.
Yungaburra surrounded by extinct volcanoes, crater lakes,
waterfalls, and world heritage rainforest is an area of outstanding
beauty. Known as the gateway to the Tablelands, Yungaburra is set
720 metres above sea level and 70 km inland from Cairns. The curtain
fig tree near Yungaburra was formed over hundreds of years when the
host tree was eventually overwhelmed by a strangler fig. Attractions
include historic architecture, platypus viewing, fine art and craft
galleries, bird-watching, nocturnal tours and award-winning
restaurants.
Going west takes you to Chillagoe, famous for its beautiful
limestone-caves with some Aragonite crystals. The geological wonders
of Chillagoe were created 410 million years ago. At that time
Chillagoe was part of the Great Barrier Reef.
A legacy of fossils, spectacular caves, marble quarries and
limestone outcrops make Chillagoe an amazing place to visit.
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