Atherton Tablelands Guide
The Atherton Tablelands – a world above the heat of tropical lowlands behind Cairns. Where the air cools, volcanic country takes centre stage, & rainforest replaces the coastal warmth. A plateau of sorts, it stretches across Atherton, Yungaburra, Malanda, Millaa Millaa and Mareeba, a patchwork of crater lakes, waterfalls, farms, and sections of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area all connected by quiet country roads that invite you to explore.
- Half day
- 5 hours (approx.)
- $ 92,00 AUD
- $ 82,00 AUD
- 3 hours
- 180 min. (approx.)
- $ 69,00 AUD
- $ 59,00 AUD
- 2 hours (approx.)
- 120 min
- $ 42,00 AUD
- $ 32,00 AUD
High-Altitude Escapes
These Tablelands, shaped by an ancient volcanic landscape, tell their own story. Crater lakes, volcanic cones and broad basalt plains speak of the massive eruptions that created this elevated corner of Tropical North Queensland.
Millaa Millaa sits at a full 850 metres above sea level, a dairy-farming town surrounded by lush rainforest. Nearby, Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine sit pretty in their volcanic craters within Crater Lakes National Park. Lake Eacham is the easier of the two to walk around — a 3km circuit that should take you around an hour through the rainforest.
Not every lake is born the same way, though. Lake Tinaroo is actually a reservoir created by the Tinaroo Dam, while Mount Quincan and the nearby basalt countryside offer a glimpse into the region’s volcanic past. Then there are the trees, the Cathedral Fig Tree & the Heritage-listed Curtain Fig Tree, two of the defining features of these highlands. The dense, centuries-old rainforest is what really makes this place so special.
FAQ
How long to visit the Atherton Tablelands for?
A day will do the trick for the main sights – Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine & the Waterfall Circuit – but two or three days for the Atherton Tablelands allow you to do some wildlife spotting, visit farms, go hiking or mountain biking, and explore smaller towns like Yungaburra, Malanda & Herberton.
What's the most popular waterfall in the Atherton Tablelands?
You’ve probably heard of Millaa Millaa Falls; it’s the most famous in the area and the easiest to fit into a self-drive trip. It’s part of the classic southern Tablelands waterfall drive, which also includes Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls.
Is the Atherton Tablelands worth visiting from Cairns?
It’s a resounding yes. The Tablelands are like a different world to the tropical coast, with cooler weather, rainforest and volcanic lakes, waterfalls and farmland on offer. It’s right up there as one of the best day-trip and self-drive regions from Cairns.
Can you see a platypus in the Atherton Tablelands?
Platypuses are around in Yungaburra, especially along Peterson Creek, and at places like the Australian Platypus Park. They’re wild animals, so platypus sightings are never guaranteed — it’s all about timing, weather and finding a quiet spot.
What is the Atherton Tablelands known for?
It’s got a bit of everything: coffee plantations, dairy farms and rainforest wildlife, alongside crater lakes, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. It’s also home to some pretty famous attractions, including Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine and the Cathedral Fig Tree, as well as Historic Village Herberton.
Popular Places to Visit
Experience The Best Of Brisbane
The river is the natural place to start. Ferries and bridges connect the two banks, while riverside walking paths lead between gardens, restaurants and city views.
South Bank Parklands sits directly opposite the Brisbane CBD, bringing together around 15 hectares of parkland, Streets Beach and the Queensland Cultural Centre. Across the river, Queen Street Mall and the 18-hectare City Botanic Gardens offer a mix of busy city streets and quieter waterfront spaces.
Kangaroo Point has some of the best views of the Brisbane skyline and Story Bridge. Nearby, Howard Smith Wharves brings dining and riverside spaces beneath the bridge. New Farm, Fortitude Valley and West End add another mix of parkland, nightlife, leafy streets and charming cafés.
