What is the Atherton Tablelands?
The Atherton Tablelands is a fertile plateau in Far North Queensland, inland from Cairns. Known for its waterfalls, crater lakes, rainforest, dairy farms and cooler climate, it is a popular area for scenic drives.
The tablelands rise to around 900 metres above sea level, giving them a milder climate than the coast. Towns include Atherton, Mareeba, Malanda, Yungaburra and Herberton.
Volcanic soils support farms growing avocados, bananas, coffee, mangoes and other crops, along with dairy cattle. Mareeba is known for coffee plantations and tropical fruit.
Lakes and waterfalls
Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine are crater lakes formed by volcanic activity, surrounded by rainforest and ideal for swimming and walking. The Curtain Fig Tree near Yungaburra is a famous giant strangler fig.
The Waterfalls Circuit near Millaa Millaa includes Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls, popular stops for visitors.
The tablelands are home to wildlife such as tree kangaroos, platypuses and many birds. Visitors can spot platypuses in creeks at dawn and dusk.
The region is also rich in history, with old mining towns such as Herberton, where the Historic Village displays buildings and machinery from the early 1900s.