Welcome to Atherton Tablelands and Gulf Savannah

Celebrating 20 years promoting the region

Where the Rainforest

Meets the Outback

ATHERTON TABLELANDS & MAREEBA

Lush rolling hills, abundant wildlife, rugged bushland, tropical waterfalls, impressive lakes, rich history, gourmet food and friendly hospitality sum up the Atherton Tablelands.

Whether your passion is fishing, water skiing, bird watching, swimming, mountain biking, or stunning landscapes, for young and old, couples, families and adventurers alike, the Atherton Tablelands has it all.

Plan to spend a few days exploring the diverse and interesting towns of Kuranda, Mareeba, Malanda, Yungaburra, Tolga and Atherton, or the smaller centres of Millaa Millaa, Ravenshoe, Herberton and Chillagoe.

Tropical food and wine, bird-laden wetlands, lush dairy pastures, World Heritage-listed rainforests and stunning ochre savannah plains are all within driving distance of each other and create a unique journey and offer amazing experiences.

Located in a World-Heritage rainforest over 300 metres above Cairns lies the picturesque village of Kuranda, renowned for its delightful mix of quaint village shops, world-famous markets, colourful characters and natural beauty. Initially people come to admire the mighty Barron Falls, but there is so much more on offer from wildlife attractions, walking trails, river cruises, souvenir shops and artists’ galleries.

Mareeba is the largest town on the Tablelands. Its history goes back to the gold mining era but these days over 70 per cent of Australia’s coffee crop is grown there. Check out some tastings and buy coffee products at a number of local coffee roasters and coffee plantations.

Browse through Atherton’s quaint shops, enjoy a picnic at Hallorans Hill or learn about the Chinese history of the

Millaa Millaa Lookout

OUTBACK

town. Nature-lovers and bird-watchers must check out Hasties Swamp, a seasonal wetland which has an annual cycle of wet and dry, attracting a range of resident and migrant birds.

Yungaburra offers country charm with stunning landscapes and beautiful natural attractions. There is so much on offer, from the landmark Curtain Fig Tree, charming

Don’t miss great places to swim, walk, hike and ride and other places of interest.

Places to swim

Place of Interest

cafes, great restaurants, galleries, quirky retail shops and the Avenue of Honour - a living memorial to all who served in the fight against terror in Afghanistan.

Balancing Rock, Chillagoe

Walk Hike Mountain Bike Trail Waterfall Lookout Canoeing

Lake Eacham is a beautiful place to relax and regenerate during your holiday. The famous crater lake, surrounded by tropical rainforest, has pristine blue water that is perfect for swimming.

Visit Lake Barrine, another natural lake hidden in tropical rainforest. This water-filled crater was left by a volcano that erupted approximately 50,000 years ago. Experience a fully-guided boat tour of the lake and its creatures, have a swim, take a walk or grab some breakfast or lunch at the teahouse.

The Atherton Tablelands is known for its adventure sports and the best place to get the adrenalin pumping is at Lake Tinaroo where you can water-ski, sail, swim and fish.

Malanda is a small country town known synonymously throughout Tropical North Queensland with milk and cheese. As well as being the centre of a highly successful dairy industry this small country town is home to Malanda Falls and is great for bird watching, bushwalking, and scenic drives.

The charming town of Tolga has an excellent museum inside the old

Railway Station, packed with exhibits on the town’s timber and World War II history and is central to great nature walks and scenic drives.

Known as the village in the mist, Millaa Millaa is home to the Waterfall Circuit. The waterfalls in this area have been attracting visitors for over a century and are Queensland Heritage-listed.

Visit Ravenshoe, the highest town in Queensland, known for its pristine rainforest surrounds, isolation, temperate weather, and rich history. It’s also the gateway to Millstream Falls (the widest in Australia), Tully Falls and Innot Hot Springs.

The pioneer town of Herberton has become renowned as a centre for bush walking, mountain biking and horse riding. Check out the dynamic Herberton Historic Village with its rustic old buildings and museums.

The Atherton Tablelands’ rolling, paved country roads, interconnected by quaint villages, are just waiting to be explored.

Lake Eacham

DRIVE

Driving in the Atherton Tablelands is an unforgettable travel experience and self-drive tours are the most popular way to see the best of what the

Tablelands has to offer. Hire a car, pickup this handy guide and off you go. Get off the beaten track, explore and discover everything you want, all on your own schedule. It’s impossible to list all the choices you have with four wheels at your fingertips. Whether it’s history, wine, waterfalls, food or country pubs, this region has it all.

For more information pop into one of the many accredited Visitor Information Centres across the Atherton Tablelands. The friendly volunteers are always happy to help.

Crystal Caves, Atherton

Driving the Atherton Tablelands

CAIRNS TO

Kuranda 27km 30 mins

Mareeba 62km 1 hr

Yungaburra

Via Gillies Highway 68km 1 hr 15 mins

Malanda 77km 1 hr 15 mins

Atherton

Via Gillies Highway 80km 1 hour 15 mins

Atherton

Via Kuranda 93km 1 hr 30 mins

Yungaburra

Via Kuranda 105km 1 hr 35 mins

Herberton

Via Kuranda 113km 1 hr 42 mins

Chillagoe 205km 2 hrs 50 mins

Palmerville

Via Mulligan Highway 240km 3 hrs

KURANDA TO

Atherton 68km 55 mins

Tinaroo 74km 55 mins

Yungaburra 79km 60 mins

Lake Eacham 85km 1 hr 5 mins

Lake Barrine 87km 1 hr 5 mins

Malanda 88km 1 hr 10 mins

Tolga 62km 46 mins

Millaa Millaa 110km 1 hr 25 mins

Chillagoe 178km 2 hs 15 mins

MAREEBA TO

Atherton 30 km 30 mins

Kuranda 44km 30 mins

Tinaroo 41km 35 mins

Yungaburra 45km 35 mins

Lake Eacham 52km 45mins

Lake Barrine 55km 45 mins

Malanda 54km 45 mins

Tolga 28km 22 mins

Millaa Millaa 77km 1 hr 5 mins

Herberton 52.8km 46 mins

Chillagoe 144km 1 hr 50 mins

ATHERTON

TO

Yungaburra 12km 15 mins

Tinaroo 20km 20 mins

Malanda 20km 20 mins

Lake Eacham 23km 20 mins

Lake Barrine 24km 25 mins

Tolga 5km 7 mins

Mareeba 30km 30 mins

Millaa Millaa 45km 45 mins

Herberton 19km 19mins

Chillagoe 160km 2 hrs 5 mins

NORMANTON TO

Palmerville 566km 7 hrs 35 mins

Driving the Gulf Savannah

DON’T MISS

Stoney Creek Falls

Jumrum Creek Walk

Kuranda Down Hill

Barron Falls

World Heritage Rainforest

KURANDA

Located in the World-Heritage rainforest, 330 metres above Cairns, lies the picturesque village of Kuranda, renowned for its delightful mix of quaint village shops, world-famous markets, colourful characters and natural beauty.

There is so much to do in Kuranda so make sure you allow plenty of time to visit all the attractions and activities.

For more information on the area visit the award-winning Kuranda Visitor Information Centre where dedicated volunteers can offer friendly advice. The best way to discover and immerse

yourself in Kuranda is by combining Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway for one unforgettable adventure.

The Butterfly Shop is a unique and stylish boutique in the heart of Kuranda Village, inspired by the beauty of the Ulysses Butterfly. Browse their diverse range of local and imported gifts, including magnetic silk-winged butterflies, original designed jewellery, locally made soaps, unique ladies’ clothing, bags and irresistible home decor. The in-store Butterfly Shop Cafe

RAINFOREST VIEW RESTAURANT

A dining experience in a relaxed and casual atmosphere, overlooking the rainforest from their open deck. Kuranda Rainforest View Restaurant has 250 seats, right in the heart of Kuranda. They offer international cuisine and one of the best views in Australia. Open for breakfast and lunch, serving a la carte meals, pizza, pasta, burgers, grill, seafood, assorted wraps, barista-style coffee, desserts and a great selection of Australian beers, wines and spirits.

28 Coondoo Street, Kuranda T 07 4093 9939

rainforestview.com.au

Barron Falls Lookout

Bar provides a great space to relax and enjoy a soothing cup of tea or locally grown coffee, hot or cold. The cafe also offers milkshakes, sundaes, smoothies, cold drinks, light meals, desserts, takeaway snacks and the

largest range of ice-cream in Kuranda! Enjoy a full range of beers, wines, liqueurs, champagne and cocktails. Ladies’ happy hour daily from 1 to 2pm. Open seven days, at two great locations, Kuranda and Palm Cove.

LOCAL & IMPORTED GIFTS

Jewellery & Accessories I Clothing I Soaps, Body & Bath I Home Decor Visit the Butterfly Shop Café Bar (Ladies’ Happy Hour 1-2pm) Now at two great locations Kuranda and Palm Cove. Open 7 Days 9.30am-4pm Shop 1/17 Therwine St, Kuranda and 139 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove. Phone 0408 853 029 www.butterflyshop.com.au

Butterfly Shop, Kuranda

Getting there

Travel on Kuranda’s Historic Scenic Railway, experience the World Heritage rainforest from above the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or drive yourself via the Kennedy Highway.

Activities

Visit the first-class nature-based tourist attractions which include koalas, butterflies, kangaroos, reptiles as well as native and exotic birds. You can see traditional Aboriginal dancers perform or join an Army Duck ride through the rainforest. Kuranda Riverboat has been cruising the calm waters of the beautiful Barron River since 1982. Their skippers know these waters better than anyone, giving you a fascinating insight into the rainforest’s plants and animals and the region’s history. Book your Kuranda

Explore Australia’s largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit, home to over 1,200 magnificent tropical butterflies. Wander through the aviary’s boardwalks and gardens. You can also join a behind the scenes tour in the breeding laboratory, housing up to 4,000 caterpillars.

Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda T 07 4093 7575 australianbutterflies.com

Riverboat tour today for a truly one-ofa-kind Australian rainforest adventure!

Markets

Kuranda is most famous for its markets, the Kuranda Heritage Markets and the Original Rainforest Markets. You’ll find food, fashion, locally-produced souvenirs and more.

Barron Falls

Stop off at the lookout to see the most famous waterfall in Tropical North Queensland. The Falls are at their most spectacular during the wet season when the Barron River is in full flood.

Dining

There are a range of pubs, restaurants and cafes offering tropical taste sensations to suit everyone. Be sure to visit Rainforest View Restaurant.

RAINFORESTATION NATURE PARK

Situated in World Heritage Rainforest, this award-winning nature park offers three unique experiences. Enjoy an Army Duck Rainforest tour on land and water, connect with local Indigenous culture in the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and visit iconic Australian animals.

Kennedy Highway, Kuranda T 07 4085 5008 rainforest.com.au

AUSTRALIAN BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY

Kuranda Riverboat cruise

One of the largest collections of free-flying birds including Australian natives and exotics. Surround yourself in living colour with over 350 macaws, Eclectus parrots, cheeky cockatoos, lorikeets, Gouldian finches, cassowary and more. Great selfie opportunities and Free WiFi available.

Heritage Markets, Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda T 07 4093 9188 birdworldkuranda.com

A delightful boutique attraction in the heart of Kuranda featuring an array of Aussie wildlife including koalas, wombats, quokkas, bilbies, wallabies, kangaroos, freshwater crocodiles and other reptiles. Koala holding and python cuddle photos available (extra cost). Wildlife feeding talks twice daily. Free WiFi available.

Heritage Markets, Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda T 07 4093 9953 koalagardens.com

SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY

Enjoy a truly unique perspective of Australia’s World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest as you glide above the pristine rainforest canopy before descending to explore at Red Peak and Barron Falls. Learn about this mystical landscape from a Skyrail Ranger and at the Rainforest Discovery Zone. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Barron Gorge and Falls from The Edge Lookout. Download the Skyrail Interpretive App & Audio Guide to unlock the secrets of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.

Arara Street, Kuranda T 07 4038 5555 skyrail.com.au

KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY

Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of Australia’s most stunning rail journeys. Travel from Gimuy (Cairns) through the ancient Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest, Din Din Barron Gorge National Park, to the mountain village of Ngunbay (Kuranda), place of the platypus. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as the train winds its way through dense rainforest, past towering waterfalls, and deep ravines. Combine your trip with one of their day tour packages for a complete Kuranda experience. The journey from Cairns, Freshwater or Kuranda railway stations takes approximately two hours each way with travel options in heritage timber carriages or upgrade to Gold Class!

Kuranda Railway Station, Kuranda T 1800 577 245 ksr.com.au

MUST-DO ATTRACTIONS

Discover the friendliest and cutest Australian wildlife at Birdworld Kuranda and Kuranda Koala Gardens, located right in the heart of Kuranda village. Kuranda Koala Gardens gives you the opportunity to see some of Australia’s

Kuranda Riverboat

the best thing you can do in Kuranda

most unique wildlife up-close, including wallabies, gliders, quokkas, wombats, lizards, snakes and freshwater crocodiles. The new ‘Aussie Bush Collection’ is a delight for photographers.

Take a cruise on the Kuranda Riverboat. Enjoy one of the region’s most relaxing experiences, which provides a wonderful opportunity to witness the glorious ora and fauna of this ancient tropical rainforest environment, as well as hearing about the history of Kuranda.

Phone 0418 930 511 tours@kurandariverboat.com.au kurandariverboat.com.au

Take the opportunity to cuddle or pat a koala (extra cost) and receive a great souvenir photo. Check out the Nocturnal Wonders exhibit including bilbies, Northern bettong and the rare Mahogany gliders.

Right next door is Birdworld Kuranda, a free-flight walk-through exhibit allowing visitors to interact with a spectacular collection of birds from Australia and around the world.

Birdworld boasts a large and very colourful collection of native and exotic parrot species. Join the birds in their beautiful rainforest habitat. Flying around are species from the vanishing rainforests of the world, including some of Australia’s most precious and beautiful birds.

There are brilliant Amazonian macaws, the endangered and stately cassowary, cheeky Rainbow lorikeets, galahs, cockatoos and many more. The Finch Aviary is also home to a range of rare and colourful endemic species.

Birdworld Kuranda

Kuranda Koala Gardens

MARKETS

Farmers’ and craft markets are located throughout the region and are a great way to sample an array of produce unique to the Atherton Tablelands.

ARCHER CREEK

2nd Sunday of the month. 7am-12noon, Kennedy Highway.

ATHERTON

2nd Sunday of the month. 7am-12noon, Atherton Showgrounds.

KURANDA

Wednesday to Sunday. Original Markets, 9am-3pm.

Heritage Markets, 9am-3:30pm.

KOAH

1st Saturday of the month. March-December. 8am-12pm.

MALANDA

3rd Saturday of the month. 7.30am-12.30pm, Malanda Showgrounds.

MAREEBA

2nd and 5th Saturday of the month. 7am-12.30pm, Centenary Park, Mareeba.

MT MOLLOY

1st Saturday of the month. (March to December). 7am-12noon, Fraser Road, QCWA Hall.

TOLGA

1st Sunday of the month. 7am-12noon, Morrow Park Racecourse. No dogs permitted.

TUMOULIN

4th Sunday of the month. 7am-12:30pm, Tumoulin Railway Station. (Seasonal).

WONDECLA

3rd Sunday of the month. 7am-12noon, Wondecla Sports Ground.

YUNGABURRA

4th Saturday of the month. 7:30am-12:30pm, Bruce Jones Park. Christmas Market, 3rd Sunday in December.

Kuranda Original Rainforest Market

KURANDA CONSERVATION

An icon of the Wet Tropics Rainforest, including Kuranda, is the Southern Cassowary. Kuranda Conservation, kurandaconservation.org, engages the community in sustainable practices and conservation and is raising awareness of the endangered cassowary through the Cassowary Art Trail: cassowarytrail.com.au

The Spectacled Flying-fox is another local endangered species and is critical to the health of tropical rainforests and surrounding vegetation through its role as a long-distance pollinator and seed disperser. Kuranda has a strong community caring for injured and orphaned flying-foxes and is engaging with locals about protecting and

recuperating this important animal. This includes two bat hospitals open to the public. Both are featured on the Nature Trail on the Explore Kuranda app, explorekuranda.stqry.app/.

Another story featured on the app is that of the Kuranda Tree Frog, Litoria myola. This critically endangered tiny frog, only found in Kuranda, breeds in small urban streams and the small tributaries running into the Barron River. It was found in the early 2000s by PhD student Conrad Hoskin. The video of its discovery is told in the Nature Trail of the Explore Kuranda app, which supports Kuranda EnviroCare’s efforts to ensure the survival of this frog along Jumrum Creek.

Cassowary Art Trail

Litoria myola

Spectacled Flying-fox

DON’T MISS

Davies Creek

Lambs Head/ Kahlpahlim Rock

Davies Creek

Mountain Bike Park

Emerald Creek Falls

MAREEBA

Start your day on a high, in Mareeba, by watching the sun rise over the rolling hills of the Atherton Tablelands in the silence and romance of a hot-air balloon. Enjoy the 360-degree panorama before coming gently back to earth. Mareeba is the largest town on the Atherton Tablelands and has developed into a major multicultural centre. It boasts a total of 64 different nationalities which call it home. Mareeba’s history dates back to the gold

mining days when it served mainly as a railway and communications centre for the mining, dairying, farming and beef industries which opened up the region towards the end of the 19th century.

The region has a reputation as a food lovers’ paradise and is also rich in wildlife, museums, coffee and wine and produces over 70% of Australia’s coffee crop. The region is a magnet for self-drive visitors, and is a popular destination for grey nomads who enjoy Mareeba as a base to explore the Atherton Tablelands and as a gateway to Cape York and Gulf destinations.

On your trip to Mareeba make sure you visit the area’s newest must-see attraction, the Blundell Classic Ford Museum on Cobra Road. Lime farmers Ron Blundell and his Ford fanatic son Paul started amassing their collection of beloved Ford motor cars, engines and tractors more than nine years ago and recently opened it to the public. The museum is open seven days and has memorabilia, Ford merchandise and the Cobra Cafe serving delicious homemade treats. Today the museum houses five

Giant ant hills, Mareeba

sheds (and one more under construction) full of 40 cars and 30 tractors, many beautifully and meticulously restored to their original condition. The collection is always growing and the Blundells, as custodians of the Ford brand, plan to eventually display every Ford ute and tractor made in Australia.

Set amongst the Dinden National Park, Davies Creek offers a plethora of activities. The creek flows over the granite landscape into swimming holes surrounded by picnic areas, purposebuilt mountain bike trails amongst a thicket of picturesque Eucalypt woodland.

For those fascinated by natural marvels, the Granite Gorge Nature Park (private nature park, fees apply) is an unforgettable spectacle. Volcanic activity has forced up huge boulders where you can spot and feed the wallabies. Like no other place in the world, this awesome landscape stretches as far as the eye can see.

If you happen to be in town in July, August or October don’t miss out on three of this area’s major events, Mareeba Rodeo (July), Mareeba Multicultural Festival (August) and Savannah in the Round (October). See more at msc.qld.gov. au/community/events/events-calendar/.

• Affordable, high-quality accommodation in the heart of Mareeba

• Spacious Motel Rooms

• Self-contained 2-bedroom Apartment

• Enjoy friendly, country hospitality

• Cooked breakfast delivered to your room

• Free WiFi

Blundell Classic Ford Museum

Best of Queensland Experience

An amazing chronicle of life in Mareeba!

Relax and Recharge

Enjoy a co ee, snack or lunch on our deck at Mareeba Heritage Co ee House.

Treasure Trove of Gifts

Browse the Heritage Gift Shop and Pantry and nd something to make your visit a memorable one!

Mareeba Heritage Museum 345 Byrnes Street, Mareeba (07) 4092 5674 I Open 7 days

The Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre is your entry to this beautiful region and your pathway to understanding the rich and varied history of Mareeba. You will get excited at the Mareeba Heritage Museum with interactive, engaging and fun displays.

With over 6,000 items, 53 exhibits and 29 years of collections, this museum is a lively space where you are drawn to explore, learn, engage and play.

The Visitor Information Centre will help you discover Mareeba like a local and turn your holiday or visit into an exciting journey of discovery. If you’re looking for tours or accommodation, the friendly staff and volunteers are there to help. The Centre offers free parking, free WiFi, a coffee house and heritage gift shop and are open almost every day. See Mareeba differently at the Museum and learn about the local area’s incredibly rich and truly fascinating history. At the Mareeba Heritage Museum you will learn about the true character of the region.

The Mareeba Heritage Centre was established in 1995 to collect, conserve and display the history of Mareeba. The museum has the largest tobacco exhibit in Australia. This nationally significant exhibition contains the remarkable stories and images of an industry that created the economy, character and the prosperity of the Mareeba Shire.

Mareeba Heritage Museum

TOLGA

Tolga is a charming and picturesque town on the southern Tablelands, just a short drive from Atherton. The surrounding landscapes are breathtaking, with rolling hills, lush rainforests, and sprawling farmland. This scenic spot is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape or a base to explore the many wonders of the Tablelands.

The main street is straddled by some excellent examples of early Queensland architecture and the fine Tolga Museum, site of the former Railway Station. The museum is bursting with artefacts and exhibits from Tolga’s long and interesting history including the timber industry and the town’s key role during World War II. An eye-catching feature on the main street is a display of seven timber ‘totem’ poles depicting the Tablelands’ history, Aboriginal culture, the area’s unique plants and animals, and the diminishing rainforest.

Tolga also boasts a burgeoning cafe scene. Savour a cup of Tablelands coffee in a trendy cafe and watch the world go by. A local favourite is The Spring Bean in Main Street. Their locally grown barista coffee is worthy of a big city cafe and their Gourmet Loaded Cookies are to die for! See the friendly staff about their daily specials or place your order online. Another great spot to unwind in Tolga is the Eventide Distillery offering visitors

a chance to taste the essence of the Tablelands in every sip.

Beyond the town, Tolga is surrounded by great opportunities for nature walks and scenic drives. The Tolga Scrub, a remnant of ancient Mabi rainforest, invites nature lovers to explore its trails and discover the area’s unique flora and fauna. Tolga captures the essence of a historic, laid-back Queensland town with a bright future, perfect for travellers seeking a taste of Tablelands’ life with a splash of indulgence.

A Tolga favourite, the Spring Bean is buzzing with locals enjoying the best coffee in town. Hot and cold drinks, cakes, macarons, and tasty Turkish toasties available. Daily and weekly specials!

Open 5.30am-2pm Mon-Fri 6.30am-1pm Sat. Closed Sun 62 Main Street, Tolga T 07 4095 5000 thespringbean.orderup.com.au

Seven Timber ‘Totem’ Poles

Tolga Museum

THE SPRING BEAN TOLGA

WWII SITES

In 1942 Australia was preparing for the imminent threat of the advancing Japanese Imperial Army and Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey (2nd Australian Imperial Force) selected the Atherton Tablelands as a staging and training post. The area was ideal for recuperation and jungle warfare training and was close to resupplies and battlefronts.

By December 1942, the Australian Army headquarters had transferred from Townsville to Atherton and Tolga. By January 1943 work had begun on the 13th Advancement Ordnance Depot in Tolgathe largest in North Queensland’s history.

The entire Tablelands region would soon have new infrastructure, amenities and hundreds of buildings.

The Tolga Museum, located at the old Tolga Railway Station on the Kennedy Highway, has a fascinating collection of military artefacts from the region, including a section on Women at War.

Returning units from the 6th and 7th Divisions arrived after their Papuan campaign and established encampments around Ravenshoe, Wondecla and Wongabel. The 9th Division returned from North Africa and set up camps in the Kairi, Danbulla and Tinaroo areas. By the end of

Matron Dean giving Physical Training Drill to a squad of Aust Women’s Land Army Personnel. AWM – 058896

Rocky Creek Memorial Park

Rocky Creek Memorial Park

September 1944, 689 units were spread across the Tablelands.

The Atherton Tablelands’ population boomed with the additional 100,000 military personnel, and the nearby Rocky Creek area became the site for the largest field hospital in the Southern Hemisphere.

During World War II Rocky Creek was the site of two hospitals, a convalescent depot, a malaria research laboratory, ambulance services, kitchen, laundries, workshops, and its own railway station.

The Atherton Tablelands was the focus for troops in training, transit and for medical

support at the height of World War II in the Pacific (1943-45). This region was ideal because it was close to the action in both South-East Asia and the South-West Pacific.

The Tablelands also provided a safe tropical environment for jungle warfare training and was free of malaria.

quick facts

• 43 trains and railmotors were recorded in one day at Tolga Railway Station

• The daily bed average at Rocky Creek peaked at 1,760 in September 1944

• More than 13,000 7th Division personnel attended sports days

• The Army produced their own newspaper “Table Tops” with two print runs a day, seven days a week

• For guided tours and history trail information contact a local Visitor Information Centre

Rocky Creek Igloo

Rocky Creek Tivoli Concert. AWM 058887

THE CRYSTAL CAVES – SHARE ONE

With so many travel options available to us, its life’s colourful characters and bizarre stories that make for unique holiday experiences.

Atherton is the home of Rene Boissevain. A larger-than-life adventurer that has been likened to the fictious Indiana Jones. It is in Main Street Atherton that Rene has decided to display his world-class collection of crystals and fossils from all over the world. From the smallest and most delicate perfect Aquamarine crystal from Pakistan to the world’s largest Amethyst geode from Uruguay.

While the collection itself is possibly the best in the country, boasting over 600 specimens worldwide, it is the way in which he has chosen to display his treasures that is undoubtedly unique in the world. He has built a 300m² cave with grottos, tunnels and crawlspaces. The cave includes a black-light display using spheres carved from ultraviolet stones and an interactive and educational display. Most bizarre of all is that visitors can touch many of the specimens and photography is encouraged. The tours are self-guided, and you will be equipped with a head torch and detailed guidebook.

Rene Boissevain started his love affair with rocks when he was invited on a fossicking trip to Agate Creek, near Forsayth, in 1963. At that stage he had no idea what lay beneath the Earth’s crust and thought an agate looked a little like a potato. After striking a hollow agate and discovering the crystals inside, he was hooked. The rest of his life would be committed to sourcing crystalline specimens from every corner of the globe.

Allow at least an hour to properly explore the cave and, if you want to truly experience the wonder of Mother Nature, you have the opportunity to crack open your own geode. A geode is a 44-millionyear-old bubble that was once trapped in molten lava. After the lava cooled, silica and other minerals leached into the hollow cavity and gradually lined the inside with crystals. Traces of iron and calcium created inclusions in the geode and determined the colour of the geodes. Once you select your geode, you will learn how to crack it open yourself with giant cutters to reveal the crystals inside. You will then learn what crystals are and how they are formed.

1960s Agate Creek find

Learn to identify your geode

MAN’S PASSION

Rene’s wife Nelleke always supported his crazy antics and managed the business side of things. She has accompanied Rene to all his Agate Creek camps and on many overseas trips including Uruguay, Madagascar, Mexico, Brazil and Arizona. Today this family business is managed by their daughter Ghis, but both Rene and Nelleke are still very much involved. Since 1987, hundreds of thousands of visitors have toured The Crystal Caves and everybody loves it but perhaps the biggest compliment ever received was from the leading field gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA),

Vincent Pardieu, who said, “The Crystal Caves was the best private collection of crystallised mineral specimens on public display in Australia”. This family business has been operating in Atherton since 1983 and the team are all keen rockhounds, just like Rene. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and everyone is welcome. The Crystal Caves is an accredited Accessible Tourism destination on the Atherton Tablelands and their friendly staff are there to help you. They treat everyone the same and adapt the activities so you can experience all that The Crystal Caves has to offer.

A man-made cave with tunnels and grottos

Nelleke and daughter Ghis

Friendly staff are happy to help

DON’T MISS

Mount Baldy

Atherton Rail Trail

Dinner Falls

Hallorans Hill

Swamp

ATHERTON

Atherton is a prosperous town with an easy pace and is central to some of the most picturesque countryside in Australia. Atherton serves the outlying farming communities, but it is also a thriving hub with loads to offer visitors. The town and surrounding area appeal to nature lovers, bird watchers, mountain bikers, history buffs, art lovers and foodies.

WHISTLE STOP CAFE, ATHERTON

Enjoy all-day breakfast and lunch in their cozy cafe. Indulge in our homemade cakes and classic meals. Dine in or takeaway. Online ordering available and phone orders are welcome.

Monday to Friday 6am-4pm

Saturday & Sunday 8am-2pm 23 Louise St, Atherton

T 07 4095 3913

whistlestopcafe.orderup.com.au

Get your bearings from Hallorans Hill Lookout, an ideal spot for a barbecue or picnic or just enjoying the views of the sprawling farmlands and rolling hills. This popular attraction has free barbecue facilities, a children’s playground and walking track. No visit to Atherton is complete without stopping at The Crystal Caves in Main Street. Visitors return year after year for an interactive tour and to hear the stories behind this one-of-a-kind, man-made cave system and museum. Another great place to stop is The Whistle Stop Cafe where comfort, quality and convenience meet. Enjoy an all-day breakfast or lunch in the cosy surroundings. Indulge yourself in their homemade cakes, cafe classics, or quality coffees. Dine in or takeaway, order online or over the phone.

Just outside Atherton is the last timber and iron Chinese Temple in Australia, the Hou Wang Temple. Featuring an extensive display of cultural artefacts from the region’s pioneering Chinese community, it is said to be the only existing temple dedicated to Hou Wang outside of China.

Hasties

View from Hallorans Hill, Atherton

Nature lovers and bird watchers will enjoy a visit to the 56-hectare Nyleta Wetlands National Park. Home to more than 230 species of birds, it includes a two-storey Bird Hide overlooking the wetlands.

Art enthusiasts will love the excellent Tablelands Regional Council’s galleries, showcasing the diverse artistic talent of the Atherton Tablelands. The three hubs are the Tablelands Regional Gallery, the Old Post Office Gallery, and the Foyer Gallery, all with multiple display areas. They act as a touchstone for local lovers of art as well as regular interstate and international visitors. Their exhibitions are constantly changing and include works by local artists, travelling exhibitions, and school and community groups.

Visitors can also switch gears and hit the extensive network of world-class mountain bike trails. Check out the Atherton Forest MTB Park and the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail.

Ensure you have plenty of time on your travel schedule because, as you can see, Atherton boasts a host of things to see and do as you discover the southern Tablelands.

Helen Hume Heading for Melody Rocks

GALLERIES AND ANTIQUES

The Atherton Tablelands has a strong arts and crafts tradition that continues to surprise and delight visitors. The Tablelands’ large creative community has opened smart and quirky art galleries, delightful boutiques and nearly every village has an arts and craft market. The region’s rich history had led to sought-after antique stores and great second-hand shops. The charming village of Kuranda in the northern Tablelands has long been home for creatives, and visitors to Kuranda can see and purchase their works all in one place at the Kuranda Arts Co-operative. The Co-op has been showcasing quality local artwork from its members since 1996 and has

KURANDA ARTS CO-OP

This member-driven art gallery is located in the centre of the vibrant rainforest village of Kuranda, and showcases a wide variety of quality artwork created by local artists in many different mediums. 17 Coondoo St Kuranda T 4093 9026. Open 7 days (closed Christmas day) info@kurandaartscoop.com kurandaartscoop.com

Dry Country by Melissa Waters

The Brolga Rests by Daniel Joseph

enjoyed many successes over the years, including exhibitions in Australia and abroad.

A dynamic arts community also thrives in Atherton, inspired by the beauty of the Tablelands. The Tablelands Regional Council displays local works and travelling exhibitions at three galleries, constantly changing their exhibitions.

TABLELAND

REGIONAL GALLERIES

Visit Atherton to enjoy the vibrant galleries and accomplished artists of the Tablelands Region.

Tableland Regional Gallery – 16 Robert Street. Old Post Office Gallery –86 Atherton Herberton Road. Foyer Gallery – 45 Mabel Street. T 07 4089 2253. Check website for opening hours. trc.qld.gov.au/galleries

The gorgeous town of Yungaburra is famous for its charming boutiques and galleries and there’s none better than Artistree. They sell an array of beautiful, handcrafted items, from local artists. Purchase something that lasts a lifetime, including homewares, wearable art, jewellery, sculpture, woodwork and furniture.

Kuranda Arts Co-Operative Gallery

Artistree Gallery

YUNGABURRA

Step back in time in and enjoy the village’s pleasures. Yungaburra’s appearance is largely unchanged since its settlement in the early 1900s, with many of the original buildings remaining. Eighteen of them are heritage-listed, the highest proportion outside of regional centres in Queensland. Today this quaint village, home to a permanent population of approximately 1500 residents, is a charming mix of old-world history and alternative lifestyle culture.

Call in to the Visitor Information Centre, located in Yungaburra Village, where friendly volunteers will be happy to help you with general tourist information, what’s on, where to go, maps and specific information on the area.

For a more modern take on village life, check out the quirky shops or art and craft galleries and pick up a gift or souvenir while you’re there. A great place to start, and finish, is Artistree Gallery. Artistree’s aim is to share their passion for high quality, beautiful,

Pluto & Nessie

The Red Sheds, 20 Eacham Rd, Yungaburra

Wide variety of jigsaw puzzles, board games, and brain teasers for all ages. Shop online or in store! Open Tues - Sun 10am - 3pm.

The Red Sheds

Pluto & Nessie

handcrafted items that last a lifetime, at an achievable price. They showcase creative talents, both well-known and emerging, who work in an incredible array of media to create functional homewares, wearable art, and strongly built furniture, to inspire fun and pleasure.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging brain teaser, a fun game to play with friends and family or your next jigsaw obsession, Pluto & Nessie have something for you. See them in-store, at the next

Yungaburra Markets or their next Board Games Night!

Designed and handcrafted in a small studio in the ‘The Silver Dragonfly Boutique’, Justene Mackenzie creates beautiful, timeless, wearable art. Her silversmithing skills have been honed for more than 15 years with attention to detail and a love for the craft. The boutique also carries creative clothing, original art and unique gifts. Silversmithing workshops are held every Friday 9.30am -12.30pm.

Shop 5/ 4 Kehoe Place, Yungaburra

Handcrafted Jewellery – Art – Creative Clothing Fusing practicality and sustainability to create beautiful, timeless, wearable art.

The Silver Dragonfly Boutique

The Silver Dragonfly Boutique

For nature lovers, bushwalking near Yungaburra is the ideal way to encounter the wildlife of the surrounding area. A network of easy and moderate walking tracks leads through wetlands, rainforest, scrub and lakeside paths. The twokilometre Peterson Creek Walk follows a creek that runs at the edge of town. This is a great walk for bird-watchers and is also where you can spot the elusive Tree kangaroo or platypus. The Peterson Creek platypus viewing platform is a pleasant walk or short drive from town and a great place to see these shy creatures in their natural habitat. The best viewing times are morning and dusk.

Or jump in the car and take a scenic drive to the many natural attractions of the beautiful countryside surrounding Yungaburra. The rolling green hills, crater lakes, waterfalls, and lush rainforests are all a short distance from town. The landscape around Yungaburra has been shaped over millennia by volcanic activity, the most recent eruptions were only approximately 10,000 years ago.

One of the unique natural attractions of Yungaburra is the Curtain Fig Tree, just a five-minute drive from the village. This massive tree has, by an accident of nature, created a vast curtain of roots which drop

15 metres to the ground. Starting from a seed dropped high in the canopy, this strangler fig grew vertical roots, which over time have become thicker and interwoven, creating a giant “curtain” beneath the branches of this 50-metrehigh tree, estimated to be 500-years old.

Nearby Tinaburra is a jump-off point for Lake Tinaroo, popular for water sports, offering a boat ramp and areas for water skiing, jet skiing and stand-up paddle boarding. It’s also where, in 1999, the world’s largest Barramundi was caught!

On the calm and pristine shores of Lake Tinaroo stands an avenue of Illawarra Flame trees, the Avenue of Honour. This living memorial commemorates the courage and commitment of those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the war in Afghanistan. This national memorial stretches 250 metres, almost to the water’s edge. The show of flamered blossoms happens each year from October to December, encompassing Remembrance Day. An Honour Board stands proudly, displaying name plaques of the fallen, in memory of their sacrifice. It serves as a reminder to future generations of the enormous debt our nation owes to their bravery. To donate: avenueofhonour.com.au/donate.

Avenue of Honour

Lakes Edge Retreat

Check in at 22 Gillies Hwy, Yungaburra

• The perfect accommodation for a romantic getaway

• Fully self-contained one-bedroom studio on lake frontage

• Four minutes’ drive from Yungaburra village

• Sit, relax, and listen to the abundant birdlife, or see if you can spot our resident platypus! • Netflix and Stan

Ph: (07) 4095 2218 E: stay@yungaburraaccommodation.com.au

For more info “book now” direct on website. www.yungaburraaccommodation.com.au/lakes-edge

Blue Summit Hideaway Villas

Check in at 22 Gillies Hwy, Yungaburra

• Luxury, boutique escapes

• Cosy studio, 2 & 3 bedroom spa, king spa and king twin spa villas

• In the heart of the village • Netflix and Stan

• Walking distance to eateries, boutiques & platypus viewing

Ph: (07) 4095 2218 E: stay@yungaburraaccommodation.com.au

For more info “book now “direct on website. www.bluesummithideaway.com.au

Birds ‘n’ Bloom Cottages

Check in at 22 Gillies Hwy, Yungaburra

• Luxury escape, home away from home

• Fully self-contained 2 & 3 bedroom cottages

• Great holiday retreat with all facilities

• Designed to relax & revive • Live Foxtel and Netflix

Ph: (07) 4095 2218 E: relax@bnbcottages.com For more info “book now“ direct on website. www.bnbcottages.com

DON’T MISS

LAKE EACHAM

Discover the ancient crater lakes of Barrine and Eacham on the Atherton Tablelands. Formed many thousands of years ago by violent volcanic eruptions, it took several hundred years for water to fill these giant craters and for the trees to grow back. Lake Eacham in geological terms is a maar - a volcanic crater formed by massive explosions from the superheating of groundwater. The crater then filled with water, forming a lake 65 metres deep.

Lake Eacham is now a beautiful place to relax and regenerate during your holiday. Enjoy the pristine blue water surrounded by tropical rainforest. There are shady picnic areas with barbeque facilities and a nice grassy area, ideal for catching the sun’s rays.

If you are seeking a bit more adventure, go for a hike along the three-kilometre track. This is an easily accessible, wheel-chair-friendly path around the perimeter of the lake. It is perfect for bushwalkers, birdwatchers, families or anyone looking to get an insight into the local ecosystem and you might be lucky enough to spot some local wildlife. Musky rat kangaroos, Amethystine

pythons, Boyd’s forest dragons and Saw-shelled turtles all inhabit the Lake Eacham forest.

There is a children’s activity path branching off the start of the 3km perimeter walking path. Keep your children entertained with this educational track winding through the rainforest and across small bridges with regular activity stations along the way.

Lake Eacham is a bird-watchers’ paradise with over 180 bird species recorded, including Wet Tropics endemic species like the spotted Catbird, Atherton scrubwren, Bower’s shrike-thrush and the Toothbilled bowerbird.

Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges is hidden in 1,200 acres of the Lake Eacham forest. As pioneers in ecotourism their lodges specifically cater for birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, naturalists, photographers, film crews and all those who want to have a true rainforest experience. Accommodation includes 10 fully self-contained 52sqm one-bedroom lodges.

Lake Eacham

Lake Eacham

Lake circuit track

Lake Eacham

Wildlife

The resort includes a 1.3km rainforest walking path to platypus ponds, Brush turkey mounds, and Toothbilled bowerbird stages. A wildlife viewing

platform is illuminated until 11pm for guests to view Krefft’s gliders, striped possums, Uromys, Bandicoots, Melomys and Antechinus.

Krefft’s gliders

LAKE TINAROO

Lake Tinaroo was created solely for irrigation in the Tinaroo Falls Dam Project of 1952. However today this beautiful stretch of water is a favourite spot for tourists and day-trippers and best known for water sports and fishing.

unique and luxurious glamping experience”

Relax and unwind with all the creature comforts and the great outdoors! Set in a quiet and peaceful location, the Hitching Rail Retreat is only minutes away from all the amazing natural wonders of the Tablelands. Book now to disconnect from the world and to reconnect to nature, life and each other.

Phone: 0447 752 377 I hitchrail@gmail.com

The adjacent village of Tinaroo is on the north shore of the lake, and accommodation ranges from resorts to holiday homes and a caravan park. In nearby Barrine, the Hitching Rail Retreat is a luxurious hideaway in the hills overlooking the water. Enjoy all the creature comforts in a quiet and secluded setting, yet only minutes from the famous crater lakes. Stay in deluxe glamping tents or bespoke train carriages, lavishly appointed with elegant furnishings, a full kitchen and soothing bathtub. Take your stay to the next level with their range of opulent packages.

With over 200 kilometres of shoreline, Lake Tinaroo has many calm water bays, protected from the wind. Every kind of recreational water activity is offered, from fishing for world-record size barramundi, to sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding.

If you’re looking to stay high and dry or do something less active, take a relaxing stroll along the jetty to see the dam spillway or just chill at one of the many picnic spots. The lake is also a naturally great place for bird watchers. And Lake Tinaroo is famous amongst anglers for its monster barramundi catches, including at least 19 world records.

Lake Tinaroo

Hitching Rail Retreat

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PADDOCK TO PLATE from

PADDOCK TO PLATE

Foodies, prepare your tastebuds for a sensory assault! The Atherton Tablelands is Queensland’s food bowl and the source of a dizzying variety of delectable local produce. The rich volcanic soil, moderate climate and regular rainfall combine to serve up the finest and freshest of food and drink.

The Tablelands’ food trail is worldclass. There’s nothing quite like enjoying an assortment of tropical fruits, a coffee, or a cheese platter grown, made, and prepared only metres from where you’re dining.

A patchwork of farms across the region are world-renowned for

their quality fruits, prize-winning vegetables, gourmet cheeses and dairy products, hand-crafted chocolate, and supreme quality pork and beef. And now a cluster of local distillers, wine makers and brewers are serving up award-winning spirits, fruit wines and craft beers, sourcing the Tablelands’ amazing produce. A great way to sample and enjoy the food and drink of the area is on a tasting tour, either on an organised tour or self-driving. Try a “farm gate” tour and enjoy a coffee at one of Australia’s oldest coffee plantations, watch cheese makers and chocolatiers handcraft their wares at a dairy farm, then enjoy some in an on-site cafe. Or stop by a fruit farm and try their quality produce as fresh as it gets, in a sweet sorbet, preserved in jam, or prepared right there in a tasty restaurant dish.

The Tablelands has markets nearly every day of the week for you to sample and enjoy local food produce. The region also has a host of traditional food and harvest festivals for foodies to experience the finest of fare with locals, farmers, and fellow travellers.

Mungalli Creek Bio-Dynamic Dairy

Mungalli Creek Bio-Dynamic Dairy

TASTING ADVENTURES

Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures provide boutique gourmet food and wine tasting tours, showcasing the delicious quality produce of the Tablelands, departing from Cairns or Port Douglas.

The Tablelands’ rich volcanic soil and microclimates allow farmers to grow an amazingly diverse range of crops, from tropical to temperate. Learn about these local delights as you taste your way around the “food bowl of the north”.

Visit seven unique sites (some exclusive to Brett’s tours), meet local characters and let them share their passion for the

region. Sample tropical wines, awardwinning spirits, local gourmet cheeses, premium coffee and liqueurs, rainforest condiments, handcrafted chocolates, tropical fruits, exotic meats such as crocodile and kangaroo and much more.

Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures is more than a food tour. Spot the abundant, unique and amazing wildlife and marvel at the incredibly diverse landscapes. So, sit back and relax, take in the views and let them take you on an enjoyable gastronomic adventure to remember.

Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures Tour

Tropical delights

TABLELANDS COFFEE

The Atherton Tablelands produces 70% of Australia’s coffee, with beans of exceptional quality. And to complement the many coffee farms, roasteries and cafes are serving up premium local blends, as fresh as it gets. One such place, and one of the major tourist drawcards to the region, is Coffee Works in Mareeba. This boutique roastery and chocolatier has cloaked visitors in an extraordinary world of gourmet bliss since 1988. Their Espresso Bar serves locally sourced coffee every day, roasted

in-store. Their Chocolate Shop offers a selection of edible art, hand-crafted before your eyes. And deciding what to buy from the gift shop is never easy. Coffee Works also operates gourmet outlets in Atherton, Port Douglas, Cairns and Townsville.

Visit Australia’s oldest coffee plantation- also home to Australia’s favourite papaya. Located near Mareeba, Skybury Cafe and its working roastery have been the heart of Skybury Farms since its inspirational, architect-designed building opened

Skybury Cafe & Roastery

Coffee Works

Coffee Works

in 2006. Swing on in (literally - they have stunning timber swings to chill in while you take in the view!) and order up your paddock-to-plate experience from their seasonal menu. Try papaya in their signature dishes, savour freshly roasted Australian grown Skybury Coffee, taste their Skybury liqueurs created from coffee and papaya, enjoy a virtual farm tour and sip a cocktail

as you take in the majestic rural views. And... they do takeaway! That’s right, you can buy all their gorgeous farm produce and value-add products right there and take them home with you. Not sure what to choose? They offer free tastings and samples. They are fully licensed, and they’d love to serve you soon!

Skybury Cafe & Roastery

BANANAS

The Tablelands is one of Australia’s major banana producing regions and the industry is worth almost $100 million to the local economy. Bananas are the country’s largest horticultural industry and its highest selling supermarket product.

BERRIES

Blueberries have recently sprouted on the Tablelands, joining strawberries in the local berry industry. Costa Farms, marketed under the Driscoll’s brand, has opened blueberry farms in the region for their April to June harvest, which isn’t possible on their farms in the southern states.

SUGARCANE

The Sugarcane industry is a relatively recent introduction to the Tablelands’ horticulture economy but is now one of the region’s largest crops, generating approximately $39 million into the local economy. The warm tropical climate makes the region an ideal growing environment.

AVOCADOS

The number of avocado farms on the Tablelands has at least tripled in the past decade and is now the most valuable fruit crop on the Tablelands, which is Australia’s largest avocado growing region. Local avocados are highly sought-after and gross value is estimated to be about $173 million.

MANGOES

The Atherton Tablelands’ mango industry, representing the largest area of tree crops in the region, produces half of Queensland’s crop of the popular fruit, sending about 2.5 million trays to market every year.

BEEF CATTLE

The beef cattle industry is the most widespread on the Tablelands and the primary land user in the central and western areas. Strong prices for beef cattle have ensured local industry production remains at approximately $35 million per annum.

coffee

The Mareeba district is home to Australia’s oldest coffee plantations, however it wasn’t until tobacco farming was phased out at the end of the 20th century that coffee growing really took off. Today the region yields 70% of the national crop and the Tablelands’ roasteries have become a popular tourist attraction.

DAIRY

Atherton Tableland dairy farmers produce the finest milk-based products in the country. The region’s farmers churn out about 52.5 million litres of milk a year, resulting in more than 60 top-quality dairy products marketed under the Mungalli Creek, Misty Mountain Milk and Dairy Farmers brands.

CITRUS

The Atherton Tablelands has recently seen a rapid rise in citrus production. Now more than 250 farms are producing top quality limes, lemons, grapefruit, pummelos and mandarins, for a gross revenue of more than $55 million.

MOSSMAN & DAINTREE

Barramundi farms

Exotic fruits

Daintree Tea

Sugarcane

Winery

Passionfruit

Vanilla

PORT DOUGLAS

Sugarcane Chocolate

Paw

MAREEBA

Pumpkin

Avocados

Cotton

Pineapples

Bananas

Distillery

Coffee

Limes

Bok choy

Papaya

Wombok

Watermelon

Zucchini

Sugarcane

Winery

ATHERTON

Cabbage

Onions

Broccoli

Potatoes

Pumpkin

Sweet

Davidson

Cauliflower

Eggs

PADDOCK TO PLATE

DAIRY, CHOCOLATE & CHEESE

Gallo Dairyland is situated on the beautiful Atherton Tablelands, one and half hours’ drive from Cairns. It’s set amidst lush green farmlands and centrally located; just a short 10-minute drive from the towns of Yungaburra, Atherton and Malanda.

Gallo Dairyland opened in 2007, offering visitors an indulgence in gourmet cheese and hand-crafted chocolates, using only the finest ingredients, all prepared on site.

Dairyland Cafe is licensed and air-conditioned, offering ‘good’ wholesome food prepared daily from a range of fresh local produce. Available throughout the day are great coffee, milkshakes, snacks and the cheese platters are a must. Bookings for the cafe are highly recommended.

Cafe meals are served from 10am to 2pm. (Take-away options also available). Dairyland Cafe is pet

friendly and cater to special dietary requirements. Please speak to their friendly staff.

The Gallo cheese range uses traditional European cheese making techniques, resulting in an array of award-winning products. Gallo cheese is renowned all over Tropical North Queensland and used by many of the region’s most discerning chefs. The style range is extensive with 16 flavours currently available, including a selection of lactose-free gourmet cheeses.

Gallo Chocolates use the finest ingredients with Swiss couverture to produce a range of hand-crafted chocolates to suit even the most fastidious chocolate connoisseur. The art of tempering the couverture used by Gallo’s chocolatiers is what distinguishes fine chocolate. Once tempered, the chocolate is ready for use in an array of wonderful products.

Gallo Dairyland

You will be amazed at the beautifully crafted specialty chocolates, praline and ganache-filled truffles, chocolate

bars, and variety of chocolate-coated treats. Gallo Dairyland is the perfect place to enjoy a few relaxed hours.

MUNGALLI FARMHOUSE CAFÉ

The passionate farming owners of Mungalli Creek Bio-Dynamic Dairy, are nationally recognised for their commitment to regenerative farming and the production of artisanal dairy products.

It’s a family-run, third generation dairy farm operated by the Watson Family who use biodynamic methods to produce their award winning range of Biodynamic milk, cheese, yoghurt and ice-cream.

They treat the farm as something much greater than meandering cows and organic green pastures. It is respected by them as a living organism, as much a part of, and integral to, the natural environment as the World Heritage rainforest on its boundaries.

As Biodynamic and Organic Farmers they use the best regenerative farming practices to create healthy soil, lush organic mountain pastures, happy cows and great tasting products and sustainability way into the future. You can feel the love and care that they put into caretaking this land for future generations whilst handcrafting delicious dairy products for you.

An underlying ethic of the company is to support other small family farms on the Atherton Tablelands through a growing range of niche products.

The quality of their products is recognised as being among the nation’s pre-eminent food producers “who care for the produce that lands on our plates.”

The Mungalli Creek Farmhouse Cafe, located 10 mins from the Millaa Millaa township was the original family home and offers free cheese, yoghurt and ice-cream tastings and a delicious menu of light lunches, gourmet platters and cakes. Their signature cheese platter or ploughman’s lunch and home made pies are hard to pass up and their scones served with homemade jam and decadent jersey cream make the perfect Devonshire tea. Their extensive menu of grazing platters, light lunches, cakes and coffee is made on site from their own farm produce and locally sourced ingredients and includes dairy and gluten-free items.

A viewing window into the ice-cream making area gives visitors a glimpse into the creative heart.

Their award winning ice-cream which features fruits of the region is even lactose free so everyone can enjoy a scoop. The cafe is a ‘must stop’ for lovers of fine, food. With a BYO license guests can bring their favourite drop with them as they settle in for lunch and savour the stunning rural mountain views from a

Mungalli Creek Bio-Dynamic Dairy

verandah looking out to Mt. Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest peak. After lunch browse for a gift from the many local artisan products. The nearby Millaa Millaa waterfall circuit (10-minutes’ drive) or the Mamu Skywalk (20 minutes) beckon for postprandial activity.

The Mungalli Farmhouse Cafe & Cheesery, located on Brooks Road, Mungalli is open from 10am to 4pm daily. Their products are sold in North Queensland supermarkets and gourmet and organic grocers around Australia. Check their website for your nearest stockist.

Mungalli Creek Bio-Dynamic Dairy

CRAFT BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES &

The Australian craft brewing and distillery scene has exploded in recent years and now Atherton Tablelands’ producers have jumped on board. Thanks to the passion and expertise of a handful of local brewers, distillers and winemakers, the region is now a tourist drawcard for those seeking hand-crafted drinks, to complement the thriving food trail. The Tablelands is serving up superb quality native botanicals, grains and fruits for local beverage makers in their

quest to reinvent what is possible with small batch spirits, beer, and fruit wines and liqueurs.

Exemplifying that passion is Eventide Hills Distillery, whose love of a good spirit has led them to create 100% authentically crafted and aged spirits on the pristine Atherton Tablelands from their homebase in Tolga. Head Distiller Kelli Smith, alongside her husband Andrew, use locally grown citrus, raspberries, coffee beans,

Eventide Hills Distillery

WINERIES

chocolate and more, to craft their award-winning spirits that produce the unique flavour profile distinctive to the region. Visit Eventide Hills at their distillery door on the Kennedy Highway, 7kms north of Atherton, to enjoy their hospitality, and a quality aged spirit, for a unique taste of the Tablelands.

Bradford. Matt and his wife Margaret Barker are beer enthusiasts and have travelled the world in search of the best brew and they’re now putting what they’ve learnt into practice. Billycart’s philosophy is to cater to both the adventurous craft beer drinker and those who just love a cold knock-off brew. Drop by and see what the buzz is about and enjoy a fresh craft beer in a relaxing space. The Billycart experience includes local live music and onsite food trucks.

Billycart Brewing Co

The pioneering producer of handcrafted spirits on the now thriving Tablelands’ scene was Mt Uncle Distillery. Head distiller Mark Watkins returned to his hometown of Walkamin to establish Mt Uncle in 2001 and has since built an unrivalled reputation and won several international awards. With an emphasis on local flavours and ingredients, many sourced directly from the Mt Uncle farm, the distillery

has become a renowned producer of premium spirit and liqueur brands. Blending traditional techniques with modern innovation, Mt Uncle continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the craft of distilling. Mt Uncle Distillery has won multiple gold medals at the prestigious World Drinks Awards, including “World’s Best Rum” in 2024.

Down the hill at Silkwood, about halfway between Cairns and

Mt Uncle Distillery

Townsville, is Murdering Point Winery. This family owned and operated boutique winery doesn’t just have an exceptional name, it boasts an exceptional range of exotic tropical wines in an extraordinary location, making it a must stop spot on your North Queensland road trip.

Murdering Point has been specialising in the production of tropical fruit wines, ports, creams

and aperitifs since 2003. The Berryman family’s vision was to produce quality wines from local produce and to create a unique tourism experience. In Murdering Point Winery, they have succeeded. The winery is open seven days and visitors are invited to enjoy tastings, and to learn the history of the region in the beautiful surroundings of the cellar door’s tropical landscaped gardens.

Murdering Point Winery has developed into one of Australia's most innovative and exciting wineries. Utilising native and exotic tropical ingredients, their distinctive wines and the family's production techniques have been recognised nationally and internationally.

161 Murdering Point Rd Silkwood East

T 07 4065 2327 info@murderingpointwinery.com.au www.murderingpointwinery.com.au

Murdering Point Winery

Golden Drop’s wines are award-winning and lovingly crafted from fresh, ripe and juicy exotic fruits on their family-owned and operated plantation near Mareeba. Visit the winery, open daily, and enjoy the unique experience of a seasonal working mango plantation. Over the past 50 years the plantation has expanded into one of the largest mango producers in Australia. The Nastasi family’s niche wines are 100

per cent locally produced using their own Kensington Red mangoes. Sample the refreshing tropical Mango Wine, Citrus Cello, Mango Port, and Golden Mango liqueur-style wines. Take home a gift of the crisp, intense and refreshingly fruity flavours of a bottle of Golden Drop Wine. Available at Cellar Door outlets at the Kuranda Markets and Paronella Park, and select bottle shops in Atherton, Cairns and Mareeba.

Golden Drop Winery

SMOKING HOT BBQ MEATS

Pickle and Smoke at Malanda Lodge offers a point of dining difference on the Atherton Tablelands as the region’s first and only American-style barbeque restaurant. Diners can enjoy the smoky, tender and juicy tastes of locally sourced meats cooked according to grand old American traditions. The meat is house-rubbed and cooked slowly at low temperature over burning charcoal and smoking woods such as hickory and pecan. From its

beefy barbeque to pork cuts or a vegan feasting board, Pickle and Smoke supports local farmers and suppliers by using their meats and paddock-fresh ingredients. The smoking starts at 3am in readiness for that perfect bark, melt-in-your-mouth texture and smoky taste that is loved by locals and visitors. The grand copper fireplace sits proudly in the centre of the room and crackles away while diners feast on a sensational journey.

AWARD-WINNING CHEESES

Enjoy award-winning cheeses at two local outlets, Gallo Dairyland and Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy. Immerse yourself in a chocolate and cheese experience at Gallo’s cafe, serving gourmet cheese platters and expertly hand-crafted chocolate. Mungalli’s Farmhouse Cafe serves decadent meals made from their biodynamic dairy products, overlooking the Johnston River Gorge and Mt Bartle Frere.

Pickle and Smoke, Malanda Lodge Tender, juicy meats

DON’T MISS

Malanda Falls

Malanda Falls

Rainforest Walk

Malanda Falls

Mount Hypipamee

Crater

MALANDA

Malanda is a small country town known synonymously throughout Tropical North Queensland for its milk and cheese production. As well as being the centre of a highly successful dairying industry this small country town is home to Malanda Falls and is great for bird watching and bushwalking.

Start by visiting the Malanda Falls Visitor Centre, nestled beneath the canopy of the towering rainforests. It’s a great place to stop on your travels and discover more about this unique region. The Visitor Centre has wide, cool verandahs overlooking the rainforest and many informative and interactive displays that will entertain all ages.

Next stop is to explore the adjacent Malanda Falls Conservation Park. Take a walk with one of the local guides, so they can explain the seasonal changes in the Park. There are two short walks through the surrounding remnant rainforest. The Tulip Oak Walk features information signs written and designed by local Aboriginal people. They describe the Aboriginal and European history of the area and of Ngadjon-Jii culture and lifestyle. The Rainforest Circuit Walk follows the river before winding back through the forest. Look for platypus, fish and turtles from the viewing deck over the river and learn about some of the many tree species that make up the forest.

If you’re on the Atherton Tablelands for pleasure or work, Malanda Lodge is the ideal base. Every major tourist attraction and all six of the Atherton Tablelands towns are within a 20 km radius. From Australia’s most photographed waterfall at Millaa Millaa to Queensland’s highest town Ravenshoe or the heritage village at Herberton to fishing, sailing or water skiing on the magnificent Lake Tinaroo, five times larger than Sydney Harbour. From the famous crater lakes of Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine to the unique bird watching craters around Atherton, tree kangaroos, platypus and giant Fig trees, all are within easy reach.

Malanda Lodge offers modern, comfortable accommodation. All rooms have a ground level balcony and views over the lush, green Atherton Tablelands. A large resort style pool and barbeque area, plus 11 acres of manicured tropical gardens, will ensure you have a relaxing and enjoyable stay with them. Why not wonder down to the creek and enjoy the tranquility while you look for their resident platypus family?

They offer free WiFi, air conditioned / heated rooms, microwave, toaster, tea and coffee making facilities and ample parking, including for trucks. They also provide a complimentary continental

Malanda Falls

breakfast at the restaurant. Malanda Lodge has a fully licensed restaurant and a large, relaxing bar area. If you are considering a venue for your upcoming wedding, function, meeting or business conference, they can offer a number of interesting options.

Located in the heart of town is the Malanda Hotel, the largest wooden hotel in Australia when it was built in 1911. Take note of the extensive use of local timbers, including the magnificent silky oak staircase. Check out the Country Pubs section in this guide for more information about the Malanda Hotel and others like it across the Atherton Tablelands.

Pack your swimmers and a picnic and stop in at Malanda Falls, on the North Johnstone River. The Falls tumble over basalt rock formed by an ancient lava flow that spread from the Mount Hypipamee area 15 kilometres away. Sandy beaches at the lower end of the pool make it a good place for children to enjoy a paddle. Not far from Malanda on the Upper Barron Road is the extinct volcanic crater known as Bromfield Swamp. A roost to hundreds of cranes each winter, this is a must for birders hoping to see the enchanting dancing displays of the Sarus cranes early in the morning, or at dusk.

THE WATERFALL CIRCUIT

The Waterfall Circuit meanders across the heart of the Atherton Tablelands and is home to Tropical North Queensland’s greatest waterfalls.

Walking tracks take you to crystal clear mountain streams and creeks cascading down rocks and crevasses on their journey towards the sea.

Start at the Barron Falls in Kuranda, then move on to Davies Creek Falls, Emerald Creek Falls, and Granite Gorge as an introduction to the unique Waterfall Circuit of the Atherton Tablelands.

The circuit starts at Millaa Millaa Falls, the region’s most popular and most

photographed. Then drive to Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls before visiting Mungalli Falls.

On the way to Ravenshoe, visit Souita and Pepina Falls and Australia’s widest waterfall, the Millstream Falls, located five kilometres past the township.

Continue to Little Millstream Falls and Koombooloomba Dam, an excellent spot for camping and fishing.

Dinner Falls is located inside the Mt Hypipamee National Park, also home of the Mt Hypipamee Crater. At Malanda, take a refreshing stop at Malanda Falls where the North Johnstone River runs over a wide lava flow into a year-round swimming pool.

Millaa Millaa Falls

Millstream Falls Pepina Falls Dinner Falls

DON’T MISS

Ellinjaa Falls

Harold West Walk/ Tulip Oak Walk

Millaa Millaa Falls

MILLAA MILLAA

Nestled in emerald hills surrounded by dairy farms and a circuit of waterfalls, beautiful Millaa Millaa is gateway to the Southern Tablelands. Its lookout presents the most expansive views in the area and the image of Millaa Millaa Falls has become an icon of the region.

Just south of Millaa Millaa township is the start of the Waterfall Circuit beginning with Theresa Creek Road, encompassing Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls.

These are also popular swimming spots with picnic facilities, change rooms and toilets. Look out for the Ulysses butterfly and platypus late in the afternoon.

Millaa Millaa is also gateway to the Misty Mountain Trails, a network of longdistance walking trails in high altitude rainforest. Over 130 kilometres of tracks have been constructed under a unique partnership between the region’s shires and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. One of the most superb vistas in the region unfolds from the Millaa Millaa Lookout.

Drop in to the Millaa Millaa Historical Museum and Visitor Information Centre to learn about the town’s rich heritage as a diary and timber centre. Friendly volunteers are on hand to help with any information you might need during your stay. Take a walk in the clouds at Mamu Tropical Skywalk, just 25 minutes out of Millaa Millaa. The Skywalk allows visitors to enjoy close-up views of rainforest plants, insects and birds, and take in sweeping vistas.

Millaa Millaa Lookout

Millaa Millaa Lookout

Mamu Tropical Skywalk

COUNTRY PUBS

Take a walk back in time and marvel at the old-world architecture of the Tablelands, historical photos, artefacts and enjoy a cold beer from the tap. Some have been updated and modernised but all serve reasonably priced, hearty traditional and easy light fare. Chat with a local at the bar, the stories are guaranteed to be tall and sometimes true.

The Malanda Hotel is regarded as the most outstanding of the historic pubs in the region and Australia’s largest wooden hotel. As you enter the restaurant section, notice the prominence of timber floors and magnificent staircase, of local silky oak, leading to the second floor.

The Barron Valley Hotel in Atherton has a unique art deco style, the Kuranda Hotel’s colourful history dates to the 1880s, the structure and design of Malanda Hotel are worthy of National Trust listing.

The Kuranda Hotel was the favoured watering hole for men working on the Cairns to Kuranda railway and a “must” stopover for troops before their deployment to the Pacific during World War II.

The Ravenshoe Hotel is the highest pub in Queensland and is back in original family hands, continuing over 70 years of Edwards and Nasser family history.

DON’T MISS

Millstream Falls

Bally Knob Trailhead

Millstream Falls

Innot Hot Springs

RAVENSHOE

At 930 metres above sea level, Ravenshoe is the highest town in Queensland and a world away from the nearby towns and cities of the far north. Ravenshoe exudes an old-world charm with its heritage buildings from its past life as a bustling timber town, its isolation and its rainforest surroundings. The temperature rarely exceeds 26°C, making it a great escape from the heat and humidity of the coast.

Stop by the Ravenshoe Visitor Centre and get the heads up from the friendly local volunteers on the area’s many and varied attractions. The Centre houses an excellently curated museum and the Nganyaji Interpretive Centre, covering the rich culture of the Jirrbal rainforest people with Indigenous artefacts and traditional story lines.

An unusual local attraction, just 5 kilometres from town, are 20 ultramodern wind turbines. These 45-metrehigh towers, with giant blades, create a dramatic contrast to the rolling green hills and farm pastures.

Ravenshoe is also the access point for some of the most spectacular natural attractions on the Tablelands. Millstream Falls (3 kilometres south on the Tully Gorge Road) is known to be the widest singledrop waterfall in Australia. Plunging over the edge of a columnar basalt lava flow, Big Millstream Falls is surrounded by dry, open woodland, thanks to the rain shadow of the Great Dividing Range. Three walking tracks wind through the Millstream Falls National Park, two from the Big Millstream Falls carpark and one at Little Millstream Falls. A further 21 kilometres on the same route is the famous Tully Falls, amongst the most dramatic and beautiful in Tropical North Queensland.

About half an hour from Ravenshoe is Innot Hot Springs where natural underground water bubbles at up to 75 degrees celsius. The hot springs of Nettle Creek have long been a pilgrimage site for those seeking rejuvenating and healing.

A visit to the Atherton Tablelands is not complete without an escape to the higher ground of Ravenshoe. Be sure to put it on your itinerary.

Millstream Falls

DON’T MISS

Watsonville Mill Trail

Herberton Walking Trails from Info Centre Halls Falls

HERBERTON

The quaint, undulating town of Herberton is a lively centre with pretty streets replete with historic buildings, proudly kept weatherboard homes, and majestic Jacaranda trees. Herberton is the oldest town on the Tablelands and was once the thriving heart of the tin mining industry following its establishment in 1880.

The tin boom paved the way for the eventual settlement of Atherton, Mareeba, Malanda and Ravenshoe, and confirmed Cairns as the major port in North Queensland.

The town’s rich history is celebrated at the Historic Village Herberton and the Herberton Mining Centre. The Historic Village Herberton recreates village life from the 1800s and is amongst the best outdoor museums of its kind in Australia. The Village has more than 60 original buildings from Herberton’s foundation years. This hugely popular attraction is open year-round and includes daily demonstrations and interactive displays to keep the whole family enthralled.

The Herberton Mining Centre sits on the heritage-listed Great Northern Mine site and is devoted to preserving the history of the Herberton Mineral Field. It also doubles as the Visitor Information Centre. It houses an enviable display of mining and mine-worker paraphernalia, a working model dredge and is acknowledged for its nationally significant archive of historic records.

The town’s main street is full of character and history. The beauty of the many heritage buildings is enhanced by the spectacle the Jacarandas trees when they are in full purple bloom in early Spring. Sitting high on the hill just beyond the main street is the hundredyear-old Mount St Bernard’s College, its majestic facade an education icon.

Another slice of Herberton’s rich past, dating back to 1910, is the wonderful Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway. It includes 22kms of rail track, a restored railway station, museum, workshop and, at the end of the line, the Station Cafe, gift shop, and model railway display.

Historic Village

Herberton Michael Petersen Photography

NATIONAL PARKS

BARRON GORGE NATIONAL PARK

BARRON GORGE NATIONAL PARK

With rugged landscapes, lush rainforest and spectacular views, this is a park not to be missed. Near Kuranda, the impressive Barron River tumbles 250 metres down a series of ledges and spills into the gorge below. Take an easy stroll along the elevated walkway (suitable for strollers and wheelchairs) to Din Din Barron Falls Lookout. Along the way, discover the history of the Djabugandji Aboriginal people. If you have the time, try one of long-distance tracks (half and full day walks) that traverse this large park.

CREEK, DINDEN

BARRON GORGE

DAVIES CREEK AND DINDEN NATIONAL PARK

EMERALD CREEK,

Between Kuranda and Mareeba, discover some of the region’s best kept secrets in national parks straddling the Lamb Range, the mountainous backdrop to Cairns. Reconnect with nature among granite outcrops, towering forests, boulder-strewn creeks and rushing waterfalls. Camp beside gurgling waters of paperbark-fringed Davies Creek and enjoy an easy stroll on the Davies Creek Falls circuit for views over the falls.

BARRON GORGE NATIONAL

For something more strenuous, tackle the Turtle Rock circuit or Kahlpahlim Rock trail to vantage points on the Lamb Range for spectacular views. Get your adrenalin pumping at Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park as you explore rainforest-clad slopes on gently-flowing single trails. Discover Aboriginal rock art galleries and sense the ancient connection between Djabugay people and this landscape at Bunda Bibandji (Bare Hill).

DAVIES CREEK AND DINDEN NATIONAL

EMERALD CREEK, DINDEN WEST FOREST RESERVE

EMERALD CREEK, DINDEN WEST FOREST RESERVE

CRATER LAKES NATIONAL

MOUNT HYPIPAMEE NATIONAL

WOOROONOORAN NATIONAL

Near Mareeba, discover the picturesque Emerald Creek Falls, a series of cascades falling over smooth granite boulders, contrasting starkly with the surrounding dry, rocky landscape of the forest. Climb to the lookout and soak up views of the falls, the valley below and across the northern tableland. Admire bottlebrush trees sprouting from between the rocks, their red flowers adding a splash of seasonal colour to the scene. Look for dragonflies and damselflies around sunlit sections of the creek then relax over a picnic or barbecue among tall gum trees beside Emerald Creek.

Pms376

Pms348

Emerald Creek Falls, Emerald Creek

CRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARK

Near Yungaburra on the southern Tablelands, refresh in the clear blue rainforest-fringed waters of Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham - extinct craters up to 65 metres deep. At Lake Eacham, join with the locals in lazing around the water’s edge with your picnic, watch the kids swim and play, then take an easy stroll around the lake, spotting wildlife. At Lake Barrine, admire the giant twin Bull Kauri Pine trees and continue the walking track through the cool rainforest around the lake. Finish your day with a boat cruise on the lake followed by tea in the Lake Barrine Teahouse.

MOUNT HYPIPAMEE NATIONAL PARK

Near Atherton, discover the awe-inspiring feature of this park - a deep, cylindrical volcanic pipe with a lake at the bottom. Follow the easy Crater track to emerge from high-altitude rainforest onto a viewing platform offering views over the crater, 70 metres across with sheer granite walls plunging 58 metres to the surface of the lake which is 70 metres deep. Try to imagine the sounds and

sights of the massive gas explosion that formed this crater. Detour to Dinner Falls on your return walk then relax in the picnic area, where you may be lucky to spot the resident cassowaries. At night, spotlight for possums, tree-kangaroos, spiders and insects.

WOOROONOORAN NATIONAL PARK

This large sprawling national park south of Cairns on the wet tropics coast offers something for everyone. Enjoy scenic waterfalls, lush rainforest, panoramic views and peaceful picnic areas in the Palmerston section, near Innisfail. At the delightful Josephine Falls near Mirriwinni, marvel at the clear cold waters as they thunder down from the summit of Bartle Frere. Spend a day tackling the exhilarating heights of Walshs Pyramid near Gordonvale to enjoy outstanding views over the coastal lowlands from the summit. Sit around a campfire cooking your freshlycaught fish at Goldsborough Valley camping area beside the scenic Mulgrave River near Gordonvale.

Camping: qld.gov.au/camping Info: des.qld.gov.au/parks

BARRON GORGE NATIONAL

EMERALD

DAVIES CREEK AND DINDEN

Pms376

BARRON GORGE NATIONAL PARK

EMERALD CREEK, DINDEN WEST FOREST

CRATER

MOUNT

WOOROONOORAN

DAVIES CREEK AND DINDEN

Pms376

Pms348

COOKTOWN

CAIRNS

DISCOVER PALMERVILLE STATION

Stay a while and discover Palmerville Station, a 331,000-acre cattle property on the mighty Palmer River in the Cape York wilderness. Palmerville has something for the whole family. Established on the “River of Gold” in 1873, the Palmer goldfields quickly boomed into one of the busiest settlements in Queensland with historic Maytown as its ‘capital’. Explore the remnants of this fascinating ghost town, which once boasted 20,000 residents (a majority of which were Chinese), 12 hotels, 10 stores, and a hospital. It even had its own newspaper. Nearby Stonyville

Township is a heritage-listed mining camp and another fascinating glimpse into Palmerville’s rich history.

Palmerville also has a history stretching back at least 30,000 years. Take a tour with the Western Yalanji Rangers and explore ancient archaeological sites. View thousands of Aboriginal paintings, motifs and stone artefacts in the worldfamous ‘Magnificent Gallery’. Discover areas of Palmerville only accessible on their fascinating guided tours and learn the Kuku Yalanji’s cultural world view, their physical and spiritual connection to Country, and their role as custodians of these cultural treasures.

Camping and Cabins Palmerville

Western Yalanji Rangers

PALMERVILLE

Palmerville Station

While you’re in Palmerville, experience the thrill of gold fossicking, as featured on the hit TV show ‘Aussie Gold Hunters’. Try panning on the famous ‘River of Gold’ or hire a gold detector and unearth a take-home treasure. Wet a line fishing for the iconic Barramundi or drop in a pot and catch some local Red Claw crayfish. Test your 4x4 skills on the epic Old Coach Road, cool off in crystal clear rock pools, or just enjoy the vast wilderness. Accommodation includes several secluded, unpowered campsites, or historic miner’s huts and modern donga-style cabins. Bookings are essential.

Discover Palmerville, a vast 331,000-acre cattle Station in the wilds of Cape York, yet only 3 hours from Cairns. Discover the ghost town of Maytown, established on the mighty Palmer ‘River of Gold’ in 1874. Discover more than 30,000 years of history, seen through the eyes of the Western Yalanji people, including the world-famous ‘Magnificent Gallery’ and its thousands of Aboriginal paintings, motifs and artefacts. Discover the Mitchell-Palmer limestone formation, dotted with caves and striking topography. Discover yourself and stay a while. Campsites and cabins available. Bookings are essential.

Whites Creek Road, Palmer. 3 hours from Cairns. Ph 1300 540 131 palmerville.com.au

‘Magnificent Gallery’, Palmerville Station

Fossick for gold

DISCOVER GOLD

DISCOVER THE GHOSTS OF THE GOLD RUSH

DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE RIVER OF GOLD PALMERVILLE

DISCOVER THE ANCIENT ART AND CULTURE OF THE KUKU YALANJI PEOPLE

DON’T MISS

Chillagoe Weir

Mungana Caves Hike

Chillagoe Caves

Chillagoe Smelters

Balancing Rock

CHILLAGOE

Chillagoe is just 160kms west of Atherton but a world away from the Tablelands lush rolling hills. Once an ancient coral reef system, Chillagoe’s terrain has transformed into one of the country’s most diverse geological landscapes. Amazing limestone bluffs, the world-famous Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park and rich deposits of marble and minerals have since put

this accessible outback town on the tourist trail.

Stay a few days and take the time to explore the natural wonders of the region by putting Chillagoe Tourist Village on your itinerary. Enjoy friendly outback hospitality, shady sites for caravans or motorhomes, airconditioned budget cabins, or clean, spacious family units and studio cabins.

Chillagoe Town Hall

Chillagoe Tourist Village

Discover the astounding beauty and natural wonder of Chillagoe’s network of limestone caves. In the cool darkness of this subterranean world, spectacularly lit by spotlights, an informative Park Ranger will explain the cave’s exquisite features and how this fascinating world was formed. Or the more adventurous can explore the shadowy tunnels and underground chambers without a guide.

Chillagoe has remarkable aboveground attractions too. Walk to Balancing Rock, a precariously poised limestone formation, and discover its ancient Aboriginal rock art shelters. Step into the past at the heritage site of Chillagoe Smelters and learn of the region’s colourful mining history. And, at the end of the day, enjoy a magnificent outback sunset from a vantage point of your choosing.

Ranger-g uided cave tours

Chillag oe - Mung ana C aves Nat ional P ar k

Connect with Queensland National Park s

qld.g ov. au/Chill ag oe C ave s

(07 ) 40 94 7111 f or tour b o ok ing s qldnationalpar k s

@ QldP ar k s; # QldP ar k s

Chillagoe Caves

NORMANTON

Normanton is a lively little town perched between the wild rivers of the Gulf of Carpentaria and Queensland’s arid outback, offering an authentic slice of Australia’s rich history and natural beauty. Located in the heart of the Gulf Savannah, Normanton is a mustvisit destination for travellers seeking adventure, history and world-class fishing. The town boasts a unique blend of historic charm and modern conveniences and is a great base for exploring the region, making it an ideal stop on your outback journey.

Highlights include the Normanton Railway Station with its original Victorian-era architecture, an informative museum and the Gulflander train, affectionately said to travel from ‘nowhere to nowhere’. The Heritagelisted Gulflander operates seasonally,

with weekly departures from Normanton and Croydon. Normanton also houses historic buildings from the 1800s, including the Burns Philip Building, home to the Visitor Information Centre and Library, and the Old Gaol. A great local photo-op is the 8.63 metres, life-size replica of Krys, the largest crocodile ever killed or captured, it was shot by a Polish woman named Krys Pawlowski in 1957.

Normanton lies on the mighty Norman River and is the gateway to several attractions of the Gulf Region. Take in the breathtaking sunsets and abundant wildlife of the nearby Mutton Hole Wetlands. Just up the road (70kms) is the iconic seaport of Karumba, a small town with a big reputation and home to the Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre.

THE GULFLANDER

Step back in time with the Gulflander, affectionately known as the ‘Tin Hare’. This historic train travels between Normanton and Croydon through the rugged Gulf Savannah, offering a journey unlike any other. Opened in 1891, the heritage-listed railway line once connected the bustling port of Normanton to the gold fields of Croydon and is now a treasured tourism icon. Experience the charm of the journey with its vintage railmotor and carriages plus captivating commentary from your driver and guide along the way. A trip on the Gulflander is more than a rail journey - it’s a living piece of Queensland history.

Normanton Railway Station, Normanton T 1800 577 245 gulflander.com.au

Krys the crocodile, Normanton

GULF SAVANNAH

Discover the wilds of North Queensland’s Gulf Savannah, where the outback meets the sea. This vast, rugged region is strewn with natural wonders, rich history, Indigenous culture and fishing that has become folklore.

At the heart of the Gulf Savannah lies the stunning Cobbold Gorge, an ancient geological landform surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs that rise dramatically from her emerald-green waters. A boat cruise or a stand-up paddleboarding tour through the narrow gorge is an unforgettable experience, offering a unique perspective of this awe-inspiring landscape. Three hours drive north-east of the gorge are the fascinating Undara Lava Tubes, remnants of a volcanic eruption 190,000 years ago. Many travellers combine the two for an epic road trip but be sure to book ahead as both are hugely popular.

The Gulf Savannah is also a living canvas of the Indigenous culture of the Ewamian people, traditional custodians of the land. Join a guided cultural tour to learn about their deep connection to Country through ancient creation stories and Aboriginal rock art.

The Gulf Savannah remains a remote and untouched part of the world. However, the famous Savannah Way drive route (Cairns to Broome, via Normanton) and the legendary Gulflander train

(Croydon to Normanton) have made this backcountry more accessible than ever. So get the family together and start planning your outback adventure now.

BE CROC WISE

• Always obey crocodile warning signs.

• Never swim where crocodiles may be present, even if you don’t see any signs.

• Look out for crocodile slide marks on the bank and stay well away from them.

• When fishing, always stand a few metres back from the water’s edge and never clean fish or discard scraps near the water’s edge.

• Don’t dangle arms or legs out of a boat. If you fall out, get back in as quickly and calmly as possible.

• Never provoke or attack crocodiles and do not feed them or leave food out for them.

• Camp at least 50m from the edge of the water and 2m above the high-water mark.

• Don’t leave any food scraps, prepare food or wash dishes at the water’s edge.

The Gulflander

DAINTREE RIVER

The Daintree River and surrounding rainforest are one of Australia’s most pristine and biodiverse ecosystems. The ancient Daintree Rainforest, described by Sir David Attenborough as ‘quite unlike any other rainforest in the world’ and the Daintree River offer a remarkable opportunity to witness a vast array of wildlife. More than 430 species of birds, strange mammals, frogs and fishes and the infamous saltwater crocodile all inhabit this lush tropical environment.

One of the best ways to explore this incredible place is by taking a tour with Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises on board the Crocodile Express. They have run guided cruises, led by experienced naturalists who share their deep knowledge of the river’s ecosystem, since 1979. They are the only operator with two different departure points along the river and the choice of two very different crocodile cruises. Whether you’re a nature lover, looking to spot crocodiles, or simply seeking a tranquil escape into nature, a visit to the Daintree River is an unforgettable experience that connects you with the rich natural heritage of this extraordinary region.

Daintree Wildlife Cruise

REAL ESTATE

Beautiful North Queensland has always been a favourite travel destination. But now it has also become a desirable and affordable place for sea-changers, tree-changers, retirees and families to live, buy a holiday home, or purchase an investment property.

Ever wished to spend your days relaxing and fishing on your own year-round holiday retreat? Or staking a claim to a parcel of land on a huge outback cattle station? Or having rights to fossick on the famous Palmer “River of Gold”? Well, this unique, exciting and exclusive opportunity is available through a LongTerm Licence Agreement at Palmerville Station, only 3 hours from Cairns. See www.palmerville.com.au/stakeyourclaim for details.

It’s little wonder people are flocking to the far north. Whether it’s the wide-

open spaces of the rugged outback, the pristine beaches of the northeast coast, or the clean mountain air and lush rolling hills of the Atherton Tablelands. So make your way to North Queensland to invest in your future or to embrace a permanent change; your dream lifestyle awaits!

1/4 -Acre blocks of prime lakefront land available at Palmerville, a 331,000-acre cattle station in the wilds of Cape York, yet only 3 hours from Cairns. $250/wk (min. 12 month licence, includes consent to fossick).

Contact Palmerville for this unique and exciting opportunity. 1300 540 131 bookings@palmerville.com.au

Yungaburra waterfront

Palmerville Station