Discover 2011/12

2011/12 visitors’ guide

FREE

Ather ton Tablelands / Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah

Kuranda | Millaa Millaa | Malanda | Yungaburra | Chillagoe | Petford | Mareeba | Tolga | Atherton Ravenshoe | Innot Hot Springs | Mt Garnet | Herberton | Irvinebank | Canecutter Way | Savannah Way

www.athertontablelands.com.au

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 1

SKYBURY COFFEE

Visit Skybury, Australia's oldest coffee plantation to enjoy freshly roasted, barrista coffee and the best views on the Tablelands. Take a guided tour and see how the entire coffee process happens.

Plantation Tours

Open Daily 10am - 4pm (Closed 20-26 December)

Gourmet Cafe

1.5 hrs drive from Cairns / Port Douglas

Award Winning Coffee The Australian Coffee Centre

Gift Shop

Tours 10.30am, 11.45am, 2.15pm

Wholesale Coffee

Ph: 4093 2190

Online Coffee Sales

Buy green or roasted coffee beans at Skybury or shop online for coffee, liqueurs, gift items and more.

Skybury Coffee is 9km west of Mareeba.

Self drive, take a hire car or coach tour ex Cairns.

www.skybury.com.au

2 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 3

Welc me ‘Adventurous by nature’ is our regional brand, and the perfect theme to adopt for your visit to the Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands/Gulf Savannah. Chances are you’ve already spent time on the Great Tropical Drive or found your way here via one of our gateways: the Gulf Savannah or Cape York, two of the most adventurous touring routes in Australia!

When you are travelling, connectivity’s important.

Mobile phone and WiFi coverage across the region does vary with the topography. As a rule, when you are near towns, you’ll be connected. You’ll discover the region’s retailers cater for all your needs, whether it’s stocking up on provisions and fuel, to browsing in the stores for antiques or a perfect hand-made souvenir. Regular trading hours tend to be 9am5pm. Note the major supermarkets and chains are not currently trading on Sundays here, however independent spar’s and supermarkets do, so ask a local and they’ll happily tell you.

People ask ‘what is the best thing about the region?’.

Well, there’s more than one! Firstly, the gourmet food and wine trails that criss-cross the ‘food bowl of the tropics’. Secondly, our wildlife with a particular emphasis on birdwatching and unique marsupials like the tree kangaroo. Thirdly, the waterfall circuits with their stunning rainforest backdrops and hidden gems.

Finally, there’s the region’s natural wonders such as the Curtain Fig Tree, Lake Tinaroo, Mt Hypipamee Crater, Undara Lava Tubes, Broomfield Swamp, Paronella Park and the twin crater lakes of Barrine and Eacham just to name a few! Venture out, and discover how wonderful it is to stay at cosy B&Bs, timber treehouses, inviting inns, holiday parks and eco-lodges.

During your stay with us, acknowledge the traditional custodians of this amazing region and learn more of their ways. North Queensland’s Aboriginal people have a unique and enduring culture whose basis is in the separate clan groups from the rainforests, grasslands and outback plains.

Thanks for visiting us!

CONTENTS 6

Gourmet Travels Farm fresh produce, wines, coffee and tea plantations, getaways.

8

Birding & Wildlife The variety of habitats support an amazing range of species.

10 Natural Wonders World Heritage World Class - visit forests, National Parks and ancient lakes.

12 Waterfalls & Lakes

Ulysses butterfly

Fresh water playgrounds and perfect cascades.

14 Kuranda A unique rainforest village, built on history, heritage and culture.

19 Millaa Millaa Biodynamic dairy and café, walking trails and waterfall circuits to discover.

20 Malanda Malanda Falls, tea plantations, heritage architecture and dairy centre.

22 Yungaburra The largest National Trust village in Queensland and a romantic getaway.

26 Regional Maps 30 Chillagoe & Petford Wildlife watching and exploration among the relics of mining heydays.

32 Mareeba Mangoes, coffee attractions, wildlife and the most clear sunny days per year!

36 Tolga Explore the village, stock up on local produce and handmade souvenirs.

38 Atherton publisheR: Tropical Tablelands Tourism ADDRESS: PO Box 257 Atherton QLD 4833 PHONE: 07 4096 7405 FAX: 07 4096 7415 email: office@athertontablelands.com.au SALES & EDITORIAL: Libra Communications administration: Smart Data Virtual Office Solutions DESIGN & LAYOUT: Engine Room Creative IMAGES: Tourism Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, At a Glance Photography and Mia Lacy WEB: www.athertontablelands.com.au

The welcoming town of Atherton has great attractions and regional services.

Marvel at The Crystal Caves

42 Ravenshoe, Innot Hot Springs & Mt Garnet Explore the highest reaches of Queensland and seek out nature here.

43 Herberton & Irvinebank Yesteryear and today meet compatibly in these mining townships in the hills.

44 Canecutter Way

All information contained in this magazine is subject Southern gateway dotted with farms, to copyright and may not be reproduced, copied or history and a dreamer’s castle. transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Tropical Tablelands Tourism.

46 Savannah Way It is not possible for the publisher to ensure the A journey into the heartland of Australia advertisements which appear in this publication comply with the Trade Practices Act 1974. The responsibility across the northern plains and towns. is therefore on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisements for publication.

48 Events & Markets While every endeavour has been made to ensure Not to be missed! complete accuracy, the publisher cannot be held 4 responsible Discover the Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website for Atherton any errors,Tablelands changes or/Cairns omissions.

Worldwww.athertontablelands.com.au famous Millaa Millaa Falls

Vintage australia Here & now

sit in the schoolhouse. stand at the bar of the pub. enjoy a cuppa or a latte in the Bakerville tearooms. Herberton Historic Village is more than a vintage precinct – it’s a tangible buzz of things past.

You could easily spend the whole day here – many people do! the collection of over 50 original buildings with intact interior displays, original machinery and vehicles, plus thousands of genuine antique items and period memorabilia is regarded as the most signficant ever assembled in Queensland.

Don’t forget your camera, and dogs on leads are welcome!

Herberton Historic Village 6 Broadway Herberton Queensland 4887 Telephone 07 4096 2002 info@herbertonhistoricvillage.com.au www.herbertonhistoricvillage.com.au

Open daily 9am – 5pm Last entry 3.30pm Adults: $24 Children: $12 Concession: $20 Family (2x2): $65 Allow a 90 minute drive from Cairns.

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 5

Gourmet Travels Food and Wine Trails | A Quality Getaway

highlights Multicultural Providores Roadside Stalls and Cellar Doors Restaurants and Spas All Budget Options

Take your tastebuds on a holiday Award winning fruit wines

Breathe in deeply. Now relax, because there’s simply no better place to holiday. You’re in the deli of the tropics and the region’s food bowl is yours to savour and experience. Share the bounty and discover new tastes!

Tastes of the Tropics In October, the Tastes of the Tablelands Festival showcases the best wines, coffees, cheeses, chocolates and other local produce that this wonderful region produces. Throughout the year, visitors can explore five individual Taste Paradise food trails around the region. Download the free App, find your favourite by exploring them all and look for the best providers displaying the Taste Paradise regional food brand.

Did you know this is the only place you’ll discover all the ingredients for a perfect cuppa? Coffee, tea, milk and sugar are all grown right here! At Millaa Millaa, the biodynamic dairy Mungalli Creek produces exquisite cheeses, yoghurts, icecream and milks. Near Malanda, Gallo Dairyland makes superb cheeses and chocolates.

Break for a cuppa and a tour at the Nerada Tea Plantation. Stock up at roadside produce stalls and the treats of Tarzali Lakes’ Smokehouse Café.

At Mareeba, you enter the coffee zone. Australia’s oldest coffee plantation, Skybury, has created a dedicated visitor centre with tours and a gourmet café with amazing views. Jaques Australian Coffee is a local plantation with a roasting

Sharing the Sensory Adventure of a Lush Tropical Bounty

house, café , coffee tours. In town, a gourmet feast awaits you at The Coffee Works. Compare the finest flavours of coffee, tea, chocolate and liqueur. Don’t miss the exquisite chocolate in their chocolaterie, and explore the labyrinth of light and sound; Coffee World.

Award winning fruit wines, liqueurs and spirits are found at Murdering Point Winery, Golden Drop Mango Winery, De Brueys Boutique Wines and Mt Uncle Distillery.

Gourmet travelers will discover the day tour that has all the foodie highlights: Food Trail Tours.

Indulge and Restore Take your taste buds on a tour at great local restaurants

Discover the best tastes of paradise at attractions displaying this logo on the region’s many Food Trails.

and cafés like Nick’s Swiss Italian, Eden House, Chilverton Fine Dining, Tolga

Download FREE Smartphone App

Country Breeze, Tinaroo Lake Resort, Foxwell Park, Cedar Park, Barron Valley

For more info visit www.tasteparadise.com.au

Woodworks Café, Bridges Café, The Falls Teahouse, Snibbles in the Rainforest, Hotel and Kuranda’s Hotel Motel. Indulge in a spa bath for two at your luxury chalet, or a couples treatment at Eden House Mountain Spa.

6 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

S a vour o o f cho c ur superb sele ction ola tes c re a very ow n Cho c ted in our ola terie.

In dulge in the luscio us luxury of Australian co ffee liq exclusive to the Co ffe ueurs e Works.

E xplor e Co ffe the bigg es e E xpo ta It’s on th n d best like D e isn e yl a n d fo pla n et! r

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Mareeba CBD WE ARE HERE Turn at Jackaroo Motel

Mareeba Main Street

Co ffe

Port Douglas 1 hr Kuranda 30 min Cairns 1 hr Mission Beach 2.5 hrs

Mareeba Heritage Museum

Atherton 30 min

Discover information visittoour Picture captionthe toAtherton go here.Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more Picture caption go website here. www.athertontablelands.com.au 7

Birding & Wildlife Rare Species | World Heritage | National Parks

highlights The Mareeba Wetlands/Nyleta Wetlands Batreach Kuranda The Bat Hospital Atherton Peterson Creek Platypus Platform

Australia’s birding capital

Birdwatching here attracts global attention. There are more than 430 bird species in the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef and 327 of these are to be seen right here on the Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands.

Birding Twelve bird species are endemic to our region. The diverse avifauna is due to the variety of habitats here: riverine, wetland, woodland, rainforest, grassland, agricultural and parkland.

Birders can easily find the best spots by downloading the free Birding Tropical Australia App, which puts all the best locations in the region at your fingertips with GPS precision and provides a wealth of birding information.

Eastern Spinebill

October to April may be our hotter and wetter months, but it is the time when the migrant species arrive from Papua New Guinea including the beautiful Buffbreasted Paradise Kingfisher, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Common Koel. Many birds such as Noisy Pitta are also breeding at this time of year and are easier to observe as they search for food. During our cooler, drier, winter months (May to September) the Victoria’s Riflebirds are displaying and winter breeders such as White-eared Monarch can be easier to see. During this period, Brolgas and Sarus Cranes are also found on the Tablelands feeding on the agricultural fields.

Top birdwatching spots include the dry regions of Mt Molloy and Kaban, the wetlands of Mareeba, Nyleta, Hasties Swamp, Nardellos Lagoon, Broomfield Swamp, Abattoir Swamp, the National Parks of Mt Hypipamee, Crater Lakes, Davis Creek, Barron Falls, Mt Lewis, and the Wongabel State Forest.

Wildlife Viewing and studying wildlife is made simple by a network of National Parks, bushwalks, wildlife spotting tours and the knowledgeable interest of so many local people. The Bat Hospital in Atherton is internationally known, and has a visitor centre where you can meet microbats and flying foxes eye to eye and learn more about these fascinating animals. As well as Alan’s Wildlife Tours from Yungaburra, you can see wildlife at excellent attractions such as The Mareeba Wetlands, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Railway and Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures where you can gain even more insight into wildlife.

World Heritage/National Parks The outstanding natural universal values of Australia’s Tropical Rainforests were recognised in 1998 when the Wet Tropics of Queensland was inscribed on the World Heritage List. You can learn more about World Heritage-listed places from regional visitor centres, or look for the green tree frog logo as you explore the area.

8 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 9

Natural Wonders Subterranean Attractions | Spectacular Beauty

highlights World Heritage Treasures National Parks Unique Geological Features Variety and Accessibility

Tranquil beauty at Lake Eacham

Are you feeling adventurous by nature? Take a refreshing swim in an ancient crater lake, marvel at thousand year old trees, stand in the world’s longest lava flow, see fairytale limestone caves and steep yourself in fascinating cultural history.

A Natural High Nature here really is something to marvel at. The Hypipamee Crater was created by an exploding vent sending volcanic bombs across the landscape. Undara Lava Tubes are the world’s longest continuous lava flow from a single volcano. Chillagoe’s limestone caves are the relics of an underwater coral reef. Cobbold Gorge’s dramatic sandstone escarpments offer up an unforgettable vista. The Gulf Savannah’s treasures - Riversleigh Fossil Fields, the prehistoric landscapes of Lawn Hill and the stunning Morning Glory Cloud formations - are unmatched.

Stunning landscapes at Cobbold Gorge

The spectacular Barron Falls (one of the most visited sites in the World Hertiage area) is easily accessed by the interpretive walkway, or viewed from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway. Lake Tinaroo, a spectacular expanse used for hydro, is an aquatic playground year round. The Crater Lakes of Eacham and Barrine were formed 12,000 years ago by molten magma. At Lake Barrine, a short walk brings you to the towering Twin Kauri trees, thought to be over 1,000 years old. Near Yungaburra, the spectacular Curtain Fig Tree has aerial roots which drop 15 metres to the ground. Another fantastic tree, the Cathedral Fig Tree located in the Danbulla State Forest, is a gigantic 500 year old strangler fig tree like the Curtain Fig Tree.

The waterfalls here are record breaking, with the region home to Australia’s tallest waterfall (Wallaman Falls), the widest single-drop waterfall (Millstream Falls) and even a waterfall that featured as the tribal council on the second season of the show “Survivor” in Blencoe Falls. There’s also the delightful waterfalls circuit where you can visit nearly a dozen falls in a couple of days including the famous Millaa Millaa Falls.

Hypipamee Crater - a lush wonderland

Get up close to nature at the Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve, Granite Gorge Nature Park or the Peterson Creek Walking Circuit at Yungaburra.

Throughout the region, the area’s natural heritage is enhanced with built attractions which sit atop the landscape in harmony - visit the Crystal Caves, Paronella Park, or Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway.

10 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

The original & the best

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www.ksr.com.au

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 11

Waterfalls & Lakes Fresh Water Playgrounds | Perfect Cascades

highlights The Waterfall Circuit Barron Falls Lakes Eacham, Barrine and Tinaroo Lake Koombooloomba

Sheer majesty at Lake Tinaroo

Here in the Wet Tropics, water falls out of the sky often. Luckily the rivers and streams cascading from the highlands to the coast spill over terrain that creates natural features in the popular forms of the shimmering lakes and cascading waterfalls which are the stand-out attractions of the region.

Zillie Falls

Southern Waterfalls This is the home of the highly recommended Waterfall Circuit, which begins near Millaa Millaa on the Palmerston Highway. Follow the scenic road past The Falls Teahouse to the fairy-tale drop of Millaa Millaa Falls, the region’s popular emblem and the most photographed waterfall of all. Stop for refreshments at Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy and Café. Drive on to Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls, and visit Mungalli Falls. On the way to Ravenshoe visit Souita and Pepina Falls and Australia’s widest waterfall, the Millstream Falls, which is located 5 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, a geological oddity which has resulted in a very deep hole. 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.

Northern Waterfalls The Davies Creek National Park contains a series of pools and waterfalls fed by Davies Creek. The biggest of all the waterfalls can be found in Kuranda. Spectacular all year round, the majestic Barron Falls is at its awesome best during the Green Season.

The Crater Lakes: Barrine and Eacham The twin volcanic crater lakes of Barrine and Eacham are tranquil pools of water fringed by rainforest. At Lake Barrine, take a cruise to spot wildlife and enjoy a break at the quaint 80 year old teahouse which serves excellent devonshire teas. At Lake Eacham, a long stretch of grassy lawn meets the lake’s edge and there are barbecues, picnic areas, an all weather shelter and toilets. Guests at the neighbouring wildlife rainforest lodge enjoy free nocturnal animal viewings each evening.

Reward yourself with nature

Hydro Dam Lakes Lake Tinaroo’s large expanse was created back in the 1950s by damming the Barron River. Recreational use of the beautiful lake is high and the campgrounds are very popular with locals seeking to escape the humidity of the coast during the warmer months. There’s both an excellent holiday park and a luxury lakeside resort. Lake Koombooloomba was built in 1961 on the Tully River system and is an excellent fishing and camping getaway spot.

12 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

undercover swimming pool

Barramundi heaven Cabins from $74 Sites from $24

Self-contained Cabins Powered Sites Camp Kitchen Boat Hire Swimming Pool Hire Equipment Kiosk BBQ’s

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Lake Tinaroo

For bookings or more details, please visit us online (Quote promo code DMAG364 to receive 10% discount*)

www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au Tinaroo Falls Dam Rd, Tinaroo Falls QLD 4872 Free Call 1300 727 044 *Subject to availability. Offer valid until 20/12/2012 for cabin accommodation only.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

• Fully appointed, 4½ star AAA rated, self-contained, luxury apartments on the shores of Lake Tinaroo • Magnificent lake views from all apartments • Fully licensed restaurant • Conference facilities • Perfect for couples, groups and families

Phone/Fax (07) 4095 8912

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Swimming - Lake Eacham

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Mention this ad for a 5% discount on accommodation bookings* *Subject to availability

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 13

Kuranda

highlights

Culture | Shopping | Attractions | Wildlife

Restaurants and Cafés Arts, Crafts and Souvenirs Indigenous Artifacts and Culture Jungle Walk over Jum Rum Creek

A village in the rainforest

The delightful mountain village of Kuranda attracts visitors from all over the world who enjoy its superb wildlife attractions, walking trails, river cruises, souvenir shopping and artists’ galleries. Spend a few days here immersed in Kuranda’s culture - this vibrant and close knit community has both unique style and engaging sophistication.

Get up close to wombats and other native wildlife

Attractions One of Kuranda’s most treasured landmarks is the Barron River and its spectacular gorge; home of the mighty Barron Falls. A river boat wildlife spotting cruise operates from beside the train and Skyrail arrival stations.

Wildlife watching is one of the great things to do in Kuranda. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is a beautiful garden aviary containing no fewer than 1500 colourful butterflies. Birdworld is home to the largest collection of free-flying birds in Australia – some 500 of them – yet its most impressive inhabitant, the endangered Southern Cassowary, doesn’t fly at all. Displays at the Australian Venom Zoo focus on venomous animals - think Australian tarantulas, centipedes and scorpions. BatReach is a rescue and rehabilitation centre operated by volunteers located off the main street. Admission is by donation. Kuranda’s Koala Gardens is ideal for visitors with limited time who want to see Australia’s best known wildlife like koalas, wallabies, wombats, crocodiles and a snake and reptile house.

Shopping Over the years, Kuranda has evolved into a great place to shop. There are bargains to be had here, as well as exquisite artisan pieces at the other end of the spectrum.

The markets in Kuranda are very diverse and have been a feature of the village for 25 years. Best Kuranda buys are the hand-made local products and quality Australiana such as opals, wood-art, didgeridoos and other authentic Aboriginal artifacts. You’ll find delightfully soft and supple kangaroo skins and leather products, and for that souvenir t-shirt for anyone back home, you simply can’t go past the range and prices here!

Kuranda’s Railway Station

Restaurants and Cafés Historic buildings from the past now house a variety of upmarket restaurants, cafés and bars. Dine indoors in air-conditioned comfort, or take an alfresco table surrounded by the vistas and sounds of Kuranda at one of the many quality hotels, cafés, bar and grills in this exciting village.

14 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

(07) 4093 9311

www.kuranda.org iscover stunning panoramic views, great food, rainforest accommodation, B&B’s, eco-tours, famous markets, fabulous walking tracks, and vibrant shops.

Kuranda is home to a number of potters, painters, photographers, glass and craft workers, masters in wood, jewellery and fabrics. Their work is on display in many of the shops, galleries and markets in the village, and it is possible to see work in progress. And when you find the perfect piece of hand-made jewellery, why not complement it with one of the many locally designed and produced fashion items to be found throughout the village.

Make sure you allow plenty of time to visit some of Kuranda’s world renowned attractions and activities, which includes

koalas, butterflies, native and exotic birds, kangaroos, reptiles, some of the world’s most venomous snakes, and even come face to face with a huge life size replica of an Allosaurus Dinosaur. You can see traditional Aboriginal dancers perform, travel on a riverboat along the mighty Barron River, get your photo taken holding a koala, feed wallabies and explore an amazing gemstone museum.

Outdoor dining is one of the joys of warm climate living and Kuranda has a number of excellent restaurants, which serve both local and international cuisine. Leisurely meals, in comfortable surroundings, with charming views, add to the pleasures of good food and superb Australian wines and beers.

BIRDWORLD KURANDA

KURANDA KOALA GARDENS

The largest single collection of free flying birds in Australia. A spectacular display of around 500 in all from the world. Wander through this lush, tropically landscaped aviary, home to the endangered Cassowary.

Abundant hand feeding and photo opportunities.

Heritage Markets, Rob Veivers Drive. www.birdworldkuranda.com Ph: 07 4093 9188

See your favourite Australian animals at this boutique wildlife attraction - wallabies & wombats, lizards, snakes, crocodiles & lots of koalas. Photo extra.

Open daily 9.00am to 4.00pm Heritage Markets, Rob Veivers Drive www.koalagardens.com Ph: 07 4093 9953

RAINFORESTATION NATURE PARK

CAIRNS WILDLIFE SAFARI RESERVE

The Village’s cafes and coffee shops give Kuranda its laid back ambience, offering tropical taste sensations to suit all tastes and budgets.

The iconic Kuranda Markets are open daily and specialise in hand made arts and crafts and you will find locally designed and produced fashions; hand crafted jewellery; Aboriginal artists; wood and leather workers; gem stone specialists; as well as North Queensland’s best range of honeys; local coffee; tropical fruits; homemade ice cream; coconuts and macadamia nuts.

Kuranda is a “must do” holiday destination for everyone visiting North Queensland, and you will need to set aside a full day, or better still, stay overnight, to truly explore, discover and experience the magic that is Kuranda.

AUSTRALIAN BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY A spectacular live butterfly exhibition, with hundreds of colourful tropical butterflies flying through the all-weather rainforest enclosure. Tours run between 10.00am and 3.15pm. Open daily 9.45am to 4.00pm.

8 Rob Veivers Drive. www.australianbutterflies.com Ph: 07) 4093 7575

KURANDA RAINFOREST TOURS

This award-winning park near Kuranda offers three Located 9kms west of Kuranda, the Cairns Wildlife Tours depart from our riverside landing unique experiences: Army Duck Tours, Pamagirri Safari Reserve is home to animals from all parts of the below the Railway Station. You will find us Aboriginal Dance Troup and Koala & Wildlife Park. world. This truly amazing facility enables people of over the Railway foot bridge and down the Day tours available with Tropic Wings. Shuttle bus all ages to learn about and see wild animals in action, stairs. PURCHASE YOUR TICKET ON THE departures available from the Australian Butterfly seven days a week from 9am to 4.30pm. Breakfast with BOAT - 45 minute cruise. Departs 10.45am, Sanctuary. Open 9am-4pm daily. the beasts among the largest pride of lions in Australia. 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm daily.

Kennedy Highway 2577 Kennedy Highway, Koah www.kurandariverboat.com www.rainforest.com.au 9kms West of Kuranda Ph: 0412 159 212 Discover thePh: Atherton Tablelands Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 15 07 4085 5008 /Cairns Highlands andwww.cairnswildlifesafarireserve.com.au Ph: 07 4093 7777

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Kuranda Heritage Markets

History Kuranda has always been a magnet for visitors. The village began life in the 1800s as a retreat where locals could escape the heat and humidity of the tropical coast. During the ‘60s, a new wave of settlers arrived, embracing the alternative lifestyle movement of the day and establishing Kuranda as an arts and crafts nexus. Catering for visitors, in one form or another, forms the basis of commerce and lifestyle in Kuranda today. There is plenty of accommodation to be found, whether it be a cosy bed and breakfast, a well maintained, multichoice accommodation and camping park, an historic hotel that harks back to the 1920s, a modern resort with one of the best natural style swimming pools you’ll find anywhere, or a clean and comfy backpackers hostel.

Superb wildlife attractions

Around Kuranda The journey to Kuranda is an exciting one. Other than the scenic highway route, you can choose to travel to Kuranda via two of the region’s icons; the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The railway is an amazing journey, crossing Stoney Creek Bridge and stopping at Barron Falls.

Skyrail’s gondolas take visitors gliding above the canopy of the rainforest, with stops at an interpretive centre and boardwalks into the lush forests. A popular option is to combine both!

Five minutes from Kuranda Village is Rainforestation, a 40 hectare nature park amidst World Heritage-listed Rainforest. Visitors can sample exotic fruits from the tropical orchard, take a tour on an amphibious Army Duck, enjoy Aboriginal culture with the park’s Pamagirri Dancers and the Dreamtime Walk, and observe Australia’s unique fauna in the koala and wildlife park.

Drive 15 minutes west of Kuranda on the Mareeba Road and book in for rainforest adventures at Blazing Saddles. Jump onto a quad bike - an all terrain vehicle that’s fun and easy to ride - or mount a horse to ride through the bush trails on this excellent property.

Quality Indigenous souvenirs

The Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve, five minutes further along the road to Mareeba, is home to exotic animals from all parts of the world. Tigers and cheetahs, a big pride of lions, bears, rhino, hippopotamus, primates and more all share this remarkable animal reserve. Visitors can engage with guided walks, watch feeding sessions and learn more from informative talks by the reserve’s wildlife keepers.

16 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

(07) 4093 9311

www.kuranda.org

EMU RIDGE GALLERY

BOB’S WOODART

PETER JARVER GALLERY

Two storey high unique Dinosaur Skeleton, fossil and gemstone museum, gift shop, gemstones, crystals and jewellery. Located at the Original Kuranda Rainforest Markets - look out for the big Dinosaur out the front!

Free Admission.

7-11 Therwine Street. emuridgegallery@austarnet.com.au

Be excited by the colours, textures and aromas of superb timbers, hand made in our Kuranda rainforest studio. Large burl bowls, amazing vases, souvenirs, calendars, barometers, clocks and much more, don’t miss out.

24 Coondoo Street. bobserve@tpg.com.au Ph: 07 4093 9044

Experience our exquisite Peter Jarver photographic collection. Allow our images to transcend you into a moment captured in time of rare Australian beauty. Located in main street Kuranda and air conditioned for your comfort.

3 Coondoo Street www.peterjarver.com Ph: 07 4093 8081

JUST GORGEOUS

HONEY HOUSE

GOLDEN DROP MANGO WINES

An eclectic collection of the latest fashions, jewellery, accessories and giftware. It’s truly a treasure trove to delight the senses and air-conditioned for your comfort.

Open 7 days a week.

16 Coondoo Street www.justgorgeous.net.au Ph: 07 4093 7508

For over 50 years, Honey House Kuranda has showcased North Queensland’s best honey varieties. FREE honey tasting, LIVE bee display, medicinal & gourmet honeys, honeycomb & beauty products. A MUST SEE World Famous Attraction!

Therwine Street www.honeyhousekuranda.com Ph: 07 4093 7261

Taste before you buy the delicious unique Golden Drop Wines - Sparkling Wine, Mango Port, Mango & Citrus Liqueur Wines.

Cellar open daily: 9.30am - 4 pm.

New Kuranda Markets - 21 Coondoo St www.goldendrop.com.au Ph: 07 4093 2750

FROGS RESTAURANT

KURANDA VILLAGE CAFÉ BAR & GRILL

1476-2

CETI BATH SHOP

Established 1980, Frogs is a Kuranda icon. “ceti” essential oil soap and bath products, Open 7 days from 7am. Come and enjoy our Breakfast and lunch at its best, a secluded handmade in Kuranda since 1996, breakfast, fresh Australian cuisine, pizzas, tropical verandah, wireless broadband, great natural skincare, essential oils, bathing seafood and salads. We are dedicated to espresso, best baristas all with a professional accessories, gifts and more. excellent customer service with a smile. We are friendly service. fully licensed with internet facilities available.

Shop 4/ 25 Coondoo St 11 Coondoo Street cetihandmadesoap@bigpond.com 17 Therwine St. www.frogsrestaurant.com.au Ph: 0417 643 117 www.kurandacafebarandgrill.com.au Ph: 07 4093 7405 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 17 Ph: 07 4093 9399

(07) 4093 9311

www.kuranda.org

KURANDA RAINFOREST VIEW RESTAURANT

KURANDA’S CYBER CAFE

MIJU RAINFOREST RETREAT

Tropical dining, air-conditioned, open deck, licensed, international cuisine, seafood, grill, pasta, pizza & light meals with friendly service. Ideal place for all your functions with 250 seat capacity.

28 Coondoo St. www.rainforestview.com.au Ph: 07 4093 9939

Enjoy scrumptious PIZZA, delicious COFFEE, Salads, Nachos, Burgers, Sandwiches, Chips, Breakfast, Cakes & Milkshakes! INTERNET, GAMING (20 Computers), Faxes, photocopying & printing to A3, scanning & Skype too! COMPUTER REPAIRS, Veranda Dining & TAKE AWAY. OPEN 7 DAYS 9am – 9pm 8/12 Rob Veivers Drive info@kurandacybercafe.com.au Ph: 07 4093 7576

What a magic B&B in the rainforest, away from the hustle & bustle of city life.

A home away from home from which to enjoy your holiday.

47 Bangalow Place. www.mijurainforestretreat.com Ph: 07 4093 9304

KURANDA VILLAS

CEDAR PARK RAINFOREST RESORT

Two spacious and comfortable self-contained villas in the heart of Kuranda. Choose from Villa 1 with two bedrooms or Villa 2 with three bedrooms. A perfect base from which to explore this beautiful region.

12 Barang Street. www.kurandavillas.com.au Ph: 07 4093 0082 Mob: 0418 930 510

A unique ECO and Wildlife Resort and B&B. Restaurant overlooking the Rainforest and Creek. Relax in the Spa or Lagoon, go for a Bush-walk. Free Internet. Nature Pure!

250 Cedarpark Rd www.cedarparkresort.com.au Ph: 4093 7892

KURANDA RAINFOREST ACCOMMODATION PARK

Kuranda Visitor Information Centre

Kuranda’s only caravan and tourist park set amongst 10 acres of lush rainforest. Self contained cabins, units, caravan and campsites and seasonal restaurant. Night walks available.

88 Kuranda Heights Road. www.kurandarainforestpark.com.au Ph: 07 4093 7316

Visit our dedicated volunteers for friendly advice on where to stay, what to do or just chat with a local. As well as information about Kuranda attractions and the region, we also offer a booking service and complimentary maps and brochures.

Whether you’re a solo traveller or family, Kuranda has holiday accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets in and around the village.

Kuranda is only 30 minutes from Cairns and the perfect place if you want to experience the Rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands. www.kurandaaccommodation.com Ph: 07 4093 9311 Email: info@kuranda.org 18 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah.

For morePark, information visit •our website www.athertontablelands.com.au Centenary Kuranda Queensland • Australia

1476-3

KURANDA ACCOMMODATION GROUP

Millaa Millaa

Panoramic Lookouts | Famous Waterfalls

highlights Millaa Millaa Falls Misty Mountain Trails Mungalli Creek Dairy The Waterfall Circuit

Millaa Millaa Falls Savour and buy local produce

Beautiful Millaa Millaa, the ‘Village in the Mist’, is the gateway to the Southern Tablelands. At 873 metres above sea level, the town nestles in emerald hills surrounded by dairy farms and a circuit of waterfalls. The township celebrates its Centennial in September 2011.

Waterfalls The picturesque waterfalls have been attracting visitors to Millaa Millaa for over a century. At the turn off just south of town is The Falls Teahouse, a gracious building that offers accommodation, morning and afternoon teas and information to the many visitors who take the waterfall circuit. The circuit begins here at Teresa Creek Road, encompassing Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls. Stop at Millaa Millaa Falls and look for platypus late in the afternoon. There are barbecues, picnic facilities, and toilets at the falls. Continue 10 kilometres from Millaa Millaa along the Palmerston Highway towards Ravenshoe to the Pepina Falls. Towards Innisfail at Junction Road follow the signs left to Mungalli Falls - the highest waterfall on the Tablelands where there’s a licensed restaurant, camping ground and cabins. The road continues to Wooroonooran National Park, home to Tcaupala and Nandroya Falls.

Misty Mountain Trails Millaa Millaa is the gateway to the wilderness walking tracks, Australia’s first network of long distance walking trails in high altitude rainforest. Over 130 kilometres of tracks have been constructed under a unique partnership between the region’s shires, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), the land’s Traditional Owners, and volunteers from Conservation Volunteers Australia. One of the most superb vistas in the region unfolds from the Millaa Millaa Lookout. Head west from Millaa Millaa towards the Mt Hypipamee Crater and in about 15 minutes you’ll discover the turnoff from the highway.

Beautiful dairy country

Dairying The region’s dairy farms were the first in Australia to produce excellent cheese, sending overseas the first export consignment to be certified ‘100% Choice Grade’. In 1970, it held the record for the world’s longest milk run, supplying Darwin daily. Today, the science of dairying has expanded to encompass a very successful bio-dynamic dairy, Mungalli Creek. You can sample the whole range of Mungalli fresh dairy products, as well as watch them being made, at their cheesery and organic café . The town’s main street has a life-size artwork of a farmer pushing a reluctant cow into a dairy bale, and the region’s history is well documented in the town’s museum which welcomes visitors.

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 19

Malanda

highlights

Rainforest Walks | Waterfalls | Wildlife

Tarzali Lakes Malanda Falls Nerada Tea Plantation Rainforest Trails at the Visitor Centre

Refreshing Malanda Falls

The pretty town of Malanda is situated in the heart of the Tablelands rainforest region, and is great for bird watching, bushwalking, and taking a cooling dip in the Falls. As well as being the centre of a highly successful dairying industry, the village has many resident artists whose works can be viewed on an art trail of the vibrant mosaics depicting the town’s history.

Attractions Take a break at the historic Malanda Hotel - step inside for a cool ale! Today’s visitors have a choice of hostelry with the modern Lodge Motel and Canopy Treehouses. The Malanda Dairy Centre in the main street features an innovative ‘retro’ milk bar restaurant. Nearby Tarzali has a terrific attraction in the Tarzali Lakes Aquaculture Centre where you can buy the freshest fish possible!

The park and its natural surroundings are a place for families and groups wanting to participate in activities such as platypus tours, fishing, learning about commercial aquaculture techniques, nocturnal tours, camping and dining at the Smokehouse Café.

Shy Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo

Tea production at Nerada

Activities The Malanda Falls Visitor Centre is a great place to start with comprehensive information on the geological, cultural and natural history of the region. The area’s traditional owners are the Ngadgon-ji people. Informative and highly personalised guided rainforests walks with an Indigenous elder are available Wednesday to Sunday at very moderate rates. The Rainforest Shop here offers a range of merchandise including local produce, arts and crafts, books and souvenirs. The Centre volunteers provide local information, and the guided rainforest walks from here are moderate, enjoyable trails. In this section of rainforest there have been more recorded day time sightings of the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo than elsewhere and it’s common to see platypus, turtles and lizards. The Malanda Falls are next door and are a must-see with perfect conditions for year round swimming and picnicking. The Kangaroo Café provides a tempting range of home-cooked treats and lunches. At Glen Allyn Road, visitors can tour the Nerada Tea Estates in the shadow of Mt Bartle Frere.

This is the largest tea plantation in Australia, and the Visitor Centre here provides tours and tastings. Not far from Malanda 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 their fly-in at dusk.

20 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

History on display

V I S I TO R S C E N T R E

Visit our tea plantation and factory on the Cairns Highlands CAIRNS

just 10km outside the town of Malanda. Discover how beautiful tea is grown and processed. Take

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Glen Allyn Rd, Malanda.

Open Daily 9am to 4pm.

Phone [07] 4096 8328 www.neradatea.com.au

Malanda Lodge Motel Where nothing’s a problem and everything’s a pleasure...

Country Breeze Restaurant Millaa Millaa Rd, MALANDA • Ph: 07 4096 5555 info@malandalodgemotel.com.au • www.malandalodgemotel.com.au

Hogan Road, Tarzali Phone: 4096 5364

www.canopytreehouses.com.au Just a pane of glass between luxury & wilderness

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 21

Yungaburra

Heritage-listed Buildings | Nature | Dining | Shopping

highlights The Curtain Fig Tree Peterson Creek Platypus Platform Galleries and Curio Stores Superb Restaurants and Cafés

Yungaburra’s pretty streetscape beckons Curtain Fig Tree

Yungaburra is a picturesque village, a scenic one hour drive from Cairns.

Its lovely streetscape is largely unchanged since 1910; wide verandahs and historic shop fronts line the pretty lanes. Charming café s, award winning restaurants and arts and crafts galleries complete the picture.

With 18 heritage-listed buildings, it is the largest National Trust village in Queensland.

Attractions Yungaburra’s high profile landmark, the amazing Curtain Fig Tree, is only minutes from the village and is accessed by a short boardwalk from the sealed road. The Lake Eacham Hotel, or Yungaburra Pub as it’s commonly known, is a magnificent showpiece of Federation architecture. How an Alpinestyle chalet restaurant became an icon in an Australian country town is a testament to owners Nick and Gina, who are proudly celebrating the restaurants’ 25th anniversary this year. You can see all Yungaburra’s historical landmarks on the Village Heritage Walk.

Activities Yungaburra is something of a foodie heaven. As well as Nick’s, there’s the acclaimed Eden House Retreat & Mountain Spa whose restaurant is listed by Gourmet Traveller magazine as among Australia’s finest. The spa facility here is the only one in the region and uses native Li’Tya products. Or, treat yourself to an in-room massage in one of the creatively themed guest rooms at Gumtree on Gillies.

Bushwalking is the ideal way to encounter the wildlife of the surrounding areas.

A network of easy and moderate walking tracks will lead you through wetlands, rainforest, scrub and lake-side paths. The village is set below Mt Quincan, an extinct volcanic crater whose slopes cradle the timber pole treehouses of Mt Quincan Crater Retreat, which is also happens to be a great place for wildlife watching. Yungaburra’s focal attraction is the Peterson Creek Walking Circuit where there are nearly always platypus to be spotted and the re-vegetation program has ensured the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos are also making their home there. The platypus viewing platform at Peterson Creek provides an excellent place to watch these elusive creatures. Nearby Tinaburra Waters is popular for water skiing and windsurfing, with easy access with a boat ramp and special areas set aside for water skiing and jet skiing.

Shopping On the fourth Saturday of each month the famous Yungaburra Arts & Crafts Markets, the largest and most popular of all the region’s country markets, are held on the green in the village centre.

22 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

Day Spa for Men &Women Indulgent Massage, Body and Beauty Treatments, Sauna

Luxury Accommodation Double spa bath, air-con One & two bedroom villas

Eden House

Licensed Restaurant Contemporary country dining Fresh local produce

Retreat & Mountain Spa

Right in the heart of Historic Yungaburra Village +61 7 4089 7000 | indulge@edenhouse.com.au | edenhouse.com.au Markets the 4th Saturday of each month

See the elusive platypus Indulge your senses - Eden House Retreat & Mountain Spa

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 23

• • • • •

open fireplaces air conditioning • pool superbly decorated rooms private double spas king size beds • DVD

Luxurious rural B&B set in 10 acres of beautiful gardens.

500m from Yungaburra’s award winning restaurants.

www.gumtreeongillies.com.au • stay@gumtreeongillies.com.au Gillies Highway • Yungaburra • p: 07 4095 3105 • f: 07 4095 3460

Dine in or Take Away - Trading Hours Lunch: Wed-Sun 11:30-3:00 Dinner: Tues-Sun 5:00-10:00 - CLOSED MONDAY 33 Gillies hwy., Yungaburra next to nick’s restaurant

PH: 4095 3577 24 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

Yungaburra

H e r i t a g e V i l l a g e i n t h e h e a r t o f t h e Ta b l e l a n d s A few days at least are needed to explore the wonderful natural attractions surrounding Yungaburra, and to experience the unique wildlife. Whether you are after a romantic getaway, a pampering and well being weekend, or some serious R&R, or nature based activities, you will find it here at Yungaburra. Why not base your holiday in our friendly village. Yungaburra offers the best that Atherton Tablelands Accommodation has to offer. From cute B&Bs to boutique style cottages, from friendly motels to a historic pub, Yungaburra has something for everyone. Where else could you experience country charm, perfect lifestyle and natural beauty?

Allumbah Pocket Cottages

The Blue House Yungaburra

Yungaburra Bushland Cottages

Heritage themed cottages surrounded by beautiful gardens right in the heart of Yungaburra. Each cottage offers a king bed, double spa, private veranda, goat milk soap, soya melts, wood fire/ air-conditioning, light breakfast and a complimentary bottle of local wine.

Guest library, garden spa and outdoor bbq area.

A stylish 1930s Queenslander cottage in a quiet part of Yungaburra. Fully renovated, it provides self contained accommodation for couples or groups of up to 8 people. Relax on the large deck or in the garden. Within easy walking distance of restaurants, the pub and the Peterson’s Creek Walking Track. Kids are welcome.

Self contained; set in 3 ha of forest.

Birdwing - 2 bdrms catering for up to 6 guests. Kingfisher -1 bdrm and accommodates up to 4 guests.

Features include spa bath and bbq.

The lodge- exclusive accommodation with 3 bdrms up to 10 guests, heated spa and bbq. Wake to birdsong walk to the village! Pet friendly.

The luxury weather proof bbq boat is affordable and ideal for fishing, families, functions, sunset cruises, small groups, birds, wildlife and photography. Relax in comfort on a sunset cruise or enjoy the onboard bbq on an exclusive charter that can be customised to your needs (max 12 people). Reservations essential.

07 4095 3023 Info@allumbahpocketcottages.com.au www.allumbahpocketcottages.com.au

07 4095 2806 stay@thebluehouse.com.au www.thebluehouse.com.au

0417 646 088 relax@bushcottages.com.au www.bushcottages.com.au

0457 033 016 info@laketinaroocruises.com.au www.laketinaroocruises.com.au

The Gables Bed & Breakfast Self contained flat with queen bed, living area, kitchenette and shower.

Large bedroom: queen bed, king single bed, double spa and shower (not ensuite but access via internal stairs).

All rooms contain TV, bar fridge, tea/ coffee facilities, self-serve breakfast.

07 4095 2373 Thegables1@bigpond.com www.yungaburra.com

Lake Tinaroo Cruises

Crater Lakes Cottages

The Chalet Rainforest Gallery

Visitor Information Centre

Close to Yungaburra village. Spoil yourself in these luxury, themed, selfcontained cottages bordered by World Heritage Rainforest. Abundant birds and wildlife on your doorstep. Close to walking tracks. Fully self-contained including kitchen, spa bath, king bed, wood-fire, private balcony & bbq, optional air-conditioning.

The chalet rainforest gallery hopes to educate and broaden your knowledge on the history that surrounds us, in the lush Atherton Tablelands.

Drop in and say hi to our wonderful group of volunteers, and pick up some information and maps. Next to the library, opposite the pub in the centre of Yungaburra. Internet access, fishing licenses, local information and advice all available.

07 4095 2322 jenny@craterlakes.com.au www.craterlakes.com.au

We have a line of traditional Aboriginal art, crafts, music and books.

We showcase photographs and information on the region’s history and development. Yungaburra, a magical place to be.

07 4095 2416 yungaburravic@bigpond.com www.yungaburra.com

07 4095 2144 www.rainforestgallery.com.au

These members of Yungaburra Business Association invite you to experience Yungaburra.

Lake Eacham

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Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 25

26 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

Millaa Millaa to

Cairns to Atherton (via Gillies) Atherton (via Kuranda) Kuranda Malanda Millaa Millaa Tolga

Atherton to Herberton Lake Eacham Lake Barrine Malanda Mareeba Millaa Millaa Ravenshoe Tinaroo Tolga Yungaburra

80km 93km 27km 77km 149km Mt Pin 84km nacle

19km 23km 24km 20km 30km 45km 50km 20km 5km 12km

TRAVEL TIMES

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19min 20min 25min 20min 30min 45min 45min 15min 5min 15min

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Minor road - Unsealed

Main road - Sealed Main road - Unsealed Minor road - Sealed

Major route - Sealed

World Heritage Area / State Forest

PLACES OF INTEREST

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Holloways Beach Machans Beach

White Rock May Peak

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Double Island

Palm Cove Clifton Beach Kewarra Beach Trinity Beach Yorkeys Knob

Ellis Beach Buchan Point

Turtle Creek Beach Wangetti

Pretty Beach

Pebbly Beach Oak Beach

BARRON GORGE NP

Speewah

Bare Hill

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Black Mountain

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Mossman

Mt Molloy

Yalkula

Mt Frazer

Mt Lewis

Walkamin

Lake Mitchell

Nardellos Lagoon

Granite Gorge

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Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you discover all that North Queensland has to offer on this amazing self drive journey. Nature abounds as you wind your way through the heartland of Australia’s world heritage wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest. The Great Tropical Drive is designed to help guide you through this richly diverse region with a number of specifically designed route planners.

Themed trails have been provided to help you connect with the best experiences of the region. Adventure, Nature, Wildlife, Heritage, Indigenous Culture and Food and Wine experiences are on offer at every turn and you will fall in love with the laid back Queensland lifestyle and the characters of the north.

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Ravenshoe to Mount Surprise

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 27

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Bartle Frere 1622m (Highest mtn Qld)

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Bellenden Ker 1593m (2nd highest mtn Qld)

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Fishery Falls

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Kearneys Falls

Goldsborough Valley

Mt Massey

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Souita Falls Pepina Falls

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Zillie Falls

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Captain Cook Highway

Nymbool

30km 142km 54km 44km 79km

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Adventurous by nature!

28 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

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Daintree National Park

The Great Tropical drive is a journey through the wonder of North Queensland. Highlights include the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree and Wet tropics rainforest, islands and beaches of the Great Green Way, food trails of the Tablelands, dining and shopping in the coastal villages of Mission Beach and Port Douglas, walks and waterfalls in our national parks, heritage of our outback and the spirit of indigenous culture. Visit the website for great seasonal deals and event highlights at www.greattropicaldrive.com.au

The Great Tropical Drive

Cooktown

A real drive adventure along the road less travelled.

The push to “the Tip” of Australia is a must do for the intrepid road warrior and a great Australian experience.

Visit amazing rock art and relics, marvel at nature in our National Parks, come face to face with wildlife or try your luck sportsfishing in this world class destination. Skip across to the Torres Strait Islands and discover WW2 history and the spirit of the island culture. For more information visit www.cooktownandcapeyork.com

Cooktown & Cape York

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Rive er Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns and Gulf Savannah.

For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 29 er Riv noe RivHighlands ers By

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The Savannah Way via Undara

The Wheelbarrow Way encompasses some of the Fitzroy Island richest and most important history of our national heritage. It is the saga of true-blue Australiana. It is also a drive through an ancient landscape, with spectacular escarpment formations and beautiful limestone caves awaiting you once you reach Chillagoe. Other highlights include the coffee plantations of Mareeba and the wildlife and scenery of the Savannah outback. For more information visit www.cairnsoutback.com.au

HWY

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WOOROONOORAN NAT PARK Bellenden Ker

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The Savannah Way starts in Cairns and leads all the way to Broome in WA delivering the journey of a lifetime Cr ee Rookwood k across the top of Australia. North Queensland highlights Red Wolfram CAIRNS Chillagoe - Mungana Daintree include the awe inspiring Undara Volcanic Lava tubes, CHILLAGOE National Park ATHERTON Cape Kimberley Tate Twyford Crystalbrook Cr Petford Yungaburra majestic Mt Surprise at sunset, canoe paddling through eek Herberton Riv Torwood er Cobbold Gorge, fossicking along the historic route and Almaden River Malanda Fischerton catching a barra in the Gulf. For more info visit Ri Irvinebank Abingdon Downs ver Tate River BulleringaMiallo Black Mtn Gilmore Mine Millaa Millaa INNISFAIL igh e l www.savannahway.com.au Tin Mine s R a National Park ive Ein

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Chillagoe & Petford Limestone Caves | Historic Sites | Observatory

highlights Tommy Prior’s Ford Museum Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park Walsh River Fishing and Swimming Town Walk

Fairy Grotto - Donna Cave

A genuine Outback town with fascinating attractions and abundant wildlife, Chillagoe is easily accessed by conventional vehicles via the Wheelbarrow Way which starts at Mareeba. This route was named after the gold mining pioneers who trudged out bearing their worldly goods in a wheelbarrow. An annual footrace with wheelbarrows commemorates this along The Way each May.

Smelter Ruins

On Route Dimbulah, the gateway to the goldfields, sprang up on the Walsh River to service the ore trains. Once mining faded, cropping became the focus and today you’ll see lush sugar cane, mango and lychee plantations here. Almaden, Petford and Emuford are all linked by the Etheridge railway line which welcomes the Savannahlander train on its weekly run from Cairns via Almaden and Mt Surprise to Forsayth. Petford, the junction of the road from Herberton, was originally called Wadetown and known widely as a watering hole for the miners of the day. Climb the range to the remains of the 100 year old Lappa Pub, another famed stopover of old! On entering the Chillagoe region, a dramatic landscape created by massive limestone bluffs and rock formations greets travelers.

History After the goldrush, Chillagoe’s population grew to thousands in a new mining boom however the much anticipated mother lode of copper did not materialise and the state government took control of the smelter until production ceased in 1943. The ore smelter was never reused and is now a drive-around museum complete with interpretive storyboards. The town fell into a state of decline and would have surely vanished if it were not for the employment created by the caves and cattle.

Geology and Caves Chillagoe was once the site of an ancient coral reef but today the coral has been transformed into massive limestone bluffs containing over 560 known caves, the largest having over 11 kilometres of passages. Caves range from open and airy to dark and scary and are heavily decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. At the extremities of these bluffs, volcanic activity has created colourful marble and rich mineral deposits.

Buy marble souvenirs

Attractions Three cave systems, Donna, Royal Arch and Trezkin Caves, have been chosen by National Parks because of very different stages of natural development and have steps, walkways and lights for guided tours. Both Chillagoe Cabins and the Chillagoe Eco Lodge conduct informative tours that can include caves and the abandoned smelter.

30 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

Chillagoe Cabins e” - The Lonely Planet

“the best accommodation in Chillago

A Unique Outback Experience Not just Accommodation

Stay in comfort, surrounded by history... akfast hamper Complimentary bre

Various accomm od available to suit ation styles your needs!

Transfers Clean & New Cabins with Ensuite A/C, TV, DVD, CD BYO Restaurant Pool and BBQ Laundry (sorry no pets) Tour Bookings



24hr 2 Booking Ph: 0408 515 267 wwww.chillagoeguesthouse.com.au w

AAA Rating

Ph: 07 4094 7206 • Queens St • Chillagoe

www.chillagoe.com

Eco Lodge servatory & b O e o lag Chil

Ph (+617) 4094 7155 fax (+617) 4094 7166 Hospital Avenue, Po Box 35 Chillagoe, 4871 Australia

www.coel.com.au info@coel.com.au

• Cabins • Camping • Tours • Observatory • Licensed Restaurant • 62x89 add.indd

1

15/12/2004, 10:27 AM

Bookings for Cave Tours, Local Tours, Accommodation & Artwork 21-23 Queen Street, Chillagoe Ph: 07 4094 7111

www.chillagoehub.com.au

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 31

Mareeba

Coffee, Food and Wine | Birding | Scenic Flying

Take your adventure to new heights Explore our natural wonders at Mareeba Wetlands

A multi-cultural district rich in wildlife, museums, coffee and wine, with clear blue skies perfect for flying, Mareeba has a history going back to the gold mining days, and a strong sense of community spirit which sees support for traditional outback sports such as the famous annual Mareeba Rodeo.

Coffee and Wine Over 70% of Australia’s coffee crop is grown here and you can taste and buy at a number of local coffee roasters and coffee plantations. At the Coffee Works in Mareeba, follow the story of coffee from plant to cup and visit Coffee World, an antiquities museum housing a world class collection of coffee and tea memorabilia. Taste, tour and take home Skybury coffee; Australia’s oldest commercial coffee plantation is situated on the rolling hills and huge rock formations behind Mareeba. Sip specially created house blends at Jaques Australian Coffee Plantation, an established estate where you can also take a plantation tour (or even a scenic flight in a microlight!). Fruit wines are another Try and buy local wines and liqueurs

specialty of the Mareeba region. The Golden Pride Winery will introduce you to the delights of mango with their range which includes sparkling wine, port and liqueurs and is widely available throughout the region. At de Brueys Boutique Winery, taste the fabulous fermentations of lychee, mango, jaboticaba, bush cherry, mulberry, passionfruit and star apple.

Get Airborne Each year, more people chose to experience hot air ballooning here than anywhere else on earth. As you drift across the changing landscape on a crisp, still morning you’ll agree this is the most uplifting of adventures. The Mareeba Airport is home to Warbird Adventures where you can take a flight in a fully restored operating warbird. The museum and hangar features an amazing collection of ex-military aircraft from around the world, wartime history, a café and more.

Birding The Mareeba region is acknowledged by birding experts as the richest region for birdlife in Australia. Nearly half of Australia’s 750 bird species can be found here, and birders have recorded over 300 species within a 15 kilometre radius of nearby Mt Molloy. The Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve is a regionally significant Brolga and Sarus Crane roost, and has established a

Mareeba’s popular annual rodeo

captive breeding and re-introduction program for the jewel-like Gouldian Finch.

The best wildlife watching is during the Reserve Twilight Safari.

32 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

highlights Mareeba Heritage Centre Gourmet Tastes and Tours Warbird Adventures The Mareeba Wetlands

Coffee cherries

Take flight in a Warbird

Taste and compare the blends at Coffee Works

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information Mareeba’s luscious mangoes are made into wine!

Jabiru wading visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 33

Now also distilling

Rum & Vodka

EXPERIENCE

> North Queensland’s First & Only Distillery > Over 50 Gourmet Teas to indulge > Coffee, Devonshire Tea, Refreshments > Wood Fired Pizzas & Meals > Award winning Liqueurs & Spirits > Fully Air-conditioned

Open 7 Days 10am - 5pm Present this advert for FREE tasting! Offer valid until 1 April 2012.

1819 Chewko Rd Walkamin - 10 minutes from Mareeba

Ph: (07) 4086 8008 > www.mtuncle.com

Visit a 2,000ha conservation reserve & discover its wondrous wildlife in a unique outback environment.

Whe re the ou

tbac k

begi n s!

one hour from Cairns self guided walking trails daily cruises - 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm daily sunset safari 3.30pm cafe and interpretive centre bird watching tours OPEN DAILY 9am - 4.30pm African-style Jabiru Safari Lodge from $98 pp twin share

1800 788 755 www.jabirusafarilodge.com.au 34 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

The history is just the beginning...

• • • • • •

Aboriginal rock art Historic buildings & sites James Cook Museum Botanic Gardens Grassy Hill Lookout Endeavour River cruises

• • • • • •

World class shing Great Barrier Reef trips Picturesque Golf Course Unique festivals Walking tracks Unspoiled nature

Experience Cooktown & Cape York Peninsula Just 4 hours from Cairns on the Mulligan Highway.

Visitor Information and Booking Centre Ph: 1800 174 895 • E: info@naturespowerhouse.com.au

www.CooktownandCapeYork.com

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 35

highlights

Tolga

Woodworks | Fruit and Produce | WWII History

Victory in the Pacific Celebrations Mt Uncle Distillery The Humpy /The Big Peanut Tolga Museum

Local arts and crafts - Tolga Woodworks

A thriving community today, Tolga began life as a simple staging post.

At the outbreak of World War II, the region became a training centre and staging base for Allied forces. Discover the past at the Tolga Museum, which houses memorabilia of WWII and the local timber and agricultural industries, and at the Tablelands Heritage Centre.

Rocky Creek War Memorial Park During 1943-1945 the entire Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands became the largest military base in Australia hosting between 100,000 and 300,000 troops from 140 different units. The Park was established over a decade ago at what was originally the site of the largest field hospital in the southern hemisphere, and honours servicemen and women.

Dedication ceremonies are held in the park each August on the Sunday nearest VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day. To fully connect, follow up your visit with a trip to the Mareeba RSL which has excellent historical displays.

Tolga township stopover

Attractions Tolga is central, pretty and the ideal holiday base with a choice of budget accommodation at the Motor Inn or the Country Lodge and spa lodge indulgence at Allawah Retreat. Tolga’s foremost attraction is the established fine woodwork gallery, Tolga Woodworks, on the main road. As well as exquisitely crafted handmade timber pieces ranging from small spinning tops and bowls to fine furniture, the gallery features a large array of hand forged iron and hammered steel, ceramics, fused glass and silver jewelry which showcases the collective talents of North Queensland’s finest artisans. There’s also a great café here which serves lunches as well as morning and afternoon tea.

The Tolga racecourse is the venue for the second most popular markets in the region. A wide range of local produce, hand crafts, clothing and more are on display on the first Sunday of every month. Heading to Atherton, the road turns into a leafy canopy of rainforest at the entrance to the Tolga Scrub. Pause at roadside stalls like The Big Peanut or The Humpy (which has gluten free products) to stock up on fresh seasonal produce including freshly roasted local nuts and locally made gelato ice-cream!

Walkamin Just north of Tolga, Nardello’s Lagoon is a peaceful retreat with

Remember our servicemen at Rocky Creek

waterbirds. Visit the cellar door at nearby Mt Uncle to taste their excellent liqueurs and spirits.

36 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

T O L G A WO ODWORKS

Gallery & Cafe

> Hilltop spa lodges for couples > A private & secluded hideaway > Cosy log fire & airconditioning > King-size bed, live-on deck with BBQ > Walking tracks & wildlife on 150 acres

Creative woodturning

Stunning woodwork

Forged steel

Sculpture

Café

Glass

Hosts: Peter & Trish Jones Ph: (07) 4095 4900 Marnane Road, Tolga > relax@allawah-retreat.com.au

www.allawah-retreat.com.au

Kennedy Highway, Tolga Ph: 07 4095 4488 > www.tolgawoodworks.com.au Open 7 days 9am – 5pm > Closed February

The place to stay. Come & be spoilt...

Open 7

d ay s

License

d

...Come as guests, leave as friends.

RESTAURANT & BA R

| | | | | | | | | | |

5 minutes from Atherton Breakfast with bush turkeys Air-conditioned units Self-contained unit (7 people) Fantastic homestyle cooking Rainforest backdrop Great birdwatching Complimentary light breakfasts Casual outdoor meeting place Next to oval for the kids Short stroll to Tolga Township

2-4 Kennedy Highway • TOLGA Ph: 07 4095 4130 OWNER OPERATED

www.tablelandsmotorinn.com.au

TABLELANDS MOTOR INN

Please tell our advertisers that you

Disc vered them in this magazine!

BUDGET DRIVES YOUR DOLLAR FURTHER

Save $20 off time & kilometre charges!

Rent an Economy Car (e.g. Hyundai Getz 5 door manual, Group B) through to a Full Size Car (e.g. Holden Commodore, Group E) from Port Douglas or Cairns for 4 consecutive days before 30 June 2012 and get $20* off the time & kilometre charges of your rental.

Quote coupon number MPNZ111 in your booking.

PORT DOUGLAS 2/11 Warner St... 07 4099 5702 CAIRNS 153 Lake St........................07 4048 8166 CAIRNS AIRPORT...........................07 4033 9777 *Conditions apply. Valid for car groups A, B, C, D & E only. Subject to availability. $20 off time & km charges only and will be applied at time of rental. Min of 4 consecutive day rental. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, coupon or promotion including corporate and industry rates. Qantas Frequent Flyer points cannot be earned with this offer. CT8184

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Motel -st yle or Dorm rooms

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Fully equipped kitchen Outdoor BBQ area Stylish new bathrooms Lockable wardrobe Internet access Cable TV on big screen Lounge & library area Bedding provided Full laundry facilities Large lush gardens

Seasonal farm work available

36-38 Kennedy Highway, Tolga www.tolgacountrylodge.com.au Ph: 4095 5166

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 37

Atherton

highlights

Facets and Fossils | Chinatown | Dairyland

Birdwatching at Hasties Swamp Chinatown/Hou Wang Temple The Empress at Crystal Caves Halloran’s Hill Lookout

Atherton’s wide and welcoming streets

From its beginnings as a timber-getters’ camp and a staging post between the tin mines and the coast, Atherton has blossomed like its trademark jacaranda trees into a diverse regional service centre whose wellpresented homes and streets are regularly featured in Australia’s Tidy Town awards.

Fascinating crystal facets

Attractions The region has a wealth of artists whose works are best seen at the Tablelands Regional Gallery. Check out the wonderful pre-war Barron Valley Hotel, browse through the town’s quaint shops like Atherton Antiques & Australiana and enjoy a picnic at Hallorans Hill. In the main street, you’ll find one of the most remarkable and novel attractions in the whole of Australia. The Crystal Caves are the fanciful creation of the Boissevain family. A spectacular private mineralogical collection with over 600 specimens, museum, the caves are a real trip where visitors don a miner’s helmet complete with a headlamp for a fun tour of this fairy-tale underground cavern, which houses the world’s largest amethyst geode, The Empress of Uruguay, and their astounding new attraction, The Magic Spheres.

Just out of Atherton is an attraction which combines the two taste sensations of dairy and chocolate – Gallo Dairyland. Taste the gourmet cheeses and chocolates, and let the children see how milk is made! Hasties Swamp is a seasonal wetland which has an annual cycle of wet and dry, attracting a range of resident and migrant birds. The two-storey Nyleta Wetlands Bird Hide there has wheelchair access (on the lower section only). Finally, take time to get to know the inhabitants at the Bat Hospital where you can meet flying foxes and microbats at the Visitors Centre.

Browse Atherton Antiques

Chinatown Gold attracted Chinese settlers to North Queensland in the late 1800s and when the gold ran out, many turned to timber cutting and market gardening. The remains of Atherton’s Chinatown are now an archaeological site featuring the community’s fully restored place of worship, the Hou Wang Temple.

The Temple is part of a complex which includes a Chinese museum featuring interactive displays of Atherton’s Chinese heritage and a prized collection of original artefacts and historic photographs of the once bustling precinct. During October, the Chinatown grounds play host to the food festival, A Taste of The Tablelands.

38 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

Hang around a while at the Bat Hospital

See Chinatown’s culture

Explore the Crystal Caves

Discover information visit our trees website www.athertontablelands.com.au 39 Halloran’s Hill the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more Atherton’s Jacaranda

Large flat sites Family sized o/night and holiday units Villas and two bedroom cottages Camp kitchen Slate lined pool Ensuite van sites Great Views

Atherton Holiday Park p: (07) 4091 1099

Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 4pm. Closed Monday & Tuesday, Xmas Day & Good Friday.

Last Tour 3.30pm

4km east of P.O on the Gillies Hwy

e: holiday@ athertonholidaypark.com • www.athertonholidaypark.com

YOU WILL LOVE THIS SHOP! EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! FULL OF LOCALLY SOURCED ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES. A warm welcome awaits you.

The Bat Hospital

Visitor Centre

134 Carrington Road, Atherton (turn right off Herberton Road, 6kms from Atherton) Phone: 07 40912683

Open Wed to Sun 3-6pm June to September Booking essential at other times of the year Adults $12, Children $6

Meet megabats and microbats Discover the real stars of the night www.tolgabathospital.org Close to Hastie’s Swamp

Local artists and touring exhibitions.

The Tablelands’ only regional gallery. open: tues - sat 10am - 4pm sun 10am - 2pm • closed mondays 16 robert street • atherton • phone: 4091 5261

www.tablelandregionalgallery.org.au

all about our region at www.athertontablelands.com.au

40 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

DISCOVER THE TABLELANDS WITH AVIS Tropical North Queensland is famous for its lush rainforests, spectacular white sandy beaches and historic towns.

And what’s the best way to see it all - in an Avis car of course!

You’ll receive: • Competitive rates • Portable GPS • Free Holiday Vouchers • Professionally maintained low kilometre vehicles To make your reservation please call: CAIRNS................................ 4048 0522 135 Lake Street CAIRNS AIRPORT................. 4033 9555 PALM COVE......................... 4059 2499 Coral Horizons, 137 Williams Esplanade PORT DOUGLAS................... 4099 4331 3/11 Warner Street

Ask Avis for full details. W.T.H. Pty. Limited - ACN 000 165 855 - Avis Licensee. CT8183

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 41

Ravenshoe, Innot, Mt Garnet

Heritage Steam Train | Australia’s Widest Waterfall | Wind Farm

highlights Capella Locomotive Queenslander Pubs Outback Hospitality Hot Mineral Springs

Ride the Capella train

Surrounded by natural wonders like Millstream Falls and Lake Koombooloomba, the locals here live a lifestyle to be envied, and celebrate it every year in the annual Torimba Festival and Festival of the Forest in October.

Ravenshoe Queensland’s highest town, Ravenshoe is 920 metres above sea level and is home to Windy Hill wind farm which generates enough electricity to supply approximately 3,500 homes. Created on the extinct Windy Hill volcano in 2000, its 20 wind turbines take advantage of the consistent winds.

Wind Farm

The Ravenshoe Visitor Centre at 24 Moore Street provides first class tourist information and has excellent displays on the rainforest, timber-milling, dairy farming and WWII military presence in the area, plus a section on bats and a noctarium which simulates night spotting of local native animals. The Centre is also the home of the Nganyaji Interpretive Centre which showcases the culture and lifestyle of the region’s Jirrbal people whose language is the world’s oldest spoken language. On Sundays the historic steam train “Capella” runs to Tumoulin, Queensland’s highest railway station.

Ravenshoe is the highest point in the Misty Mountains walking tracks network, and is a great location for wildlife watching, particularly for platypus, 12 species of possums, 340 bird species and of course, Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo, one of 14 species of kangaroo to be found in the area. Consider getting up above it all and exploring the region on a scenic heli tour with NQ Heli Worx.

Mt Garnet During its heyday, tonnes upon tonnes of copper, silver and lead were extracted from Mt Garnet, the town named from a large garnet lode discovered during copper mining. If you’d like to experience real Australian bush style hospitality, turn up at Mt Garnet on the first weekend of May for the town’s races and rodeo – as a community event this rates as one of the top in the country.

From Mt Garnet you have easy access to Blencoe Falls.

Millstream Falls - Australia’s widest falls

Innot Hot Springs In an often quoted local export story, the hot water which bubbled out of Nettle Creek at up to 75 degrees Celsius was bottled and shipped to Europe as a health treatment over 100 years ago. Today, visitors take the waters at the Innot Hot Springs Leisure & Health Park which has six public pools, or, simply dig your own hole in the river sand of the creek bed! Innot Hot Springs is a great base for gem fossicking, fishing and bird-watching.

42 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

Herberton & Irvinebank

World Class Museums | Mining | Bushwalks

highlights Herberton Historic Village Loudoun House Museum Heritage Trails Walking Trails

Discover the pioneering spirit at Herberton Historic Village

In the late 1880s, miners like John Moffat created a boom on the back of the tin they extracted from the bush clad hills. Today, the towns’ well preserved buildings and inviting streets are drawing people back with a new vibrancy.

Connect with Australia’s history and folklore by re-visiting the past.

Herberton Historic Village This astounding collection of Australiana is an entire vintage village of over 50 buildings on the fringe of the township. Spanning two centuries, the dwellings, vehicles, memorabilia and antiques which fill this cultural asset have been meticulously resurrected and inventively displayed. Among many treasures, there’s a fully restored 1926 rail ambulance and a genuine pioneer’s slab hut built in 1870. The original Herberton State School from 1881 is a top place to take the children and show them the pews and slates yesteryear’s pupils made do with.

Mining memorabilia

Charm & Comfort...

H E R B E RT O N H E R I TA G E C O T TA G E B E D & B R E A K FA S T

Enjoy a short break or a longer stay.

RelaxExploreRevive Ideally situated to visit the many attractions of the Atherton Tablelands.

T: 0427 962 670 E: hhcinfo@me.com W: www.herbertonheritagecottage.com.au

The Herberton Mining Museum and Information Centre Occupying the site of the first big tin discovery at the Great Northern Mine, the centre has themed areas telling the fascinating story of Herberton’s mining history and the town’s development. There are mineral collections on display plus a small theatre for multi-media displays. Exhibits are being added regularly, and the young - and not so young - can try their hand at tin panning. The Mining Centre is also the starting point for The Great Northern Walking Trails, a series of self-guided walks of various lengths and challenges.

Irvinebank The Herberton-Petford road leads to heritage-listed Irvinebank, the tin mining town that refused to die. Established in 1882, it boasts many century old buildings such as the home of the town’s founder John Moffat, said to be the oldest ‘Queenslander’ in the State. A courthouse and cellblock, the 1901 School of Arts Hall, Tramway Station, the Queensland National Bank Building, Mango Cottage and the 1907 Post Office building all attest to the architecture of prosperity at the turn of last century. The ‘Mighty Vulcan’ mine became the mainstay of the town, yielding the purest available tin in the world at the 1907 London World Expo.

See the Mill and Treatment Works on the foreshore of Loudoun Weir and visit the renowned Loudoun House Museum in John Moffat’s house. Pioneer graves can be matched with local history at the Museum. The Irvinebank Tavern supplies provisions, fuel and accommodation, and there is free camping for travelers on the town common.

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 43

Canecutter Way Gateway | Attractions | History | Scenery

highlights Paronella Park Swimming and Picnicking Murdering Point Winery Mamu Rainforest Canopy

Mamu Rainforest Canopy and Walkway

From the tropical coast, the mist encircled mountains rise flanked by cane fields, creeks and scenic byways. The Canecutter Way is a fascinating gateway to the Cairns Highlands/Atherton Tablelands with its own award winning attractions such as Paronella Park and Murdering Point Winery where you can taste medal winning wines made from fruits and native exotics such as Lemon Aspen and Davidson Plum.

History Before there were the cane harvesters you can see today, cane was cut by hand using a panga or cane knife, and manhandled into railway shuttle bins to the rail heads and into the region’s sugar mills where the sweet, distinctive smell of molasses can still be identified during the crushing season. Visitors with time to explore can stay overnight in a choice of accommodation. There are quaint country pubs, retreats, guest houses and B&Bs with country style cooked breakfast, and even a relaxed no-fuss camping and caravan park.

Gateway to the Cassowary Coast

Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway Easily accessible and highly popular, the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway is mid-way between Millaa Millaa and Innisfail on the Palmerston Highway. Elevated walkways, a cantilever and 37m high observation tower provide visitors with the exhilarating experience of being high in the rainforest canopy as well as spectacular panoramic views of World Heritage rainforest landscapes.

Paronella Park A standout attraction at Mena Creek is Paronella Park, voted No. 1 in the 2009 RACQ poll for 150 Must Dos. A fantasy creation from the mind of immigrant José Paronella in the 1930s, today the dream continues at this beautifully restored, intriguing venue. By day, visitors are charmed by guided tours including such fancies as the Tunnel of Love, the entrancing gardens and the picnic area beside the wide waterfall. By night, the park presents a dramatic evening tour. Stay over at the caravan park and camping grounds that are part of the park, which is now powered by its fully restored original 1930s’ hydro electric generator.

Mena Falls at Paronella Park

Walks and Trails The Canecutter Way marks the start of the Misty Mountain Trails. Pause at Mena Creek to walk the Gorrell Track - an easy 3.7 kilometres to MacNamee Creek’s lush rainforest swimming and picnic spot. Henrietta Creek to Goolagan Creek is part of a network of walks in the Palmerston section of Wooroonooran National Park.

44 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

The Dream Continues ...

Hydro Powered

Original 1930s system

NEW for 2011 Paronella Park now has CABINS! Stay at Paronella Park and enjoy the day & night experiences.

Bookings essential

Your ticket is valid for 12 months and includes: Day and Night tours, Paronella Park Guide Book, fish food, AND a night in our van park!* (*bookings essential, powered site with ammenities)

www.paronellapark.com.au info@paronellapark.com.au Phone: (07) 4065 0000 Fax: (07) 4065 3022

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 45

Savannah Way Landscapes | Fishing | Wildlife

highlights Savannahlander and Gulflander Gem Fossicking Cobbold Gorge and Undara Ted Elliot Mineral Collection

Immerse yourself in the colours of the outback

A vast expanse of tree studded grasslands, meandering rivers and waterfalls merging with wetlands, the Gulf Savannah covers 186,000 square kilometres. Made up of the six shires of Etheridge, Croydon, Carpentaria, Burke, Mornington and Doomadgee, the region’s main industries are grazing, fishing, mining and tourism.

The Savannah Way is a 14 day themed adventure drive from Cairns to Broome through Katherine. The route traverses some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery including four World Heritage-listed areas and over 15 National Parks and covers almost 3700 kilometres. With the road sealed from Cairns to Karumba, 4WDs, motorhomes, caravans and the family car all travel well. The best time to visit is all year round – the Wet and the Dry seasons have their unique aspects and the ‘Green Season’ of rains is surprisingly comfortable and uncrowded.

Let local guides show you the Savannah

A frilling adventure

Attractions At Undara Volcanic National Park, stop and marvel at the 160 kilometre lava tube system - the world’s longest lava flow from a single volcano.

Savannah Guides, a network of professionals across the Top End, lead tours into the caves here. At Undara Experience, guests have the choice of camping or staying in the Lava Lodge’s authentic turn-of-the-century restored railway carriages. A 1960 rail motor, the Savannahlander train, comes from Cairns to Forsayth once a week and can be combined with the Undara tour. Another famous train, the Gulflander, is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year and tracks from Croydon to Normanton each week. At Mt Surprise Gems, try sieving and learn how faceting is done. Georgetown (with a caravan park, motel, hotel and museum) features the TerrEstrial Centre; home to a collection of over 4,500 minerals, gemstones and fossils. Cobbold Gorge is a spectacular oasis and wildlife habitat accessible by guided tours. Croydon was famous for its gold rush, but the port for the gold was Normanton which is now the major service centre in the Gulf Savannah. Spend time absorbing the history and scenery here and do go fishing!

Karumba, at the Norman rivermouth, is the centre of prawning and barramundi don’t miss the Barramundi Discovery Centre here or the spectacular sunsets at Karumba Point. Beyond Karumba and Normanton lies Burketown, Gregory, and Boodjamulla National Park’s spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge and the World Heritagelisted Riversleigh Fossil Fields. Deep gorges with permanent waterholes flanked by sheer cliffs have formed an oasis for wildlife including fresh water crocodiles.

A camping ground and kiosk caters for visitors.

46 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

Normanton Visitor Information Centre & Library Cnr Landsborough & Caroline Street, Normanton QLD 4890 P : 07 4745 1065 | F : 07 4745 1072

Karumba Visitor Information Centre & Library Walker Street, Karumba QLD 4891 P : 07 4745 9582 | F : 07 4745 9145

The journey is the destination.

BOOKINGS CALL 07 4745 1391 or visit: www.gulflander.com.au

E: tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au w w w. c a r p e n t a r i a . q l d . g o v. a u

Gemstone Mining Tour • see how its done • claim gemstones you find.

Go it alone with a Fossicking licence (buy or hire equipment).

Relax in the licenced café.

Large range of jewellery & gifts.

GEORGETOWN Nth Qld Home of the TED ELLIOT Mineral Collection.

Over 4500 specimens on display.

TerrEstrial also houses the Tourist Information Centre, Council Library and Internet Café and is open 7 days during the tourist season.

ph: (07) 4062 1485 e: terrestrialgeorgetown@bigpond.com

www.terrestrialgeorgetown.com.au

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 47

Events & Weekend Markets

Visit our website for a current and comprehensive list of events and markets...

Mareeba Multicultural Festival

MARKETS

The Great Wheelbarrow Race

Archer Creek

2nd Sun of the month, 7am-12noon, Archer Creek, Kennedy Hwy

07 4097 0297

Atherton

1st Sat of the month, 7am-12noon, Platypus Park, Herberton Rd

07 4096 5382

Cooktown

Every Saturday morning, 7am-12noon, Lions Park

07 4082 0512

Herberton

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

07 4096 2408

Kairi

2nd Sun of the month, 7am-12noon, Beside Kairi Hotel

07 4095 8250

Kuranda

Original Markets: Every Day 9am-3pm

07 4093 9440

Heritage Markets: Every Day 9am-3.30pm

07 4093 8060

New Markets: Every Day 9am-3pm

07 4093 7166

Malanda

3rd Sat of the month, 7am-12noon, Malanda Showgrounds

0439 702 657

Mareeba

2nd Sat of the month, 7am-12noon, Mareeba Heritage Park

07 4092 3418

Mt Molloy

1st Sat of the month, 8am-12noon, Fraser Rd

07 4094 1036

Ravenshoe

4th Sun of the month, 7am-12noon, Railway Station, Grigg St

07 4097 6322

Tolga

1st Sun of the month, 7am-12noon, Morrow Park Racecourse

07 4091 2810

Yungaburra

4th Sat of the month, 7.30am-12.30pm, Yungaburra Park

07 4095 2111

OFFICIAL INFORMATION CENTRES Atherton

Cnr Main Street & Silo Road

07 4091 4222

athinfocentre@trc.qld.gov.au

Chillagoe

21-23 Queen Street

07 4094 7111

chillagoehubinfo@bigpond.com

Georgetown

Low Street Georgetown

07 4062 1485

www.terrestrialgeorgetown.com.au

Herberton

1 Jack Street

07 4096 3474

info@herbertonvisitorcentre.com.au

Kuranda

Therwine Street

07 4093 9311

info@kuranda.org

Karumba

Walker Street

07 4745 9582

tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au

Malanda

Atherton-Malanda Road

07 4096 6957

info@malandafalls.com

Mareeba

345 Byrnes Street

07 4092 5674

info@mareebaheritagecentre.com.au

Normanton

Cnr Landsborough & Caroline Sts 07 4745 1065

tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au

Ravenshoe

24 Moore Street

07 4097 7700

info@ravenshoevisitorcentre.com.au

INFORMATION OUTLETS

Meet the street locals performer Kuranda

Dimbulah

Raleigh Street

07 4093 5999

n/a

Millaa Millaa

Main Street

07 4096 6239

eachist@qldnet.com.au

Yungaburra

Kehoe Street

07 4095 2416

yungaburravic@bigpond.com

48 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

www.athertontablelands.com.au

Meet the locals and join in the community spirit at these great Tableland events!

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS April Outback Country Rock & Blues

15th-17th

Normanton Barra Classic

22nd-24th

07 4745 1218

Einasleigh Races & Rodeo Mt Garnet Races & Rodeo

23rd-24th 30th-2nd

40954952 0r 40625222 0418 182 595

May Big Weekend Chillagoe Rodeo Herberton Historic Village Field Days The Great Wheelbarrow Race Robobank FNQ Rotary Field Days Dimbulah Lions Festival

6th-8th 7th-8th 13th-15th 25th-26th 27th-28th

07 409 47111 07 4096 2002 07 4043 4144 www.fnqfielddays.org.au 07 4093 5105

June Normanton Rodeo & Show Cooktown Discovery Festival Tour de Tableland Norman River Duck Race, Karumba Coast to Coast Bike Ride

10th-12th 10th-12th 11th-13th 25th 26th-2nd July

www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au/events www.cooktowndiscoveryfestival.com.au www.cairnscyclingclub.com 07 4745 9359 www.ridefnq.com

July Oak Park Races Kuranda Roots Festival Malanda Show Atherton Show Mareeba Art Show Mareeba Rodeo Mareeba Show Chillagoe Country Music Festival Christmas in July, Mareeba

2nd-9th 8th-10th 8th-10th 11th-12th 11th-16th 16th-17th 16th-17th 22nd-23rd 28th-31st

07 4062 5161 www.kurandaroots.com 07 4096 5349 07 4091 4260 07 4092 7539 www.mareebarodeo.com.au 07 4092 1583 0403 603 983 07 40923053

August Mt Carbine Rodeo The Warbirds Airshow, Mareeba Atheron Maize Festival Mareeba Multicultural Festival

13th 14th 26th 27th

07 4094 8337 www.warbirdadventures.com.au 0409 917 724 0418 770 095

September Herberton Flower Show Kuranda Spring Fair Yungaburra Book Fair Millaa Millaa Centennial Celebrations Wallaby Creek Festival - Cooktown

3rd-4th 9th-11th 10th 16th-25th 23rd-25th

07 4096 2632 www.kuranda.org yungaburrabookvillage@gmail.com 07 4098 2887 www.wallabycreekfestival.com

October Festival of the Forest, Ravenshoe Opera in the Outback Octoberfest Nick’s Swiss Italian Restaurant Tastes of the Tablelands Tablelands Folk Festival Yungaburra

1st-15th 6th-8th 15th 16th 20th-23rd

07 4097 6407 1800 990 992 www.nicksrestaurant.com.au 07 4091 7757 www.tablelandsfolkfestival.org

November Nick’s Restaurant 25th Anniversary Tinaroo Barra Bash Kuranda Christmas Carols in the Park

12th 11th-13th 28th

www.nicksrestaurant.com.au 0438 344 992 07 40939617

1800 990 992

Rodeo action

Opera in the Outback

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 49

Easy Reference Guide ACCOMMODATION

Page Atherton Halloran’s Leisure Park

www.halloransleisurepark.com

1800 88 50 30

41

Atherton Holiday Park

www.athertonholidaypark.com

07 4091 1099

40

Atherton Rainforest Motor Inn

www.rainforestmotorinn.com.au

07 4095 4141

40

Chillagoe

Chillagoe Cabins

www.chillagoe.com

07 4094 7206

31

Herberton

Herberton Heritage Cottage

www.herbertonheritagecottage.com.au

0427 962 670

43

Atherton

Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges

www.rainforest-australia.com

07 4095 3754

13

Discovery Holiday Parks - Lake Tinaroo

www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au

1300 727 044

13

Tinaroo Lake Resort & The Lodge Function Centre

www.tinarooresort.com.au

07 4095 8912

13

Malanda Lodge Motel

www.malandalodgemotel.com.au

07 4096 5555

21

The Canopy Rainforest Treehouses & Wildlife Sanctuary

www.canopytreehouses.com.au

07 4096 5364

21

Mareeba

Jabiru Safari Lodge

www.jabirusafarilodge.com.au

1800 788 755

35

Tolga

Allawah Retreat

www.allawah-retreat.com.au

07 4095 4900

37

Tablelands Motor Inn

www.tablelandsmotorinn.com.au

07 4095 4130

37

Tolga Country Lodge

www.tolgacountrylodge.com.au

07 4095 5166

37

Birds n Bloom Cottages

www.bnbcottages.com

07 4095 3330

24 23

Lakes District

Malanda

Yungaburra

Eden House Retreat & Mountain Spa

www.edenhouse.com.au

07 4089 7000

Gumtree on Gillies B&B

www.gumtreeongillies.com.au

07 4095 3105

24

Mt Quincan Crater Retreat

www.mtquincan.com.au

07 4095 2255

24

Port Douglas/Cairns

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

www.crocodileadventures.com

07 4055 3576

8

Atherton

Atherton Antiques & Australiana

Email: platypus@tablelands.net.au

07 4091 4455

40

ATTRACTIONS

Atherton Chinatown

www.houwang.org.au

07 4091 6945

40

Tableland Regional Gallery

www.trc.qld.gov.au

07 4091 5261

40 40

The Bat Hospital

www.tolgabathospital.org

07 4091 2683

The Crystal Caves and Fascinating Facets

www.crystalcaves.com.au

07 4091 2365

3

Cooktown

Nature’s Powerhouse Visitor Information Centre

www.cooktownandcapeyork.com.au

07 4069 6004

35

Herberton

Herberton Historic Village

www.herbertonhistoricvillage.com.au

07 4096 2002

5

Kuranda

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

www.skyrail.com.au

07 4038 1555

11

Malanda

Nerada Tea Visitors Centre

www.neradatea.com.au

07 4096 8328

21

Millaa Millaa

Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy & Organic Café

www.mungallicreekdairy.com.au

07 4097 2232

13

Mareeba

Coffee Works

www.coffeeworks.com.au

07 4092 4101

7

de Brueys Boutique Wines & Functions Venue

www.debrueys.com.au

07 4092 4515

34

The Canecutter Way

Golden Drop Winery

www.goldendrop.com.au

07 4093 2750

35

Jaques Coffee Plantation

www.jaquescoffee.com

07 4093 3284

34 34

Mt Uncle Distillery

www.mtuncle.com

07 4086 8008

Skybury - The Australian Coffee Centre

www.skybury.com.au

07 4093 2190

2

Warbird Adventures

www.warbirdadventures.com.au

07 4092 7391

35

Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway

www.derm.qld.gov.au/mamu

07 4064 5294

45

Murdering Point Winery

www.murderingpointwinery.com.au

07 4065 2327

45

Paronella Park

www.paronellapark.com.au

07 4065 0000

45

Cobbold Gorge Tours Pty Ltd

www.cobboldgorge.com.au

07 4062 5470

47

Mt Surprise Gems

www.thegemden.com.au

07 4062 3055

47

Gulflander

www.gulflander.com.au

07 4745 1391

47

TerrEstrial - Georgetown

www.terrestrialgeorgetown.com.au

07 4062 1485

47

Undara Experience

www.undara.com.au

1800 990 992

11

Tolga Woodworks Gallery & Café

www.tolgawoodworks.com.au

07 4095 4488

37

Millaa Millaa

Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy & Organic Café

www.mungallicreekdairy.com.au

07 4097 2232

13

Tolga

Tolga Woodworks Gallery & Café

www.tolgawoodworks.com.au

07 4095 4488

37

Nick’s Restaurant

www.nicksrestaurant.com.au

07 4095 3330

23

07 4095 3577

24

The Savannah Way

Tolga

RESTAURANTS/CAFES

Yungaburra

Yungaburra Pizzeria

TOURS Self-drive / Hire Car

AVIS

www.avis.com.au

136 333

41

Budget

www.budget.com.au

1300 362 848

37

50 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au

holiday deas What to do? Where to go? How to plan your holiday...

Talk to an Accredited Visitor Information Centre.

Accredited Visitor Information Centres offer: • High quality independent local area information and comprehensive knowledge on things to see and do.

• A booking service for a wide range of accommodation, activities, transport and touring options.

• Professional standards of operation and service by a committed team of staff and volunteers.

• Complimentary maps and brochures for easy information access on the go.

• And discover a whole lot more...

Atherton Information Centre

Kuranda Visitor Centre

Malanda Falls Visitor Centre

Ravenshoe Visitor Centre

Come up to Atherton - we guarantee to serve you with a smile!

Village in the Rainforest...

Volcanoes, rainforests & tree-kangaroos, come share our story...

Centre of the Universe. Exlpore the culture of the Jirrbal People - Nganyaji Cultural Centre

Cnr Main Street & Silo Road Ph: 07 4091 4222 Email: infocentre@trc.qld.gov.au www.athertoninformationcentre.com.au OPEN DAILY: 9am to 5pm

Centenary Park, Therwine Street, Kuranda Ph: 07 4093 9311 Email: info@kuranda.org www.kuranda.org OPEN DAILY: 10am to 4pm

Atherton Rd Malanda Ph: 07 4096 6957 Email: info@malandafalls.com www.malandafalls.com OPEN DAILY: 9.30am to 4.30pm Guided walks Wednesday - Sunday

24 Moore Street, Ravenshoe Ph: 07 4097 7700 Email: info@ravenshoevisitorcentre.com.au www.ravenshoevisitorcentre.com.au OPEN: May-Oct: 9am to 5pm, Nov-April: 9am to 4pm

Chillagoe Hub

Herberton Mining Museum & Visitor Information Centre

Mareeba Heritage Museum & Tourist Information Centre

Explore the History of Herberton, oldest town on the Tablelands. Try panning for tin.

Interesting & interactive heritage displays for all the family. Free Entry to Museum!

1 Jacks Road Herberton Ph: 07 4096 3474 Email: info@herbertonvisitorcentre.com.au www.herbertonvisitorcentre.com.au OPEN DAILY: 9am to 4pm

Centenary Park, 345 Byrnes Street, Mareeba Ph: 07 4092 5674 Email: info@mareebaheritagecentre.com.au www.mareebaheritagecentre.com.au OPEN DAILY: 8am to 4pm

Office for National Parks Guided Cave Tours.

Time line display and historical information.

21-23 Queen Street Chillagoe Ph: 07 4094 7111 Email: chillagoehubinfo@bigpond.com www.chillagoehub.com.au OPEN: Weekdays - 8am to 5pm Weekends - 8am to 3.30pm

LOOK FOR TH IS SYMBOL AS YOU TR AVEL ARO UND THE REGION .

Centres Open Daily.

Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au 51 Talk to the friendly staff and volunteers at an Accredited Visitor Information Centre.

52 Discover the Atherton Tablelands /Cairns Highlands and Gulf Savannah. For more information visit our website www.athertontablelands.com.au