Atherton Tablelands

Known as the food bowl of Cairns Tropical North Queensland, the Atherton Tablelands refers to the high altitude southern region. With its rich, fertile soil, the area is home to fruit, nut and coffee plantations, dairy farms, wineries, tea houses, cafes, and the only distillery found in the far north.

Foodies from around Australia are quickly cluing on to the abundance of fresh, local produce originating from the hills, evident in the number of food and wine festivals that are growing in popularity year after year.   

But there is so much more to the tablelands than just gastronomic delights. The incredible diversity of the area – from rolling green hills to arid landscape, waterfalls, and popular recreational lakes – means a day trip to the area from Cairns or Port Douglas is going to be a very busy one.

Whether it’s a charming cottage in Yungaburra or camping at Lake Tinaroo, stay a couple of nights, or more, to explore the vast region properly.

Top things to do:

• Enjoy a truly remarkable and romantic Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight. Or experience the best of both worlds with our $$$ saving 2-day Ballooning and Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Combo Deal. 
• Visit up to seven of the best waterfalls on the Tablelands with our family-friendly, small group Waterfall Day Tour.
• Cruise Lake Barrine, one of the ancient volcanic crater lakes, marvel at a 500-year-old Cathedral Fig Tree, trek through World Heritage rainforest, and spot unique wildlife (including the elusive platypus) on our amazing Rainforest and Crater Lakes Tour. Followed by a delicious Devonshire tea at the Lake Barrine Teahouse.
• Savour a leisurely lunch at Mungalli Creek Dairy.

See, we told you there’s a lot to do – and there’s plenty more you could explore.