In the 1880s, the economy was booming. Ned Kelly had been captured and hanged. And the first telephone exchange had opened in Melbourne. Visiting Herberton will give you a taste of life in the 1880s.
A ninety-minute drive from Cairns, and the oldest town in the Atherton Tablelands, Herberton is an outdoor museum, featuring relics and buildings from the past. With a school, pub, chemist, grocer, printer, toy shop, and garage, Herberton is an entire village of more than 50 beautifully restored period buildings, plus vintage machinery, and vehicles. Immerse yourself in the past of this tin mining town and marvel at the incredible detail that has gone into the restoration of everything.
Visit the chemist, complete with vials and glass bottles of mysterious concoctions, take a seat behind a desk of the old schoolhouse, or step into the jewellers, featuring treasures more than 200 years old.
Need a little something to keep your energy up? At the Bakerville Tearooms, you’ll be greeted with fine china, polished silverware, and wide verandahs overlooking the village grounds on one side and the river on the other side. Or opt for the Pioneer Camp that serves up damper with golden syrup, camp oven stew, and billy tea. The Bakerville Tearooms is open daily during high season* from 9.00am - 4.00pm and in low season** from 10.00am - 3.00pm.
An incredible tribute to Australia’s past, the town also puts on a spectacular display over Pioneer Weekend, with the weekend usually falling in May.
* Herberton Village high season: 1 April - 8 October; 26 December - 29 January
** Herberton Village low season: 9 October - 24 December; 30 January - 19 March
Atherton Tablelands
6 Broadway, Herberton
The only distillery in Tropical North Queensland, Mt Uncle is set among banana, avocado and macadamia trees. Wonder the grounds with the peacocks; visit the cellar door for a taste of its award-winning spirits and liqueurs; or drop by the restaurant for a spot of lunch.
More than 500 years old, and only a short drive from Yungaburra, the curtain tree fig is a fascinating display of nature and a must-see attraction of the Atherton Tablelands.
Coffee Works has grown into one of Australia’s most recognised boutique coffee roasters and chocolatiers. Visit its Mareeba outlet, known as Coffee World, and while away the hours in the café, chocolaterie, and gift store.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of the Atherton Tablelands, Yungaburra is a quaint village, home to a historic pub, boutique stores and charming cafes.