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Mountains rise inland from Cairns and the Northern Beaches to flatten out into the Atherton Tablelands, a rugged landscape of mountains and crater lakes.
Once this was a hive of volcanic activity, but is now much calmer: a lush cool plateau of crystal lakes, waterfalls (including the famed Millaa Millaa), national parks and stunning scenery.
Exploring Atherton Tablelands
An introduction is the spectacular railway journey which climbs and tunnels its way from Cairns to the rainforest village of Kuranda, something of a tourist mecca with a busy market beautifully set among the trees, but this is just a day-trip and the area is worth much more time than this.
You will find some of Australia鈥檚 quirky wildlife at Mount Hypipamee National Park, including red-legged pademelons, bandicoots and a diverse array of possums, and this is also a good place to spot platypus in rivers and seek out the elusive flightless cassowary.
From the lively and untouristy town of Atherton the steam train to Herberton passes through magnificent scenery of rolling hills and dense forest. The Crater Lakes area is known for ancient rainforest and gigantic kauri pines whilst Yungaburra is renowned for its remarkable, parasitic curtain fig trees, still standing long after their host trees have been subsumed.
Past Mount Garnet the Undara Volcanic National Park protects a matrix of lava tubes almost 200,000 years old.
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Start planning your tailor-made trip to Atherton Tablelands by contacting one of our Australia specialists
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Places near Atherton Tablelands
- Cairns 32 miles away
- Palm Cove 38 miles away
- Port Douglas 53 miles away
- Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 70 miles away
- Orpheus Island 118 miles away
- Cooktown 124 miles away
- Lizard Island 179 miles away
- Airlie Beach 300 miles away
Photos of Atherton Tablelands
Accommodation choices for Atherton Tablelands
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Atherton Tablelands. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat
Atherton Tablelands