The Northern Region of the Atherton Tablelands is known as the region of diversity.
Experience the village in the rainforest, Kuranda at the north east entrance to the tablelands. Kuranda is the home to the famous Kuranda markets, and boast wildlife parks, restaurants, art galleries and shops.
On your drive along the Kennedy highway between Kuranda and Mareeba, you will notice a change from the lush rainforest of the Kuranda Range, to the drier eucalypt forest and huge termite mounds.
Mareeba is the largest town on the Atherton Tablelands. Stop in to the Heritage Museum and Visitors Centre for some ideas on what to do in the area. Here is the centre of a rich agricultural region. Visit coffee plantations, mango wineries or fruit distilleries. Nature attractions include the Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve just north of Mareeba, and Granite Gorge south of Mareeba on the way to Atherton.
To the north of Mareeba, the Peninsular Development Road leads to Mount Molloy, where you can stop for a bite to eat, or a wander around the town.
I you continue North from Mount Molloy, you travel the Peninsular Development Road into the wide open spaces of the outback onto Cape York.
If you turn right outside of Mount Molloy, you pass through the rainforest area of Julatten, then connect with the Rex Highway which takes you down to the range towards the coastal town of Port Douglas.
West of Mareeba you can take the Wheelbarrow Way and follow in the steps of the mining pioneers to outback towns.
Take the highway south to continue your exploration of the Tablelands.
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