Head to the highlands this autumn to discover a place with steamy hot springs, cool quenching drinks, kangaroos in trees and scrumptious cheese. The Atherton Tablelands is a bountiful oasis and here are 9 Perfect Things for the Plateau.
Sip on Local Flavours
Experience the Atherton Tablelands Craft Distilleries and Wineries – image by mtuncle
Be it Skybury Coffee with the best view in town, Mt Uncle Distillery menu of rum, gin, whiskey or vodka, Coffee Works or Golden Drop Winery’s magic mango offering, the Atherton Tablelands is great for a drop, a glass or a cuppa.
Discover the Labyrinth at Mt Molloy
Take a meander through Mt Molloy’s mown labyrinth to clear the head, let the mind float free and simply stroll around one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest paddock puzzles.
Image by @littlewhippet
Visit the Hot Springs
Aaaahhhh…that’s the sound of easing into one of the six mineral water pools at Innot Hot Springs. The pools vary in temperature from warm to wow-that’s-hot and there’s a handy caravan park for travellers.
Image by @pixs_pics_
Attend the ANZAC Dawn Service – Avenue of Honour
Take a moment to remember those who have served their country at an ANZAC Dawn Service. Who would not be moved by the lines of For the Fallen or the strains of the Last Post, with Yungaburra’s Afghanistan Avenue of Honour adding an extra element of solemnity.
Image by @jonathonhegedus
Take in a Cooking Class
They grow everything up here so take in a cooking class to make the most of the abundance at cookery school with Rainforest Bounty. There’s special emphasis on tropical fruits and produce and Australian flavours are seamlessly paired with international cooking styles. Check the website for 2021 dates and book ahead.
Discover the oldest town on the Atherton Tablelands – Herberton
Herberton’s the oldest Atherton Tablelands town and fittingly hosts the picture-perfect Historic Village Herberton – a recreation of its bustling late 1800s heyday set on 16 acres (6ha) with more than 60 lovingly restored buildings and 150,00 exhibits.
Eat a cheese platter
Spoil yourself with a cheese platter from the local dairies on the Atherton Tablelands. Very happy cows turn the rich green grass into wonderful cheeses, yoghurts and ice creams…available right on the spot.
See a kangaroo that lives in trees
Yep, on the Atherton Tablelands the kangaroos make like koalas. With the face of a roo and the body of a lemur – think short limbs for climbing – these unique and rare marsupials are a special find.
Visit a coffee plantation
Lots of coffee is grown here and there are several opportunities to try the local brew. Try Skybury Plantation and Jacques Coffee Plantation for a true single origin caffeine fix.
