There is a common saying around here that all roads lead to the Atherton Tablelands and this could not be truer. From dusty bush roads to spectacular coastal and rainforest areas, your adventure to the Atherton Tablelands promises to be one of the most unforgettable journeys you will encounter.
The Cassowary Coast region acts as one of the most important gateways to the Atherton Tablelands. The spectacular Palmerston Highway, which branches off the Bruce Highway at Innisfail, travels through the rich Wet Tropics rainforests of Johnstone River Valley to reach Millaa Millaa with waterfalls, picnic areas and spectacular lookouts along the way.
From this point on you can explore all this region has to offer – and there is plenty to choose from. From historical pubs to quaint B&Bs, farm stays and comfortable motel accommodation and caravan parks, there is a wide range of options to suit any taste and budget. Country pubs, fancy restaurants and casual cafes make the most of the bounty of fresh produce grown right here on the Atherton Tablelands. So tuck into some locally grown coffee, tea, milk, sugar, macadamias, mangos, lychees, potato’s, blueberries, strawberries and more.
Plan to spend a few days exploring the diverse and interesting larger towns of Kuranda, Mareeba, Malanda, Ravenshoe, Yungaburra, Atherton and Herberton or the smaller centres of Chillagoe, Mt Garnet, Innot Hot Springs plus many more.
For history buffs, Atherton Tablelands boasts some incredible historical points of interest from wartime to Chinese settlement and Australia’s early pioneer days. Country markets, including the very popular Yungaburra markets, which are held on the 4th Saturday of every month, are a must do! Tuck into fresh cut sweet potato fries, try some of the local produce on offer and purchase some unique artisan products.
The Atherton Tablelands is also known for its adventures sports with Lake Tinaroo offering great water skiing (check water levels before making your holiday decision), sailing and fishing while a network of mountain bike and horse trails makes the most of the region’s mountains, which includes Queensland’s highest peaks of Mt Bartle Frere and Mt Bellenden Kerr, both of which can be summited.
Other gateways include Kuranda Range, Rex Range Road from Port Douglas / Mossman, the western gateway via Mt Garnet and Ravenshoe and the Gillies Highway. For more information, once you are on the Atherton Tablelands, be sure to visit one of the friendly volunteers at the Visitor Information Centres.
The Five Main Gateways To The Region:
- Kuranda Range
- Rex Range Road just north of Port Douglas travelling through the towns of Mt Molloy and Julatten
- The western gateway via Mt Garnet and Ravenshoe
- The Gillies Highway south of Cairns
- The Palmerston Highway linking the Cassowary Coast with the southern region
Written by Tanya Snelling. Originally published 30th May 2018
