A multi-cultural district rich in wildlife, museums, coffee and wine, with clear blue skies perfect for flying, Mareeba has a rich history going back to the gold mining days.
Couple that with a strong sense of community that hosts a Multi-Cultural Festival each August and embraces traditional outback sports such as the famous Mareeba Rodeo and The Great Wheelbarrow Race and you have a fun, vibrant and thriving stop off point.
The region is a magnet for self–drive visitors, and a popular destination for Grey Nomads who enjoy Mareeba as a base to explore the Atherton Tablelands. It’s also a gateway to Cape York and Gulf destinations.
Food Lovers Paradise
The region is the fertile food bowl of the tropics, as well as producing more than 70% of Australia’s coffee crop and a fruit wine or two. At the Coffee Works at Mareeba, follow the story of coffee from plant to cup and visit Coffee World, an antiquities museum housing a world class collection of coffee and tea memorabilia.
Visit Australia’s oldest coffee plantation at Skybury, and enjoy a cup of their trademark coffee while taking in the unforgettable view from their cafe – Skybury Farmgate. And for something a little different, why not sip specially created house blends at Jaques Australian Coffee Plantation, an established estate where you can also take a plantation tour (or even a scenic flight in a microlight!).
Fruit wines are another specialty of the Mareeba region. Golden Drop Winery will introduce you to the delights of mango with their range which includes sparkling wine, port and liqueurs and is widely available throughout the region. Stop at one of the well-stocked roadside stalls and pick up a basket of produce, visit one of the food producers’ cellar door style establishments, or make a reservation and enjoy the service at one of the region’s restaurants, hotels or cafes. Savour and enjoy!
Hot Air Ballooning
Start your day by watching the sun rise over the rolling hills of the majestic Atherton Tablelands, then experience the wonder, silence and romance of floating in a hot air balloon. From the minute you arrive, you’ll be part of the unique spectacle of many large colourful balloons standing ready for take-off at dawn.
Enjoy the 360-degree panorama of a hot air balloon ride over the varied landscape of the Tablelands before coming gently back to earth. Afterwards, there’s pack up games and the chance to check out the photos for sale of your ballooning experience – both in-flight and personal portraits. Nothing compares to starting the day in Far North Queensland with a breathtaking ride in the oldest form of flight. This morning tour is highly recommended, excellent value and sure to be a highlight of your holiday here on the Atherton Tablelands.
Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park
This network of mountain bike trails in the Lamb Range between Mareeba and Kuranda is accessed from the Kennedy Highway, approximately 13km from Mareeba. Follow the Davies Creek signs. The trails wind along the rain-shadowed slopes of the Lamb Range.
With lengths and grades for everyone, riders navigate granite outcrops, cross clear streams, and traverse forests of bloodwoods, stringybarks, she-oaks, cycads and grass trees. These shared trails were built for mountain bike riding but are available to walkers. Horse and trail bike riding are not permitted.
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