Discover the best of the northern Atherton Tablelands with this one-day road trip itinerary. From hanging out with the koalas in Kuranda, swimming atop of magical waterfalls in Mareeba and enjoying the tastiest coffee in all of Tropical North Queensland, a road trip into the Northern Atherton Tablelands is a must do for everyone visiting the region.
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Kuranda, the village in the rainforest
The first stop on your northern Atherton Tablelands road trip is Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. Situated above the Kuranda range, Kuranda Village is a must do for anyone exploring the northern Atherton Tablelands’ region.
Enjoy breakfast at the Petit Café Kuranda before hanging out with the koalas, kangaroos, butterflies, and Amazonian macaws at the Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld Kuranda and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
Image: IG/kurandakoalagardens
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Davies Creek Falls
Davies Creek Falls is located a 30-minute (partly unsealed) drive from Kuranda Village. Cascading over vast granite boulders, with impressive views of the surrounding Australian bush, Davies Creek Falls is a must do for anyone wanting their ‘wow this is Australia’ moment.
If you can’t get enough of this spot, we also recommend camping at the dedicated camping area (these sites must be pre-booked in advance) and enjoying one very scenic sunset location.
Image: IG/angelapyatt
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Emerald Creek Falls
Wave goodbye to Davies Creek Falls and say hello to Emerald Creek Falls. Your next waterfall stop on your northern Atherton Tablelands’ itinerary is a 35-minute (partly unsealed) drive away.
Park your car in the dedicated parking area before beginning the moderately easy trail (and a bit of rock hopping!) through the bush to Emerald Creek Falls. A local’s favourite for a reason, here you can relax on the smooth surrounding boulders or jump in for a very fresh dip.
Image: IG/thelittleexplorerr
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Mareeba Coffee Works
In need of a pick-me-up after the day’s adventures so far? Luckily our next stop is Coffee Works. After you’ve soaked in all of Emerald Creek Falls’ glory, head back to your car and towards the township of Mareeba. Open every day between 8am and 3pm, here you can enjoy a range of delicious coffee, chocolate and even liqueur.
Image: IG/coffeeworksaustralia
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Granite Gorge Nature Park
Finish your day exploring the northern Atherton Tablelands with the cutest new friends. A quick 15-minute drive from Mareeba and you’ll find yourself at Granite Gorge Nature Park, otherwise known as the home of the Mareeba Rock Wallabies. These rock wallabies were first identified here back in 1996, and no visit to the northern Atherton Tablelands is complete with stopping by to say g’day to them. Explore the grounds, hand feed your new friends and if you’re in love with the place (which, we’re pretty sure you will be!) stay the night at one of the self-contained cabins or camping areas.
Image: IG/timeimprints
