We travel inland to Atherton Tablelands, a region that is off the beaten tourist trail but is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is an ancient landscape 700 metres above sea level shaped by extinct volcanoes, with numerous crater lakes, waterfalls, National Parks and a world-heritage rainforest. This is a contrast to the coastal vibes of Airlie Beach and The Whitsunday Islands, but gives you the opportunity to discover some of the natural wonders of the region, including Millaa Millaa falls, Lake Tinaroo and Lake Eacham.
Population: 26,488
Vibe: Laid back and welcoming
Known for: Rainforest, lakes and falls in Far North Queensland
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Go chasing waterfalls
The start of our journey into the beautiful Atherton Tablelands includes a stop at Millaa Milla Falls. Millaa Milla is a Mamu Aboriginal phrase for the local rainforest vine Elaeagnus Triflora. Set in the rainforest, it's a 60 foot waterfall that plunges over the rocks into a large pool that is safe for swimming. It's a beautiful spot that is perfect for a cool off on the trip.
See the heritage listed Curtain Fig Tree
This ancient tree is over 500 years old and 50 metres high. It is so called because its profusion of aerial roots have dropped to the forest floor, forming a 39 metre curtain around the tree. You can see the tree via a 180 metre boardwalk through the rainforest.
Have a swim at Lake Eacham
Set in the world-heritage listed Wet Tropics of Queensland, this is a 64 hectare volcanic crater lake. As well as the chance to swim in the clear water, there is also a 3km trail around the lake where you can spot some of the 180 species of birds that live around Lake Eacham. If you're lucky, you may even see a musky rat kangaroo in the rainforest.
STRAY TOURS THAT VISIT ATHERTON TABLELANDS
READ OUR BLOGS:
- Check out our 10 amazing things you must-do on your east coast tour
- We’ve compiled a list of our favourite “bucket-list worthy” activities, to help you make the most of the east coast