The 'Wheelbarrow Way' is a fascinating 140 kilometre trip into Australia\'s history books, visiting tiny historic gold mining towns and massive cattle stations. The road is sealed, except for the last ten kilometres before Chillagoe.

Click on the link to include Chillagoe in the map.

Undara Volcanic National parks is one of the highlights of Tropical North Queensland, and is less than 100 kilometres from Mount Garnet. The road is sealed all the way, except for the last four kilometres. You can also ride the historic Savannahlander from Cairns to Mount Surprise, just 50 kilometres from Undara.

Click on the link to include Undara Volcanic National Park on the map.

Known as Australia's hot air ballooning capital thanks to its 300 sunny days a year and clear mountain air, Mareeba is also a great place for scenic or charter flights, helicopter tours or skydiving. Food lovers will find Mareeba a paradise. Sample local coffee brews and try fruit wines made from banana, lychee or jaboticaba, just to name a few. Mareeba is also home to Australia's largest mango plantation and the place to taste the 'Mareeba Gold'.

A century ago, Herberton was the richest tin mining field in Australia, home to as many as 20 pubs, 2 local newspapers and a brewery. Herberton today is a quaint town set among jacarandas and towering eucalypts, and with views to both sides of the Great Dividing Range, this 'Village in the Hills' is a 'must see'.

Ravenshoe is one of the few places in the Tablelands whose principal pioneering industry was not mining, but forestry. Because of its location at the crossroads of the Atherton Tablelands and the Savannahlands of the Northern Outback, Ravenshoe is a significant stopover for travellers, either passing through by road or hiking the Misty Mountain Trails.

This picturesque and friendly rural town is worth visiting even if it's just to tell your friends you've been to the oldest operating picture theatre in Australia, the largest all-timer building in the southern hemisphere, and one of the largest dairy factories in the world. There's much more to Malanda, but you'll have to come and see for yourself.

Historic Atherton is the heart of the delightful Atherton Tableland region and was the first town to be established in the area. Nowadays, Atherton is a prosperous and active town although it still retains much of its old charm. The town's major tourist attraction is Crystal Caves, but there is so much more to Atherton, and it is ideally situated as a base from which to explore most places of interest in the Tablelands area.

Home to world record size barramundi, Lake Tinaroo offers a fine recreational area for locals and visitors alike. The Lake is surrounded by 200 kilometres of shoreline, ideal for bushwalking and fishing. Or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Millaa Millaa is the heart of the well known Waterfall Circuit. The name of the town is an aboriginal word meaning 'plenty water' and surely you will see why. Green grass, lush rainforest and tropical flora are a distinct feature of the town.

Mount Garnet and the area around it are a fantastic place for gold prospectors and gem collectors. The town itself is a good base to explore the Mount Gibson topaz fossicking area.

The historic village of Irvinebank has been described as a 'living museum'. Driving into Irvinebank, population 100, it can be difficult to imagine that this was once the fervent heart of a mighty mining empire. But this a town filled with character and outback folklore.

Chillagoe is a small outback town with a rich mining history, and still physically dominated by the mining smelters built in the early 20th century. But the town's most famous attraction must be the Mungana caves. Known as the 'reef of the outback', this cave system is the remains of coral that lived in the inland sea that covered this vast arid area millions of years ago.

Yungaburra is a delightful country town surrounded by world heritage rainforest, waterfalls, extinct volcanoes, and crater lakes. It sometimes feels as though time has stopped in this beautiful town and visitors will find themselves transported a century back. The atmosphere is relaxed and slow paced. However, Yungaburra is a key meeting point for the region's artist and musicians and home to the Tableland's most popular markets. And don't forget the Curtain Fig Tree!

Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine are crater lakes surrounded by cool rainforest. At Lake Eacham, picnic tables, toilets, and gas and electric barbecues are provided. It is a popular spot for a refreshing swim. Lake Barrine is not as nice for swimming, but there is the option of taking a boat cruise. Canoes and other non-motorized boats are welcome on both lakes, but fishing is prohibited on both.

The small settlements of Mount Molloy and Julatten sit in the dry woodland region at the very north of the Atherton Tablelands, just 30 minutes inland from the popular coastal resort of Port Douglas. This is arguably the best bridwatching location in Australia, and the perfect spot for a quiet, relaxing getaway.

Kuranda is known as the 'village in the rainforest', a charming, romantic little mountain town, surrounded by World Heritage listed rainforest, and just 40 minutes drive from Cairns. It's a cool retreat from the heat and humidity of the coast, and getting to Kuranda is half the fun!

ATHERTON TABLELANDS

A scenic one hour drive into the Highlands west of Cairns are the Atherton Tablelands, Tropical North Queensland's own mountain getaway. Situated between the Bellenden Ker Range and the Great Dividing Range, this is an area rich in history, indigenous culture and old mining settlements from the early pioneering days. The Cairns Highlands, as they are also known, are a fertile land with diverse terrain, rainforests, waterfalls and volcanic lakes, abundant in wildlife, and dotted with charming little country towns..one of the region's best kept secrets!

THE TOWNS AND REGIONS OF THE ATHERTON TABLELANDS ARE EACH UNIQUE IN THEIR OWN SPECIAL WAY. FOR SIMPLICITY, WE HAVE DIVIDED THE VAST TABLELAND AREA INTO SEVEN DISTINCT REGIONS, AS PER THE LINKS TO THE LINKS TO THE RIGHT.

Panoramic views from the Millaa Millaa lookout.

The Atherton Tablelands are also often referred to as the 'Cairns Highlands'. With altitude ranging from 600 metres to 1,100 metres above sea level, the air feels cool and fresh, a different world from the humidity and hustle and bustle of Cairns, but only an hour or two away. Lush and fertile, the Atherton Tablelands are home to World Heritage listed rainforests, national parks, mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Visitors will find an area varied with rich agricultural lands and charming little townships, classic old country pubs, cosy motels, pleasant guest houses, fun backpackers hostels, farm stays, boutique style cottages and caravan and camping parks which will provide the ideal base for exploring. The Atherton Tablelands are Australian countryside at its best.

For visitors, the Tablelands present opportunities for many different and varied activities. Bushwalking is a very popular activity, with walking tracks ranging from easy and short ones to the most strenous trails. Birdwatchers will find a paradise in the Tablelands, with more that 300 bird species. Other activities include wildlife cruise, marsupial spotting, hot air ballooning and water sports as diverse as fishing and white water rafting. Australia's widest waterfall, Millstream Falls, flows all year round. Wildlife is abundant on the Tablelands, as a night time spotlighting tour will show. You may even have the rare opportunity to see a shy tree kangaroo or a platypus in the wild.

Visitors can tour the 'waterfall circuit' around Millaa Millaa, pick up some unique arts and crafts at the huge monthly Yungaburra markets, explore the crystal caves and volcanic mountains of Atherton or the limestone caves of Chillagoe, marvel at the huge wind generators in Ravenshoe, check out the unique woodcraft at Tolga gallery, and take a step back in time in the historic villages of Herberton and Malanda, and rub shoulders with the cattlemen at Mareeba's big weekly cattle auction. The list of events that take place in the Tablelands is massive, with events ranging from authentic Aussie rodeos to popular fishing competitions, agricultural shows, music festivals, races for all ages and fitness and much more. You won't have time to fit it all in your holidays.

GETTING AROUND THE ATHERTON TABLELANDS

Almost all of the roads within the Atherton Tablelands region are sealed, and driving conditions are generally suitable for conventional vehicles. Having said that, many of the roads are narrow and winding, and motorists shouldn't expect to be able to maintain highway speeds throughout the Tablelands. A four wheel drive would be necessary for those planning to venture well off the beaten track, and especially during the wet season. Anyway, this is not a drive to rush. Wind the windows down, let the smells and the fresh air in, take your time, and enjoy the Atherton Tablelands at your own pace. For the best deal on a rental car, please visit our CAR HIRE page.

IMPORTANT: Most car rental companies don't allow their cars to be driven on unsealed roads. Make sure you double check your rental agreement, as you will not be covered by insurance if you are in breach of your contract.

Whitecar Coaches services the Atherton region, and connects the Tablelands with Cairns, operating a number of daily services on the Cairns - Kuranda - Mareeba - Atherton route. Connections are available with Kerry's Bus Service from Atherton to Ravenshoe and Herberton, and with Chillagoe Bus Service along the Wheelbarrow Way to Chillagoe.

FOR MORE DETAILS, SEE THE INDIVIDUAL DESTINATIONS PAGES BY USING THE LINKS IN THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN.

In Cairns, the route begins/ends at 46 Spence Street, but passengers can also also hail the bus at bus stops along Sheridan Street, or anywhere else along the route, provided it is safe for the driver to stop. Discounts range from 20% for tertiary students to 50% for pensioners and primary school children. Details of Whitecar Coaches latest timetable can be found on their website.

In addition to this service, Whitecar Coaches also shuttle between Cairns and Kuranda three times a day. For more details on this service, please visit our KURANDA page.

Please Note: There are no regular public transport services to (or between) the towns of Yungaburra, Malanda, Kairi, Tinaroo or Millaa Millaa. Atherton, Malanda and Ravenshoe have local taxi services, and can serve to transport you from town to town, but of course this can become expensive, especially if travelling alone.

Port Douglas to Mareeba - 1 hr
Cairns to Mareeba - 1 hr
Cairns to Yungaburra
(via Gordonvale) - 1 hr

Mareeba to Chillagoe
(some sections unsealed) - 1.5 hrs
Mareeba to Atherton - 30 mins
Atherton to Herberton - 30 mins
Herberton to Irvinebank
(last 15 km's unsealed) - 30 mins

Atherton to Millaa Millaa - 45 mins
Atherton to Ravenshoe - 45 mins
Ravenshoe to Mt Garnet - 35 mins
Mt Garnet to Undara Nat. Park - 1.5 hrs

Millaa Millaa to Malanda - 30 mins
Millaa Millaa to Ravenshoe - 45 mins
Millaa Millaa to Innisfail - 45 mins

FOOD TRAIL

Ballooning over the Atherton Tablelands.

The Summit Rainforest Retreat offers luxurious holiday home accommodation in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands.

Deep blue Lake Barrine, in the Crater Lakes National Park, near Yungaburra.

Fur'n'Feathers Tree Houses offer luxury accommodation in the rainforest. Click here for more information..

Neatly trimmed tea plantation... and another perfect day in the Atherton Tablelands.

GETTING AROUND THE ATHERTON TABLELANDS

IMPORTANT: Most car rental companies don't allow their cars to be driven on unsealed roads. Make sure you double check your rental agreement, as you will not be covered by insurance if you are in breach of your contract.

FOR MORE DETAILS, SEE THE INDIVIDUAL DESTINATIONS PAGES BY USING THE LINKS IN THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN.

Port Douglas to Mareeba - 1 hr Cairns to Mareeba - 1 hr Cairns to Yungaburra (via Gordonvale) - 1 hr

Mareeba to Chillagoe (some sections unsealed) - 1.5 hrs Mareeba to Atherton - 30 mins Atherton to Herberton - 30 mins Herberton to Irvinebank (last 15 km's unsealed) - 30 mins

Atherton to Millaa Millaa - 45 mins Atherton to Ravenshoe - 45 mins Ravenshoe to Mt Garnet - 35 mins Mt Garnet to Undara Nat. Park - 1.5 hrs

Millaa Millaa to Malanda - 30 mins Millaa Millaa to Ravenshoe - 45 mins Millaa Millaa to Innisfail - 45 mins

Port Douglas to Mareeba - 1 hr
Cairns to Mareeba - 1 hr
Cairns to Yungaburra
(via Gordonvale) - 1 hr

Mareeba to Chillagoe
(some sections unsealed) - 1.5 hrs
Mareeba to Atherton - 30 mins
Atherton to Herberton - 30 mins
Herberton to Irvinebank
(last 15 km's unsealed) - 30 mins

Atherton to Millaa Millaa - 45 mins
Atherton to Ravenshoe - 45 mins
Ravenshoe to Mt Garnet - 35 mins
Mt Garnet to Undara Nat. Park - 1.5 hrs

Millaa Millaa to Malanda - 30 mins
Millaa Millaa to Ravenshoe - 45 mins
Millaa Millaa to Innisfail - 45 mins