Atherton Tablelands, Australia

Welcome to Atherton Tablelands, Australia

Summary

The Atherton Tableland is an hour's drive away from Cairns, with an area of about 32,000 kilometers. This plateau used to be a natural gold and tin mine, which serves as home to 5800 residents. Its postcode is 4883.

Surroundings

As part of Queensland's Great Dividing Range, it is located across the Barron River. The towns on Atherton Tableland include Atherton, Herberton, Kuranda, Kairi, Malanda, Mareeba, Millaa Millaa, Tinaroo, Tolga, Yungaburra and Ravenshoe.

Name Derivation and History

The Atherton Tablelands' name was derived from Atherton, which was the first town which was settled in the area which is not composed of eleven towns. Prior to being settled in by John Atherton in 1877, it was JV Mulligan who first explored the town in 1875. John Atherton was a pastoralist who first discovered the tin deposits along Tinaroo Creek. Today, the Atherton Tablelands is a popular bed-and-breakfast destination with Tinaroo Dam as one of its main attractions.   read more

Geography

The Atherton Tablelands can be easily described as fertile plateau and a highland getaway. Lake Tinaroo serves as the irrigation dam in the area. The towns are elevated at an altitude of about 600 to 1100 metres, and are situated between the Great Dividing Range and the Bellenden Ker Range.

Attractions

Each of the eleven towns have their very own tourist attractions, including crystal caves, volcanic mountains, a historic village, a waterfall circuit, unique wind generators and ancient limestone caves. Even a simple view of the majestic Cathedral Fig Tree and a tour of the mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls along Cairns hold their natural charm.

Transport

For a pleasurable and scenic drive, car rentals are available at affordable rates from the Cairns Car Rental, All Day Car Rental, ABC Integra Car Rental and the Billabong Car Rentals. To get to the Atherton Tablelands, you can take any of the four routes available, including the Gillies, Kuranda and Palmerston Highway, or via the Rex Range Road.

Recreation

Tourists can have their fill of natural treasures such as the World Heritage national parks and rainforests. Bush walking, bird watching, fishing, hot air ballooning and water skiing are other outdoor activities which visitors can engage in. Monthly markets are also available in each town.

Alternative Places

The Burnett region is a similar destination, which is home to the world's largest sand island - Fraser Island. Maryborough is another part of the Burnett region which offers tourists a visit to the sugar cane mills, farms and a host of other great places to visit.