The Atherton Tablelands is the place to be with loads of fun and engaging activities for locals and visitors over the coming months, ranging from flower shows to triathlons and the famous gatherings for the annual folk festival and Christmas in July events.
Michael Trout, chair of Tropical Tablelands Tourism (TTT), said Christmas in July, an annual motorhome and caravan event at Davies Park in Mareeba, would be celebrated by nomads from far and wide from July 27 to 30.
“It’s an amazing gathering with a great bunch of people we are thrilled to welcome back year after year – this year is the 20th anniversary so that is quite a milestone,” Mr Trout said.
The Herberton Flower Show on September 2 is also a great crowd pleaser, luring visitors from throughout the region to see the magical colours and blooms the cooler Spring weather brings out in the hills.
Mr Trout was delighted the International Crocodile Trophy, taking place from September 16 to 23, would be returning to the region once again. Seven of the eight stages of the elite mountain bike race are held on the Tablelands.
More than 120 professional and amateur cyclists from around the globe will cross the start line in Cairns for the epic 600km race. They will complete the first stage in Cairns before commencing the climb to the Atherton Tablelands, with stops at Lake Tinaroo, Atherton, Irvinebank, Skybury Coffee Plantation and Wetherby Station. The race will finish in Port Douglas.
“That’s a lot of people with a lot of supporters and we are delighted to have them here. The Croc Trophy is a gruelling event for competitors but a great economic and publicity boon for us here on the Tropical Tablelands. The international exposure of our stunning natural beauty and diverse country up here is literally worth millions of dollars,” Mr Trout said.
The Yungaburra Folk Festival will be a cultural buzz from October 27 to 29, with music, dance and loads of fun. The festival is in its 37th year and its terrific reputation sees top acts and bands include it in their gig bucket list.
Also taking place in October is the Avanti Plus Long Course Triathlon at Lake Tinaroo and the Kids and Team Relay Adults Aquathlon. The Cairns Crocs Triathlon Club presents the
triathlon in four races over two days. The Avanti Plus Long Course Triathlon of 2km/65km/16km and the Avanti Plus Short Course Triathlon of 1km/35km/8km will be held on Saturday afternoon, October 7. The Aquathlons will be held on Sunday morning, October 8.
“Events like this – as well as our popular, regular country markets – encourage spectators and participants to come along and stay for the weekend and attend other events held in the region. The Tropical Tablelands is certainly the place to be for people looking for some fun, action and entertainment right through until Christmas,” Mr Trout said.
Written by Tanya Snelling. Originally published 17th July 2017.
