The Atherton Tablelands are full of awesome moments when the landscape and wildlife are mind blowing.
Whether you drive round, walk a bit, hop on a bike or swim a few lengths this natural Disneyland will enchant you.
Take time to look up at the amazing trees. The rainforest is incredible with a million shades of green. Stop off at some special trees – both the Cathedral or Curtain Fig Tree must be ticked off as should the kauri at Lake Barrine and at Kauri Creek, Tinaroo.
Riding a bike around the Atherton Tablelands is one of the best ways to see the area. The Short Kairi Loop is an easy-ish 28km cycle.
Choose the Gorge Loop for a more in depth 52km loop. Take a packed lunch, stop and check the creeks for platypus and just enjoy the view pedalling through this food bowl of the north.
There are some really neat walks all over the Atherton Tablelands, which will take you through beautiful forest, beside mesmerising streams, lakes and waterfalls and over incredible geological landscapes.
Some are quick and easy – 10 minutes there and back on even ground – while others are for experienced hikers only. If you ditch the car you are bound to see more wildlife. Enjoy the beauty and the silence.
Take the plunge and swim a bit on the Atherton Tablelands. There are lots of choices. Both Lakes Barrine and Eacham and many waterfalls dotted around the area are swimmable. Float on your back, look up at the sky and just relax. Want something a bit more challenging – find one of the many streams cascading over rocks to splash around and discover a cool pool to hang in.
The Tablelands is a countryside of many characters that are satisfying to explore – and that includes the many different towns with an oasis of cafes and accommodation at the end of the day.
*For more information and travel ideas check out the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Atherton journey guide.
