15 Best things to do in the Atherton Tablelands

Last Updated: October 2026

Located in Tropical North Queensland, just inland from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands is a beautiful region of lush rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, volcanic crater lakes and charming country towns. It’s also one of the best places in Queensland to spot unique Australian wildlife, including platypuses, tree kangaroos and colourful tropical birds.

With its cooler mountain climate and stunning natural scenery, the Atherton Tablelands offers a refreshing escape from the tropical heat of the coast. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring ancient rainforests, swimming in freshwater lakes or enjoying locally grown coffee and delicious produce, there’s something here for every nature lover.

We loved exploring this beautiful part of Queensland, particularly its incredible waterfalls, peaceful rainforest walks and opportunities to spot wildlife in its natural habitat.

In this guide, I’ll share the 15 best things to do in the Atherton Tablelands, along with practical tips to help you plan your visit, whether you’re taking a day trip from Cairns or spending a few days exploring the region.

The Best Things to Do in the Atherton Tablelands

1- Enjoy the views from the Kennedy Highway

Most people visit the Atherton Tablelands while staying in Cairns. The drive from Cairns is the first highlight of the trip as you follow the Captain Cook Highway and then turn onto the Kennedy Highway. The winding drive up into the hills offers some spectacular views, before you enter a thick rainforest. There are some viewpoints to stop at along the way to admire the scenery.

2- Go for coffee and breakfast at Skybury

I don’t know about you, but for me, first comes coffee and breakfast; then the day can start! The Skybury Coffee Plantation is said to be the oldest and largest coffee plantation in Australia, but it is also well known as a major supplier of Sweet Red Papaya and Lady Finger Bananas, two of Tropical North Queensland’s favourite fruits.

Order a coffee and a breakfast of fresh papaya and enjoy them on the outdoor deck of the restaurant, overlooking the farmland and the valleys.

3- Have tea and scones at the Lake Barrine Teahouse

Lake Barrine is a beautiful freshwater volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush rainforest in Crater Lakes National Park. Overlooking the water is the historic Lake Barrine Teahouse, a family-run establishment dating back to 1924, famous for its delicious homemade scones and Devonshire teas.

From the teahouse, you can also join a 45-minute guided boat cruise to discover the lake’s wildlife, rainforest and fascinating history. Unfortunately, the cruise wasn’t operating when we visited, but it’s definitely worth considering if you have time.

4- Walk around Lake Barrine

Before or after your stop at the Lake Barrine Teahouse, take a walk around the circumference of Lake Barrine for some exercise. The Lake Barrine Circuit Track is a 5-kilometre walk and takes approximately 2 hours. It goes along gravel pathways and a boardwalk around the lake through rainforest.  Keep a lookout for plenty of bird and wildlife.

5- Admire the awe-inspiring Curtain Fig Tree

The Curtain Fig Tree is a heritage-listed tree located in the Curtain Fig National Park, about a kilometre north of the town of Yungaburra. It is one of the largest trees in Tropical North Queensland and one of the best-known attractions in the Atherton Tablelands. It is HUGE and totally worth a stop. This tree is believed to be at least 500 years old! Amazing.

6- Explore the prettiest town of the Atherton Tablelands, Yungaburra

Yungaburra is a charming old village lined with colourful heritage-listed buildings and beautiful flowers.

I think this little village is the prettiest in the Atherton Tablelands. Park the car and walk around the tiny town centre. Be sure to bring your camera! Along the way, stop at art galleries, cute little boutiques, or the bookstore. You can even have lunch at one of its country-style cafes.

7. Look Out for Platypuses in Yungaburra

I’ve always dreamed of seeing a platypus in the wild, but unfortunately, I still haven’t been lucky enough to spot one! However, Yungaburra is one of the best places in Queensland to try your luck.

Head to the Yungaburra Platypus Viewing Platform, overlooking Peterson Creek near Nick’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. This peaceful spot offers a chance to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

If you don’t spot one from the platform, follow the walking trail beside Peterson Creek. The path passes beneath the bridge and continues along the creek, offering more opportunities to look for wildlife.

Top tip: Platypuses are generally most active around dawn and dusk, so visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for your best chance of a sighting. Be patient, stay quiet and watch for ripples on the water’s surface.

Hopefully, you’ll have better luck than we did!

8- Go chasing waterfalls

The Atherton Tablelands are packed with waterfalls. There are so many that you may run out of time if you try to see them all. But what you shouldn’t miss is a drive along the Waterfall Circuit.

The Waterfall Circuit is just half an hour from Yungaburra and is where you’ll find the most famous trio, Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls which are just a short drive apart from each other.

The first one, Millaa Millaa is one of the most famous and most photographed waterfalls in Australia. It’s a good-looking waterfall and you can swim there. However, if you want to find it empty, you’ll have to get up early. Being so famous, it’s always packed.

The Zillie Falls are the second one along the road. They can only be admired from the viewing platform above them, so there’s no swimming here.

 The last one on the circuit is Ellinjaa Falls. Ellinjaa Falls is so beautiful too and guess what, you can get down to the bottom, have a swim and it is way less busy!

Looking for more waterfalls? There are so many more. Millstream Falls, Dinner Falls, Mungalli Falls, Wallicher Falls and Tchupala Falls are others worth seeing but how many waterfalls can one really see in a day or weekend?

9. Enjoy a Cheese Platter at Mungalli Creek Dairy

If you love cheese, don’t miss a stop at Mungalli Creek Dairy! This family-run biodynamic dairy farm is surrounded by lush green countryside, with spectacular views towards the Johnston River Gorge and rainforest-covered mountains.

Their charming farmhouse café, Out of the Whey, serves delicious homemade meals featuring their own dairy products and locally sourced ingredients. We particularly loved their generous cheese platter, loaded with delicious cheeses and accompaniments. It’s the perfect place to relax over lunch while enjoying the beautiful Atherton Tablelands scenery.

10- Visit the historic Village of Herberton

Herberton is the oldest town on the Atherton Tablelands and this fascinating historic village is listed on the National Heritage Register. A visit to Herberton is like stepping back in time with preserves, displays and fascinating historical exhibits from across Australia. Make this a must do and allow plenty of time to see all the 62+ exhibits and some very interesting memorabilia from our past.

11- Visit Paronella Park

Once an entertainment park, complete with lawn bowls, picnic tables, waterfalls, swimming pool, ballroom, and many hectares of tropical gardens; Paronella Park is now one of the most visited tourist attractions near Cairns.

This amazing Spanish Castle was José Paronella’s life-long dream, and he did pretty well realising it.

You could spend a few hours walking around the grounds and taking photos in this Instagram friendly park. The entrance fee also includes a 45-minute guided walk (which is great to learn all about the history of the park), a night tour for a sound and light display. The best part is that your ticket is valid for 24 months, so you can come back anytime.

Admission:       Adults: $62 – Children (5-15): $34

12- Admire the rainforest canopy from the Mamu Tropical Skywalk

For a nice, easy walk amongst the rainforest, head to the Mamu Tropical Skywalk. The Mamu Tropical Skywalk is home to a 350-metre-long elevated walkway, a 10-meter-long cantilevered viewpoint and a 37m high observation tower, offering visitors the exhilarating experience of standing at the top of the rainforest canopy. The experience provides spectacular panoramic views of the World Heritage rainforest landscapes and of the Lower Johnson River and surrounding ranges.

You can download an audio guide at the ticket office, or you can follow a booklet that explains what each of the numbered trees are along the walk. It’s a great way to learn about the rainforest.

You can buy a combination ticket for both the Paronella Park and the Mamu Boardwalk for $86 per adults or $48 per child. Or if you only want to do the Mamu Boardwalk the entrance fee is $34 per adult and $19 per child.

13- Ride the SkyRail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

The small village of Kuranda draws a lot of day visitors from Cairns.

The best and most scenic way to head to Kuranda is to take the Skyrail up and the Kuranda Scenic Railway back down. From the Skyrail you will be amazed by the views over the rainforest and looking back over Cairns. Breathtaking! There are two stops on the way, one at Red Peak for a rainforest walk with a ranger and the other at Barron Falls.

Once in Kuranda, you can spend time exploring the village. There are many shops, galleries, markets, a bird and butterfly sanctuary and many restaurants and cafes. Frogs is a good place to eat to spot the funny water dragons.

After a few hours exploring Kuranda, head back down via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. You really need a full day to enjoy this experience.

Read more about the SkyRail and Kuranda Scenic Railway here.  

14- Go Hot Air Ballooning

See the beautiful Atherton Tablelands from the air at sunrise. Wouldn’t that be the best way to start the day? Hot Air ballooning rides over the Tablelands are operated daily from Cairns (weather permitting). If you haven’t been on a hot air balloon before, the Atherton Tablelands would be a great place to try it

15. Visit Queensland’s Highest Town

Sitting at around 920 metres above sea level, Ravenshoe is Queensland’s highest town. This charming little country town is worth a stop for its history, character and cooler mountain climate.

While you’re there, check out the local art gallery and nearby Windy Hill Wind Farm. Built in 2000, the wind farm features 20 turbines and offers beautiful views across the surrounding countryside.

Best Time to Visit the Atherton Tablelands

The dry season (May to October) is generally the best time to visit the Atherton Tablelands, with cooler temperatures, less humidity and ideal conditions for hiking and sightseeing.

The wet season (November to April) brings heavier rainfall and lush green landscapes, with waterfalls at their most impressive. Thanks to its higher elevation, the Tablelands is generally cooler than Cairns year-round, especially during winter mornings and evenings.

How to Get to the Atherton Tablelands and Get Around

The Atherton Tablelands is approximately 1–1.5 hours’ drive from Cairns, depending on your destination. You can reach the region via the scenic Gillies Range or Kuranda Range roads.

Hiring a car is the best way to explore, as attractions are spread out and public transport is limited. A regular 2WD is sufficient for most popular sights. Alternatively, organised day tours depart from Cairns.

Planning a Tropical North Queensland road trip? Discover our Tropical North Queensland itinerary, taking you through some of the region’s most beautiful rainforests, waterfalls, beaches and coastal destinations.

How Many Days Do You Need?

While you can see some highlights on a day trip from Cairns, I’d recommend spending two or three days exploring the Atherton Tablelands. This gives you time to discover waterfalls, rainforest walks, charming towns and wildlife without rushing.

Where to stay in the Atherton Tablelands?

Sharlynn by the River

Set in Malanda, Sharlynn by the River offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and room service. Boasting free private parking, the lodge is in an area where guests can engage in activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing. Guests at the lodge can enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast. Check their latest prices here.

Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages

Located on the border of the World Heritage-listed Crater Lakes National Park, these cottages are surrounded by rainforest with wildlife on the doorstep. Each cottage has a spa bath and a private deck with BBQ. Check their latest prices here.

Birds ‘n’ Bloom Cottages

Located in Yungaburra in the Queensland region, Birds ‘n’ Bloom Cottages provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking, as well as access to a hot tub. Check their latest prices here.

BIG4 NRMA Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park

Set amongst award-winning gardens, this peaceful retreat offers an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy local birdlife while relaxing in the outdoor cabana. Check their latest prices here.

Exploring more of Tropical North Queensland? Discover the beautiful beaches, lush rainforests and laid-back atmosphere of Mission Beach, or head north to Cape Tribulation, where the ancient Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Both are fantastic additions to a North Queensland road trip!

FAQs About the Atherton Tablelands

Is the Atherton Tablelands worth visiting?

Absolutely! With beautiful waterfalls, ancient rainforests, crater lakes and unique wildlife, it’s one of Tropical North Queensland’s most rewarding destinations.

Can you visit the Atherton Tablelands on a day trip from Cairns?

Yes! Popular stops include Millaa Millaa Falls, Lake Barrine and the Curtain Fig Tree. However, staying overnight allows you to explore more.

Do you need a 4WD?

No, most major attractions are accessible by sealed roads, so a regular car is sufficient.

Can you swim in the waterfalls?

Yes, several waterfalls have designated swimming areas, including Millaa Millaa Falls. Always check local conditions and safety signs before entering the water.

Where can you see platypuses?

Peterson Creek in Yungaburra is a popular spot. Visit around dawn or dusk for the best chance of seeing one.

Where should you stay?

Yungaburra is a charming and convenient base, while Atherton offers more shops, restaurants and services.

Love exploring Queensland’s natural wonders? From tropical rainforests to colourful coral reefs, there’s so much to discover. Read our Lady Elliot Island guide for an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef adventure filled with turtles, manta rays and incredible snorkelling.

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