Local Attractions

Up in the mountain ranges behind Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia is the thriving township of Atherton.

This friendly country town provides all the necessary facilities and amenities for families with children, retirees, locals and visitors. Here, you can enjoy the urban pleasures of unique shops, art galleries and charming cafes with great local coffee.

The Atherton Tablelands landscapes range from extinct volcanoes and crater lakes; bird and wildlife rich forests and National Parks; peaceful dairy and cropping farms; and charming towns and villages.

Walk on the wild side - watch and photograph abundant tropical flora and fauna. The crocodile-free lakes and rivers offer outstanding swimming, camping and fishing. Explore ancient volcanic crater lakes. Experience the exhilarating feeling of swimming beneath waterfalls and strolling through rainforest.

Atherton Attractions

Hou Wang Temple

This is the only temple outside of China known to be dedicated to Hou Wang and is the only surviving timber & iron temple in Queensland. The Chinese were pioneers of agriculture in North Queensland, and helped to settle the Atherton area.

The site & temple were purchased by a number of local Chinese families who donated it to the National trust in 1979. Heritage and local history is displayed in the Interpretive Centre and the temple contains a substantial number of original artifacts. Website

Mark and Stella - Atherton Tablelands

Atherton Birds Of Prey

Let Mark introduce you to majestic eagles, falcons, owls and more. Thrill to the sight of these native birds flying free outside the cages.

Several of the birds have been trained to do special tasks, and the audience is encouraged to take an active role in the presentation.

He also has other fascinating animals you can meet face to face after the show.

Website

Hasties Swamp National Park (Nyletta Wetlands)

Only two kilometres south of the Atherton Information Centre is a bird-lovers paradise, twitchers call this area a "hot spot". This is a good place to observe nesting behaviour.

An all weather bird hide is perched next to wetlands containing large concentrations of birds including some rare species. There's no entrance fee for this park.

View and print out our local bird list or view the Birds Australia site.

Crystal Caves

Put on a miner's helmet, and venture into the man made cave system, which offers an amazing labyrinth of gemstones and fossils studded into the walls.

You'll be awestruck when you see the giant amethyst, a recent purchase. Crystal Caves is located in Atherton’s main Street and is a major draw card to people of all ages.

Website

Hallorans Hill Lookout, Atherton Tablelands

Hallorans Hill Lookout

Walk right up the side of an extinct volcano – Hallorans Hill. The walking track starts at the Environmental Park next to the Atherton Hospital, Louise Street. Allow about an hour and a half return.

You'll see a curtain fig tree, miniature waterfalls, rock pools and rainforest. Keep an eye out for bush turkeys and even the occasional tree-kangaroo.

On top at the lookout, enjoy the panoramic views across the Atherton Tablelands, The views include Lake Tinaroo, the Seven Sisters - extinct volcanoes, and Mt Bartle Frere - the tallest mountain in Queensland. There are also covered barbeques and an attractive play area for children.

Atherton Events

Atherton Show - July - wood chopping competitions, local produce & crafts displays, food, rides & fireworks and much more

Atherton Maize Festival - August - triathlon event, talent quest, mardi gras procession, food stalls and the crowning of the maize Queen

Taste of the Tablelands - September - delicious foods to sample, local produce, wine and food products, live music

Atherton Tablelands Attractions

Lake Tinaroo - large spectacular lake, 20 minutes from Atherton, camping boating, water skiing, fishing, picnics, bush walking Website

Lake Eacham - sublime crater lake, 20 minutes from Atherton, swimming, bush walking, bird watching, BBQ, no camping

Lake Barrine - blue crater lake 4 k. past the Lake Eacham turnoff, tea house, boat tours, bush walking, bird watching, wildlife spotting

Rainforest Gallery - Yungaburra Historic Village - 15 minutes drive from Atherton, souvenirs, local art and crafts Website

The Gem Gallery - Yungaburra Historic Village - opal, bead and pearl jewellery Website

Atherton Tablelands Events

Wheelbarrow Race - May - Mareeba

Mareeba Rodeo - July - Mareeba - Website

Victory in the Pacific Celebrations - August - Rocky Creek (between Atherton and Mareeba)

Walkamin Country Music Festival - October - Mareeba

Barra Bash Fishing Competition - October or November - Tinaroo

Yungaburra Folk Festival - 4th weekend in October - Yungaburra - Website

Atherton Tablelands Information

Chillagoe - The Hub - Website

Dimbulah Railway Museum & Information Centre - Ph: +61 (7) 4093 5999

Herberton Mining Museum and Visitor Information Centre - Website

Kuranda Visitor Information Centre - Website

Malanda Falls Visitor Centre - Ph: +61 (7) 4096 6957 - Website

Mareeba Heritage Museum & Visitor Information Centre - Website

Millaa Millaa - Chamber of Commerce - Website

Ravenshoe Visitor Centre - Website

Tropical Tablelands Tourism -Website

Yungaburra Visitor Information Centre - Website