The Atherton Tablelands is a lush, fertile plateau that is part of the Great Dividing Range in the tropical north region of Queensland, Australia.
The ‘Tablelands’ (as referred to by locals) is a combination of wet tropical rainforests, sweeping Savannah Lands, and a vast outback desert. The Atherton Tablelands is well known within Queensland as a region of stunning natural beauty situated at an altitude ranging from 600m to 1100m where the air is cool and fresh.
Yet to the rest of the world, it seems that the Atherton Tablelands often appears lost when compared to the famed Daintree Rainforest and of course the world-famous Great Barrier Reef located nearby.
As a result, people who come to this part of the globe and base themselves in Cairns often are not aware of the existence of the Tablelands and don’t know what they are missing when planning and enjoying their trip to Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.
The lovely inland town of Atherton is 81 km southwest of Cairns. The town and surrounding tablelands are named after John Atherton, a remarkable early settler who, in 1857 when he was only twenty, overlanded sheep from the New England area of NSW all the way to Rockhampton in Queensland. He moved to the Atherton Tablelands area in the late 1870s.
Due to the town’s elevation of some 752 meters (2,467 ft) above sea level, Atherton weather contributes to this community’s reputation of being a nice place to live. Atherton Tablelands weather generally is much cooler and more bearable than the coast, especially in summer.
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Getting to the Atherton Tablelands from Cairns
You can pick up a drive map of the Atherton Tablelands from Cairns or the town of Atherton and at any of the “i” (or tourist information centers). These maps are really easy to read and follow. Depending on your driving route and where you are headed to, Cairns to Atherton usually takes between 1-2 hours.
The other option of course would be to take an Atherton Tablelands tour which originates from Cairns and is done on nice comfy tour buses with a guide and commentary as you go.
We decided to experience both the tour and self-drive options on our visit to this region and we were quite surprised by the huge number of things to do in Atherton Tablelands.
Our 7 Hidden Treasures
We were well aware of the Atherton Tablelands prior to flying into Cairns, and were determined to ensure we allowed enough time to explore this region in addition to the more famous attractions mentioned earlier.
Below is a summary of some of the more significant highlights that I would recommend you see and experience when visiting.
Babinda Boulders
The Babinda Boulders is an area of the Babinda Creek lined with huge boulders and clear freshwater weaving between the boulders to fill large pools where people can swim. Visitors to the Babinda Boulders are often amazed that the water is quite cool, even during mid-summer.
Just behind the Boulders is Mt Bartle Frere, Queensland’s tallest mountain, from which Babinda Creek’s cool water originates. The section of the creek where the water rushes over massive granite boulders, smoothing and shaping them, is referred to as the Babinda Boulders.
These boulders reminded me so much of the scene we experienced at Mossman Gorge while exploring the incredible Daintree Rainforest, just north of the Atherton Tablelands.
On the day we visited Babinda, it was pouring non-stop rain, which made for a cooler visit but we hadn’t anticipated the downpour so we didn’t have an umbrella and were well and truly drenched from the experience.
It was fun to see the boulders, creek, and surrounding rainforest area and while we didn’t go swimming on this occasion, we did manage to take a few photos without completely wetting the camera.
Curtain Fig National Park
Entering this small but popular national park, you can view a spectacular curtain fig tree from different vantage points along a boardwalk.
Why would a fig tree be so special that people flock to see it, you may ask?
Well, this large fig tree in Curtain Fig Tree National Park is unique because the extensive aerial roots, that drop 15 meters to the forest floor, have formed a ‘curtain’. Starting from a seed dropped high in the canopy, this strangler fig grew vertical roots, which gradually became thicker and interwoven.
Over hundreds of years, these roots have strangled the host tree causing it to fall into a neighboring tree – a stage unique to the development of this fig. Vertical fig roots then formed a curtain-like appearance and the host trees then rotted away, leaving the freestanding fig tree.
This particular tree which you can see in the photos is nearly 50 meters tall, with a trunk circumference of 39 meters, and is estimated to be over 500 years old!
Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls
When people say you shouldn’t miss seeing the Atherton waterfalls, they are actually referring to the Atherton waterfalls circuit (a drive that connects a number of beautiful waterfalls) and also waterfalls in the broader Tablelands generally.
From our adventures exploring this region, my top 3 falls are shared below.
Josephine Falls
These falls are one of the most popular and were the first we saw, located within Babinda creek, close to the Babinda Boulders.
The falls are an easy walk from the Babinda Boulders car park, along a walkway that runs alongside the Babinda creek.
While Josephine Falls is promoted as a beautiful spot to enjoy along with the Babinda Boulders, authorities caution swimmers to take great care as to where they enter the water. Signs indicate dangerous areas where people have drowned in the past.
Devils Pool is one of the pools along the boulders area which is sacred to the Aboriginals of this land. Legend has it that a young beautiful woman fell to her death there and continues to haunt the waters. This legend does actually help to warn swimmers, even more, to not take these waters for granted.
Malanda Falls
Located on the North Johnstone River, the town of Malanda is synonymous with milk and all things dairy. The Malanda Falls is a popular attraction close to the town and also includes a park area where many people enjoy picnics.
The Malanda Falls are within the Eacham Shire, not far from Eacham Lake and the area is maintained by the local council.
There are also guided walks through the Malanda Falls Conservation Park led by local indigenous people.
Millaa Millaa Falls
Often referred to as ‘the village in the mist’, Millaa Millaa is a town located on the southern edge of the Atherton Tablelands, around 100 km south of Cairns.
The waterfalls situated close to the village mark the start of the waterfalls circuit, consisting of three lovely waterfalls in this area.
We found Millaa Millaa Falls to be a spectacular spot and very peaceful even though there were also a number of other tourists there at the time. I think you will agree from this photo that it is indeed quite a stunning waterfall.
Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway or ‘Skywalk’
The Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway is a spectacular walk through the canopy of the World Heritage rainforest.
Otherwise known as ‘Skywalk’, this is an iconic tourist attraction in the heart of the Wet Tropics. It has a 350 meter long elevated walkway through the canopy, a cantilever, a 37-meter observation tower, and more than 1200 meters of walking tracks.
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You can wander through this piece of wilderness taking in the wonder of nature at your own pace while learning about the flora and fauna here from the information posted along the various trails.
The cantilever provides tantalizing views over the North Johnstone river gorge. The 37-meter observation tower emerges high above the canopy, offering sweeping views over a pristine rainforest-clad mountainous landscape, the homeland of the Mamu Aboriginal people.
Located within the Palmerston section of Wooroonooran National Park, the attraction was built in natural clearings in the rainforest caused by cyclone Larry in March 2006 and constructed from durable unpainted galvanized steel and recycled plastic.
This attraction is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience being close to the rainforest. It is located close to other National Park walking tracks and picnic areas, making it a great day visit to the area, armed with a picnic hamper and walking shoes.
Skywalk is also wheelchair friendly with the exception of the observation tower where there are stairs to reach the top to enjoy views above the forest canopy.
Platypus Spotting at Yungaburra
Mention unique Australian wildlife and everyone immediately thinks of the kangaroo. However, the platypus is equally unique and in fact more challenging to find and observe.
Immediately outside the small, charming town/village of Yungaburra, there is a creek just off the road that you would miss if you didn’t know it was there.
The only signage indicating the presence of the platypus exists within the area of the creek itself which is great because there might otherwise be hoards of people pulling over or walking from the village and potentially affecting the habitat there.
We only found out about it from our tour guide who knew we were keen on the unique natural experiences of the region and not because this is on the official tourist trail.
It took a while to finally locate a platypus in the creek after getting there but everyone in our small group was excited when the sighting occurred. Most of us managed to get a photo before the platypus again vanished under the water back to peacefully enjoy his day. This was certainly a highlight for our day to see this outside of a zoo-type experience.
Lake Tinaroo
There are a few lovely lakes up on the Atherton Tablelands. The biggest of all is Lake Tinaroo.
Not surprisingly, this beautiful area is well set up for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the lake and its beautiful surroundings. Lake Tinaroo is a favorite spot for fishing, water-skiing, and those keen on boating.
The lake is large enough for virtually all visitors to find a private and quiet spot to enjoy the beauty and atmosphere there. The area also has a number of campsites perfect for spending time under the stars in this peaceful location. In addition, there are also more up-market cabins at the Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park.
We loved checking out the lake from a number of locations and it was one of our favorite places on the Atherton Tablelands.
Crater Lakes National Park
Crater Lakes National Park comprises two separate sections—Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham. Both sections have clear, blue crater lakes surrounded by cool rainforests. As the name of the park suggests, the lakes are both volcanically-formed and there are also walking trails around the water.
At Lake Barrine you will find a walking track, giant bull kauri pine trees, and privately-owned teahouse and boat cruises which make it a popular stop for visitors.
Lake Eacham, a favorite of locals and visitors alike, offers swimming, birdwatching, picnic areas, and shady walking tracks.
We spent most of our time within the park at Lake Eacham as it was such a pretty location. It is yet another jewel in the crown of the Atherton Tablelands and you can’t help feeling a little sorry for visitors who just don’t know about the Tablelands and all there is to see.
Primary Produce
The lush and vibrant vegetation found in this warm, tropical environment creates conditions ideal for growing a variety of food of high quality.
The Atherton Tablelands provides an amazing array of produce including bananas, berries, avocados, mangos, sugar cane, dairy, coffee, tea, and beef cattle.
There are a number of places you can sample the produce while visiting and it always seems to taste that much better when you are actually right there.
Accommodation
Atherton Tablelands accommodation is not just restricted to the Atherton Motel. In fact, accommodation in Atherton Tablelands extends throughout the region and provides a fair amount of choice if you prefer not to be based in the city of Cairns.
If you are thinking of staying close to Atherton itself, the most popular choice appeared to be the Big 4 Atherton which offers a number of options of caravan sites as well as cabins in a lovely natural setting.
Atherton is an ideal, central location from which to explore the Tablelands however it is still very possible to do so from many of the towns and villages in the area or even from Cairns itself.
Conclusion
When most people arrive in Cairns, they are well aware of the main draw of this area, being the Great Barrier Reef and the beautiful coastline in the region stretching from Mission Beach in the south to Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation in the north.
However, I hope that this article has highlighted the significance of the Atherton Tableland attractions sufficiently to convince you to also make time to travel inland. Taking a road trip here for some fabulous experiences can truly add to some wonderful memories in this beautiful part of the world.
Have you visited the Atherton Tablelands at all? Or did you find this article and my experience interesting enough to think about going? Please do share your thoughts in the comments below.
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Passionate Travel Writer, Blogger and Influencer.
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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I have never heard of this area before but it looks beautiful. When I think of Cairns, I just imagine the beaches and had no idea this place existed, I will certainly be adding it to my list when I visit. I especially want to visit Curtain Fig National Park and also to see all the waterfalls. The skywalk in Mamu National Park also looks amazing too. I can’t wait to be able to see all this 🙂
Thanks so much Clare. The Atherton Tablelands certainly is close to Cairns and has so much to see and I’m so pleased you found these options appealing and plan to visit yourself.
Breathtaking waterfalls, a fascinating curtain fig, and an adorable platypus — what more could a visitor hope to see in this magical place?!?
Very well put, Sage! It is indeed such a wonderful region to visit with so much to see and enjoy.
I live in Michigan and our Upper Peninsula has about 300 waterfalls. It looks like Cairns would be a great place to see some more. I also found the curtain fig tree to be quite interesting. I think I need to plan a trip to Cairns.
Cairns is a great place with lots of accommodation options from which to visit all the attractions in the Atherton Tablelands, Amy. Thanks so much for reading and I hope you make the trip as well and find it as rewarding as we did.
Atherton Tablelands is such a great nature trip with 7 treasures! I especially like the curtain fig and the platypus sighting. My daughter lives in Australia and I hope we can visit this place!
Visiting your daughter would be a great reason to get to Australia and then both take some time out to do a bit of vacation time in this part of the continent, Carol. I’m sure you would both have a lovely time.
The Atherton Tablelands look like such a wonderful and peaceful place to visit, to get away from the busy city and connect with nature. I would love walk along the Yungaburra creek and try to spot the platypus, as I have never seen one. Lake Tinaroo seems a very nice place to relax nearby, with a picnic and maybe a boat ride.
That’s for sure, Joanna. The whole region had such a peaceful vibe. It felt so good just taking your time to see all the Tablelands had to offer. Thank you for reading and your really nice comment.
The Atherton Tablelands seems to be the perfect place for a trip. Fantastic rainforest area with lots of beautiful attractions. I would like to see Babinda Creek and Curtain Fig National Park. Also, Skywalk seems so exciting.
The different and yet all lovely attractions to see in the Atherton Tablelands was a real bonus Agnes and so worth the effort to go and experience it.
The Skywalk reminds me of a canopy walk that I did in Costa Rica. It was absolutely beautiful but it was also scared because I have a little bit of a fear of height
I know what you mean Elise. Afraid to go but also want to see the natural beauty there. I’m sure in the case of your trip to Costa Rica you were pleased that you decided to go ahead and if so, I’m sure that would be the case with the Skywalk at Atherton Tablelands as well.
Wow! This is such a beautiful area. I would love to see Curtain Fig Tree National Park. It is unlike anything that we have in the United States. Of course, I am a huge sucker for waterfalls, so those would definitely be on my list! Thanks for a great post!
My pleasure Michelle. I’m so happy you found this interesting and enjoyable and thank you for your lovely comment.
the place looks so magical! I can’t believe these are fig trees, so different from what we are used to seeing here! The photos are so vivid for me, I do feel like jumping inside and see it all through
The appearance of the Curtain Fig Tree does feel a bit magical, Lyosha, and it was a bit hard to fit the tree into the photo frame to do it justice. Thank you so much for reading and your comment.
Woooow this place is stunning. I can’t believe that such a place even exists.
Thank you, Riyah for such a lovely comment. We were really impressed with this region and are so pleased we spent time exploring there.
Wow!! Curtain Fig National Park looks amazing! I love interesting trees, and that might be the most interesting one I’ve seen.
That’s for sure, Fern! So different from what we are used to seeing.
Absolutely beautiful. The falls, the creeks are just lovely. But it was the Fig Curtain for me. I’m like, ‘Wow!’.
I completely understand that Viano. It really was the same for us and the other visitors on the day.
All of these places are a must-see when visiting the area! Curtain Fig National Park looks so interesting! I had never heard of this, or the trees that grow vertically. I am intrigued and want to see them for myself. I was also surprised to see a place called Crater Lake here too. I live about 2 hours from Crater Lake in the US, so my first thought was, “there’s another one?!” It looks beautiful though. I am looking forward to being able to travel again soon, and I’m saving this post for that.
Thank you so much, Erica. I was totally fascinated by the Curtain Fig Tree as well and the lakes there are lovely as well. Thank you for reading and commenting and I hope this will be of help when you come to plan your trip.
Wow this looks like an amazing place! Though that sky walk might aggrevate my vertigo I’d definitely give it a go!
The Skywalk was just such a lovely way to safely immerse yourself in the wet tropical rainforest area, Di. I guess the trick might be to NOT look down when you are in the particularly higher areas!
This looks incredible! Wow that waterfall! Just beautiful
Thanks so much Laura, so pleased you liked this.
What a fantastic place. Love all the waterfalls. Would be very cool to see a platypus
It is just gorgeous Trish. So beautiful and relaxing. Thank you for reading and your comment.
What a great place to visit will definitely put it on the bucket list visit. Platypus spotting must be quite fun.
Platypus spotting was certainly an adventure, Nisha, and the entire region was just lovely.
Oh wow, it sounds like you had an amazing experience. It’s great that you went inland to show something different. I’d love to go platypus spoting.
Thanks, Melanie. While so many focus on the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands are often overlooked.
First, I love pictures and I like the fact that you nailed every shot. It is hard to name the best one. This is a great article for someone who is looking to visit Atherton Tableland. The hidden gems in this area are beautiful.
Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Pooja. James and I are not great photographers but we do take a lot when we travel on the basis that we then have many to choose from. And when you are in such a beautiful area, it tends to photograph well anyway. Thank you again.
I’m so captivated by the curtain fig. It just looks like something out of this world. I still haven’t been to Australia so I’m yet to see a platypus in real life.
So many people made the same comment about the curtain fig tree when we were there, Alvern – it certainly looks a bit unworldly! The platypus is also extremely unique as wildlife goes.
Wow! Such a beautiful place. I would love to visit one day. All the waterfalls are so majestic and stunning but I wouldn’t mind also visiting Curtain Fig or the Babinda Boulders.
Once you are on the Atherton Tablelands, everything is very accessible Maureen (particularly if you are driving) so you would be able to see as much of these treasures as you would like.
What a tremendous oversight for those who do not know the Tablelands exist! Everything looks like it’s on a grand scale, especially Milla Milla falls, the curtain fig tree, and of course, the rainforest. It must have been very humbling to be surrounded by so much natural beauty on a grand scale. What a great trip!
It certainly was humbling, Jackie as well as peaceful and inspiring. Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a lovely comment.
I also had not heard of the Tablelands before reading this! I would definitely enjoy visiting it because I love waterfalls!
Their waterfall circuit on the Atherton Tablelands would be a must-do for you, Lori. The waterfalls in that region are just lovely.
the place looks amazing! I would love to spend my vacation there. the views are magical and hidden gems are true gems. The photos give such a peaceful vibe: just what we needed.
Thanks so much Lyosha. It is indeed a very peaceful and beautiful place to spend your vacation.
Whoa! A combination of wet tropical rainforests, Savannah Lands, and a desert??? Now, I’m super intrigued by the natural diversity of the region. The beauty of mother nature here must be just mesmerizing. Like most people, I haven’t heard of Tablelands as well. Thanks for introducing it to me. The Curtain Fig National Park is just mind-blowing. Yeah, people are tiny beside it!! Platypus spotting? I’m sold. I need to visit here.
The sheer diversity is the thing that really got me about this area, Bhushavali. It is quite unique that way with so much natural beauty to experience.
Australia just announced that they’re welcoming back visitors and I’ve been dying to visit so this post really couldn’t have come at a better time. The curtain fig tree at Curtain Fig National Park is stunning and I would definitely flock to see it. All of the waterfalls are beautiful too. Thank you for introducing me to Atherton Tablelands!
My pleasure, Jas. Yes, I’ve seen that Australia has started to promote general tourism again and we just loved visiting this region.
You are sooooo right, we went to Cairns (back in 2013)…and we were there for nearly 2 weeks (albeit mostly on a liveaboard dive boat) and exploring Daintree as well….and we never even heard of Tablelands. Your blog totally makes us want to go back, especially for all that wildlife and the canopy treetop walk that looks sweet!!! Thanks for the inspiration!
You are really welcome Mike. This might make a great excuse for you to return and do a bit more in the way of exploring the general area. Thanks for reading and your comment.
Thank you for introducing me to the Atherton Tablelands, as you said, not many people are aware of this area but it looks like it’s definitely worth visiting. The curtain fig trees look so huge and I was interested to see how the boulders had been shaped by the water. I think I’d particularly like to do the Skywalk amongst trees. Plus you spotted the elusive platypus!
I felt there were so many lovely highlights to discover and share there, Laura. I’m so happy you agree and I hope you might be able to likewise make the trip to experience this as well in the future.
What a beautiful and lush part of the world to visit. The curtain fig is incredible and such a work of nature! I’ve never been to Australia or heard of the Tablelands so I really enjoyed reading this. Cool you saw a platypus too.
Thanks so much Lisa. So pleased you enjoyed this lesser-known part of the land down under!
I want to visit both Atherton Tablelands and 7 Hidden Treasures. It looks so serene. Wow! I hope to experience nature’s best after the pandemic.
Once restrictions lift wherever you are Emman, getting out to explore nature in regions such as this should certainly lift your spirits. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
We certainly did not hear about the Atherton Tablelands when we visited Cairns. But as you say, there was so much to see in this area. I understand that a tour might be easier. But driving ourselves would let us explore your 7 hidden treasures. I am not sure I have ever seen untying like the fig curtain. Waterfalls are always a draw for us so it is great that there are a few to discover. And that skywalk would be a great way to get a view from a different perspective. We will definitely plan to visit the Atherton Tablelands when we finally get Australia back on the planning board.
That is wonderful that you plan a trip back to this part of Australia in the future, Linda, and that you intend to include the Atherton Tablelands. I would suggest you drive yourself to see more – or do what we did and drive in addition to also taking a tour. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful time.
The curtain fig looks unique and also how it formed! And I agree that Miilaa Miilaa Falls looks stunning compared to the other falls. But what really intrigued me is the Skywalk at Mamu Rainforest. I can stay long here easily being mesmerized by the rainforest views along the skywalk.
There are so many beautiful aspects of nature abundant in the Atherton Tablelands, Umiko. It’s hard to know where to start! Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
The 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree creation was incredible! I’d love to go camping and stargazing at Lake Tinaroo at night. Everything in the Atherton Tablelands is a must-see — waterfalls, rainforests, and lakes, as well as the adorable platypus.
You summed up the attractions here quite well, Maria. I like the idea of staying and stargazing at Lake Tinaroo also. It would be great to base yourself there while exploring the rest of the Tablelands during the day(s).
I would love to visit all of these waterfalls and the rainforest walkway. I love getting out and enjoying nature!
Me too Kristy! Thank you for reading and your comment.
Isn’t it amazing to find hidden gems like this? Most of the time, visitors and websites only talk about popular attractions and hidden gems stay hidden. Atherton tablelands seems to be a wonderful place with waterfalls and lakes. It’s especially nice that waterfalls are easy walks from car parks and don’t need a difficult hike. We love Australia and I am bookmarking your blog to refer to when we visit next. 🙂
I couldn’t agree more that popular attractions can often appear to be really over-rated next to others that offer so much and are off the main tourist radar, Jan. I hope you will be able to visit the Atherton Tablelands on your next visit to Australia and that you find it as lovely as we did.
Those are all wonderful areas to visit and if I could get a chance to go there, I would definitely visit each and every one of them. Looking absolutely beautiful in those photos as well.
Thank you so much Angela. That is such a lovely thing to say.
This is my favourite spot! I love rain-forests so so much! The Tablelands here have joined my list of favs. Thanks for sharing about them.
So pleased you liked this Ntensible and (if you haven’t already) you should check out the post on the Daintree Rainforest for more detail on rainforests in the area.
I had a great time reading about and seeing these hidden treasures. It’s certainly full of natural wonders. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience in Australia.
You are most welcome EJ. I’m so happy you enjoyed this piece.
This is beautiful and will make sure to visit this area when I visit Australia 😉 It is first on my bucket list of places to travel and love hiking and seeing the beautiful landscapes 😉
That’s wonderful Melissa. I hope you have a truly awesome trip.
The Atherton tablelands is quite a catch in Australia. A walk through the 350 metres rainforest skydeck must be so exciting to watch the lush green flora up close. Spotting a platypus swimming is a dream come true. And the magical curtain fig tree is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
So pleased you enjoyed this post and the sheer variety of natural wonders that you can experience on the Atherton Tablelands, Puloma. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
You’re right this is a hidden gem and under the radar of most tourists. It’s interesting to read about the diverse landscape features. I especially like the Curtain Fig National Park and that tree. I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like it.
Me neither Renee, the Curtain Fig Tree really is quite different from most other things you are ever likely to come across and made our lovely trip also somewhat fascinating.
Had heard about Atherton Tablelands from my friend earlier but was not aware of what to expect. It’s so beautiful with the natural wonders. Platypus Spotting at Yungaburra would be exciting and a walk through the rainforest sheer fun.
That’s for sure Subhashish Roy! So much beauty to enjoy and so much fun to be had!
Yes Nicole do look forward. Have never experienced a rain forest before and am quite excited at the idea of being there. Experiencing the seven nature wonders should be really gripping.
You should also consider seeing the greater part of the Daintree Rainforest while in the region. The separate post on the Daintree provides a lot more detail in this respect. I hope you have as fabulous a trip as we did.
I like this kind of adventure and looking for treasures. I will save this to hoping to visit the Atherton Tablelands in the future.
I thought you could only find platypuses in a zoo–that’s so cool you got to see one in the wild! I love the waterfalls and the Babinda Boulders too.
You can find platypus in the wild if you know (or are told) where to look, Tami. Hence we were so lucky to see one. The area of the Babinda Boulders (although really wet when we were there) was lovely as well.
Thanks Frank. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Loved reading about and viewing these hidden treasures. It’s surely packed with natural beauty and wonder. Thanks for sharing your journey.
My pleasure Tiffany. So pleased you enjoyed this.
This looks like a wonderful place to go camping. Your adventure reminded me of when my parents took up on a camping field trip. We visited a lot of wonderful rainforests and learned a lot about the land. thanks for sharing. this amazing piece.
Traveling to wonderful places of nature as a family always provides for beautiful memories, Laura and I’m so pleased this has triggered some lovely recollections of your past.
That looks like a really wonderful and amazing place to visit ! I would really love to be here
The word is getting out more and more Rose about what you can experience inland from Cairns. Thanks for reading and your comment.
I would be so excited to see a wild platypus like that – how cool! This overall sounds like such a cool place to visit.
Thanks Marysa. We really loved it.
Yes, Atherton Tablelands a beautiful area and well worth a visit!
You bet, Skumar!
I was definitely not aware of this region but WOW it’s just jam packed with natural wonders! Thank you for sharing!! Adding it to my travel list for when I finally make it down under!
My pleasure Heather! So happy you liked this and would like to experience it also.
So many hidden treasures. This post is full of unmissable hikes and epic bucket-list activities! I would love to visit the falls.
It is indeed a lovely region with so many naturally beautiful attractions, Beth. Thank you for your comment.
First time I read about the Atherton Tablelands, so thanks for the map too. But then, I have never been to Australia. The area looks amazing though. A walk through the rainforest along the skywalk, platypus spotting at Yungaburra and some Stand Up Paddling would be high on my list of things to do.
I’m sure if you make the trip to Australia you would certainly enjoy doing all those things and more, Natascha. Thank you very much for reading and sharing your thoughts on what interested you.
Actually before reading your post I never considered platypus spotting as a thing I might want to do. But since then I have read up on this and found out there are several places in Australia that are good for platypus spotting!
That’s for sure Natascha! They can be quite elusive, but it is really good to see them in their natural habitat.
I’ve heard so much about the tropical region of Queensland in Australia. I’d be more curious to visit it than the nearby Great Barrier Reef. That’s probably because we already visited the Loyalty Islands which are very similar landscape-wise to the Grand Barrier Reef. In Queensland, you get to see the rain forest, lakes and waterfalls and all these exotic animals. You were so lucky to catch a photo of that platypus. Would definitely love to visit Atherton Tablelands.
Thanks so much, Anda. It seems such a shame that the Atherton Tablelands appear to be so undervalued compared to the world’s biggest reef just offshore. Yet inland there is so much to discover and enjoy on the Tablelands, and yes, we were lucky to sight the platypus in his own environment, rather than at a zoo.