A recent trip to Tropical Far Norther Queensland reminded me of what a unique and fantastic place the Atherton Tablelands is to visit with kids. Seriously, there is so much to do. For families craving some nature play or to get their city kids appreciating farm life this is the place. We’ve been visiting the Tablelands for ten years so I’ve put together some of my personal tips. Ideally you would spend five days exploring the region however visitors to Cairns can appreciate some of the highlights in a day trip.
Go strawberry picking
Shaylee Strawberry Farm
Putting this activity top of the list as the more of us that support Australia’s strawberry farmers the better! Shaylee strawberry farm allows families to pick their own strawberries. While you are there enjoy some strawberry ice-cream as well They close at 4 pm so make sure you arrive early as they don’t allow picking after this time.
Swim under waterfalls
The volcanic heritage of the area has contributed to the number of stunning waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands. While the water maybe a little chilly taking a dip with the kids under one of the waterfalls (my tip is to head to Millaa Millaa Falls) is a memorable family experience.
Milla Milla Falls
Swim in a volcanic crater
Swimming at Lake Eacham on the Atherton Tablelands
Lake Eacham is a azure blue body of water in an ancient volcanic crater. There is a lot to love about this idyllic swimming spot. With green picnic lawns nearby kids will enjoy jumping in to the water from the pontoon.
Discover ancient rainforests
Wanting past the majestic Curtin Fig Tree
The ancient rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands provide a gorgeous backdrop for easy family hikes and if you are lucky you will see a tree kangaroo. Make sure you stop by the giant Curtain Fig tree just to be impressed by the massive array of roots reaching to the sky.
For a different prospective head to the Mamu Rainforest Walkway to explore the rainforest from on high.
Mamu Rainforest Walkway
Visit a dairy
They are not called the Tablelands for nothing. Gallo Dairyland provides an educational dairy experience. Visitors can view cow milking (3pm daily) and cheese and chocolate making. A café provides light meals. You can purchase some mighty fine cheese and chocolates here. My young children also love the free animal nursery that is onsite.
Taste the Tablelands
Cheese tasting at Gallo’s Dairyland
One way to experience the Atherton Tablelands is to do a food tour from Cairns. Here’s a route we take:
Stop 1: Shaylee Strawberry Farm
Location: On the corner of Gillies Highway and Marks Lane between Atherton and Yungaburra.
From Shaylee Strawberry Farm head down Marks Lane turning left at Malanda-Atherton Road and head towards stop 2.
Stop 2: Gallo Dairyland
Location on Malanda-Atherton Road East Barron .
After visiting Gallo Dairyland head back towards Atherton and turn right into the Kennedy Highway towards stop 3.
Stop 3: The Peanut Place
Location: On Kennedy Highway Tolga.
This roadside shop sells yummy locally grown raw, boiled, flavoured and roasted peanuts. We have a peanut butter addict in the family so I stock up here.
Next head on the Kennedy Highway towards Cairns. Turn right at the lights toward Kuranda Village down Rob Velvers Drive to Stop 4.
Stop 4: Kuranda Home Made Tropical Fruit Ice Cream.
Location: Kuranda Village on Rob Velvers Drive near the entrance to Emu Ridge Gallery.
After an exquisite day of delicious food head back on the Kennedy Highway to Smithfield where it joins the Captain Cook Highway.
Crack a geode
With the Empress of Uruaguay the largest amythest geode in the world. At the Crystal Cascades Atherton.
Think it is a little kitsch to visit a museum that invites visitors to wear illuminated hard hats as they explore fake underground caves? Perhaps, however the impressive private mineralogical collection on display at the Crystal Caves in Atherton Queensland is world class. Wearing a hard hat as we discovered beautiful crystals and fossils added a sense of fun and excitement to the activity. The natural beauty of over 600 specimens was entrancing for our whole family but for different reasons.
Swim in natural hot springs.
Innot Hot Springs
Located past the town of Ravenshoe Innot Hot Springs allow you to have a warm bath in a creek bed. Beware – the springs can be hot enough to burn so ask other visitors which are the warm not boiling points before you jump in. For a modest price you can enjoy a number of swimming and soaking pools at the Innot Hot Springs park that are fed by the natural springs.
Drop a line
Lake Tinaroo is stocked with barramundi. Make sure you have fishing permit before trying to catch one.
Feed a wallaby
Feeding a wallaby at Kuranda Koala Gardens
The entrance to the Tablelands, the little rainforest town of Kuranda has plenty of wildlife experiences on offer. Feed a wallaby at the Kuranda Koala Gardens or for a more wild experience head to Granite Gorge near Mareeba The nature park, which features campsites and cabins is also open to day visitors for a nominal fee. Huge boulders festoon the landscape and, in this location are covered with Mareeba unadorned rock wallabies.
Granite Gorge, Atherton Tablelands
Tips to make the most of your visit to the Atherton Tablelands
- Hire a car. This is one destination that is best experienced by car. In a couple of days you can experience much that the Atherton Tablelands have to offer using a vehicle.
- There are some caravan parks and motels on the Tablelands but I recommend hiring your own holiday home via Homeaway for the best bang for your buck.
- The Tablelands are significantly cooler than the nearby coastal town of Cairns. Ensure you pack long pants and long sleeve tops for cooler evenings.
