A scenic one hour drive in the Highlands west from Cairns is the Atherton Tableland - Tropical North Queensland's own mountain getaway. Situated between the Bellenden Ker Range and the Great Dividing Range, it is regarded as one of the region's best kept secrets.
For people visiting the Tablelands there are great opportunities for bush walking, bird watching, a wildlife cruise, marsupial spotting, hot air ballooning and water sports as diverse as fishing and white water rafting. There are spectacular lookouts and waterfalls, including Australia's widest waterfall, Millstream Falls.
Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham are deep blue waters of extinct volcano crater lakes. Lake Barrine has a teahouse overlooking the lake and lake cruises.
Atherton accommodation is extensisive and many small bed and breakfast and retreats are to be found.
Yungabuura
Yungaburra is a tranquil village situated 2500 feet above sea level and located in a pocket of open rainforest. Around the village are waterfalls, craters and lakes. located about one hour from Cairns on the Atherton Tablelands. A major attraction is the curtain fig tree which is only 5 minutes from Yungaburra.
