Best Places to Visit in the Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton tablelands is a highland region located 90 kilometres from Cairns, or about 1 hour by car depending on what road you take. You can take Gillies Highway through south of Cairns or Kuranda Highway through north of Cairns. Gillies highway climbs the range by a winding route with 263 corners. Kuranda range has fewer corners and many locals prefer to take this route.

The Atherton Tablelands landscape is a mix of rainforest, wetlands and savanna, being home to many birds and wildlife such as tree kangaroos and wallabies.

The climate at Atherton Tablelands is a bit less hot and humid compared to Cairns because of its altitude which is around 750 metres from sea level.

At Atherton Tablelands you will find the Waterfalls and Lake Circuit which is a 17 kilometre driving loop that includes touristy locations such as Millaa Millaa Falls, Fig Tree, Lake Barrine, Lake Eacham and Lake Tinaroo. Please see below details of each location.

Atherton Tablelands is also known for its markets on the weekends and the region holds several markets all around the place selling quality farm fresh fruit and vegetable and unique handcrafted arts and craft markets.

Milla Milla Falls

Millaa Millaa Falls is a heritage-listed waterfall at Theresa Creek Road. The waterfall is surrounded by lush rainforest. The waterfall is about 18 metres high with a pool suitable for swimming at their base. It is definitely a “must see” while visiting the Atherton Tablelands.

Lake Eacham

Lake Eacham is a popular lake of volcanic origin on the Atherton Tableland. The lake is surrounded by dense rainforest and it has an average depth of 65 metres.

On the weekends the lake gets quite busy with locals enjoying the day and practising water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddling etc. Jet sky is not allowed. At Lake Eacham visitors can do a full loop around the lake which takes about 1 hour, or 3 kilometres walk. Great moment to enjoy the rainforest, the peaceful environment and connect with nature.

Lake Eacham offers several barbecue facilities along the front area of the lake and there is also a toilet facility.

Lake Barrine

Lake Barrine is the largest of the natural volcanoes in the area. The lake is about 1 kilometre in diameter with a shoreline of almost 4.5 km and depth of about 35 m. There is no barbecue facility at Lake Barrine but there is a restaurant at the location.

The restaurant offers a wide range of food and drinks and visitors sit on a deck by the lake and enjoy a great view of the area. Great place to have some lunch.

There are lake cruises departing several times during the day at Lake Barrine. Visitors can enjoy a 40 minute cruise around the lake. Very relaxing experience.

People can swim at Lake Barrine but not many people do. It is less popular for swimming compared to other lakes.

Lake Tinaroo

The Lake Tinaroo region includes the lake itself and the Tinaroo Dam. The surface area of Lake Tinaroo is 3,500 hectares (8,600 acres).

Lake Tinaroo is one of the most popular lakes in the area especially amongst locals. On weekends locals travel to Lake Tinaroo to enjoy a day of fun, practising many types of sports such as sailing, skiing, swimming, fishing, red clawing, bird watching, walking and much more.

There are barbecue facilities around the lake, toilet facilities, a kids playground and several camping areas.

Lake Tinaroo is definitely a beautiful lake and a “must see” if visiting the Atherton Tablelands.

There are many tours available that visit the Atherton Tablelands region, please click on the link below for more information.

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