Climb the range inland from Cairns and the landscape changes completely. You get rolling green farmland, crater lakes, waterfalls and noticeably cooler air. The Atherton Tablelands make a great contrast to the beach and reef.
Getting up the range
From Cairns, the Tablelands are about an hour away via the winding Gillies Range Road or the Kuranda Range Road. From Port Douglas, the inland route through Mount Molloy and Mareeba is the easiest way up.
Top stops
- Millaa Millaa Falls. The postcard waterfall, with a swimming hole at the base. It anchors the waterfall circuit, which also includes Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls.
- Lake Eacham. A deep blue crater lake ringed by rainforest. It's popular for swimming, and there's a walking track around the shore.
- Lake Barrine. Another crater lake, with a teahouse on the water and a short walk to giant kauri pines.
- Curtain Fig Tree, near Yungaburra. A huge strangler fig with aerial roots hanging like a curtain.
- Yungaburra platypus viewing. Peterson Creek is one of the most reliable places to spot a wild platypus. Try early morning or dusk.
- Local produce. Cheese and chocolate tastings near Atherton, and coffee plantations around Mareeba.
Sample loop from Cairns
- Up the Gillies Range to Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham
- Yungaburra and the Curtain Fig Tree
- The waterfall circuit at Millaa Millaa
- Back via Atherton and Mareeba (cheese, chocolate, coffee)
- Down the range via Kuranda
Tips
- It's cooler up here, especially in winter, so bring a jumper.
- The Gillies Range has many tight bends. Take motion sickness tablets if you need them.
- The waterfalls are at their best after rain.
Getting there
We offer private transfers to Atherton, Mareeba and the Tablelands. See Atherton Tablelands transfers or view prices.
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