Explore Australia

Chinese Interpretive Centre and Old Post Office Gallery Atherton once had a large population of Chinese working for local timber cutters. This centre exhibits photos of these days and has artefacts and works by local artists and potters. Tours of the nearby Hou Wang Temple, built in 1903 and recently restored, depart from here. Open Wed–Sun; Herberton Rd.Hallorans Hill Conservation Park: walk to the rim of this extinct volcanic cone on the Atherton Tableland, where there is a spectacular lookout and informative displays; off Kennedy Hwy. Crystal Caves: explore underground tunnels and chambers lined with crystals, fossils and fluorescent minerals. The above-ground Fascinating Facets shop sells a range of jewellery and gemstones; Main St. Birds of Prey: interactive bird show featuring some amazing aerial predators; shows 11am and 2pm Wed–Sun (closed Feb, Mar and Nov); Herberton Rd; (07) 4091 6945.

Atherton Tableland This 900-metre-high tableland is a productive farming district, thanks to the high rainfall and rich volcanic soil. Near Yungaburra is the remarkable Curtain Fig Tree, a strangler fig that has subsumed its host, sending down a curtain of roots. Volcanic lakes and spectacular waterfalls, including Millaa Millaa Falls and Zillie Falls, are among the other scenic attractions.

Lake Tinaroo With 200 km of shoreline, Lake Tinaroo is ideal for fishing, waterskiing and sailing. Walking tracks circle the lake, and dinghies and houseboats are available for hire. The Danbulla Forest Drive is a scenic 28 km drive. 15 km NE via Kairi.Hasties Swamp National Park: local and migratory birds visit this swamp, including whistling ducks and magpie geese; (07) 4091 1844; 3 km S. Tolga: this town has a railway museum and craft outlets; 5 km N. Wongabel State Forest: important wildlife refuge in Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. An informative heritage trail gives an insight into Aboriginal culture and history; Kennedy Hwy; 8 km S.

Lake Tinaroo 14 km

Lake Tinaroo is built across the Barron River Gorge in the Atherton Tablelands; about two hours’ drive from Cairns via Gordonvale and Yungaburra. The lake was the first of Queensland’s impoundments stocked... Find out more

---

Trinity Inlet 48 km

The Cairns region offers more than gamefishing. South of the city are rivers like the Russell and Mulgrave; to the north are the Daintree and Mowbray Rivers. Anglers heading inland will find opportunities like the famous... Find out more

---

Cairns 51 km

Many international game anglers regard Cairns as the game fish capital of the world, with plenty of big black marlin – the Holy Grail of gamefishing. Granders or Julies, call them what you will, these huge female... Find out more

---

Russell Heads 53 km

Russell Heads is the junction and estuary system of the Russell and Mulgrave Rivers, south of Cairns. I was fishing with Kieran Livingstone who had a Cairns Custom Craft aluminium, a solid boat ideal for river and... Find out more

---

Julatten 77 km

Fishing is where you find it, and sometimes you find it in unlikely places. Between Mount Molloy and Mossman in the Rex Ranges at a place called Julatten, I came across a couple of people fishing in a pond. I pulled over... Find out more

---

Munbah 237 km

It’s predawn and Les Gibson walks down to the creek and stops. He is on his way to push some boats out into deeper water as the tide is falling rapidly. Following Les are three journalists. He stops at the creek,... Find out more

---

Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 31 km

In the lush highlands of Millaa Millaa, overlooking Mount Bartle Frere, the certified biodynamic Mungalli Creek Dairy has a superb range of organic cheeses and yoghurts for sale and tastings. You can watch the delectable... Find out more

---

Savannahlander 49 km

This small two- or three-carriage train heads out across the savannah country from Cairns to Forsayth on a four-day round trip, allowing you to get off at towns and see key places, such as Undara, along the way. You can... Find out more

---

Wildlife experience - Cairns 53 km

Combine several of the Cairns area’s main wildlife attractions into one seamless day out: the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Book through... Find out more

---

Reef tours 87 km

As with elsewhere on the reef, there is the luxury of choice for diving or snorkelling trips, particularly from Port Douglas. However, remember the reef is not just offshore and involves a boat trip. Among the... Find out more

---

Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 102 km

Join a guided tour of the heavens, with closeup views of nebulas and star clusters from two large telescopes. There is camping and cabin accommodation here as well.... Find out more

---

Bushwalking around the Daintree and Cape Tribulation 114 km

Join a guided day or night bushwalk in the privately owned Cooper Creek Wilderness, to discover the incredible natural riches of this area. Back Country Bliss Adventures also runs gentle, guided half-day bushwalks to... Find out more

---

Daintree Discovery Centre 114 km

This multi-award-winning ecotourism centre is a great place to learn about the legendary Daintree rainforest. There are elevated boardwalks, an aerial walkway, a canopy tower and a large interpretive display centre with... Find out more

---

Bushwalking around Townsville and Cairns 125 km

This entire region offers great delights to bushwalkers, although you are likely to get damp, either from the humidity or from a tropical shower (it is not called ‘rainforest’ for nothing). The Rainforest and... Find out more

---

Hiking the Thorsborne Trail 148 km

The 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail is a classic tropical bushwalk that weaves along the east coast of the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island National Park. There is a maximum of 40 people allowed on the track at a... Find out more

---

Birdwatching - Townsville to Cairns 169 km

You do not need to be a bird nerd to appreciate Tyto Wetlands near Ingham. It is a beautiful, peaceful spot for a picnic, a pleasant walk or a pre-dinner drink. But if you stop at one of the benches or bird hides and... Find out more

---

Paradise Palms Country Club 57 km

‘Paradise’ is appropriately named. Situated 25 minutes north of Cairns, and just off the Captain Cook Highway, this is a beautiful golf course. The rainforest-covered Great Dividing Range dominates the... Find out more

---

Sea Temple Golf & Country Club 82 km

Technological advancements in agronomy and construction equipment have opened up new frontiers and landscapes for golf course designers during the past 40 years. One course designer who has never shirked a tough... Find out more

---

Tolga Woodworks Cafe and Gallery

If you love the smell and feel of timber and the joys of wood-fired bread served with perfectly prepared, fresh, simple but not boring food then don’t drive past here. Menus run from Thai, Greek and Tuscan salads... Find out more

---

Blue Sky Brewery 50 km

After a significant period between drinks, Cairns once again has a working brewery with the opening of Blue Sky Brewery in 2008. Located in the heart of the city, the microbrewery, bar and restaurant complex has six... Find out more

---

Discovery Holiday Parks Lake Tinaroo 13 km

Just 150 m from Lake Tinaroo, this caravan park has an excellent range of facilities for a comfortable stay after a day of boating or waterskiing on the lake. Other activities include fishing for barramundi or sooty... Find out more

---

Platypus camping and day-use area 15 km

Platypus campground, 4 km from the western entrance, has 18 numbered sites for small tents, large tents and vans. Open fires are allowed here in the provided fire rings and barbecues (except when fire bands apply); bring... Find out more

---

Fong-On Bay camping area 17 km

A favourite with waterskiers, this campground is divided into 2 sections with good water access: Bulmba and Gungul. To get there, turn off the Danbulla forest drive 16.5 km from the western entrance, or 11.5 km from the... Find out more

---

Downfall Creek camping area 18 km

This campground is 7 km from the western entrance and 21 km from the eastern entrance of the Danbulla forest drive. Campers can take the 2.4 km walk through the forest to Kauri Creek. Note: open fires are permitted in... Find out more

---

Kauri Creek camping area 19 km

A great spot for swimming and canoeing, Kauri Creek is 9 km from the western entrance and 19 km from the eastern entrance of the Danbulla forest drive. Open fires are allowed in fire rings; generators are not permitted.... Find out more

---

School Point camping and day-use area 20 km

School Point has 8 numbered campsites with a gravel surface, reached by 2WD or boat. To get there, turn off the Danbulla forest drive 16 km from the western entrance, or 12 km from the eastern entrance and follow the... Find out more

---

Granite Gorge camping area 29 km

Formed millions of years ago by ancient volcanoes, the boulders at Granite Gorge are a natural wonder well worth checking out. Some, allegedly, are shaped like animals. Safari tent accommodation is available and... Find out more

---

Dinden camping area (bush camping) 30 km

A 4WD is advisable for accessing these 6 bush campsites, 5 km along Davies Creek Rd from Davies Creek National Park. It is preferable to visit in the dry season (Apr–Oct); bring your own everything and treat water... Find out more

---

Davies Creek camping area 31 km

Camp beside the creek at this clearing 6 km from the Kennedy Hwy, accessible with conventional vehicles. There are 8 sites with space for 10 campers per site. Bring firewood for the allocated fireplaces and all... Find out more

---

The Junction camp 33 km

At the western end of the Mt Bartle Frere walking trail, campers can walk in or access the site with a 4WD. Go birdwatching during the day or search for possums by spotlight at night. The many beautiful waterfalls along... Find out more

---

BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park 2 km

On the outskirts of Atherton, about 2 km from the town centre, this tidy park has large shady trees and makes a good base for a few days while exploring the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

---

Discovery Holiday Parks – Lake Tinaroo 13 km

This park is located on Tinaroo Dam, 17 km from Atherton. It is popular with anglers who come year round to catch barramundi from the stocked reservoir. The park has good basic facilities. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more

---

Walkamin Central Van Park 16 km

This is a relatively new owner-operated park adjacent to the Kennedy Highway. There are excellent amenities and a large central building with a camp kitchen and large open fireplace. There is not a lot of shade, but we... Find out more

---

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort 44 km

Enjoy the excellent facilities of this five-star park, on the southern approach to the city 7 km from the centre of Cairns. There is a cafe, free minigolf, tennis and aqua aerobics, and the list continues. Bookings are... Find out more

---

BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park 45 km

This good quality park is easily accessible and only about 5 km from the centre of Cairns. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

---

Cool Waters Holiday Park 47 km

Located in the foothills a few kilometers out of Cairns, this is a quality park with very good facilities. Pets are allowed, but small dogs only. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

---

Cairnsvilla and Leisure Park 48 km

The park is 4 km from the centre of Cairns, set in a quiet area with beautiful tropical surrounds. It has very good facilities including a mini-mart and a TV room. It is an ideal park for a holiday.... Find out more

---

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park 48 km

Located in suburban Cairns, this park is easily accessible and is a good base to spend a few days. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

---

Lake Placid Tourist Park 49 km

This park is about 10 km north-west of Cairns, on the bank of the Barron River. Enjoy the covered barbecue area, and the Skyrail terminal, a major attraction, is nearby. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

---

Innot Hot Springs Leisure and Caravan Park 51 km

Located in the centre of the small township, this place has good facilities and the local hotel is just a short walk away. A relaxing dip in the spring-fed pools in the park is most enjoyable at the end of the day.... Find out more

---

Atherton Rainforest Motor Inn

Five of the 33 motel rooms here have kitchens for self-catering. The accommodation is set pleasantly in 2 hectares of gardens adjoining the Tolga Rainforest. Cooked breakfasts and evening meals can be delivered to rooms.... Find out more

---

The Summit Rainforest Retreat

Because it is also suitable for small conferences, the retreat has a varied and interesting range of accommodation, from a one-bedroom apartment to a five-bedroom home with a conference room, and a Queenslander-style... Find out more

---

Barking Owl Retreat

This wonderfully named property contains two self-contained cottages: Dingo’s Lair and Owl’s Hollow. The cottages are spaced well apart and set in 16 hectares of property in a valley on the edge of the... Find out more

---

The Canopy, near Malanda 21 km

Located at Tarzali, this place comprises six beautiful glass and timber treehouses set in 40 hectares of rainforest that has never been logged, with Lumholtz tree-kangaroos creeping around, green ringtail possums,... Find out more

---

Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 23 km

Near Millaa Millaa, the two secluded bush cabins here, on 62 hectares of bushland and rainforest, can sleep up to eight people each, and are completely powered by solar technology and a small water turbine in Possum... Find out more

---

Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 24 km

By renting out nine elegant eco-accredited treehouses (near Malanda), the owners have funded a massive weed-clearing and revegetation program – including planting 20 000 trees – on their 92-hectare property,... Find out more

---

Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 76 km

Guaranteed to get keen birdwatchers excited, this eco-accredited establishment at Julatten is renowned as one of the best birdwatching spots north of Cairns, with rare endemic species seen around the pool. For six months... Find out more

---

Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa 112 km

If you are in need of some pampering, this is the place to go. With strong and proud links to the Aboriginal heritage of the site – a women’s healing place – the Eco Lodge has 15 sumptuous villas set... Find out more

---

Daintree Rainforest Retreat, near Cow Bay 115 km

When the owners here decided to reduce their carbon footprint by installing 48 solar panels, the generator’s monthly diesel consumption changed from 1600 litres to 200 litres. By revegetating a rainforest on their... Find out more

---

Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Alexandra Bay 117 km

Set in fan-palm rainforest, the eight bungalows here, accessed by raised boardwalks to protect the forest floor, are partially solar-powered by 20 solar panels, and a biocycle system breaks down all waste on site. As... Find out more

---

Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 131 km

Revolutionary in terms of minimal-impact tourism when it was first established in 1974, this classy resort has no more than a toehold on the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island, and you can hardly see the treetop... Find out more

---

Hidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley 198 km

Acclaimed as being Australia’s first completely solar-powered resort, with a restaurant, pool and room for 31 guests, this serious environmental resort is in secluded dry forest well off the Bruce Highway. It is... Find out more

---

Gordonvale Park Area 38 km

33 km N of Babinda (R) or 27 km S of Cairns (L) Large area just off the highway at Mulgrave River. GPS: S17 05.998 E145 47.246 ... Find out more

---

The Boulders Camp Area 43 km

T/O into the main street through Babinda Small campground located 6 kilometres west of the highway near a very pleasant picnic area in the rainforest. Good facilities. NOTE: Limited sites available. GPS: S17 20.394... Find out more

---

Babinda Rest Area 49 km

T/O opposite the main street into Babinda Large secluded area located 500 metres south-east of the highway on the old road. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S17 20.924 E145 55 541... Find out more

---

Bramston Beach Camp Area 59 km

T/O 23 km N of Innisfail (R) or 7 km S of Babinda (L) Idyllic foreshore campground situated 17 kilometres east of the highway on the beach. Good shade and facilities. Store nearby. GPS: S17 21.076 E146 01.262... Find out more

---

Fred Drew Rest Area 61 km

4 km N of Innisfail (L) or 26 km S of Babinda (R) Small area just off the road at the junction with the Palmerston Highway. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S17 30.897 E145 59.624... Find out more

---

Tully Gorge Camp Area 64 km

T/O into main street through Tully Pleasant campground located in Tully Gorge State Forest, surrounded by rainforest on the banks of the Tully River, 40 kilometres north-west of town. Good facilities and shade. ... Find out more

---

Diggers Creek Rest Area 81 km

18 km N of Tully (R) or 34 km S of Innisfail (L) Very small area adjacent to the road. Good shade. GPS: S17 47.441 E146 00.363 ... Find out more

---

Bingil Bay Camp Area 91 km

T/O 3 km N of Tully (R) or 49 km S of Innisfail (L) Very small campground located 28 kilometres east of the highway among dense vegetation on the foreshore, 4 kilometres north of Mission Beach. Good shade. GPS: S17... Find out more

---

Mission Beach Camp Area 94 km

T/O 3 km N of Tully (R) or 49 km S of Innisfail (L) Small campground located 24 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the north end of the village. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S17 51.871 E146... Find out more

---

Murray Falls Camp Area 104 km

T/O 22 km N of Cardwell (L) or 15 km S of Tully (R) Large grassed campground located 20 kilometres west of the highway in a pleasant bush setting among numerous small trees near the falls in Murray Falls State Forest.... Find out more

---

Bilyana Rest Area 105 km

21 km N of Cardwell (L) or 22 km S of Tully (R) Small area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 07.074 E145 54.437  ... Find out more

---

Cardwell Park Area 126 km

Middle of town Parking area on the foreshore. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 16.159 E146 02.051... Find out more

---

Five Mile Creek Rest Area 132 km

45 km N of Ingham (L) or 8 km S of Cardwell (R) Secluded area located 700 metres west of the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S18 19.387 E146 02.439... Find out more

---