Herberton
Town
Known as the 'Village in the Hills', Herberton sits about 1000 metres above sea level on the south-west ranges of the Atherton Tableland. The first settlement on the tableland, it was established in 1880 when two prospectors discovered tin in the area. It was a thriving tin-mining town, the most important in the Herbert River field, until the mine's closure in 1978.
Visitor Information
Herberton Mining Museum, 1 Jacks Rd; (07) 4096 3474
www.herbertonvisitorcentre.com.au
Nearby national parks
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Mount Hypipamee National Park
This small, but very beautiful, high-altitude rainforest national park boasts a number of ‘must-see’ features. The first is an...more -
Crater Lakes National Park
Part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, this national park surrounds two lakes, Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham. These are volcanic...more -
Millstream Falls National Park National Park
Part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the centrepiece of Millstream Falls National Park in the Atherton Tableland is Millstream...more
Nearby towns
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Atherton
Originally called Prior's Pocket and renamed in 1885, this town is the commercial hub of the Atherton Tableland. It is an area renowned...more -
Yungaburra
Yungaburra is a historic town on the edge of the Atherton Tableland. Originally a resting spot for miners, it was slow to develop. The...more -
Ravenshoe
At 930 metres, Ravenshoe is the highest town in Queensland. Situated on the Atherton Tableland, it is surrounded by World Heritage...more
In Town
Mining Museum: explore local mining history in this richly informative museum, with displays of antique machinery, an array of minerals and rocks, and multimedia shows. A short walking track takes you past mining relics that made up the Great Northern Claim, now a heritage-listed site; 1 Jacks Rd. Spy and Camera Museum: houses some of the world's rarest, oldest and smallest cameras. See Russian spy cameras and cameras from Hitler's Germany; Grace St.
Nearby
Mt Hypipamee National Park Set on the Evelyn Tableland, this park boasts high-altitude rainforests and a climate that attracts birdlife and possums, including the green and lemuroid ringtail possums. The park is known locally as 'The Crater' because of its sheer-sided volcanic explosion crater 70 m wide. Walk to the viewing deck for the best vantage point, or see the Dinner Falls cascade down the narrow gorge. (07) 4091 1844; 25 km S.Herberton Range State Forest: the temperate climate attracts a variety of wildlife in this rainforest park, including the attractive golden bowerbird. Walk to the summit of Mt Baldy for panoramic views over the tableland (the steep ascent should be attempted only by experienced walkers); Rifle Range Rd, between Atherton and Herberton. Irvinebank: many heritage-listed buildings including Mango House, Queensland National Bank Building and Loudoun House Museum; 26 km W on unsealed road. Emuford: small town featuring a historic stamper battery and museum; 51 km W.
Fishing spots near town
Lake Tinaroo 30 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 moreTrinity Inlet 64 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 moreRussell Heads 64 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 moreCairns 67 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 moreJulatten 88 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 moreMunbah 248 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 moreEco-friendly activities around town
Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 29 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 moreSavannahlander 65 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 moreWildlife experience - Cairns 68 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 moreChillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 95 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 moreReef tours 99 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 moreBushwalking around Townsville and Cairns 119 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 moreBushwalking around the Daintree and Cape Tribulation 125 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 moreDaintree Discovery Centre 126 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 moreHiking the Thorsborne Trail 145 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 moreBirdwatching - Townsville to Cairns 163 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 moreGolf courses around town
Paradise Palms Country Club 72 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 moreSea Temple Golf & Country Club 94 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 moreBreweries around town
Blue Sky Brewery 65 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 moreCampsites around town
Discovery Holiday Parks Lake Tinaroo 29 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 morePlatypus camping and day-use area 31 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 moreFong-On Bay camping area 33 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 moreDownfall Creek camping area 34 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 moreKauri Creek camping area 35 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 moreSchool Point camping and day-use area 35 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 moreGranite Gorge camping area 39 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 moreThe Junction camp 40 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 moreGoldsborough Valley camping area 45 km
This grassy, shady site for self-sufficient campers is on the banks of the Mulgrave River, 25 km south-west of Gordonvale. There are 4 numbered sites, each with its own alcove. Open fires are permitted in the existing... Find out moreDinden camping area (bush camping) 45 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 moreCaravan parks around town
BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park 14 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 moreWalkamin Central Van Park 28 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 moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Lake Tinaroo 29 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 moreInnot Hot Springs Leisure and Caravan Park 35 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 moreMount Garnet Travellers Park 44 km
This is a spacious park with shade and green grass in a quieter off-highway position. It has good amenities. Bookings required at Easter and long weekends.... Find out moreCairns Coconut Holiday Resort 59 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 moreBIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park 60 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 moreCool Waters Holiday Park 63 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 moreCairnsvilla and Leisure Park 63 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 moreCairns Sunland Leisure Park 64 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 moreEco-friendly places to stay around town
Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 16 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 moreThe Canopy, near Malanda 24 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 moreRose Gums Wilderness Retreat 35 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 moreKingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 87 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 moreDaintree Eco Lodge and Spa 124 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 moreDaintree Rainforest Retreat, near Cow Bay 127 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 moreHinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 128 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 moreDaintree Wilderness Lodge, Alexandra Bay 129 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 moreHidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley 190 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 moreBungalow Bay Koala Village 248 km
Declared Australia’s best backpacker accommodation, this low-key eco-accredited resort, with pool and family-style restaurant, has 2.8 hectares of camping area and 30 A-frame bungalows, 25 of which are... Find out moreRest areas around town
The Boulders Camp Area 52 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 moreGordonvale Park Area 53 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 moreTully Gorge Camp Area 57 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 moreBabinda Rest Area 58 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 moreFred Drew Rest Area 67 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 moreBramston Beach Camp Area 68 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 moreDiggers 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 moreBingil 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 moreMission 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 moreMurray Falls Camp Area 97 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 moreBilyana Rest Area 99 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 moreCardwell Park Area 120 km
Middle of town Parking area on the foreshore. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 16.159 E146 02.051... Find out moreFive Mile Creek Rest Area 126 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 moreWhat's on around town
Ghost Walks: 3 times a year the ghosts of former miners and Herberton residents 'materialise' to retell their stories; dates vary, details from visitor centre.
