Explore Australia

Historical precinct walk: take this self-guide walk past heritage buildings, including the popular Lake Eacham Hotel in Cedar St; brochure available from visitor centre. Platypus viewing platform: see the elusive animal at sunrise and sunset; Peterson Creek, Gillies Hwy. Galleries, craft and gem shops: various outlets in town.

Crater Lakes National Park The 2 volcanic lakes, Lake Eacham (8 km E) and Lake Barrine (12 km NE), are surrounded by rainforest and offer watersports, bushwalking and birdwatching. Look for the eastern water dragons along the 3 km track around Lake Barrine or take a wildlife cruise on the lake. There is a children's pool at Lake Eacham, a self-guide trail through the rainforest and a 3 km circuit shore track. Both lakes are popular recreation areas. (07) 4091 1844.Malanda Malanda is a small town in the middle of rich dairy-farming country. It claims the longest milk run in the world (to Alice Springs) and boasts the still-operating 19th-century Majestic Theatre, and the Gourmet Food Factory specialising in local produce. On the southern outskirts of town is the Malanda Falls Conservation Park, with signposted rainforest walks, and the Malanda Environmental Centre, which has displays on local history, vulcanology, flora and fauna. The Malanda Falls actually flow into the local swimming pool. 20 km S.Curtain Fig Tree: spectacular example of strangler fig with aerial roots in curtain-like formation; 2.5 km SW. Tinaburra: a great spot for swimming and watersports on Lake Tinaroo; boat ramp provides access. Nearby Seven Sisters are 7 volcanic cinder cones; 3 km N. Lake Tinaroo: watersports and fishing; travel around on a houseboat or dinghy – hire available; north of Yungaburra. Heales Outlook: spectacular views over Gillies Range; 16 km NE. Tinaroo Falls Dam outlet: views over lake; 23 km N.

Lake Tinaroo 11 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

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Trinity Inlet 41 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

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Russell Heads 41 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

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Cairns 45 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

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Julatten 80 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

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Munbah 239 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

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Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 27 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

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Savannahlander 43 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

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Wildlife experience - Cairns 50 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

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Reef tours 88 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

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Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 114 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

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Daintree Discovery Centre 116 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

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Bushwalking around the Daintree and Cape Tribulation 117 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

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Bushwalking 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 more

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Hiking the Thorsborne Trail 141 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

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Birdwatching - Townsville to Cairns 164 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

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Paradise Palms Country Club 54 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

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Sea Temple Golf & Country Club 83 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

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Eden House

Everything about Eden House is elegant, from its accommodation and spa to its food, whether enjoyed in its heritage dining room or on wide tropical verandahs. And while the food is described as simple country fare, the... Find out more

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Flynn’s Licensed Restaurant

A small restaurant but a good one, with chef/owner Liam Flynn preparing local Atherton Tableland produce with French and Italian touches. Flynn’s has regularly won awards from the Queensland Restaurant and Caterers... Find out more

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Nick’s Restaurant 
and Yodeller’s Bar

The Swiss-Italian food is good and this restaurant is great fun, possibly helped along by the large selection of schnapps, grappa, and European and Aussie beers in the Yodeller’s Bar. Saturday is the evening for... Find out more

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Discovery Holiday Parks Lake Tinaroo 12 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

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Fong-On Bay camping area 13 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

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Platypus camping and day-use area 13 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

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Downfall Creek camping area 14 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

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School Point camping and day-use area 14 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

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Kauri Creek camping area 15 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

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Goldsborough Valley camping area 22 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 more

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The Junction camp 22 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

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Dinden camping area (bush camping) 27 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

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Western Summit Camp (walk-in camping) 28 km

Reached only on foot, this campground is an 8 km walk from the Junction camp at the Atherton Tableland (west) end of the walking trail. The Bartle Frere summit is just 750 m from this camp. There are no facilities. The... Find out more

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Discovery Holiday Parks – Lake Tinaroo 12 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

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BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park 12 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

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Walkamin Central Van Park 23 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

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Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort 38 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

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BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park 40 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

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Cairnsvilla and Leisure Park 42 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

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Cairns Sunland Leisure Park 43 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

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Cool Waters Holiday Park 43 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

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Lake Placid Tourist Park 46 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

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Innot Hot Springs Leisure and Caravan Park 57 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

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Eden House Retreat 
& Mountain Spa

These beautifully furnished cottages and villas set in tropical gardens are a delight. The spa cottages and villa include ambient electric fireplaces to add atmosphere to those cool, misty mountain nights that sometimes... Find out more

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Mt Quincan Crater Retreat

Six secluded tree houses sit on the rainforest slopes of an extinct volcanic crater here, part of a 57-hectare property registered with Land for Wildlife. It is home to the rare tree-climbing kangaroo and a large variety... Find out more

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Williams Lodge

Spend much time in these parts and you will notice a lot of places and spaces bear the name Williams. Williams Lodge has been the family home on and off since 1915. Along with the Lake Eacham Hotel, also a... Find out more

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Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 13 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

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The Canopy, near Malanda 15 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

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Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 24 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

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Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 79 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

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Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa 115 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

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Daintree Rainforest Retreat, near Cow Bay 117 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

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Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Alexandra Bay 119 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

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Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 124 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

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Hidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley 195 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

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Bungalow Bay Koala Village 245 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 more

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Gordonvale Park Area 29 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

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The Boulders Camp Area 31 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

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Babinda Rest Area 38 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

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Bramston Beach Camp Area 47 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

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Fred Drew Rest Area 51 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

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Tully Gorge Camp Area 62 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

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Diggers Creek Rest Area 73 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

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Bingil Bay Camp Area 82 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

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Mission Beach Camp Area 86 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

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Bilyana Rest Area 100 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

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Murray Falls Camp Area 101 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

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Cardwell 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 more

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Five Mile Creek Rest Area 127 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

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