Waterfalls, Crater Lakes and Rainforest
One hour inland from Cairns: waterfalls, crater lakes, rainforest wildlife and country towns. Your local guide to the Atherton Tablelands.
Atherton Tablelands Quick Answers
Where are the Atherton Tablelands?
The Atherton Tablelands are in Tropical North Queensland, about one hour inland from Cairns. The region sits within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and is easily accessed via the Gillies or Kuranda Range roads.
What are the Atherton Tablelands known for?
The Atherton Tablelands are known for waterfalls, crater lakes, rainforests, wildlife, and scenic country towns. Popular highlights include Millaa Millaa Falls, Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine, and local food and coffee producers.
How long should I spend in the Atherton Tablelands?
One day is enough to see key highlights, but two to three days allows time to explore waterfalls, walking tracks, lakes, historic towns, and local experiences at a relaxed pace.
When is the best time to visit the Atherton Tablelands?
The Atherton Tablelands can be visited year-round. May to October offers cooler, drier weather, while November to April brings lush landscapes, flowing waterfalls, and fewer visitors.
Do I need a car to visit the Atherton Tablelands?
A car is the easiest way to explore the Atherton Tablelands, as attractions are spread out. Guided day tours from Cairns are also available for visitors who prefer not to drive.
Can you swim at the waterfalls and lakes?
Some spots allow swimming, but none are patrolled. Check conditions and safety signs, stay out of the water during and after heavy rain, and at Josephine Falls use only the designated swimming area.
Popular Atherton Tablelands Tours
Waterfall Wanderers Day TourA full day from Cairns: waterfalls, rainforest and crater lakes.View tour and prices
Waterfalls and Paronella ParkTablelands waterfalls, then the heritage gardens of Paronella Park.View tour and prices
Rainforest Night TourLook for platypus and nocturnal rainforest wildlife after dark.View tour and prices
Chillagoe Caves Outback TourLimestone caves, outback scenery and Granite Gorge in one big day.View tour and prices
Atherton Waterfalls and WildlifeA tour package of Tablelands waterfalls and wildlife spotting.View tour and prices
Hot Air Ballooning and SkyrailA balloon flight over the Tablelands, plus Skyrail over the rainforest.View tour and pricesSee all Atherton Tablelands tours
Most Visited Right Now
Innot Hot SpringsNatural thermal pools near Ravenshoe.
Tablelands MarketsFresh produce, arts, crafts, coffee and chocolate.
Granite GorgeGranite boulders, rock pools and wildlife near Mareeba.
Where to See PlatypusSpot platypus in the wild at Peterson Creek, Yungaburra.Places to Visit on the Atherton Tablelands
Towns and Villages
AthertonThe second largest town on the Tablelands, set among rolling green hills.
ChillagoeAncient caves and scenic outback landscapes on the western Tablelands.
HerbertonA historic village in the hills, with museums and heritage buildings.
KurandaVillage shops, markets, rainforest attractions, the scenic railway and Skyrail.
MalandaA country town known for Malanda Falls, birdwatching and bushwalks.
MareebaThe biggest town on the Tablelands, with a multicultural community.
Millaa MillaaA village on the waterfall circuit, close to Millaa Millaa Falls.
RavenshoeQueensland’s highest town, surrounded by World Heritage rainforest.
YungaburraA popular holiday base in the middle of the Tablelands.Crater Lakes
Lake BarrineA rainforest crater lake with wildlife and a lakeside tea house.
Lake EachamA clear crater lake ringed by rainforest, with wildlife along the shore.
Lake EuramooA quiet rainforest crater lake.
Lake TinarooThe Tablelands’ most popular holiday lake.
Mt Hypipamee CraterA volcanic crater in rainforest, near Dinner Falls.
All LakesEvery crater lake and dam on the Tablelands.Waterfalls and Natural Landmarks
Millaa Millaa FallsA heritage-listed fall ringed by rainforest, the circuit’s best known stop.
Millstream FallsAustralia’s widest single-drop waterfall, with a short forest walk.
Curtain Fig TreeA giant fig with a curtain of aerial roots, near Yungaburra.
Cathedral Fig TreeA giant strangler fig reached by a short rainforest walk.
Malanda FallsPicnic grounds and rainforest walks beside the falls at Malanda.
All WaterfallsFifteen falls, from the Millaa Millaa circuit to Barron Falls.Where to Stay
Where to StayCompare rainforest retreats, farm stays, hotels and cottages by town.How to Get ThereDriving routes from Cairns and Port Douglas.Itinerary IdeasPlan one, two or three days on the Tablelands.WeatherSeasons, temperatures and what to expect.Why Visit the Atherton Tablelands?
Nature in Full Colour
Crater lakes framed by ancient rainforest, towering strangler figs, and famous falls like Millaa Millaa, Zillie, Josephine and Millstream, Australia’s widest single-drop waterfall.
Wildlife
Look for platypus, tree kangaroos and musky rat-kangaroos, on your own or with a guide.
Food, Coffee and Local Produce
Cheese, tropical fruit and locally grown coffee, with tastings at farms and producers around Mareeba.
Heritage Towns
Explore Yungaburra, Atherton, Herberton, Malanda and Chillagoe, and the gardens of Paronella Park.
Celebrating Local Legends
We shine a light on the growers, makers and small businesses that give the Atherton Tablelands its heart. When you shop, sip or stay local, you help keep these communities strong.
