Atherton Tablelands Highlights
See the highlights of the Atherton Tablelands with our specialised two-day itinerary jam packed with fun for the whole family. For your ease, we’ve mapped out the whole day’s itinerary here.
Day One
Stop 1: Lake Barrine
Walk from the lower car park to the boardwalk at the base of two exceptionally large Bull Kauri Pine Trees. These ancient giants are believed to be more than 1000 years old. Towering over the canopy, they are 50m tall and have a trunk diameter of 2.7m. Kauris, common in some rainforest types, are descendants of species that dominated Tableland forests for thousands of years. Kauris today are almost identical to fossil kauris found in rocks 300 million years old. Next visit the teahouse for some tea and scones!
Stop 2: Avenue of Honour
Drive into Yungaburra and visit the iconic Afghanistan Avenue of Honour by Lake Tinaroo. The memorial is dedicated to those who served in the fight against terror in Afghanistan and to the brave and selfless Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of freedom and liberty.
Stop 3: Yungaburra Hotel
Next stop — lunch! Stop by the Yungaburra Hotel for a lovely meal. Built in 1910, this iconic building showcases some of the local history with pictures of the area’s early milling days.
Stop 4: Peterson Creek – Wildlife & Botanical Walking Track
After a lovely meal, it’s time for some wildlife spotting! Located in the heart of Yungaburra is a 2.3km trail following the creek where you may spot a Platypus and if you’re especially lucky – a rare Lumholtz’s Tree-Kangaroo. For some fun there is Lloyd’s Suspension Bridge to cross! Along the trail, take in historical relics such as an old steam pump and water wheel turbine that was used to supply power to the township and railway engines.
Stop 5: Curtain Fig Tree – Curtain Fig tree National Park
On the outskirts of Yungaburra this enormous and unique strangler fig is over 500 years old and is nestled in a rare Mabi Forest. Take in this incredible sight from the short boardwalk that encircles the tree.
Stop 6: Tolga Bat Hospital
The final stop for the day is the Tolga Bat Hospital. Have you ever looked a Flying-Fox in the eye? Seen and heard the echolocation of a microbat on a bat detector? Meet the bats, enjoy the bat talk and watch them feed and interact with each other. Learn about their lives, their importance to the environment and the work of the bat hospital. Bookings essential.
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Day Two Begins!
The whole day’s itinerary has been mapped out here.
Stop 1: Mount Hypipamee National Park
The Hypipamee crater is a volcanic pipe. The pipe was opened upward through surface rocks by gas produced from molten rock below. Tremendous pressure caused the vent to explode, sending volcanic bombs far across the landscape. A viewing platform at the end of a 400m walking track through the rainforest provides an uninterrupted view of the remaining crater. The crater is almost 70m across with sheer granite walls (the surface rock through which the gas exploded). If you look 58m below the rim, there is a 70m deep lake cloaked in a green layer of native waterweed.
Stop 2: Mungalli Creek Dairy Café
Feast your way through a local treasure at the Mungalli Farmhouse for brunch. The Café serves beautiful meals made from their own biodynamic dairy products and locally sourced organic produce. Next onto the Waterfall Circuit! See the picturesque sights and appreciate the wonderous natural beauty that the region is known for.
Stop 3: Ellinjaa Falls
Ellinjaa Falls reaches approximately 12m, with a brilliant display of water cascading into a clear pool. Make sure to pack your swimmers so you can take a dip!
Stop 4: Zillie Falls
The second waterfall of the waterfall circuit is Zillie Falls. Take in the view from the viewing platform at the base of the falls. You may even spot a Flying-Fox with colonies known to frequent this area.
Stop 5: Millaa Millaa Waterfalls
Perhaps the most famous of all the waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands, come and see this incredible waterfall for yourself! Look out for the hexagonal column rock walls around the falls. These are classic volcanic basalt that have formed over time.
Stop 6: Gallo Dairyland
After chasing waterfalls, it’s time for lunch! Stop into the famous Gallo Dairyland and experience incredibly fresh produce — from cheese to chocolate, get ready to have a feast! The farm is also home to some farm animals that will delight visitors of all ages.
Stop 7: Lake Eacham Day-Use Area
Crater Lakes National Park Enjoy a post-lunch walk, taking in the sights around Lake Eacham and hopefully catch a few glimpses of the unique wildlife in the area. Or perhaps go for a swim in the lake as you wrap up your time in the region. Remember to hashtag your pictures #AthertonTablelands
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