Historical and Cultural Tour of the Atherton Tablelands
Day One
Calling all history enthusiasts and culture chasers, we’ve got a two-day itinerary featuring museums, galleries and some tasty treats along the way.
The whole day’s itinerary has been mapped out here.
Stop 1: Rocky Creek War Memorial Park
Visit the memorial park to learn more about the area’s rich history. During World War II, the Tablelands area became the largest military base in Australia with camps at Tinaroo, Kairi, Atherton, Wongabel, Herberton, Wondecla, Ravenshoe and Mount Garnet. Rocky Creek was the site of the largest military hospital in the Southern Hemisphere — a 3000-bed hospital that treated over 60,000 patients from 1943 to 1945.
Stop 2: Tablelands Regional Gallery
Next stop of the day — the Tablelands Regional Gallery! The gallery showcases a diverse array of artistic talent from the Atherton Tablelands through exhibitions, workshops and cultural events. For even more art and culture, stop in at the Old Post Office Gallery or the Foyer Gallery for a deeper dive into the Tablelands rich arts community.
Stop 3: Hou Wang Temple & Atherton Chinatown
Established in 1903 by the large population of Chinese residents living and working at Cedar Camp, the Hou Wang Temple was constructed with the typical Queensland materials of timber and corrugated iron. Visit the last remaining temple of its kind in Australia to appreciate the rich history of the area.
Stop 4: Lunch Time
Visit the award-winning Fresh Street Market IGA and grab some goodies for a picnic at Hallorans Hill. Or stop in for lunch at one of the incredible cafes in the area. The Atherton Tablelands is known as the food-bowl of Northern Queensland, so we’re sure you’ll be delighted with the local produce and hospitality!
Stop 5: Crystal Caves
Take a tour of over 600 crystals and fossils and spend the afternoon going through this ‘cave’ of marvels from all over the world. From the private collection of Rene Boissevain, this interactive experience allows you to photograph and get close up to these incredible natural wonders.
Plan Your Journey
Historical and Cultural Tour of the Atherton Tablelands
Day Two
Stop 1: Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway
The Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway Museum is a wonderful trip through history. Take a ride on the restored rail line from Herberton Station to the Historic Village Herberton.
Stop 2: Historic Village Herberton
Step back in time at the Historic Village Herberton, showcasing over 60 original buildings that date back to Herberton’s foundation years. With so much to see and do, the daily timetable will help you make the most of your visit. In addition to the museum and village there’s a delicious café to stop by and grab lunch.
Stop 3: Herberton Mining Museum
Dig into the past and explore the rich mining history of this town and region. The museum encourages visitors to interact with the displays and models making it a great experience for the whole family!
Stop 4: WWII Heritage Walk Millstream Falls National Park
Finish the day with a walk along the Millstream Falls WWII Track. This 1km trail passes through the site
of the camp for the Battalions of the 7th and 9th Divisions between 1943 and 1945. There are traces of the cooking, washing and training facilities still visible along this heritage walk. Make sure you continue on to see the iconic Millstream Falls themselves too!
Plan Your Journey