Australia, Atherton Tablelands
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Although there are so many places in Australia to choose for travel, the lush Atherton Tablelands (a lowland rainforest in Tropical North Queensland) is a fabulous option.
Cairns
The closest international airport to the Atherton Tablelands is in nearby Cairns.
Don’t rush too fast past Cairns, as there are so many beautiful sights in the city. Although the ocean water contains irukandji jellyfish, which can make it quite dangerous, there is a huge and free public swimming pool overlooking the ocean called: the Esplanade.
Cairns also has botanic gardens, showcasing the tropical flora and fauna of northeast Australia. The coastline of Cairns is full endangered mangroves which can also be explored, even straight from the small airport.
Cairns is also a great starting point for a tour of not only the Atherton Tablelands but the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, and Cape Tribulation.
If you want to also learn about the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginal cultures of Australia, Cairns has many options for that as well.
Cairns is also home to the famous Spectacled Flying Fox, a large fruit bat which roosts in the trees there.
Atherton Tablelands
To get from Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands you can take a day tour, though it is equally easy to rent a car. Uncle Brian’s tour company will allow you to see several waterfalls and have lunch. They have tours to other areas besides Atherton Tablelands as well. To see their tours, you can see them here: Uncle Brian’s
Uncle Brian’s waterfall tour ended at On the Wallaby Lodge in Yungaburra where you can opt to stay overnight. However, there is a public bus that will take you there as well.
To get from the airport in Cairns to a hotel or for the tour pickup, Con-X-ion offers many options (and they were so friendly and easy!)
Con-X-ion
Email: bo******@cx*.au
Website: www.cxn.com.au
Telephone: 1300 266 946
Babinda Boulders
Babinda Boulders is a crystal clear swimming area among the boulders. Such a refreshing swim and plenty of room. There were only a few others swimming the time I went. Just be sure to stay in the designated swimming area of Babinda Boulders as there are some very dangerous places outside these.
There are lovely picnic areas with roaming peacocks and friendly people.
Josephine Falls
Located in the rainforest, you may also see butterflies and tropical birds near Josephine Falls. There is a swimming hole and natural water slide.
There are also barbecue areas and a viewing deck.
Milla Milla Falls
Milla Milla Falls is 60 feet high and a popular photo attraction. “Millaa” is an Aboriginal word that refers to a fruit which grew in the surrounding area.
The water is sometimes cool but always refreshing! Also, what beautiful photos you can take.
Curtain Fig Tree
The 50 meter high Curtain Fig Tree is a short walk into the rainforest where the Lumholtz’s tree Kangaroo is often spotted. The strangler fig is actually a parasitic species, growing up the host tree and eventually killing it, and creating a cascade of areal roots from high in the canopy. Many animals make their homes in this tree.
Peterson’s Creek
Peterson’s Creek has a trail system right outside of Yungaburra. Nearly two weeks of hiking at Peterson’s creek every day was always interesting. The views are fascinating and sometimes there are wallabies in the fields, not to mention all kinds of birds and sometimes an elusive tree kangaroo.
Also, there are good opportunities to see platypus here, in fact there is a platypus viewing area. Many times there are platypus under the suspension bridge!
Kuranda
On the way back from the waterfalls surrounding the Atherton Tablelands, there is a rainforest town called Kuranda. In Kuranda you can eat, buy souvenirs, and pet some wallabies if you wish. Public busses go from Kuranda to Cairns most days. There is also a fudge shop which will store your luggage as you walk around the town. Check with the visitor center in Kuranda to find out the location!
Happy Travels!
