Atherton Tablelands

About

The Atherton Tablelands is a high volcanic plateau behind Cairns rising to 900 metres above sea level and forming the fertile, cool hinterland of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The region contains extraordinary natural diversity including crater lakes, ancient rainforest, waterfalls, platypus-inhabited rivers, rare tree kangaroos, and the world's oldest flowering plants. Atherton, Mareeba, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, and Yungaburra are the main townships, and the tableland offers a refreshing contrast to the tropical coast just 90 minutes away.

History & Significance

The Atherton Tablelands is a volcanic plateau formed by ancient lava flows, with the landscape shaped by volcanic activity over millions of years. The region is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, recognised for containing some of the world's oldest rainforest ecosystems and rarest plant and animal species. Indigenous Australians, including the Djabugay and other language groups, have inhabited and managed these lands for tens of thousands of years. European settlement began in the late 1800s, with agriculture and timber industries developing in the cooler highland environment.

Getting There

Visitor Tips

• •The Yungaburra markets (fourth Saturday of each month) combine well with platypus viewing at Peterson Creek at dusk. The Atherton Tablelands are markedly cooler than Cairns — bring a light jacket year-round. Many of the waterfalls and lakes are close enough to combine in a single day loop.

Cultural Significance

The Atherton Tablelands is a volcanic plateau formed by ancient lava flows, with the landscape shaped by volcanic activity over millions of years. The region is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, recognised for containing some of the world's oldest rainforest ecosystems and rarest plant and animal species. Indigenous Australians, including the Djabugay and other language groups, have inhabited and managed these lands for tens of thousands of years. European settlement began in the late 1800s, with agriculture and timber industries developing in the cooler highland environment.