Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland

The Atherton Tableland has a solid reputation as the ideal getaway, with it's rural communities encompassing a less stressed lifestyle filled withalluring nostalgia in country town atmospheres. The country towns of yesteryear have beds of blooming flowers, comfy benches in the main streets and shop owners that know their customers by first name.

The Atherton Tableland got it's name from the many different plateaus or levels. It's covered with undulating mountains, valleys, lakes, streams, waterfalls and thick rainforest. Because of the high altitude - from 400 to
1100 metres above sea level - it's a tropical haven and doesn't have the humidity of the coast.

You will be spoiled for choice of things to see and do with Barramundi fishing, canoeing and waterskiing at Lake Tinaroo, exploring the walking tracks throughout the Tableland, bird watching at a variety of locations, night spotting, night canoeing, seeing the crater lakes Barrine and Eacham & 'must see' attractions like Mt Hypipamee Crater and the Curtain Fig Tree. If you're lucky enough, you can even spot the solitary tree kangaroo or platypus. Occasionally, a cassowary can be spotted at Mt Hypipamee.

There are a variety of waterfalls such as Mungalli, Malanda Falls, Souita, Pepina, Ellinjaa, Zillie, Dinner Falls, Little Millstream, Millstream Falls and the list goes on. Windy Hill near Ravenshoe is another popular attraction with the large power generating wind turbines dotted over the hills - an eerie site on a misty morning.

If you're into fine dining and relaxing, we cater to that too. There are many dining options ranging from undercover picnic areas, to coffee shops and restaurants. The liqueur distilleries and fruit wineries prove themselves to the discerning wine connoisseur, while the coffee and strawberry plantations and fruit orchards cater to those wishing to sample the local delights.

Access to the Atherton Tablelands is via the Kennedy Highway from Mt Garnet, the Palmerston Highway from Innisfail, the Gillies Highway near Gordonvale, the Kuranda Range from Smithfield and the Rex Range near Port Douglas. If you'd like to spend a few days site seeing, a range of accommodation can be found in each of the towns and includes budget/backpackers, caravan parks, hotels, motels, self contained cabins to 5 star luxury accommodation.

For more info, contact: Atherton Tablelands Information Centre, Phone: 07 4091 4222 - Street: Cnr Main & Silo Road, Atherton  www.athertonsc.qld.gov.au

For places to stay in the Atherton Tablelands, go to http://www.takeabreak.com.au/AthertonTablelands/FarNorthQueensland/accomodation.htm

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Queensland highlights include the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef, thousands of world-class beaches, sun-drenched islands and lush rainforest areas, not to mention the outback areas. For something active try bushwalking, mountain biking, horseriding or golf. To find out what's happening in queensland during your trip visit holiday events QLD. More accommodation is available in the regions surrounding the Atherton Tablelands

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