Tablelands Explorer
Discover history, culture and nature. This day trip from Cairns combines
culture, geography and history, taking in some of the region’s most
diverse and spectacular landscapes and ecosystems, as well as exploring
the Atherton Tablelands’ rich Aboriginal culture and pioneering and
settler history.
Highlights of this tour:
Breathtaking panoramic views across
the Atherton Tablelands to Queensland’s highest peaks, visits to the
Danbulla State Forest, Gadgarra and Crater Lakes National Parks, lovely
Lake Barrine, historic Yungaburra, Herberton Historic Village and
spectacular Millaa Millaa Falls.
Included in this tour:
All transport, exclusive small group (limited to 6 guests)
Entry to National Parks
Morning tea
Lake Barrine Cruise
Lunch
Entry to the Herberton Historic Village
Afternoon gourmet snack
Price p/p: $265.00
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How the day will unfold:
Pick up from your accommodation for 7.00am departure from Cairns.
We travel up the Gillies Range, famous for its 263 corners and panoramic views.
Rainforest and Wildlife
Our first destination is a spectacular introduction to the upland
rainforest ecosystems of the Wet Tropics. We may be lucky enough to spot
native wildlife such as small mammals and some of the many bird species
that share this rich habitat.
A Birds Eye View
Weather permitting we’ll take a short adventure down a beautiful
rainforest track for incredible views across the region and get a feel
for the dynamic geological forces that have shaped the area, which
includes Queensland’s highest mountain peaks. We’ll also find out about
the local Aboriginal clans and their culture, and the difficulties that
they faced when European settlers came to the region.
Crater Lakes National Park
The Crater Lakes National Park comprises two separate sections—Lake
Barrine and Lake Eacham. Cool rainforest surrounds both clear, blue
crater lakes. We’ll take a relaxing cruise on Lake Barrine for a
close-up view of the world heritage rainforest ecosystem and an insight
into the area’s wartime and settler history.
Lake Barrine Cruise and Devonshire Tea
Lake Barrine Teahouse is renowned for its Devonshire teas, with
scones made to a secret recipe going back four generations. There’s also
a selection of homemade cakes, all served with locally grown tea and
coffee. Over morning tea we’ll find out more about the Curry family, who
are custodians of this special place, and explore some of the period
features of this lovely example of 1930s ‘Queenslander’ architecture.
Yungaburra, Heritage Village
Back in the comfort of our 4×4 for the short trip to Yungaburra,
which has existed largely unchanged since 1910, and a tour of the old
town, with the highest proportion of heritage listed buildings outside
regional centres in Queensland.
Atherton Tablelands
From Yungaburra, we’ll traverse rolling farming landscapes to
historic Atherton. We’ll get a unique perspective on the Tableland’s
geology that formed the rich, red, volcanic soils that support much of
the region’s agriculture, as well as the feat of engineering that in the
1960s saw Tinaroo Falls Dam built to supply water for the
Mareeba-Dimbulah Irrigation Area.
Heading west from Atherton, we’ll
travel through peaceful grazing lands, passing the Hou Wang Temple, site
of the original Atherton Chinatown, to Herberton, the Tablelands’
oldest town, which was founded in 1880 after rich tin deposits were
discovered in the area.
The Historic Village Herberton
The Historic Village Herberton is an outdoor museum presenting the
story of Australia’s pioneering past, with a particular focus on
Herberton, and paying homage to the tin mining era, through collections
of turn of the century machinery and small engines, transport, fashion
and pharmaceuticals, as well as motor vehicles and war memorabilia.
Priceless collections from grocery items and tobacco to treasured dolls
and toys also feature in the museum, which has more than fifty restored
period buildings, including Elderslie House, the original home of John
Newell, founder of Herberton. The 130-year old home is a superb example
of late colonial period ‘Queenslander’ architecture, and houses a
stunning collection of period domestic items, ceramics and fashions.
Lunch at the Bakerville Hotel
We’ll also enjoy a scrumptious lunch onsite in the Bakerville
Tearooms, housed in the old Bakerville Pub, which was moved to the
Village in three sections in 1990. Look out for one of the pub’s
original licensees, Albertina Allen, who some believe haunts the
Village, and is occasionally seen on the Tearooms verandah.
Back
on the road, and emerging briefly into the present, we’ll head through
Herberton town, which has a number of heritage-listed sites. We’ll also
pass through a variety of different habitats on our way to Ravenshoe.
The traditional owners of the land in the Ravenshoe district are the
Jirrbal people. We’ll find out more about their traditions and stories.
The area’s main industry was timber until the surrounding rainforest
areas were world heritage listed in 1987.
When the cows come home
After a short comfort stop, we’ll take a scenic drive through dairy
farms and high-altitude remnant rainforest bordering the Misty Mountains
wilderness area, with crystal clear creeks and panoramic views over the
green countryside. At this time of day we may have to give way to cows
ambling across the road to the dairy for afternoon milking.
A gourmet snack with a view
This spectacular leg of our journey will end at Millaa Millaa, once
centre of a busy dairy industry, with its own cheese factory. We’ll make
the short drive down to iconic Millaa Millaa Falls. Here you’ll enjoy a
gourmet snack featuring local produce.
A panoramic return
Our return journey to Cairns will take us down the Palmerston Highway,
with amazing views of Bartle Frere and the surrounding valleys. We’ll
head north through banana farms along the Bruce Highway, arriving in
Cairns around 6pm.
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