Explore The Beautiful Atherton Tablelands

Nestled in the highlands of Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands offer one of the most scenic drives in North Queensland. Steering inland from Innisfail travelling north, or via Kuranda coming south, this route will expose you to some of Queensland's most untouched natural scenery, along with a wealth of tasty treats along the way.

A fantastic way to begin your adventure here is with a visit to Paronella Park. Voted Queensland's number one attraction, this beautiful park boasts a rich, romantic past and is a truly special place to visit. Home to gorgeous castle-like buildings and pumping waterfalls, this attraction is a must on any campervan hire Queensland holiday. An exploration of magnificent waterfalls will begin from here as you detour via the spectacular Elinjau and Zithe Falls. These falls are incredible to say the least and will take your breath away with their purity and untouched nature. However, it's the Millaa Millaa Falls that are really sure to impress. Swim beneath these thundering falls in a gorgeous freshwater pool to escape from the North Queensland heat.

Along the way be sure to check out the Mungalli Creek Bio-dynamic Dairy and try some of their organic yoghurt, before heading to the township of Millaa Millaa to enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea at one of the quaint cafes.

Malanda and Yungaburra lie ahead and offer more stunning waterfalls and beautiful lakes. On the road towards Atherton, stop in at Gallo Dairyland where you will be able to watch cheese being made before sampling it, and choose from a wide selection of delicious homemade chocolates. There is also a great little animal farm that will provide lots of fun for those travelling with children.

Next stop will be Atherton; the hub of these beautiful tablelands. Boasting all the facilities one would expect from a modern town, this historical township offers art galleries, museums and plenty of places to stay. It is also a short distance from some of the area's most remarkable lakes.

Another great stop along the way is the Mt Uncle Distillery where you can sample delicious liqueurs and wander the beautiful farming land. Score yourself a bottle of one of the local drops here, or at one of the nearby wineries. This is sure to be a highlight for older travellers!

The last stop on the way to Cairns is the quaint village of Kuranda. This charming mountain town boasts fantastic markets, eclectic galleries and delightful cafes and restaurants. You really need an entire day to explore it. Alternatively, you can take the scenic railway up from Cairns, which will expose you to brilliant rainforest scenery, taking you on a passage back through time on one of Queensland's most celebrated rail journeys.

The walk to the thundering Barron Falls is equally as stunning, with the rainforest boardwalk a fantastic way to get up close to some of Queensland's most beautiful rainforest. The falls at the end are simply fabulous and will leave you in awe at the work of Mother Nature.

Your adventure in the Atherton Tablelands will end with the downwards journey towards the city of Cairns in your campervan hire. Gateway to the incredible Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers a whole new adventure in itself...one that will stay with you forever!

Christine Barton