Inland from the populous coast of Northern Queensland lies the tablelands. This area consists of prime farmland and cattle and dairy ranches. They grow a lot of sugarcane, bananas and other tropical fruit here. A drive through this magnificent country is rewarded with fantastic views, waterfalls, rainforests with ancient trees, beautiful lakes and interesting towns such as Kuranda, Mareeba, Atherton, Herberton, Millaa Millaa. The tablelands rise above the coastline and much of it is over 1000 meters elevation. This means it’s always a bit cooler, making it a good escape from the warmer, wetter Queensland coastline.

The region’s interesting tourist attractions include the Curtain and Cathedral Fig trees, giant Cedars, spectacular falls like Millaa Millaa, volcanic craters, and scenic drives.

Milla Milla Falls

Kuranda is now a major tourist site, with interesting rainforest walks, markets and restaurants. It tends to be very crowded on weekends. You can visit Kurandavia cable car (Skyrail below), which skirts above the rainforest or the scenic train. Both offer views of spectacular Barron Falls.