Our Adventure in the Atherton Tablelands

EXPLORING THE ATHERTON TABLELANDS

 We Discover Far North Queensland’s Best Kept Tourist Secret

In Far North Queensland lies a land full of history, great scenic beauty and adventure, yet relatively few Australians take time to explore it.
That’s a shame, because the Atherton Tableland is one of the most fascinating regions anywhere in Australia.
Less than an hour west of Cairns and a million miles from the bright lights and tourist hordes of the coast is this vast region of tiny towns, rainforests and waterfalls.
It is well worth spending several days exploring and staying at the many excellent accommodation outlets available…which, I might say, are also a million times friendlier than the multi storey conglomerates down on the coast.

THE TWO SIDES OF BEAUTIFUL KURANDA

Kuranda is one of those beautiful little villages perched high in the clouds above Cairns, in the Macalister Ranges, that have become a massive tourist attraction.
Visitors generally come by the Kuranda scenic railway and return on the Skyway which is an aerial tramway above the rainforest.
Despite the crowds, it is well worth staying a night or two in Kuranda because there is so much to see and do.
We stayed at the Kuranda Hotel Motel which is a page right out of North Queensland’s history book.
Here you can learn about the early history of the region, with many historic photos and artefacts, while enjoying hearty pub fare cooked country style in Fanny O’Reillys Irish Bar and Grill. They also serve some wonderful beers.
Mine Host, Barry Smith is in himself a wonderful character and a wonderful teller of local legends. Barry told us that he was undefeated in an extensive career as a boxer in the tent shows that used to travel the roads.
www.kurandahotel.com.au
There are lots of things to do in Kuranda and the town is alive with markets and animal sanctuaries with creatures as diverse as wallabies, koalas, moths and insects. It is possible to buy a day pass which lets you visit all the major attractions.
And once the tourist masses go home on the railway or the Skyway, the locals and long term visitors come out to play and Kuranda becomes more like your typical country town. We took the time for a late afternoon stroll and cup of coffee under the Banyan trees.

Index to images, from the top;
Kuranda Markets ... Birdworld ... Butterfly Sanctuary ... "Big" Barry being interviwed for Travel TV Show

Photographs:

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