Part 4 Atherton Tablelands

The last leg of our trip was the Atherton Tablelands. Only 1 hr inland from Cairns but so different in landscape. There were rolling green pastures and forests and wetlands - it seemed every kilometre had a different landscape.
One minute you were looking at a dairy farm and the next minute you turn the corner and there is a lush waterfall or a volcanic crater lake.

On our way from the Daintree to Atherton we stopped at Mareeba - Coffee Works http://www.coffeeworks.com.au/. Sean reckons he had the best coffee he has ever tasted there and stocked up on beans. You will have to come to our place to taste it!

Here is an image of the countryside from a lookout near Atherton.

We stayed at the BIG 4 Woodlands Caravan Park at Atherton on a 3 nights for the price of 2 deal. The deals for holidays in QLD are so great right now! It had a playground, pool and Bali inspired cabana. As far as the girls were concerned this was holiday heaven. The cabins were a bit on the small side but had all you needed. Got quite cold during the night in this area and took a bit longer to warm up during the day.


1st stop on our tour of the area was the cathedral fig tree near Yungaburra. It was MASSIVE. I love trees and this one was particularly amazing!

The 15 km waterfall circuit started near Millaa Millaa. All these amazing waterfalls in the midst of farming country - once upon a time a rainforest.

L. Elise took this photo-relunctant to have her photo taken is Miss Gisele...
R. Onto the next falls Elise was happy to get to the bottom of the steps.

Lake Eacham is a volcanic Crater Lake. Beautiful clear water and we spotted a group of swimming Saw Turtles here.

Atherton had a 100 year old Chinese Temple which we found very interesting and we read of the Gold Rush and following farming days of the Chinese immigrants.

Next day we stopped for lunch at Gallo Dairyland. The girls loved this statue of the Cassowary and we watched the cheese making and cow milking.

Elise really wanted to go to Crystal Caves in Atherton. It was an amazing HUGE display of semi precious stones including this giant amethyst on the left. R. Elise is sitting on a rock of rose quartz and her chakra is glowing!!

Our last night we went in search at dusk for platypi in their natural environment. The girls and Sean were excited to finally see them swimming at Petersons Creek in Yungaburra (after I had given up).
With much regret we ended out trip and returned to the city. The weather was gorgeous the entire time we were away. Such a beautiful state - so much to see and do. Thank you Queensland!
We miss you and hope to see you soon.