Set in the heart of the Tablelands Region, Atherton is surrounded by a patchwork of farmland, rainforest and mountains. The laid-back country town is a great place to relax and reconnect with nature, while its town centre offers a smorgasbord of cafes, country pubs and farm-to-table restaurants.

Things to do

Little ones will love exploring the family-friendly Gallo Dairyland, home to around 500 dairy cows and plenty of cuddly farm animals. Watch milking demonstrations, tour the cheese factory and enjoy lunch at the on-site cafe. There's also a store where you can stock up on everything from cheese to chocolate.

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Australian Platypus Park & Tarzali Lakes. The pond is teeming with the beautiful mammals that are rarely seen in the wild. You can also cast a line in one of the park's fishing lakes, offering you the chance to reel in a monster-sized barramundi.

Home to more than 50 heritage buildings, Historic Village Herberton offers a fascinating glimpse at life in colonial Queensland. You can peer into an old school room, check out a pioneer sawmill and visit a historic bank. The village is also dotted with antique farm equipment and vintage cars.

Birdwatchers will jump at the chance to visit the Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve. It's home to over 200 bird species in various diverse ecosystems, from woodlands and grasslands to swamps and lagoons. You can also spot echidnas and kangaroos roaming its picturesque landscapes.

Getting around

Atherton is easy to get around on foot, with most of the action centred along Herberton Road. A rental car will give you the freedom to explore the Tablelands Region at your own pace, while a trip from Cairns to Atherton takes around 90 minutes.