A journey through the beautiful Atherton Tablelands
Nestled in the heart of Far North Queensland, Australia, the Atherton Tablelands offers a refreshing change of pace from the bustling cities and popular tourist hotspots. Picture yourself surrounded by lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and charming small towns with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a place where nature truly takes center stage, and I couldn’t be more excited to share my recent adventures with you!
Where did we stay?
Lake Eacham Tourist Park
To truly immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the Atherton Tablelands, we decided to make Lake Eacham Caravan Park our home away from home. This picturesque spot offers a range of accommodations, from cozy cabins to spacious campsites. The park is one km from Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake renowned for its crystal-clear waters and serene ambiance. Waking up to the sounds of nature and listening to the rain fall on the roof top camper at night was devine. The camp spots all have fire pits and there is a kitchen available for everyone to use as well, which was handy.
This park was dog friendly so worked well for us as the hound always comes along. The only downside is that dogs are not allowed at Lake Eacham, we did a drive through, and it was a busy spot, people were paddle boarding, swimming, picnicking, heaps of people in the water. From what we heard, if you do take dogs there, the rangers are often around and will fine you. Next time well be staying closer to Lake Tinaroo cause its dog friendly and there is a caravan park right on the lake there, so easy access to walk the dog daily.
Things to do
Yungaburra
We spent a day in the beautiful little town of Yungaburra. This little spot is so charming, the streets are adorned with quaint shops and historic buildings, and the cascading flowerpots that line the streets give the little town a warm welcoming ambiance. We had a good little shop in the little boutiques, they have an abundance of beautiful clothes, gifts and housewares. We then had lunch at the old pub in the middle of the street, meals were big, and the Sarsaparilla was cold (still pregnant).
As luck would have it, Nick’s Restaurant, a renowned culinary gem, was fully booked for dine-in on one particular night. Undeterred, we opted for the next best option and treated ourselves to their delectable take-away pizza. Note to fellow travelers: ensure you secure a table reservation well in advance if you wish to dine in to relish their flavorsome creations.
On our final evening, we ventured to Our Place, a charming Italian eatery that captured the essence of Yungaburra perfectly. The restaurant’s intimate atmosphere and enchanting decor set the stage for an extraordinary culinary experience. The menu boasted a tantalizing selection of Italian delights, and each dish that graced our table was a work of art. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend dining at Our Place during your visit to Yungaburra—prepare to be captivated by the exceptional flavors and impeccable presentation that await. Its a small venue run by the owners and a couple of wait staff, and they seat each table with 15 minute intervals so that they are not over run which is a really cool concept and worked well. We were not waiting very long for anything.
Yungaburra was our favourite town on the tablelands, we definitely recommend you spend half a day or so here if you are close by.
Lake Tinaroo
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands, Lake Tinaroo stands out as a shining example of a dog-friendly destination.
With a multitude of dog-friendly walking trails, where wagging tails and happy panting are a common sight, you and your furry friend can embark on scenic adventures, forging unforgettable memories together. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll along the lake’s edge or an invigorating hike through the surrounding nature, Lake Tinaroo caters to all types of dog enthusiasts, ensuring that your four-legged companion feels just as much a part of the adventure as you do. Lake Tinaroo was a very busy place, however we were there on a public holiday weekend; but there were so many boats on the water, people stand up paddle boarding, canoeing, riding bikes, picnicking, jet skiing, walking, swimming with their doggos; it was a great spot. It was definitely a spot where you can cherish and celebrate your furry friends!
Drive the open roads
Embarking on a scenic drive through the Atherton Tablelands is an adventure that unveils countless hidden treasures, including refreshing waterholes that beckon you to dive in and cool off.
As you traverse the winding roads, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking vistas, the anticipation builds to discover these natural oasis gems. From picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls to the tranquil Emerald Creek Falls, the Tablelands are dotted with stunning waterholes that offer a respite from the tropical heat.
Driving through the Tablelands allows you the freedom to stumble upon lesser-known waterholes, hidden away from the crowds, where you can revel in the beauty of nature in solitude. The journey becomes a treasure hunt, as you follow local recommendations or serendipitously stumble upon a signpost that leads you to your next aquatic paradise. We found a great little swimming hole that had a platypus who kept coming to the surface at the bottom of a small waterfall! It wasn’t part of a national park either, so we were able to let the dog have a swim too.
Mungali Dairy
We went to Mungali Dairy to get some scones and jam and cream, they open at 10am and we got there at 10:30am and there was the biggest basket of scones there and they were all sold already! So my advice is getting there at 10am when they open! I have been craving scones ever since and no scone is good enough to fulfil my craving! We did then have to get the dessert platter for two, which was ridiculously huge, 5 pieces of their cakes and two scoops of their ice cream. Amazing, but so much for two people, we made ourselves sick and then got a takeaway container for the leftovers. Laws also had two Affagato’s as they were so delicious that one was not enough!
The spot is really sweet, they have outdoor seating where you can look out over the countryside and sit with your dogs. Or there is inside seating as well if you prefer and don’t have your furry friends with you. It’s a great place for a stop and some morning tea! Make sure you try their cream too, so thick and yum.
Lake Eacham
As I mentioned above, we only drove through here because we had the dog, but it was so busy with families and activities on the water. Looks like a nice spot to go for a day or an evening BBQ.
Atherton Dog Park
Right in the heart of the Atherton, Atherton Dog Park embodies the magnificence of a purpose-built sanctuary where our beloved furry companions can freely frolic, socialize, and unleash their exuberant energy. This place was a god send for our boy, we ended up taking him here daily for a run around. The park is so big, probably the biggest dog park we’ve seen. It was also equipped with agility structures, tennis balls in ball holders on the trees, park benches and seats. It was a great spot and all the dogs that came daily were so much fun for Drizz’t to run around with.
Curtain Fig Tree
This is a short 200m return boardwalk in the Curtain Fig National Park where you can see the 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree, it’s almost 50m high with a trunk circumference of 39 metres. The impressive tree is worth a stop and the short stroll is accessible by prams and wheelchairs. Unfortunately, it is not a dog friendly spot, being in a National Park. But it is only 2km from Yungaburra and very easy to access, the signs are very clear as you drive out of Yungaburra.
What else?
There is so much to do on the Tablelands, so many beautiful places to stop and explore and gorgeous little places to stay. Above is just a handful of ideas from our last trip there, we really recommend heading there for a weekend or longer if you can. We love it and hope you do too.
About The Author
