Fact Sheets & Video - Atherton

First stop should be the Yungaburra National Park. As a result of the local parks and wildlife associations building walking ramps around the beautiful old figs, nature lovers can stroll right through the park. The scenery is captivating, as it is on a cruise through the Crater Lakes National Park.

An hour long cruise with Lake Barrine Rainforest Cruises is too good to miss. On this cruise you get to see a huge variety animals - feathered, slippery and slimy are all on show. Sightings of curled up pythons are common.

The lake is a giant volcanic crater, but at 10,000 years it is relatively young as far as volcanoes go. The cruise ends right next door to the Lake Barrie Tea House where you can treat yourself to Devonshire Tea.

Situated between the rainforest and the lake are the Carter Lakes Rainforest Cottages are a great place to stay. Each of the four cottages has a unique theme, including the Balinese Cottage with its canopy over the bed; the Pioneer's Cottage for anyone who loves a bit of history; The Tuscany for the romantics; and finally Ernie's choice, The Nautical Cottage. At the end of an activity filled day the last thing you will feel like doing is cooking and by slipping the owners a lazy $20 they'll even cook for you. If you are around Atherton on the fourth Saturday of the month a visit to the Yungaburra Market is well worth the effort. The markets are Queensland country-style and the craftsmen definitely know their timber. Kicking off at 7am they offer the kind of fresh produce and crafts that you wouldn't find in the city.

The facts

Qantas flies to Cairns daily from all capital cities.

Qantas

Tel: 13 13 13

Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages cost $170 per double per night or $750 for 5 nights including breakfast.

Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages

Tel: 1800 992 322 (free call)

Lake Barrine Rainforest Cruises and Tea House operate all year round. Cruises epart five times a day and cost $10.30 per adult. Devonshire Tea at the Lake Barrie Tea House cost $4.50 per person.

Lake Barrine Rainforest Cruise & Tea House

Tel: 07 4095 3847

Yungaburra Markets are held on the fourth Saturday morning of each month and can be found in the centre town.