Tableland parks

Just a scenic hour's drive from Cairns, you can discover the unspoilt beauty and natural wonders of the Tropical Tablelands.

The World Heritage rainforests and national parks thrive on this cool tropical plateau about 600 to 1000 metres above sea level. An enticing mix of mountains and rivers, lakes and waterfalls offer visitors a cool change as temperatures and humidity are lower than the coastal plain.

Biologists have described the spectacular rainforests of the Wet Tropics as 'the greatest celebrations of life on earth'.

The Tablelands present opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching and enjoying a wildlife river cruise with perhaps the chance to see tree-climbing kangaroos and platypuses. Try horse riding, ballooning, watersports, fishing, and miles of scenic drives.

Winding roads lead to spectacular lookouts and a popular route to take is the scenic waterfall circuit. Highlights include Australia's widest waterfall - Millstream Falls - and many smaller ones, the extinct volcanic crater lakes of Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham, the ancient Bromfield Swamp and the Hypipamee Crater.

The Tablelands are about an hour's drive from Cairns via the Palmerston and Gillies highways in the south, and the Rex and Kennedy highways in the north.