Atherton Tableland
"The Waterfalls & Crater Lakes District"
There are Wildlife Cruises on Lake Barrine, swimming and picnics at Lake Eacham, the Danbulla State Forest Drive, Tinaroo Dam, the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit etc. Make Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge in The Waterfalls & Crater Lakes District of the Atherton Tablelands, near Cairns, the headquarters for your Tropical North Queensland stay. The Great Barrier Reef connections are just over an hour away by a scenic drive, choose a different route each time you travel to the coast, and return to the Tablelands for a cool restful night. All guests staying at Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge are supplied with personalised self-drive itineraries to the attractions of the Waterfalls & Crater Lakes District of The Atherton Tablelands.
Your daily itineraries could include:
*Lake Barrine
*Lake Barrine Wildlife Cruise with excellent commentary.
*The twin kauris (1100 years old)
*The Giant Red Cedar.(Largest Red Cedar in the Southern Hemisphere.)
*Curtain Fig.
*Cathedral Fig .
*Malanda Township
*Malanda falls environmental park
*Malanda Falls
*Malanda Falls Enviromental Centre
*Bromfield Swamp (Hundreads of Sarus Cranes arrive at sunset)
*Hastie Swamp (Abundance of waterbirds)
*Danbulla State Forest Drive
*Mobo creek crater
*Lake Euromoo
*Lake Euromoo Arbor Walk
*Platypus rock
*Kairi pottery
*Tolga woodworks
*Tolga Township
*Tinaroo
*Tinaroo Lake & Dam
*The humpy (For some of the more unusual fruits eg chocolate pudding fruit, soursop, jackfruit etc)
*Fascinating facets & The Crystal Caves
*Yungaburra National Trust Village
*Millaa Millaa Township
*Millaa Millaa Falls
*Zillie Falls
*Ellinjaa Falls
*Mungalli falls
*Milla Millaa Township
*Crawfords lookout
*Wooroonooran National Park.
*Lake Eacham National Park.
*Lake Barrine National Park.
*Mchugh road lookout (spectacular views)
*Millstream & little millstream falls
*Crater national park
*Dinner Falls
Lake Eacham: Lake Eacham is an extinct volcanic crater lake filled with cool, clean, crystal clear water, surrounded by 1200acres of lush tropical highland rainforest. The lake is sixty metres deep with a pontoon and children's pool available, offering excellent swimming conditions. A large picnic area with plenty of covered wood and electric BBQ sites makes the lake front
ideal for family outings. There is an excellent four kilometre rainforest walking track around the lake's edge. A 700 metre self guided rainforest walking track leading from the National Parks Headquarters on Mcleish Road to the lake itself. A one kilometre rainforest track to the Eacham Waterfalls offers exceptional photographic opportunities. For those who are not able to experience the walking tracks, there is a beautiful rainforest drive that will take you through the World Heritage rainforest that surrounds Lake Eacham. The National Parks and Wildlife Office for the Crater Lakes National Park is situated at the rainforest edge on McLeish road. The National Parks office includes an information centre which caters for people interested in learning more about the crater lake history, rainforest ecology, birds and animals of the area. The most striking aspect of this particular crater lake is the peace and serenity that accompany all it offers you. It is truly a magnificent and worthwhile experience.
Lake Barrine: Lake Barrine is a volcanic crater lake located ten minutes drive from Lake Eacham. As with Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine offers safe swimming, as well as picnic areas for your leisure. There is a restaurant on the shoreline which offers five star views from open air balconies as well as glass enclosed tearooms. It is an unforgettable place to enjoy lunch and Devonshire Teas. Lake Barrine Wildlife Cruises run four times a day taking you around the perimeter of the lake showing and discussing rainforest plants and animals. (We recommend the 10.15 cruise.) Be sure to allow time to browse through the extensive range of Tableland momentos available in the souvenir shop. Enjoy a short walk to the 1,100 year old Twin Kauri Pines or the six kilometre rainforest circuit walk around the lake's edge. Lake Barrine shows you all the magnificent plants and animals that exist in this magical crater lake and surrounding rainforest environment. For much of this century, it has been one of the top tourist attractions of Tropical North Queensland.
MOUNT HYPIPAMEE NATIONAL PARK THE CRATER AND DINNER FALLS - The Crater and Dinner Falls are loacted about 30km from Atherton on the Kennedy Highway.
- Just over the Barron River, the turnoff to these two natural attractions is on the right.
- Mount Hypipamee National Park is the only park that protects high altitude rainforest, unlike any other National Park on the Atherton tableland.
- The Crater is the remains of what is believed to have been the only explosion pipe of this volcanically active area between 10 and15, 000 years ago.
- The volcanic bedrock in the vicinity has caused the variation on the form of soil types that have evolved. The change in soil type influences the vegetation it supports and the diversity of animals which are supported by it. As a result, this area has become renowned for it’s numerous arboreal (tree dwelling), species.
- There is much interesting information about the crater and it’s surrounds, presented on an information board at the beginning of the 800m return walk.
- The walk to the crater is well maintained and has been bitumenised. This makes for easy walking and wheel chair access . The crater itself is astounding in size and is worth the short walk.
- On your return from the crater, there is a path which leads down to the Dinner Falls. These falls are on the Barron River.
- An information board located close to the beginning of the walk traces the path of the river from its beginnings in the Great Dividing Range, through the Atherton Tablelands and out to the Pacific Ocean.
CURTAIN FIG TREE - This world famous fig tree is of the species Ficus virens, it is a strangler fig tree.
- Located about 1 kilometer out of Yungaburra, this ancient tree is awesome in it’s size and granduer.
- Directions to this fantastic tree are well sign-posted and the short drive well worth it.
- Plenty of car parking available. It is a 50 metre walk to view the tree.
- There are interpretative signs which describe how the Curtain Fig Tree grew and some additional interesting information.
- There is a continous board walk around the tree and a section which creates good perspective for photo opportunities.
- Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos & Green Possums can sometimes be seen asleep in this area during daylight.
- After dark you can spotlight for Tree Kangaroos, Green Possums, Herbert River Possums and Coppery Brushtail Possums.
DANBULLA STATE FOREST DRIVE The Danbulla State Forest Drive is a circuit drive which begins near Lake Barrine on the Gillies Highway and ends at the Tinaroo Dam. Leaving The Chamber’s, the easiest and most direct route to take is along the Gillies Highway, which takes you in a north-easterly direction past Lake Barrine. The entrance to The Danbulla State Forest Drive is well signposted and begins only a few kilometres past the Lake Barrine turnoff. Along the 30 km drive there are a number of points of interest including; the Cathedral Fig Tree, Mobo Creek Crater, Lake Euramoo Arbour Walk and the Kauri Creek Walk. The most spectacular part of the drive is the initial part, or the north-eastern section, where the area has rainforests, eucalypt forests and pine plantations. Cathedral Fig Tree: The Cathedral Fig Tree is located about 5 km from the Gillies Highway. It is the same species of tree as the Curtain Fig Tree (Ficus virens), but through different growing pressure has evolved to display a different habit of the commonly called strangler fig. Many species of animal can be seen seeking shelter in and around the Cathedral Fig Tree including: Papuan Frog Mouth, Rose-crowned Fruit Dove, Emerald Fruit Dove, Pale-yellow and Grey-headed Robin, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, many species of reptile, Possums and Tree Kangaroo. Mobo Creek Crater: Mobo Creek Crater is located another few kilometers on from the Cathedral Fig Tree. There is a 600-metre rainforest-walking track with information signs, which will enlighten you to the mysterious geological history of the crater. Geologists and scientists alike have not quite clarified the geological history of this site. Part of the mystery could be caused by the flowing of Moo Creek through the crater which could have confused the geological sequence through the erosion properties of water. It is an interesting attraction.
Lake Euramoo: The forest drive will then take you along to Lake Euramoo. This lake is contained in a double explosion volcanic crater. Being one of the youngest geological features in the Atherton Tablelands, it is though to be a little older than ten thousand years old. Euramoo is quite a large lake, with a viewing platform looking out over the water and its surrounding environment but there is no access to the water's edge. There is also an interpretative sign giving you basic background information on the lake's history and present features. The Lake Euramoo Arbor Walk: Almost immediately beside the viewing platform of Lake Euramoo is the Arbor Walk. Allow 20 minutes
to experience this arbor walk fully. A circuit walk guides you through the rainforest to where species of trees are named.eg Red Cedar,
Tulip Oak, Rose Butternut, Northern Silky Oak, Mahogany etc. Kauri Creek Walk: This is one of the better walks of the area. It is a full circuit track of five and a half kilometres. The first section of the walk takes you through the riverine vegetation along Kauri Creek. The track climbs steeply for a section after leaving Kauri Creek, then descending quite steeply to return to the creek, taking you through to an old forestry logging access road. This road is followed for most of the trip back to the carpark and picnic area. As the track leaves the road, it passes through a gathering of Brown Salwood. These trees have regenerated in an area previously cleared for grazing. The track is designed for intermediate to advanced walkers, although for those who are beginners, there is still the option to see the Red Cedar Tree located at a kilometre into the track, before returning to the picnic area. Eager walkers are still recommended to take the walk, as there are many places to stop and look at your surroundings whilst you catch your breath. Be sure to wear shoes with a closed toe, preferably hiking boots, as there are many roots which cross the path, some, difficult to see. The Kauri Creek walk will show some of the natural wonders of North Queensland, the peace, serenity and beauty of the area should not be missed. Tinaroo Lake and Dam: Tinaroo Lake is a huge man-made lake located to the north-east of Atherton. It is at the end of the Danbulla State Forest Drive. The lake was formed in 1958 at the completion of the Tinaroo Dam. The reservoir is used for activities such as irrigation and hydro-electricity, yet, leisure activities such as fishing, swimming, water-skiing and boating are allowed. Birdwatchers should find the area most rewarding, as the lake provides ideal conditions for waterbirds. The lake attracts birds such as:
Great Crested and Australasian Grebe
Ibis
Egrets
Spoonbills
Herons
Whistling-Ducks
Cormorants
Black Swan
Australian Pelican
Duck species
Darter
Grey Teal
Rufous Night Heron
Hardhead
Black-necked Stalk
Cotton and Green Pygmy-Goose
Dusky Moorhen
Purple Swamphen
Eurasian Coot
Caspian Tern
During the seasons of spring and summer, when the lake’s water level is low,
the muddy margins attract waders such as the: White-bellied Sea Eagle
Osprey
Red-kneed Dotterel
Black fronted Plover.
LAKE EACHAM FALLS There are some local falls that are not sign posted that are found just past Lake Eacham. As the road divides in two, the left to Atherton and Yungaburra and the right is unmarked. This smaller road to the right takes you to the Lake Eacham Falls. About one kilometre down the road is a small bridge. Heading away from Lake Eacham there are small car parking bays on the left and right hand side of the road. Walking back over the bridge, the walk begins on the left hand side of the road. It is only a small walk down to the waterfall which is smaller than any of the other falls on the Palmerston Highway. The walking path follows the route of the creek and forms a circuit, passing under the bridge and then heading back up towards the roadway.
GIANT RAINFOREST TREES CURTAIN FIG TREE - This world famous fig tree is of the species Ficus virens, it is a strangler fig tree.
- Located about 1 kilometer out of Yungaburra, this ancient tree is awesome in it’s size and granduer.
- Directions to this fantastic tree are well sign-posted and the short drive well worth it.
- Plenty of car parking available. It is a 50 metre walk to view the tree.
- There are interpretative signs which describe how the Curtain Fig Tree grew and some additional interesting information.
- There is a continous board walk around the tree and a section which creates good perspective for photo opportunities.
- Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos & Green Possums can sometimes be seen asleep in this area during daylight.
- After dark you can spotlight for Tree Kangaroos, Green Possums, Herbert River Possums and Coppery Brushtail Possums.
TWIN KAURI’S - These two magnificent trees are found 90m along a bituminised path originating from the car park of the Lake Barrine, Kiosk / Souvenir shop.
- The information about these trees is amazing.
- Their exact age has not been calculated but has been estimated atbeing in excess of 1000 years.
- The lake’s history has been studied by scientists and these studies have shown that these two trees are the ancestors of Conifer Forest which dominated this area of Queensland prior to the current rainforest. This ancient forest covered these parts over 100 million years ago.
- There are more fascinating facts about these two trees at Lake Barrine.
How to get There: From The Chamber’s, follow the road past Lake Eacham. At the junction of the two roads, one leads to Yungaburra and Atherton and the other is unmarked. Both of these roads lead to the Gillies Highway which will take you to the turn off to Lake Barrine and the Twin Kauri’s. GIANT RED CEDAR The Red Cedar is an important tree in the history of Australia. Affectionately known by the Australain settlers as ‘Red Gold’, this tree was the pulling motivational factor that caused the settlement of much of the coastal and hinterland areas of the country. This is the largest accessible Red Cedar Tree remaining in north Queensland and possibly Australia. A magestic tree, it is well worth the short drive from The Chamber’s to view this awesome specimen that is considered a soul survivor of a time long gone, when these Red Giants dominated the forests of the Atherton tableland. CATHEDRAL FIG TREE The Cathedral Fig Tree is located about 5 km from the Gillies Highway on the Danbulla State Forest Drive. It is the same species of tree as the Curtain Fig Tree (Ficus virens), but through different growing pressure has evolved to display a different habit of the commonly called strangler fig. Many species of animal can be seen seeking shelter in and around the Cathedral Fig Tree including: Papuan Frog Mouth, Rose-crowned Fruit Dove, Emerald Fruit Dove, Pale-yellow and Grey-headed Robin, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, many species of reptile, Possums and Tree Kangaroo.
MUNGALLI FALLS About 25km east of the town of Milla Milla there is a turnoff to the left which leads to the Mungalli Falls Tea House. - This is a place where you can buy snacks and drinks before or after you view the falls.
- Beside the teahouse there is a small ford. Looking upstream there is a small waterfall that is in itself very pretty and worthy of a photo.
THE MILLAA MILLAA WATERFALL CIRCUIT The waterfall circuit includes three waterfalls are found close to the town of Millaa Millaa . Millaa Millaa is a small town (population 400), located 34km south of Yungaburra, on the Palmerston Highway. The three falls that comprise the circuit are: Millaa Millaa, Zillie and Ellinjaa falls. The turnoff to these waterfalls is a few kilometers on the eastern side of the town. Taking binoculars, camera and most importantly, water would be beneficial to your trip. MILLAA MILLAA FALLS - First of the three waterfalls 3km off the main road.
- Frequented by locals and tour groups alike as it is a popular swimming spot.
- You may see the Ulysses Butterfly and Platypus late in the afternoon.
- There are many iridescent dragonflies that may stay still long enough for you to be able to take a photo of them.
- There are plenty of parking spaces at these falls.
- Shelter, barbecue and picnic fascilities are available.
ZILLIE FALLS - These falls are found 7.5km past the Millaa Millaa falls.
- The walking path to the falls is not very clearly marked and it is much easier to see the carpark on the right side of the road before the bridge.
- One of the trees in this partyicular carpark is home to a colony of Flying Foxes can easily be seen.
- A short walk across the road takes you through some forest and to the viewing area.
- There is no access to the waterfall from the platform but a good view of the preceeding rapids and the top of the falls.
- There is no swimming access at this waterfall.
ELLINJAA FALLS - Only a 3km drive past the Zillie Falls are the Ellinjaa Falls.
- There is a grassed picnic area adjacent to the parking fascilities.
- A viewing platform is located at the beginning of the walk (which descends to the waterfalls base), and provides a clear view for photo opportunities.
- The short walk down to the falls has been made into steps to make the descent safer and easier.
- Platypus and Turtles can be found in the plunge pool of the falls,
- Swimming is not recommended at these fall.
MUNGALLI FALLS About 25km east of the town of Milla Milla there is a turnoff to the left which leads to the Mungalli Falls Tea House. - This is a place where you can buy snacks and drinks before or after you view the falls.
- Beside the teahouse there is a small ford. Looking upstream there is a small waterfall that is in itself very pretty and worthy of a photo.
Kairi Pottery: Kairi is a small town located on the road between Tolga and Tinaroo. It is also the location of Kairi Pottery. For those interested in local art and craft, Kairi pottery (found on the main road) offers some magnificent pieces of work. Upon entrance into the shop, you are welcomed by various clay plates, mugs, bowls, salt and pepper shakers and pots of different shapes and sizes, as well as many more designs. The show room opens out into the actual warehouse, allowing you to view the potters at work. You are able to see the initial stages of the design, and then the finished product. Also, there are black and white photos on the walls, displaying this process. A most interesting and appealing concept. Pricing is reasonable if not quite cheap, considering the quality of the work. If at Kairi, the Kairi Pottery shop is a definite must. See the local talent, and appreciate the art.
Tolga Woodworks: To see some of the finest woodwork on the Artherton Tablelands, one must go to Tolga Woodworks. How to get there: Tolga Woodworks is located on the Kennedy Highway approximately five kilometres out of Atherton in the town of Tolga. Their products range from small wooden keyrings to fine furniture, clocks, chimes, bowls and vases as well as precious stained glass products. Considering the impeccable quality and originality of each individual design, the pricing is most reasonable. Accompanying the studio is a small cafe which serves light meals, cold and hot drinks. It offers a wonderful Australian atmosphere where one may sit amongst various native woods, designs and carvings. Served by a friendly and helpful staff, the Tolga Woodworks Craft Gallery should not be missed, as it displays products that may not be seen anywhere else in the world. For your convenience, the gallery is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.
YUNGABURRAThe town of Yungaburra is located approximately 10 minutes drive away from The Chamber’s. It’s a small town with the required convenience stores, a range of restaurants, art and craft and attractions. The most prominent building of the town is the Lake Eacham Hotel, located on the main street of Yungaburra. The following attractions, restaurants and art/craft shops will be related in location to the Hotel for convenience sake. Art and Craft Ludijpenden Studio Gallery - As you enter Yungaburra coming from Lake Eacham, the studio is found on the left side of the road, diagonally opposite the Yungaburra Primary School.
- Opening times are 10:00am to 5:00pm every weekend
The Chalet Rainforest Gallery - The main road from Lake Eacham into Yungaburra veers to the left. Continuing down this road the Rainforest Chalet is located about 100 metres down on the left beside Nick's Swiss Italian Restaurant.
- Parking is available on the premises
- Gifts and Displays include the:
- "one-of-a-kind" mystical Rainforest Folk, hand crafted by Chris Boston
- three dimensional clay forms
- unique Timber-Art Furniture
- Pottery
- Australian Souvenirs
- Ceramics
- Genuine Indigenous (Aboriginal) Art
- Opening times are 9:00am to 5:00pm daily.
Naps Nest - The main road into Yungaburra veers to the left. Going straight ahead and crossing the road (which leads to the Hotel), will take you on to Cedar Street. This is where you will find Naps Nest adjoining the hotel
- It offers a wide range of local crafts including
- pottery
- timberware
- paintings
- wooden toys
- posters
- postcards
- Devonshire Teas and Light Meals are available
- Opening times are 9:00am to 5:30pm daily
Glass By Dianne - This lovely collection of handmade glassware is found on Cedar Street diagonally opposite from Naps Nest
- The glassware is handcrafted on the premises
- Opening times are Wednesday - Sunday 9:30am to 4:30pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
The Gem Gallery - Located next to the supermarket in Yungaburra.
- Displays Opals and other gems from local and overseas jewellers
- Demonstration of polishing and crafting available
- Tables and chairs to sit at
- Refreshments available
- Open 7 days 8:00am to 8:00pm daily.
Atherton Atherton is one of the major towns on the Tablelands with a population of approximately seven thousand people and is the bustling centre of a farming district. It is home to well known attractions such as Fascinating Facets and the Crystal Caves. The town offers good shopping opportunities with Woolworths Supermarket open seven days a week for all food requirements. One may eat at the café's on the main road, at KFC or at the Pagoda Chinese Restaurant found upon entrance to the town coming from Yungaburra. Various activities are offered for many interests - there is a Golf Club for golfing, also, bowls, indoor cricket and ten pin bowling is available. Steam Train Rides are offered by the restored 1920's D17 steam loco which takes visitors on a run from Atherton to Herberton.
Malanda Malanda is a town with a population of one and a half thousand people. It is located ten kilometres south of Yungaburra in a south easterly direction from Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge. It is a small town that utilises its natural resources. The Malanda Hotel is the most obvious landmark of the location, characteristically built from the timber of local trees. As you enter the restaurant section of the hotel, you will notice the prominence of these timbers, seen in the floorboards and the magnificent staircase (made from local Silky Oak) leading to the hotel rooms and second floor. The hotel serves a range of very tasty counter meals, reasonably priced, to be eaten with a selection of beers, wine, spirits or soft drink. Adjacent to the Malanda Hotel is a Caltex petrol station where snacks for a day's trip may be purchased. Otherwise, there is a bakery across the road which offers hot pies, pasties, sausage rolls, cakes and drinks, with tables and chairs allowing for consumption on the premises. A few doors down from the bakery, there is the Wait-a-While Craft Studio. This unique shop has a lot of locally made wood and glass products. Certainly well worth a look to appreciate the local talent. The Five Star Fresh Mart supermarket is located across the road from the Wait-a While Craft Studio. It is open six days a week for all your grocery and shopping requirements. OPENING TIMES: Monday.........8:15am - 5:30pm Tuesday.........8:15am - 5:30pm Wednesday....8:15am - 5:30pm Thursday.......8:15am - 8:00pm Friday............8:15am - 5:30pm Saturday........8:15am - 2:00pm Sunday................CLOSED Passing through Malanda on the main road, approximately two kilometres from the town centre, on the left hand side of the road is located the Malanda Environmental Information Centre and Waterfalls. The Environmental Information Centre gives an interpretative, interactive and informative account of the geological history of the tableland area, interesting any visitors to the falls. The display is presented in simple terms with rock and rainforest specimens, models and pictures to look at accompanied with information of the area to read. The Visitor’s centre also offers a range of local brochures and a volunteer worker is usually available to answer any queries you may have. A fifty metre walk will take you from the Environmental Information Centre to the Malanda Waterfall. These falls offer a good swimming opportunity with a picnic area and grass area for your leisure. Walks up and down stream most certainly will fill you with a great sense of adventure. Various paths will take you through the magnificent environment of the area, illustrating the dense nature of the rainforest and all it has to offer. Across the road from the falls is another short rainforest walk that will offer you some magnificent photo opportunities. Close to its beginning is a platypus, turtle and lizard-viewing platform that, with any luck will allow you to see some of the animals Malanda’s rainforest holds. A bustling little town with plenty of entertaining avenues for varying interests.
Millaa Millaa
(Aboriginal Translation: "Plenty Water") With a population of four hundred, Millaa Millaa is considered the gateway to the Atherton Tablelands. This little town offers magnificent views such as Queensland's highest mountain Bartle Frere, backdropped by evergreen dairy farming pastures. It is the centre for the waterfall circuit, infact, there are six waterfalls within fifteen kilometres of Millaa Millaa. The world famous Millaa Millaa Falls on the edge of town, the Zillie, Ellinjaa and Mungalli Falls, the Souita and Pepina Falls. Millaa Millaa Lookout offers a brilliant panoramic view of the Atherton Tablelands. Also of interest is the Eacham Historical Society Museum in Main Street, while the nine hole golf course beside the Caravan Park will challenge eager golfers.
Tolga Tolga, located five kilometres out of Atherton is the home of the well known Tolga Woodworks, a centre with a reputation for high quality workmanship in timbers salvaged from cyclones, bushfire and old age. The Railway Museum is just across the street and is filled with very interesting historical displays and photos, making the town of Tolga well worth a visit.
Kairi The town of Kairi is most well known for its local arts and crafts. It is home to Kairi Pottery, which features fine local work and a great variety of products sold at a reasonable price. For your arts and crafts, the Kairi Country Crafts Shop features handmade products displaying the excellence if the local talent. If passing through Kairi after a morning's outing, why not stop at the Kairi Hotel which will offer a most satisfying lunch and welcome all its visitors.
Tinaroo Tinaroo is a little township located near the Tinaroo Dam Wall. It offers its visitors Café Pensini's, located at the dam lookout - hence great lake views are available whilst you enjoy lunches at the Deckbar, light snacks, A'la'Carte meals, morning and afternoon teas. As for the lake itself, waterskiing is very popular as well as jetskiing, sailing canoeing, fishing and swimming. Also around the lake, there are picnic and barbeque areas as well as a boat ramp for your convenience.
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