For a taste of local
produce, or a treat to take home, the Big Peanut at Tolga
sells peanuts in all flavours, fresh fruit and veg and
aromatic local coffee. Sample honey from the on-site hives
at Atherton Honey or the farm-fresh strawberries now in
season from Lake Eacham Strawberries.
From the Atherton township, toss a coin and follow any of
the scenic circuit drives which criss-cross the Tableland.
First things first though - at the southern edge of town
you'll find one of Atherton's major attractions, the
Platypus Park. Here you'll find a rare opportunity to catch
a glimpse of a wild platypus.
A short drive from Atherton, the Hastie Swamp National Park
has been upgraded so visitors can study birds at close
quarters without disturbing them. You can sit high in the
bird hide and watch or take a self-guided walk around the
swamp.
There is Yungaburra with more than 30 heritage listed
buildings, as well as cafes, arts and crafts shops, bars and
restaurants. The Yungaburra produce and craft markets are
held on the fourth Saturday each month. Nearby are the deep
blue waters of twin extinct volcanic crater lakes, Lake
Barrine and Lake Eacham. Take a leisurely old-time cruise on
Lake Barrine and don't miss the local Devonshire tea at the
lakeside café.
Put the famous Curtain Fig Tree on the must-see list, it's
just minutes from Yungaburra. Standing 50m tall and
spreading to 39m wide at the base, the tree is more than 800
years old.
Make sure you get up early and head to the Mareeba Wetlands,
a 2,000ha protected area teeming with bird life, including
North Australia's exotic Jabiru and Brolga. Wander the
wetland's boardwalks which offer fantastic viewing, or take
a tour in a dinghy with a ranger. Don't forget to stop off
at the Coffee Works in Mareeba for coffee tasting and to
take home some local Tableland coffee.
Further south you'll find one of the real treats of the
Tablelands: the Waterfall Circuit. Based around the tiny
town of Milla Milla, which dates back to 1908, the circuit
covers a 16km scenic drive taking in Milla Milla, Zillie and
Elinjaa Falls, some of the most picturesque sites of the
region. Each offers easily accessible viewing. The longer
walks to the base of Zillie and Elinjaa are well worth the
effort.
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