Attractions & Things to Do

National Parks and Reserves

Emerald Creek, Dinden State Forest

At Emerald Creek, Dinden State Forest, the waters of Emerald Creek tumble down a granite rock face, forming the picturesque Emerald Creek Falls. Smooth-barked water gums with graphically twisted trunks create a natural arch above the creek. Bottlebrush trees, with red flowers in season, sprout from between the rocks. Dragonflies and damselflies hover around the water. Picnic in the day-use area beside the creek. Follow the easy one kilometre track to the falls through dry open forest characterised by eucalypts, acacias and grevilleas, with pandanus trees in the moister gullies.

Atherton

National Parks and Reserves

Eubenangee Swamp National Park

Eubenagee Swamp National Park

Miriwinni

Natural Attractions

Fitzroy Island National Park

Fitzroy Island National Park and its surrounding waters form part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. This densely forested island offers bushwalking as well as swimming and snorkelling. The island rises to 269 metres, offering grand vistas from almost any vantage point. In winter (June to August), watch from the lighthouse for humpback whales. Walk to the disused lighthouse and continue on the 4.4 kilometre circuit walk via the summit, or return to Welcome Bay to swim and snorkel. Look for some of the island

Fitzroy Island

Natural Attractions

Flecker Botanic Gardens

Welcome to Flecker Botanic Gardens, the only wet tropic botanic gardens in Australia. At Flecker Botanic Gardens, the collections reflect their tropical diversity, with plants from the steamy jungles of South East Asia, South America and Africa easily adapting to the warm, wet climate of Cairns. These gardens have a fairytale-like feel for many plant collectors, with the most outstanding flowering and foliage plants arranged in natural landscape style.

Edge Hill

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Hallorans Hill

Hallorans Hill Lookout is an ideal spot for a barbecue or picnic, watching the sunset or just enjoying the view of the surrounding areas, farmland and rolling hills. The best way to enjoy this is to start from the Environmental Park on Louise Street, follow the walking track right to the top of the hill. Best times are early morning or late afternoon when you can watch the sun set. Walking track takes approximately two hours return.

Atherton

Natural Attractions

Hallorans Hill Conservation Park

Hallorans Hills Conservation Park protects eucalypt forest and a remnant of the endangered mabi forest on an extinct volcanic cone. The cone is part of the legacy of the tableland's fiery geological past.

Atherton

Natural Attractions

Hasties Swamp National Park

Hasties Swamp is a large seasonal wetland renowned for its diverse range of resident and migratory birds. A two-storey bird hide has wheelchair access and is big enough to hold a school group. Observe the birds from the comfort of the hide, using the signs as a guide to species identification. At least 220 bird species have been recorded, mainly in the wetland and open woodland.

Atherton

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum

Atherton Chinatown is the Award-winning site of the unique Hou Wang Temple and interpretive museum. Located just over a scenic hours drive south west of Cairns, the National Trust of Queensland property ensures visitors of a fascinating insight into part of North Queensland's history and heritage. The site was chosen by the Chinese settlers during the 1800s. The temple is the only one of its type remaining and the only temple dedicated to Hou Wang outside of China still existing. It has an ornate interior with original wood carvings that can be seen during the guided tour of the property.

Atherton

Natural Attractions

Josephine Falls, Wooroonooran National Park

At Josephine Falls, Wooroonooran National Park, the waters of Josephine Creek plunge over granite boulders forming a turbulent waterfall at the base of Queensland

Babinda

Natural Attractions

Jumrum Creek Track

Jumrum Creek Conservation Park protects a small pocket of rainforest on the edge of Kuranda village. A 750 metres path and boardwalk winds through the rainforest to the creek and then climbs up to meet Barron Falls Road.

Kuranda

Natural Attractions

Kahlpahlim Rock (Lambs Head)

Kahlpahlim Rock, also known as Lambs Head, is the highest point in the Lamb Range and presents a challenging adventure for the experienced bushwalker. The sheer size of the rocks and the views over the Davies Creek catchment, if the weather is clear, are impressive.

Atherton

Entertainment

Kuranda - Village in the Rainforest

The picturesque mountain retreat of Kuranda Village is just 25 kilometres northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is a vibrant little town surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest. Travelling to Kuranda is a highlight in itself. Visitors can travel to Kuranda on Kuranda's Historic Scenic Railway, by car or bus, via the spectacular Kuranda Road, or above the rainforest canopy on Skyrail - the world's longest rainforest Cableway.

Kuranda