 |
There
are so many natural attractions in the beautiful countryside surrounding
Yungaburra. The rolling green hills, crater lakes, waterfalls, and
lush rainforests and pastures are a legacy of our volcanic origins.
Spend a few days exploring. There are great walking tracks for the
fit or not so fit, lovely picnic spots, and drives with fantastic
views at every turn.
Here are only some of the attractions on the Atherton Tablelands.
With Cairns only an hour away, why not base your holiday in our lovely
town?
See our maps page for how to find these interesting
places, and our wildlife page for some
of the birds and animals you may see on your travels. |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Lake
Eacham (10
minute drive from Yungaburra)
A superb volcanic
crater lake with deep emerald waters. Perfect for swimming and
a picnic on the grassy bank. The lake is surrounded by World Heritage
Rainforest, with a 4.5km walking track around it's perimeter.
You may spot a musky rat kangaroo dart in front of you, or see
the Boyd's forest dragon sitting motionless on a tree limb, perfectly
camouflaged. The brush turkeys stalk the picnic areas, and turtles
and fish are seen in the lake. BBQ and Toilet facilities.
|
 |
Lake Barrine
(15
minute drive from Yungaburra)
The larger of the twin crater lakes, Lake Barrine
has been operating as a tourist destination since the 1920's.
Enjoy a lake cruise and a devonshire tea at the Tea House on the
waters edge. Spot the sunbathing pythons, eels, turtles, ducks
and other water birds. Experience remnant Tableland Rainforest
on the 6.5km walk around the lake. There is a short walk to the
1,100 year old Twin Kauri Pines. Picnic and toilet facilities.
|
 |
Lake
Tinaroo
Created by damming the Barron River
in 1950 for the irrigation of agricultural areas, Lake Tinaroo
has also provided a huge water sports and recreational area. Sailing,
waterskiing, canoeing and fishing are all popular, and the 200km
of shoreline is great for camping, picnicking and bushwalking.
Lake Tinaroo is accessible from the east (Danbulla Forest Drive)
or from the west (via Kairi and Lake Tinaroo township).
|
 |
Danbulla
Forest Drive around Lake Tinaroo (28km
of unsealed road)
Travel along
the Gillies Highway towards Gordonvale, turn left at Boar Pocket
Road which runs into Danbulla Forest Drive. About 10km in is the
Cathedral Fig Tree (very easy 5 min walk). Further along are The
Chimneys (remains of a 1924 house) with picnic, BBQ and toilet facilities.
Other walking opportunities along the drive are the Mobo Creek Crater
(30 min return), Lake Euramoo (30 minute return), Kauri Creek day
use area (2.5 hr moderate walk along the creek), Downfall Creek
Camping area (2 hr return walk to Kauri Creek).
The
drive finishes off at the dam wall and Tinaroo Township. There is
a large picnic area here with a playground for the kids, BBQ and
toilet facilities.
|
 |
Waterfall
Circuit (35
minute drive from Yungaburra)
Only
minutes from Millaa Millaa is the Waterfall Circuit drive that takes
in 3 impressive waterfalls - the much photographed Millaa Millaa Falls,
Elinjaa and Zillie Falls. Further down the highway is the turnoff
for the larger Mungalli falls. Further down the Palmerston Highway
is the Wooroonoran National Park where a network of walking tracks
access Tchupala, Nandroya and several other waterfalls. |
 |
Mt
Hypipamee National Park, the Crater, Dinner Falls (45
minute drive from Yungaburra)
A short 400m walk through the rainforest will bring you to the
eerie volcanic pipe crater, where granite walls plunge 124m straight
down to a water filled crater. Further down is Dinner Falls, a series
of falls and slides down gleaming black rocks. This mountain stream
later becomes the mighty Barron River. Mt Hypipamee is a great place
for birdwatching, and nightlife spotlighting. Possums can be seen
at night from the carparking area. |
 |
Fishing on
Lake Tinaroo
Lake Tinaroo
is open all year for the taking of Baramundi. Lake Tinaroo is part
of a fish stocking scheme, and permits are require to fish within
them (which is a contribution to the scheme). Permits cost $7 per
week for a couple, children under 18 free, and can be obtained from
the caravan park shop at Lake Tinaroo township (also bait &
small boat hire). The famous Barra Bash is held on the lake each
year, and Tinaroo holds the record for the largest freshwater barra
caught. See our Itineraries page for
more information.
|
|
|
Bushwalking,
Birdwatching and Nocturnal viewing
There
are many more superb bushwalking tracks on the Atherton Tableland.
Try the Wet
Tropics Site for a comprehensive list.
Misty Mountains
is Australia ’s first network of long distance walking trails
in a high altitude rainforest environment. Stunning waterfalls,
spectacular rainforest, crystal clear creeks and magnificent vistas.
See the Misty Mountains
Site.
The Atherton
Tablelands is a renowned throughout the world as a birdwatcher's
paradise. See our wildlife page for more
information.
Nocturnal viewing
guides and birding guides are available from Yungaburra. See our
wildlife page for more information.
|
|
