TASTE OF THE TABLELANDS

Begin your journey with pickup from Cairns or the Northern Beaches before travelling up the Kuranda Range. Take a scenic route into the rainforest and enjoy the canopy walk to view the spectacular Barron Falls Gorge, while your guide shares local history and cultural stories significant to this beautiful area.

Leaving the rainforest behind, we travel towards the savannah landscapes of Mareeba and arrive at Skybury Plantation for morning tea and our first tasting of locally grown coffee and papaya. Enjoy fresh scones and a cup of Skybury coffee on the outdoor deck, overlooking the stunning savannah backdrop. Take time to explore the venue, learn about coffee roasting and papaya farming, and perhaps purchase coffee beans, papaya jam, or other local produce to take home.

Our next stop is Granite Gorge, where you will have the opportunity to hand-feed the adorable and rare Unadorned Rock Wallabies. Interact with native wildlife, explore the unique granite boulder formations, and admire the sweeping savannah views across the Mareeba landscape.

We then visit Mt Uncle Distillery, where you can sample some of Far North Queensland’s finest spirits and liqueurs. Learn about the local ingredients used in distilling botanical gins, rum, vodka, and liqueurs. Explore the beautiful grounds, surrounded by fruit trees, and marvel at the menagerie of farm animals.

Continuing our scenic drive further into the Atherton Tablelands, we arrive at Gallo Dairyland in the Upper Barron. This fully operational dairy farm is also home to a gourmet cheese factory, café restaurant, and handcrafted chocolates. Enjoy the friendly hospitality of the staff as you sit down for lunch, followed by a selection of Gallo’s cheeses and fine chocolates for tasting.

In the afternoon, travel through the lush green landscapes of the Tablelands as your guide shares stories of the region’s natural beauty, farming history, and unique local character. Stop at the ancient Curtain Fig Tree and the extinct volcanic Bromfield Crater, both offering wonderful opportunities for photography and birdwatching.

We then travel through the historic pioneer dairy town of Malanda, where your guide will share the rich history and culture of the area as you pass Malanda Falls Conservation Park, Queensland’s largest original timber pub, and the heritage-listed Majestic Theatre.

Our journey continues to the famous Millaa Millaa Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia. Here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim, take photos, or simply admire the beauty of this iconic location. The scenery through the upper Tablelands is breathtaking, with a backdrop of rolling farmland, mountain ranges, and Queensland’s highest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere.

We then visit the magnificent Crater Lakes National Park, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquil surrounds of lush rainforest and abundant birdlife. At Lake Barrine, view the impressive Twin Kauri Trees, enjoy afternoon refreshments, and take a nature walk with time to pursue your photographic interests.

Departing the Tablelands, we travel down the Gillies Range towards Gordonvale, passing Walshs Pyramid before arriving back into Cairns at approximately 6:00pm.