Taken from The Cairns Post - Weekender March 31st 2012. Maree Emerson Discovers Pet-Friendly places on the Atherton Tablelands.  

Taking a break with our best four-legged friend in tow is not to be missed. There's the fun of discovering new places together, and well, just sharing all those new smells, sights and sounds. For those of us with fur-children, finding the places that welcome you with open arms when you are holidaying is something that occupies our minds - and time. 

Just up the road on the Atherton Tableland region, many locals are mindful of people holidaying with pets and many places cater specifically to the needs of owners and their dogs. 

Probably the best known is Chilverton Cottages, on the Kennedy Highway between Herberton and Ravenshoe. Owner Gwen Bradford says catering to people with pets is a pleasure. 

"People holidaying with dogs are extremely mindful of taking care and control of their pets and of not disrupting other holiday makers," she says. 

"Their animals are their best friends and they treat the places they go with them with respect because they allow them entry."

Chilverton Cottages is a pet's paradise where guests and their dogs are welcomed with open arms and a brimming waterbowl. 

On check in, the fur-children get complimentary treats, doggie beds supplied and even a doggie day spa (yes, really!). 

Gwen says she offers puppy-sitting for guests. 

"While there are pet-friendly attractions some places like National Parks are off limits, so I puppy-sit the pooches while people explore," Gwen says.

At Ravenshoe, the steam train railway allows dogs in the caboose of the Capella engine as it puffs to Tumoulin. At Herberton Historic Village, dogs on leads are welcome to explore the vintage streets and buildings with their masters. Over at Granite Gorge Nature Park at Chewko Rd, ther are lots of walks to explore and as long as your dog is on a lead, you can enjoy all of this natural marvel. 

Getting refreshments at local restaurants and cafes is also possible, as long as you know where to go. At Skybury's Australian Coffee Centre, dogs on leads and their owners are welcomed and shown to the northern timber veranda, where the pets are offered a bowl of water. At Coffee Works, also in Mareeba, there's a shady undercover area out the front with a post to tether Fido while you dine. 

Hospitality is also extended to pets at Yungaburra's Nick's Swiss Italian Restaurant, where small dogs can join their owners on the veranda in front of the main restaurant. 

And the motto for making friends when holidaying with pets is always "if in doubt, call ahead and ask" - you are likely to be pleasantly surprised. 

After all the heavy rain and the road being closed in numerous locations between Carins and Chillagoe I am happy to say it is now open all the way and our Chillagoe Caves & Outback Tour will be running from Monday the 26th March as normal. 

The outback at present is beautiful and green with lots of wildlife  from Frilled Neck Lizards to Emus, Wedge Tail Eagles and lots of Kangaroos and Wallabies all out and about.

If you want to experience the outback and see wonderful agent 400 million year old Limestone caves with a real WOW factor, then come with us and see for yourself.

This photo was taken yesterday on tour with Billy Tea Safaris on the Chillagoe Caves & Outback Tour.

The Chillagoe Limestone Caves were formed some 400 million years ago, these are spectacular.  There are over 600 caves in the Chillagoe area.  This area was once an inland sea.  The weather yesterday at Chillagoe was beautiful and sunny, the rain is only on the coast.  This is one of the many attractions you will get to see on this fabulous outback tour.

We are delighted to announce that the Tablelands branch of Hire For Baby will open on Monday!  Juanita Hunter (nee Paronella) is a born and bred Tablelander and is looking forward to assisting with all your baby equipment requirements!

Phone 4091 1047 or email  tablelands@hireforbaby.com

We are delighted to announce that the Tablelands branch of HIRE FOR BABY will open on 1st August 2011.

This is a fantastic opportunity for people living in or visiting Atherton, Mareeba and the surrounding areas to take advantage of HIRE FOR BABY's fantastic products, fantastic prices and fantastic reputation! 

Contact cairns@hireforbaby.com for more information!