Tablelands Tourism News
Volunteer and escape to the lush cloud forests and wildlife haven of Northern QLD
Escape the sounds of the bustling city as you step into the lush and tranquil tropics on Earthwatch’s Wildlife of the Cloud Forests expedition. The sounds of a bird chorus at dawn and trickling waters of nearby creeks and streams, will be your new home, as you immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Inside the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics of Northern Queensland lies an exotic array of wildlife and plants. As the last remaining part of forest that once dominated half of Australia, you will find animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world including cassowaries, a variety of parrots, pythons, possums, tree kangaroos and primitive looking reptiles.
Working alongside world renowned Ecologist, Prof. Steve Williams, you will move through a wide variety of landscapes from the crystal clear coral shorelines and beaches, to lowland lush rainforests right through to spectacular mountains covered in cloud forests. Throughout this time you will be helping to shape our understanding of what changes are occurring to our climate and landscape and what this means for the unique species in the area.
As part of a research team, you will be actively involved in a range of activities including:
- Bird watching
- Reptile trapping and surveys
- Nocturnal wildlife spotting
- Bat surveys
One or two weeks, it’s your choice.
Choose to join this expedition for either, the first week, the last week or continuing through for the entire two weeks. The first week will be spent in the beautiful South Johnstone Forestry Camp, while on the second week you move onto Shiptons Flat camp with a few days in Cairns in between. Both locations are on different tablelands to ensure a variety in wildlife and scenery and are often closed off to the wider public.
2012 dates and pricing:
- 7 days | 5-11 Aug or 28 Oct-2 Nov | $1,690
- 8 days | 12-19 Aug or 3-11 Nov | $1,890
- 15 days | 5-19 Aug or 28 Oct-11 Nov | $3,500
Prices include all food, accommodation, return transfers from Cairns airport as well as a contribution to this important research.
Sign up today
So if you are looking for an excuse to escape, why not join one of our research teams and explore the hidden wonders of our most beautiful and remote rainforests. Book online, or call Earthwatch on 03 9682 6828
Revisit the golden olden days in a new way as Herberton Historic Village presents this popular annual event.
A field day format over the two days serves to really showcase the unique aspects of this vintage village as experts in their fields make the stores, displays and machinery of yesterday come alive.
The village staff have assembled an impressive group of talented people eager to demonstrate, and they themselves are kitted out in olden-day costumes to add to the authenticity and the fun of this event. We suggest you dress in period costume to blend in!
On Pioneers' Weekend 2012, the Village is set to welcome a blacksmith, wood turners and carvers, and a vintage photo stall where you can have your picture taken in olden style. The presses in the Herberton Times will be turning out 'Wanted' posters (fill your name in old type!) and last year's popular camp oven lunches will make a welcome return. There will be demonstrations of morse code, and a special exhibit of old time small engines.
On Sunday, the Village will host a woodchopping competition, and there'll be plenty of entertainment for all with the local Hillbillygoats creating their own unique high energy show and audience engagement.
Guests are able to watch the saddlers, the pack mules, see tin panning and the windmill working, the workman's tools in use, the axemen wood chopping, and the garage mechanics bringing the engines of old to roaring life. A barbershop quartet, a brass band and a bush poet entertain and there's even a free sausage sizzle.
Normal admission prices apply for Saturday and Sunday during Pioneer Weekend 28,29 April 2012.
The platypus is restricted to the East Coast of Australia and Tasmania where it mainly inhabits fresh water rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. It is usually active around dusk and dawn, but may be nocturnal, diurnal or crepuscular.
The platypus feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates sifted from the substrate by the complex bill apparatus. Food obtained during a dive is stored in cheek pouches until it can be ground up by horny plates while the animal floats on the surface.
Breeding occurs in spring and the female constructs an elaborate nesting burrow which may be up to 20 metres long. Usually 2 eggs are laid and these are incubated for 1 to 2 weeks. The young feed on milk for the first 4 or 5 months before they leave the burrow.
The platypus is listed as a vulnerable species.
Join us on our Atherton Tablelands Wildlife Tour and you have a great chance of spotting a Platypus! We see them more often than not!
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.
The Sit Down Comedy Club opened the Cairns Comedy season for 2012 to a full house of 260 people and 13 fabulous contestants at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's RAW COMEDY open mic competition.
All the upcoming shows at the Cairns Comedy Club are now locked in and ready for you amusement. Fiona O'Loughlin, Chris Franklin, Greg Sullivan, Nik Coppin and more...Check out whos performing at www.festivalsupnorth.com.
Did you know if your birthday is on a Cairns Comedy Club date that you can come celebrate your birthday with us for free? That's right, for a hassle free birthday with guarenteed laughs, grab your friends and head to the Sit Down Comedy Club. *Proof of id required for refund or free entry
One of the most spectacular, once in a lifetime events is about to take place right over Cairns, Tropical North Queensland and you can experience this full solar eclipse in one of the most unique ways - a hot air balloon ride.
Hot Air Cairns have flown daily on the Atherton Tablelands for the past 15 years, and so are intimatly familar with the requirements and permissions needed to fly in the Mareeba valley holding all the required permissions, landholder access and a full operational base right on the spot.
Mareeba is about 40 km inland from the Coast and so has the highest chance of an unobstructed view of the Eclipse itself, and whilst the eclipse will take sometime to arrive and depart, the peak 2 minutes of viewing at 06.38am in the monring falls in the middle of our ideal flying time.
Hot Air can offer a spectacular hot air balloon flight to see the Cairns Solar Eclipse, with 7 to 10 balloons flying that morning there will a truly spectacular sight with the glow of the hot air balloons lighting up like lanterns over the temporarily darkened Australian landsacape.
Hear the birds fall quiet, as your balloon drifts along, providing a stable platform for your eclipse viewing.
The next total solar eclipse is not until March 2020, showing the uniqueness of this accessable opportunity.
Easter 2012 is in the first week of April, with Good Friday on 6th April 2012 and Easter Monday on 9th April 2012.
The long weekends enables families with the time to have fun together, do family activities and GO CAMPING!
The camping spots at Danbulla National Park book out quickly on the Easter long weekend - so get in early to book your spot to avoid dissapointment!
Bookings can be made very simply using our online booking form!
Looking for something to entertain the kids while you are in Kuranda?
Head to the Kuranda Original Markets and check out the mountain top mini golf course set admist lush tropical gardens. Fun for all the family! From just $5!
While you are there discover funky hand-made wares unique to Kuranda. Clothing, jewellery, curios, craft, massage, food and many more surprises.
Tip: you have to try a Kuranda Tropical Homemade Icecream. Yum! Perfect for a warm summers day!
World’s most dangerous bird
The giant, flightless Casso-wary is the world's most dangerous bird. If disturbed, these endangered rainforest residents are capable of inflicting fatal injuries. The Cassowary also holds the title of Australia's heaviest bird, and the worlds third tallest after the Ostrich & Emu. In Australia, Cassowaries can only be found in the Wet Tropics of Far North QLD.
World’s longest fern
The king fern, or angiopteris evecta, produces possibly the longest fern fronds in the world (up to 7m in length). Excellent exam-ples of the king fern can be seen on the 1km Lake Eacham Waterfall Walk, on the Atherton Tablelands.
Since May this year we now visit Mungalli Creek Organic & Bio-dynamic Dairy where guests get to taste and buy the locally made cheeses and yogurts.
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.
BOOK your camping spot ONLINE!
Need a boat? Contact Tinaroo Boat Hire
57 barramundi were weighed in for a total weight of 670 kg at Barra Bash 2009!
Lake Tinaroo has a population of large barramundi stocked by the Tableland Fish Stocking Society Inc.
A Stocked Impoundment Permit (annual $35 per family & weekly $7) is required to fish Lake Tinaroo.
Mangrove Jack, Sooty Grunter, Archerfish, Sleepy Cod and Redclaw Crayfish are also caught in the lake.
The competition is fished from Friday 6.30 pm to Sunday 11.30 am with presentations from 12 noon. Nomination forms are available from tackle stores on the Tablelands and in Cairns, Mossman & Innisfail.
Contact: 0438 344 992
THE TINAROO RURAL FIRE BRIGADE
QLD FIRE & RESCUE has declared a FIRE DANGER WARNING for the WHOLE of QLD.
Beginning at midnight Sunday 4th September 2011 until further notice.
The BAN means all fire irrespective of size requires a PERMIT TO LIGHT FIRE. This can be obtained by contacting the local FIRE WARDENS Don Neville 07 40958388 or Les Green 07 40958006.
Barefoot Tours has been ranked as the #1 of 51 Tours in Cairns for 2010 - 2011 according to fan reviews!
Check out what our customers have to say at:
Now don't miss out on the #1 tour and enquire about our tour NOW!
The Yungaburra Markets are on the 4th Saturday of the month* from 7.30am to 12.30pm and are easily the most popular markets on the tablelands.
More information on stalls at the Yungaburra markets can be found at http://www.yungaburramarkets.com/.
Why not book a weekend at A Country Church B&B on the 4th Saturday of the month and stroll down to the markets! It pays to go early as some stalls do sell out early!
*There are some exceptions to market days in December and April. See yungaburramarkets.com website for more information.
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
Skyrial has been getting lots of reviews on Tripadvisor lately. But don't just take our word for it! Check it out for yourself http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1152915-d522679-r114613895-Skyrail_Rainforest_Cableway-Smithfield_Cairns_District_Queensland.html#REVIEWS
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!
When: Monthly
Where: Centenary Park Mareeba
More info: ph (07) 40 925 674
When: 16-17 July 2011
Where: Kerribee Park Mareeba (camping, parking, food, bar and toilet facilities available).
More info: ph (07) 40 921 583
Online: http://www.mareebarodeo.com.au/
Come and Experience Undara Lava Tubes in May and you have the option to swim in one of the wind tunnels at the end of your tour!
Free ferry trips across the Daintree River will be offered during the Easter holidays, encouraging locals to take advantage of the attractions that exist right on their doorstep.
Thanks to Cairns Regional Council, the ferry service will waive all crossing fees for the duration of the holidays, as part of an economic stimulus package to get local tourism moving.
Council has recently completed significant works to improve access north of the Daintree, including upgrades to the Cooper Creek and Mason Creek river crossings – both designed to cope with a one-in-five-year rain event – and Melelee Bridge.
In addition, a $360,000 upgrade was last year carried out on The Switchback area on the Bloomfield end of the Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road. This work included laying reinforced concrete to assist with traction and to quickly disperse rainfall run-off.
“This is an opportunity for Cairns residents to get out and explore their own backyard,” Mayor Val Schier said.
“Council has put a lot of work into improvements north of the river and we would love for people to see first hand what we’ve done to make the experience more enjoyable.
“We live in one of the most spectacular regions in the world – why not load the family into the car and see our stunning rainforests, beaches and attractions?
“We also hope tourists will take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy what the northern parts of our region have to offer.”
Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu, who welcomed the good news, said she hoped people would visit the Daintree and think about what they would like to see next time.
“I’m pleased that Council has agreed with this request,” Cr Leu said.
“We are currently in the process of developing a Daintree Gateway Master Plan and we are looking for public input.
“This is the perfect opportunity to visit this truly amazing part of our region, which contains world heritage-listed rainforest, and have some input into its future.”
The free ferry service will run from 6am on Saturday, April 16, to midnight on Monday, May 2. Tickets will still need to be obtained from the ticket booth.
Existing concession card holders will have access to a priority lane to avoid delays.
Skyrail now has a webcam which is located on the top of Tower 25, adjacent to Skyrail's Barron Falls Station.
There is a 125 watt solar panel supplying the camera and modem. A daylight sensor is installed to shut down the camera and modem at night to conserve power. The video stream runs on demand wirelessly through the cellular network.
