Atherton Tablelands
from Cairns - 2 days
Itinerary & Photos (Page 1 of 5)
Day 1
As we have a long eventful day ahead of us, we will pick you up from your accommodation place already at 7 am
South of Cairns we pass vast plantations of sugar cane along Highway No 1 towards Gordonvale.
At the 922 m high Walsh Pyramid we turn off towards the Atherton Tableland.
After a few minutes we reach the foot of escarpment, which posed a natural barrier for traffic between the coast and the Atherton Tablelands for five decades.
In 1926, a single lane toll road was opened, which climbed 700 meters of altitude on 20 km length and via 611 bends. Today, Gillies Highway still features 262 bends.
En route, there are picturesque views into Mulgrave Valley.
Ancient, for many millions of years unchanged Cycads on the slopes along the highway are a reminder of Australia’s richness in living flora, which, in other parts of the world, is preserved as fossils only.
Arriving at Heale’s Lookout in 604 meters altitude we notice that the air is already significantly cooler than on the coast. We enjoy last views over the Mulgrave Valley and towards Gordonvale.
Abruptly, there is a change from open eucalypt bush to dense rainforest with its typical vines and tree ferns.
On top of the pass the Atherton Tablelands welcome us with green pastures and rolling hills.
From the highway we turn off towards the Cathedral Fig Tree.
During the short walk to the Cathedral Fig Tree your guide explains the typical features of upland rainforest.
Like a pillar of a cathedral this 500 year old giant of a tree grows towards the light.
The network of fused roots tempts for a climb.
Our next stop is Lake Barrine, a 65 m deep volcanic crater lake.
On the verandah of the teahouse we enjoy panoramic views of the lake whilst having coffee or tea and freshly baked scones.
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