Gulf Savannah Visitor Guide

Australia’s Adventure Drive - www.savannahway.com.au 15 Eastern and Southern Gateways The Tablelands Allow yourself time to enjoy the Atherton Tablelands and discover its amazing volcanic past – volcanic cones, crystal clear crater lakes and deep rich volcanic soils. Amongst the myriad of waterfalls, take in Australia’s widest, the Millstream Falls, or swim at the foot of the picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls. The Tablelands is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 370 bird species across varied habitats. Specialist guides and accommodation can help you find spectacular and rare birds. Several spots including at a viewing platform in Yungaburra offer views of platypus, especially around dusk. At Malanda you can walk with an Indigenous guide to look for tree-kangaroos, and night tours can seek out possums, tree kangaroos and night tours can also seek out possums, and lots more. For adventure seekers, the Tablelands is Australia’s hot air ballooning capital, with horseriding, bushwalking, water- skiing and fishing all on offer. Mountain bike riders will love exploring the many tracks on offer, from world class, purpose built facilities to quiet country roads. Local trails provide many different walking experiences, many in national parks. The Tablelands is also well known for its village lifestyle with galleries, festivals and colourful markets throughout the year. Drop into some of the local cafes, pubs and restaurants. As Australia’s tropical food bowl, the choice of local produce is extensive. Treat yourself and visit wineries and tropical fruit orchards, coffee and tea plantations and boutique cheese and chocolate producers. Local museums tell of the region’s aboriginal cultural heritage, a significant World War II chapter was written here, along with Chinese heritage and timber, tobacco and dairy industry stories. Some of the best displays are at the Visitor Information Centres, whose friendly advice on the best itinerary is also a must in a Tablelands visit, given the range of activities to choose from. Perhaps the most famous village is Kuranda, nestled in rainforest beside the Barron Falls and the terminus for the Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail. Kuranda markets and attractions are open every day. Atherton Tablelands