ATTRACTIONS BARWIDGI QLD

This park features a diatreme (a volcanic pipe or vent) thought to have been created by a massive gas explosion. The gaping hole is 70 metres wide with steep granite sides that plunge 58 metres to the lake below. The lake itself is 82 metres deep! The park protects unique high-altitude rainforest and is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Have a picnic in the rainforest clearing then walk 400 metres to the viewing deck over the diatreme. Return along the 1.2 kilometre Dinner Falls track. Look for golden bowerbirds, spotted catbirds and riflebirds. Set out with spotlights at night to look for green, lemuroid and Herbert River ringtail possums, and long-nosed bandicoots.

Atherton Chinatown is the Award-winning site of the unique Hou Wang Temple and interpretive museum. Located just over a scenic hours drive south west of Cairns, the National Trust of Queensland property ensures visitors of a fascinating insight into part of North Queensland's history and heritage. The site was chosen by the Chinese settlers during the 1800s. The temple is the only one of its type remaining and the only temple dedicated to Hou Wang outside of China still existing. It has an ornate interior with original wood carvings that can be seen during the guided tour of the property. Allow time to browse through the interpretive museum with its interactive displays and 'world-first' artefact scanner. The giftshop has a good array of Feng-Shui symbols and souvenirs.

This state forest protects a remnant of an endangered type of forest, known as mabi forest. Here, in 1903, red cedar seedlings were planted in the forest to replace mature trees which had been logged. Commercial plantations of hoop, kauri and Caribbean pine now grow beside native forest. Two walking tracks, catering for the visually impaired, wind through this area. Enjoy a 750 metre return walk through the forest or take the longer 2.5 kilometre route. Both tracks have been designed with consideration for walkers who are vision impaired. Braille booklets and audio headsets are available from the visitor centre in Atherton. Both tracks are also wheelchair accessible, but assistance may be required for the longer walk. Signs tell of the history of the area, as well as forestry practices and local ecology. Look for Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos and possums while spotlighting at night.

A birdwatcher's delight, this park is a large seasonal wetland renowned for its diverse range of resident and migratory birds. At least 220 bird species have been recorded, mainly in the wetland and open woodland. The park's wetland environment varies with the season. Open water, reeds, muddy edges and sedge land vary with the cycle of wet and dry seasons. Open eucalypt forest surrounding the swamp contrasts with the lush rainforests found elsewhere on the Atherton Tableland. Enjoy watching the birds from a two-storey bird hide which has wheelchair access and is large enough to cater for a school group. Observe the birds from the comfort of the hide, using the signs as a guide to species identification. Best birdwatching time is during the dry season (April to October) when the swamp dries out and the area becomes an important refuge for waterbirds.

Put all expectations aside, this is not your average museum! René Boissevain found his life's passion when he found his first Agate right here in North Queensland in 1963. Since then, he has been travelling all over the world in search of the most spectacular crystals, minerals and fossils. To display his collection René built a fantasy cave in the Main Street of Atherton which extends to 250 square metres of tunnels and grottos. The hero of the show is the largest Amethyst geode in the world, standing at a staggering three and a half metres tall; this is one of more than 600 individual pieces on display in The Crystal Caves. The dedication and imagination of one man to build a fantasy cave to house his massive collection is only surpassed by the quality and size of the crystals and fossils. This virtual cave gives the feeling of discovering the crystals yourself. Carefully positioned and delicately lit, you are free to discover in your own time and, unlike most conventional museums, encouraged to touch and photograph. Science meets Mother Nature in this fun and educational journey into the mysterious world of crystals..

A jubilant soldier, clenched right fist in the air, seemingly cheering in triumph, creates an unusual sight at Atherton's War Memorial. Tinaroo Shire chairman Mr Grau unveiled the memorial on 1 May 1924 following combined fundraising by local women and Atherton RSL. Leftover funds were used to expand Atherton's hospital. The soldier statue, believed to have been designed and executed by the region's then leading monumental firm Melrose and Fenwick, bears other unique features: a gas mask and a tin hat, instead of a slouch hat; rocks support the digger's leg instead of a tree stump. Originally the digger carried a rifle with a fixed bayonet in his left hand, which was blown off in a severe storm in 1934. The names of the 67 men from the district who died in WWI are listed on a plate at the front of the monument; another 35 names, representing locals who died in WWII, appear on the rear. This monument was moved from the town's main intersection and sits within a park, opposite Atherton's RSL building.

This park, in the middle of the township of Atherton, protects eucalypt forest and a remnant of the endangered mabi forest on an extinct volcanic cone. The cone is part of the legacy of the Atherton Tableland's fiery geological past. Enjoy the 1.4 kilometres walk to the top of Hallorans Hill or drive through the residential area of Atherton to the car park at the top of the hill. Enjoy the expansive views from the summit that showcase the tableland's mosaic of different land uses and geological formations. A council park adjoins the conservation park and provides barbecues, toilets, tables, play equipment, walking track and interpretive signs.

A jubilant soldier, clenched right fist in the air, seemingly cheering in triumph, creates an unusual sight at Atherton's War Memorial. Tinaroo Shire chairman Mr Grau unveiled the memorial on 1 May 1924 following combined fundraising by local women and Atherton RSL. Leftover funds were used to expand Atherton's hospital. The soldier statue, believed to have been designed and executed by the region's then leading monumental firm Melrose and Fenwick, bears other unique features: a gas mask and a tin hat, instead of a slouch hat; rocks support the digger's leg instead of a tree stump. Originally the digger carried a rifle with a fixed bayonet in his left hand, which was blown off in a severe storm in 1934. The names of the 67 men from the district who died in WWI are listed on a plate at the front of the monument; another 35 names, representing locals who died in WWII, appear on the rear. This monument was moved from the town's main intersection and sits within a park, opposite Atherton's RSL building....

This park, in the middle of the township of Atherton, protects eucalypt forest and a remnant of the endangered mabi forest on an extinct volcanic cone. The cone is part of the legacy of the Atherton Tableland's fiery geological past. Enjoy the 1.4 kilometres walk to the top of Hallorans Hill or drive through the residential area of Atherton to the car park at the top of the hill. Enjoy the expansive views from the summit that showcase the tableland's mosaic of different land uses and geological formations. A council park adjoins the conservation park and provides barbecues, toilets, tables, play equipment, walking track and interpretive signs....

An essential element of any holiday on the Atherton Tablelands is a visit to the accredited Visitor Information Centres. At the Atherton Visitor Information Centre you will be welcomed by our friendly staff and volunteers who will offer you expert local advice and free information on exploring the region. To make your visit more enjoyable we can assist with bookings for a wide range of accommodation and attractions. The Atherton Visitor Information Centre is also a National Park Booking Agent so all your Queensland National Park camping queries and bookings can be facilitated here. During their peak season (May - September) they offer a free Food Tasting Safari showcasing the local Tableland produce, on the third Thursday of each month, beginning at 10.00am. For the bikers who would like to visit they have a new bike rack just outside the door. Free wi-fi is available as well as a charging station for mobile phones and electronic equipment. The shop offers a huge range of locally made gifts and souvenirs....

Tolga is within approximately eight kilometres from Atherton, travelling through the rainforest canopied Kennedy Highway. Tolga presents a quaint little town with good examples of early Queensland architecture. A centre strip in the main street features a towering fig tree and heritage and timber display consisting of seven carved poles, much like totem poles. These showcase in creative carving, aspects of the Atherton Tableland's rich heritage including Aboriginal culture, animals plants and threats to the rainforest habitat. With its range of accommodation from caravan parks, motels to five star retreat, and displays of art work by local people it is an interesting little township. Close by is Rocky Creek Memorial Park, which is dedicated to the thousands of soldiers who were stationed in this area during World War Two. With its many plaques on display, it is a popular stop-over for many....

Atherton Chinatown is the Award-winning site of the unique Hou Wang Temple and interpretive museum. Located just over a scenic hours drive south west of Cairns, the National Trust of Queensland property ensures visitors of a fascinating insight into part of North Queensland's history and heritage. The site was chosen by the Chinese settlers during the 1800s. The temple is the only one of its type remaining and the only temple dedicated to Hou Wang outside of China still existing. It has an ornate interior with original wood carvings that can be seen during the guided tour of the property. Allow time to browse through the interpretive museum with its interactive displays and 'world-first' artefact scanner. The giftshop has a good array of Feng-Shui symbols and souvenirs. ...

Tropical North Queensland is undeniably one of the most exciting and diverse regions to visit in Australia and the Atherton Tablelands sits at the very heart of it. With its breathtaking waterfalls, scenic vistas at every turn, impressive lakes, lush rainforest and rugged outback, a visit to this region promises to be one of great contrast, beauty and exploration. People often ask what is the best thing about the Atherton Tablelands. If you have ever visited the region, you will have discovered there is more than one. Visitors love to spend their days enjoying scenic country drives, leisurely boat cruises, wildlife spotting, experimenting with local food and unearthing the fascinating geological history. Explore the gateways from the reef to the rainforest before you find yourself spoiled for choice in this stunning region. Plan to stay at least five days, as there is so much to see and do. Divide your time between the Southern and Northern Tablelands on what will be an unforgettable self-drive journey and see for yourself the changing landscape of this diverse region. For history buffs, the Atherton Tablelands boasts some incredible historical points of interest from wartime to Chinese settlement and Australia’s early pioneer days. Country markets brimming with local produce and homemade crafts are also worth a visit. For those who like to play, you are entering an adventure playground complete with water sports, mountain biking, hiking and camping. Roadside stalls offer a bounty of fresh goodies and depending on the season expect to find mangoes, watermelon, papaya, avocados, potatoes, pumpkin, blueberries, strawberries, bananas and more....