There are so many natural attractions in the beautiful countryside surrounding Yungaburra. The rolling green hills, crater lakes, waterfalls, and lush rainforests and pastures are a legacy of our volcanic origins. You could spend a week here and never get bored – there is so much to see! There are great walking tracks for the fit or not so fit, lovely picnic spots, and scenic drives with fantastic views at every turn.

Listed below are only some of the many natural attractions on the Atherton Tablelands and with Cairns only an hour away, why not base your holiday at Yungaburra Lakeside Holiday Apartment?

Distances shown are approximate drive times from our accommodation.

• Curtain Fig Tree (2 Min): This is the Tablelands most famous tree and is easily accessible. The interesting tree root structure has grown above ground and has created an amazing curtain formation. The tree was formed when seeds were deposited high in a host tree by birds. The fig tree sent down aerial roots to the ground, and in time the host tree has died, leaving a huge curtain of aerial roots.
• Tinaburra Waters (3 Min): Tinaburra has a boat ramp and special areas set aside for water skiing and jet skiing. Wind surfing is also a popular sport.
• Lake Eacham (8 Min): A superb volcanic crater lake and an ideal place for canoeing and swimming in deep, crystal clear, natural waters, surrounded by a National Park. You may see turtles and water dragons along the 3km guided walking track around the lake.
• Lake Barrine and Twin Kauri Pines (10 Min): The larger of the volcanic crater lakes has operated as a tourist destination since the 1920’s. Also surrounded by National Parks there is a 4km walking track, and a chance to view the giant twin Kauri pines 200 metres from the shores of Lake Barrine.
• Lake Tinaroo (1 Min): Lake Tinaroo is a man-made lake. You can drive its length along the Danbulla State Forest Drive, with numerous picnic areas and walks along the way. All year-round barramundi and red claw (fresh water lobster) fishing is available. Our accommodation is situated on the shore of this lake.
• Cathedral Fig Tree (30 Min): Discover this tree on the circuit road around Lake Tinaroo. Also on the drive you can visit Lake Euramoo, Mobo Creek Crater, The Chimneys and Platypus Rock Lookout.
• Malanda Falls (20 Min): These wide falls cascade into a water pool ideal for swimming and the surrounding grass is ideal for picnics and enjoying a relaxing day. The Malanda Environmental Centre is close-by.
• Millaa Millaa Lookout (30 Min): On the breathtaking heights of Gentle Annie there are panoramic views of the Tablelands. On a clear day you can see the ocean.
• Waterfall Circuit (35 Min): Only minutes from Millaa Millaa is the famous Waterfall Circuit and you can visit the beautiful Millaa Millaa Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, and Zillie Falls.
• Mungalli Falls (40 Min): See water cascading over a basalt cliff, with superb views of the North Johnstone River Gorge.
• Mt Hypipamee National Park, The Crater and Dinner Falls (45 Min): A truly amazing sight. The Crater is a 124m deep extinct volcanic vent hole. On the same walking track see Dinner Falls which is a great place to swim and cool off on a hot day.

Activities

You can just sit back and enjoy your peaceful and relaxing surrounds at Yungaburra Lakeside Holiday Apartment and simply be “off with the birds”, or you can be more energetic and do numerous, wonderful and memorable things. Don’t forget your camera!

Here are some of the many activities you can enjoy on the Atherton Tablelands.

• Yungaburra Village Heritage Village Walk: With 18 buildings listed by the National Trust of Queensland, Yungaburra has the highest proportion of heritage listed buildings outside of regional centres in Queensland. Take a stroll back in time, around the historic village of Yungaburra.
• Platypus Viewing: In the village, there is a viewing platform, or enjoy a pleasant stroll along Peterson Creek from the platform past Allumbah Pocket down to Frawley's Pool. Best viewing is at sunrise & sunset. The walk takes approximately 1 hour.
• Fishing: The most popular fishing is for the mighty barramundi which is abundant in Lake Tinaroo. Red-claw potting is also a popular outdoor activity.
• Skiing and Water Sports on Lake Tinaroo: Created by damming the Barron River in 1950 for the irrigation of agricultural areas, Lake Tinaroo is also a huge water sports and recreational area. Sailing, water-skiing, canoeing and fishing are all popular. Lake Tinaroo is accessible from the east (Danbulla Forest Drive) or from the west (via Kairi and Lake Tinaroo township), or South at Tinaburra Waters, Yungaburra. Tinaburra has special areas set aside for water skiing & jet skiing.
• Nocturnal Animal Viewing: Nocturnal viewing guides and bird watching guides are available from Yungaburra. See our links page for tours.
• Swimming: Lake Eacham is the most popular swimming spot with a special pool for children. BBQ facilities are available. Many of the waterfalls and other lakes also offer excellent swimming.
• Lake Barrine Cruises: A magical way to view the natural treasures of Lake Barrine with a guided commentary. This is the larger of the volcanic crater lakes and is surrounded by pristine rainforest.
• Yungaburra Markets: Experience a true country market. North Queensland’s largest and most popular market with craft, produce, and even livestock. 4th Saturday of each month. AM only.
• Dining Out: Yungaburra boasts award-winning restaurants of historical significance and mouth-watering acclaim.
• Shopping: Yungaburra is renowned for its arts and crafts, pottery, fine art, souvenirs, gemstones, woodwork and antiques etc. are plentiful, and as always, great bargains are to be discovered! Take home your “Australian Made” souvenirs.

Bird Watching

The Atherton Tablelands is renowned throughout the world as a birdwatchers paradise with over 200 bird species. The following are some of the local bird watching spots:

• Bromfield Swamp: This natural crater is a great place to watch for birds. In winter you can watch Brolga's and Sarus Cranes as they wing their way overhead and leave this habitat at dawn, returning as the sun sets - a magnificent spectacle!
• Hastie's Swamp National Park: An important migratory wetland, the swamp is home to countless species of birds.
• Lake Tinaroo: Sit back and identify numerous species from the comfort of your own private balcony. (Binoculars provided)
• Mareeba Wetlands: 6,000 acres of open savanna woodland, including 350 acres of wetlands. An entry fee is payable. More info - www.mareebawetlands.com

Bushwalking

The Curtain Fig Tree Walk is a very popular 20 minute walking starting from the Platypus viewing platform. Follow the path across the bridge, and then follow the markers to the Curtain Fig Forest Reserve. It is a 50m rainforest walk to see the Tablelands most famous tree, the Curtain Fig. You can also drive to the Reserve if you prefer. The walk into the tree is wheelchair accessible.

The Crater Lakes National Park includes the World Heritage Rainforest Walks around Lake Eacham (4 km) and Lake Barrine (6 km), while other great walks in the area including those at Malanda Falls and Mt Hypipamee National Park.

Misty Mountains is Australia’s first network of long distance walking trails in a high altitude rainforest environment. Stunning waterfalls, spectacular rainforest, crystal clear creeks and magnificent vistas.