Atherton

Tablelands

CAMPING IN THE ATHERTON TABLELANDS

Camping in the Atherton Tablelands region is a fantastic way for you to explore a lot of what Far North Queensland has to offer. This region is so diverse that you’ll be provided with plenty of different campground options that suit your style. From rainforests to isolated bush; lake front to private cattle stations. This region really does have it all and the best way to experience it, is via camping.

Kickback Camping services are also available at registered campgrounds in this region!

Kickback Camping services are perfect for travellers or those wanting to experience camping who may not have access to camping equipment. These services are also recommended for those who may not have the physical capabilities to set an entire campsite up.

The beauty of Kickback Camping is that we will work with you to create a fully customised, camping equipment hire package. We will then transport the equipment to the location of your choosing and set-up ready for your arrival. Once you’ve finished your trip we will return to pack it all down for you.

This is a great, cost effective and stress-free camping solution that provides you with an opportunity to explore more stunning locations. The best part is that we do not service a fixed location. All you need to do is organise the campground you’d like to stay at and we’ll come to you!

We’ve also provided a list below of our recommended sights, activities and campgrounds in some of the popular Tablelands towns!

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What Are The atherton Tablelands?

The Atherton Tablelands is a local government area positioned inland from the coast. This region is situated in the mountain top plains that run parallel to the Cairns region.

The Tablelands is best known for its variety of quality produce farmed within this small region. From different meats, to tropical fruits, wines, spirits, coffee, chocolate, honey, tea and dairy products; it really does have it all!

This produce is sourced by local supermarkets and restaurants as well as being distributed throughout Australia. Most of this produce is available on site for the public to enjoy. We 100% recommend stopping in and having a try of what is on offer as you’ll be supporting these great local businesses.

The Tablelands is also very well known for its variety of natural landscape features. From iconic waterfalls and rainforest scenery on the eastern side to the hot springs, lave tubes, and gem filled creeks on the western side.

You’ll find plenty of natural wonder here, more than what my small list provides. So if adventure is what you’re looking for, the Tablelands will not disappoint.

Below we’ll give you an insight of the best things to do and see in the Atherton Tablelands and which towns you can find them!

How do I get to the Tablelands?

Kuranda Range (Kennedy Highway)

There are three main roads and one alternate route that connect the cairns and Cassowary Coast regions up the mountains to the Tablelands. Just north of the Cairns city centre in a suburb called Smithfield you’ll find the Kuranda Range. The Kuranda Range is an informal name for this section of the Kennedy Highway that runs through the Macalister Range, connecting Cairns to Kuranda. As with all the roads connecting the eastern coast to the Tablelands, you can enjoy scenic rainforest landscapes with beautiful views and varying sizes of road-side waterfalls.

The Gillies

Just south of Cairns you’ll find a suburb called Gordonvale. Here you will find the Gillies Range Road which connects Gordonvale to Atherton on the Tablelands. Even though this road is a great way to access the central part of the Tablelands we do advise you take more care with this road. The Gillies range road is narrow and has constant sharp bends. If you are prone to car sickness we suggest taking an alternative route.

Kirrama Range Road

If you’re travelling up the Cassowary Coast heading to the Tablelands you can gain access via the Kirrama Range road. This highway connects Cardwell to the southern end of the Tablelands through the Girringun National Park and is most commonly used for travellers visiting the Blencoe Falls. This road was closed after extensive damage in 2011 from Cyclone Yasi however it is open for use again. This Kirrama Range road is largely unsealed and has many small bridges that are subject to flooding. For this reason we recommend only using this route during the dry season and in a 4WD. For alternative access we recommend the Palmerston highway. However, if you do choose this route, you’ll be spoilt with more scenic views than the other three routes further north.

Palmerston Highway

The Palmerston highway can be found off the Bruce highway in Innisfail connecting through to the town of Millaa Millaa. This is a very popular drive for tourits due to the rainforest scenery of the Wooroonooran National Park and the string of iconic waterfalls along the way. The are plenty of areas to via off from this route for camping, hiking and taking in the views.

Map of the tablelands region

Equipment hire and campsite setups tablelands
Tablelands Region provided by Google Maps

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Interested in Camping on the Atherton Tablelands?

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Towns to visit in the the Atherton tablelands:

KURANDA

Kuranda Tablelands

Kuranda is a small picturesque town in the Shire of Mareeba on the Tablelands. It is situated at the top of the Kuranda Range, a road connecting Cairns to the Tablelands.

This rainforesty town is the perfect place for a day visit as there are so many interesting sights, tours, and artisan based markets to explore. Whether you’re travelling alone or with the family, we can guarantee you’ll want to see this place.

For more info about camping and things to do in Kuranda click here

TINAROO

Camping Tinaroo

Tinaroo is a small town on the Northern side of the Tablelands, home to the very popular Tinaroo Dam. The Tinaroo Dam is host to 9 different campground scattered around it’s perimeter. This area brings plenty of campers all year round to enjoy the stunning waterfront location.

Here, campers can enjoy watersports, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. The dam is also stocked with fresh water Barrumundi making it a popular place amongst anglers to catch that infamous ‘metre barra’.

WORDS OF CAUTION FOR THe Atherton Tablelands REGION

Although we are certain you will have an unforgettable experience exploring this region, we do caution you to be “FNQ-WISE.” With all this beauty comes a few things you’ll need to be mindful of. However, if you prepare, you’ll reduce your risk of winding up in an emergency situation.


– Crocodiles do roam Far North Queensland waters but that doesn’t mean you can’t swim up here. Just make sure you look for signage around the water ways you enter and check for updates on National Park websites. Our advice is: stick to the fresh water creeks where it’s running, clear and cool.


– If you come from the cities one thing you may take for granted is fuel stations on every corner. Up here they can be far and few between so make sure when you’re travelling in this region to be aware of where your next fuel station is to ensure you do not end up on the side of the road.


– Similar to fuel stations are your local convenience stores. These stores again can be far and few between plus they close EARLY, so if you’re travelling late to your campground and didn’t pack dinner, you might be left quite hungry by morning.


-This one tends to be a no-brainer but funnily enough is still often overlooked. Be prepared to have little to no phone reception. Even though you might think you’re ok not having your phone, be prepared for any emergency event. Accidents happen in our water ways, on our hiking trails and in our campgrounds so be prepared for what you’re going to do if you cannot use your phone to get help.


– When heading to a remote area make sure you check-in with someone so they know where you are. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or park ranger, if you get lost or end up in trouble with no one around you, it’s best if authorities know where to start looking for you.


– Bring amble amounts of drinking water with you. Drinking water is not always accessible and whether it’s murphey’s law or not, accessibility of drinking water always seems to become scarce when you’re running low on your own supply. So please don’t leave this one till it’s too late, stock up on your drinkable water and then bring extra!

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