Historic Herberton

Step back in time at the Historic Village Herberton; a beautifully manicured and maintained historic settlement spread over 16 acres. You can easily spend a day here watching blacksmiths, woodworkers and rail ambulance demonstrations, or simply walking through the village, popping into the authentic buildings and marvelling at the thousands of original items they contain. Cross the river by walking over the suspension bridge to the cars, ploughs and other farmyard relics, which are in hauntingly beautiful stages of decay.

6 Broadway, Herberton

Go cruising

The water at Lake Barrine is so clear it’s like glass. Formed over 12,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, this rainforest-fringed crater-lake is a perfect spot to explore the natural beauty of the area. There’s a 45-minute guided rainforest and wildlife cruise (sit on the left hand side of the boat for the best views of ancient Kauri trees and wildlife including turtles and eels), or if you want to stretch your legs you can walk the 5km loop around the lake. Afterwards, drop in to the heritage Teahouse Café on the lake’s shoreline for scones with house made jam and locally grown Ulysses tea.

Gillies Highway, Yungaburra

Rock your world

The idea of manmade tunnels and grottos filled with natural crystals and prehistoric fossils is undoubtedly kooky, but it’s also wonderful. The Crystal Caves is on the main street of Atherton, where you’ll don a head torch and wind your way through 300 square metres of ancient fossils and crystals from all over the world. Perhaps most striking is the gigantic (over three metres tall) sparkling amethyst geode from Uruguay. Mini geologists can take part in a prehistoric lucky dip and crack their own geode, revealing glittering crystals inside.

69 Main Street, Atherton

The Milky Way

If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?) the Tablelands is a dairy delight. Minutes from Yungaburra is Gallo Dairy (Malanda Rd, Atherton), a family-owned dairy farm, produce shop and café. You can see the cows come in to be milked between 3 and 4pm, and kids will love the animal nursery. Don’t leave without stocking up on the award-winning Gallozola blue vein cheese or a wheel of the incredibly soft and creamy Camembert.

Much of Gallo’s milk supplies the Malanda Dairy Centre (8 James St, Malanda), where the café whips up innovative milkshakes, such as coconut rough (chocolate and coconut), mars bar (caramel and chocolate) and Jamaican surprise (pineapple, banana, coconut and chocolate).

And if you’re after ice cream with a difference, head to Emerald Creek Ice creamery (3946 Kennedy Highway, Mareeba), where you’ll find unconventional but delicious flavours such as jackfruit, lilly pilly and wattleseed.

Chasing waterfalls

Need to cool off? The Tablelands is a wonderland for picturesque waterfalls, swimming holes and pristine flowing streams. The waterfall circuit starting at Millaa Millaa is a good place to start, with the loop taking in Millaa Millaa, Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls. With its grassy surrounds, Millaa Millaa Falls is an ideal spot for a dip.

For a refreshing swim (albeit without a waterfall) and the chance to spot a friendly fresh water crocodile, head to Lake Eacham, where the water is clear (and bracingly cold).

Get your fix

Over 70 per cent of Australia’s coffee is grown around Mareeba, and one of the best spots to sample the Bourbon variety of Arabica coffee and see how it’s grown and roasted is at Skybury Coffee. The innovative family-owned business has also diversified into growing sweet red papaya (producing three million a year), and recently took out a gold medal at the 2018 delicious. produce awards.

136 Ivicevic Road, Paddy’s Green, Mareeba

Rest your head

If you like your rooms with a view, book in to Mt Quincan Crater Retreat. Just outside of Yungaburra, the self-contained tree houses are private and secluded, with stunning views over the Tablelands. The basket of generous breakfast provisions means you can linger longer in the morning before you explore the crater basin reserve or walk to the top of nearby Mt Quincan.

Hunt Road, Peeramon