The Cairns Highlands

In the Cairns Highlands, a mosaic of plant and animal habitats among World Heritage rainforests and rich agricultural lands has evolved from violent volcanic eruptions and centuries of monsoonal rains. This family country retreat and romantic getaway is just a one-hour drive from Cairns. 

From fishing to fossicking for gold, the Cairns Highlands has a character all its own.  Some of the best swimming holes, picturesque rainforest and interesting heritage sites are found among mountains, rivers, lakes, farms, and charming towns and villages. Friendly locals eagerly share their orchards, arts, crafts, music and markets.

This fertile rural landscape sits on a plateau rising up to 1000 metres above sea level, provides great day-touring options and is popular for a great self-drive experience to stay longer. A choice of routes for the climb to a temperate climate guarantee a spectacular drive that leads to scenic roads that criss-cross the Cairns Highlands.

On the Highlands, volcanic forces left behind the “Seven Sisters” volcanic peaks, craters and “exploded” crater lakes of Barrine and Eacham, as well as the ancient Bromfield Swamp birder watcher’s paradise and Granite Gorge. The 16km scenic Waterfalls Circuit showcases the picturesque cascades of numerous waterfalls including Australia’s widest waterfall.

Biologists have described the spectacular rainforests of the area as the “greatest celebration of life on earth”. The farm and grazing lands are the “food bowl” of the tropics – yielding a constant supply of fruit, vegetables and grains to the local and export markets and a variety of gourmet delights such as local coffee, wines, dairy products and smallgoods.

From lush rainforest landscapes to grasslands and farmlands the diverse landscape presents opportunities for bush walking, bird watching, wildlife cruises and tours, hot air ballooning and water sports including white water rafting and fishing for the famed barramundi.

Magnificent old hotels and ‘Queenslander’ architecture line the main streets of many of the quaint townships including the streetscapes of Yungaburra, Atherton, Ravenshoe, Herberton, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, Mareeba and the rainforest village of Kuranda.

Classic historic Australian pubs, eco-retreats, bed & breakfasts, guesthouses, farmstays and campgrounds provide a base for exploring the tropical Great Barrier Reef region’s most unexpected Highland surprises.