Spend a night at the museum! Herberton Historic Village captures and celebrates the romance and reality of yesteryear on the Atherton Tablelands. A collection of over 40 original buildings, including a schoolhouse and pub, with intact interiors, take you on a journey of discovery through the rich pioneering history of Tropical North Queensland. The Village has been through a period of renovation recently, re-opening to the public in 2009 and promptly winning a Tropical North Queensland Tourism Award. Open to the public during the day as a living museum, you can extend your stay with an evening in the 100 year old farmhouse. Julatten House has been restored to provide stylish, comfortable accommodation with a very unique character. Overlooking the Wild River, Julatten House has two bedrooms, shared bathroom and modern kitchen (for your convenience).
For a traditional Atherton Tablelands experience, stay a night at the Yungaburra Pub, also known as Lake Eacham Hotel. Yungaburra is a quaint Atherton Tablelands village which has remained largely unchanged since its establishment in 1910. The pub is a historic landmark, situated in the middle of the village. Its interior reflects an earlier era, when farmers would escape the coast for a highland retreat. It’s a showpiece of Federation architecture, featuring local timbers such as cedar and silky oak in exquisite timber panels and fittings. Celebrating their centenary in October 2010, the Lake Eacham Hotel has 30 rooms, all with ensuites, and you can choose between budget, standard and air-conditioned. Friendly, authentic country hospitality, meals and accommodation.
Located a short five-minute drive from Kuranda (or 30-minutes from Cairns) Rainforestation Nature Park is set on 100 acres of private property and provides a multi-faceted visitor experience. Activities available at Rainforestation include a rainforest waterways cruise on a World War II amphibious Army Duck, visit to the Tropical Fruit Orchard and access to the Koala and Wildlife Park. Rainforestation is also home to the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience which includes a 30-minute ‘corroboree’ dance performance, boomerang and spear throwing lessons and half hour guided tour. You can also learn to play the didgeridoo, but be warned, it’s not as easy as you may think. If you get hungry, there are two restaurants on site, the Outback and Colonial, as well as a Tropical Treats Bar.
This cosy retreat offers two unique, three bedroom timber chalets, tucked away on six acres of leafy rainforest, against the banks of the Johnstone River, just five minutes drive from Malanda. This is a nature lovers paradise. There is 300m of absolute river frontage, where if you are quiet and lucky, you might spot a platypus. The surrounding rainforest is home to some very cute critters, including possums, pademelons (like a kangaroo), wallabies, brush turkeys and tree kangaroos. The Coolara is an executive retreat that you book in its entirety (3 bedroom lodge) or just its two bedroom living area. The Cooinda is an exclusive hideaway overlooking the North Johnston River. The perfect Tablelands escape for families.
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, a ten minute drive from Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands, ticks a lot of boxes. It is nestled amongst rich tropical rainforest, it provides simply amazing views of Woonooroonan National Park, it immerses you in nature, serenades you with birdsong and wraps in romantic indulgence. Each of this eco retreats delightful nine, hand crafted timber treehouses are completely self-sufficient and include a large spa bath, wood burning fire place, kitchen, stereo, games and books, covered car port, washing machine and dryer. You can choose from studio treehouse, to two bedroom and two bathroom treehouses. Strategically positioned around the 230 acre property, each of the treehouses offers splendid isolation. There are walking tracks, a tennis court and guided tours available. An amazing retreat in the mountains – a balm for the weary soul.
