TASTE OF THE TABLELANDS

Begin your journey by departing from Cairns or Northern Beaches and head up the Kuranda Range. Take a scenic route into the rainforest canopy walk to view the spectacular Barron Falls Gorge. Listen as your guide shares local history and culture significant to this area.

Leave the rainforest for the savannah and arrive at Skybury Plantation for morning tea and your first tasting of coffee and papaya. Enjoy fresh scones and a cup of Skybury coffee on the outside deck overlooking the savannah backdrop. Explore the venue and learn about the coffee roasting and papaya plantation. You may even want to purchase some coffee beans, papaya jam, or other produce to take home.

Next, stop at Granite Gorge, where you can hand-feed the adorable rare unadorned rock wallabies. Interact with native wildlife, explore the unique granite boulder formations, and admire the stunning savannah views of the Mareeba landscapes.

Stop at Mt. Uncle Distillery, where you can taste Far North Queensland’s finest spirits and liquors. Learn about local ingredients in distilling botanical gins, rum, vodkas, and liqueurs. Explore the grounds surrounded by fruit trees and marvel at the menagerie of farm animals.

Continue your scenic drive into the Tablelands to the Upper Barron and arrive at Gallos Dairyland, a fully operational dairy farm, a gourmet cheese factory, a cafe restaurant, and hand-crafted chocolates. Enjoy the friendly hospitality of the staff serving lunch followed by a selection of Gallo’s cheeses and fine chocolates for tasting.

In the afternoon, traverse through the green-rich landscapes, learning about the natural beauty and wonders of the Tablelands. Stop at the ancient old Curtain Fig Tree and the extinct volcanic Bromfield Crater, these areas offering fantastic photography and bird-watching opportunities.

Travel through the historic pioneer dairy town of Malanda, and listen as your guide shares some rich history and culture you see when passing the Malanda Falls Conservation Park, Queensland’s largest original timber pub, and the majestic heritage-listed picture theatre.

Stop at the most photographed waterfall, the famous Millaa Millaa Falls, and take the opportunity for a refreshing swim. The views don’t get much better through the upper Tablelands, a backdrop of mountain ranges including Queensland’s’ Highest Mountain, Bartle Frere.

Visit the magnificent Crater Lakes National Park, a unique experience to immerse in the tranquil surroundings of lush rainforests and an array of birdlife. View the twin Kauri trees at Lake Barrine. Enjoy afternoon refreshments and a nature walk, a chance to pursue your photographic interests.

Depart and drive down the Gillies Range back toward Gordonvale, passing Walsh's Pyramid and arriving back in Cairns at approximately 6 PM.