Getting to the Cairns Highlands

There are no direct commercial air flights into Atherton, only to nearby Cairns. The area does have reliable bus services, bitumen highways and access to car hire companies.

If you are booking accommodation in the Atherton/Cairns Highlands area, you should enquire at the time whether they offer a courtesy bus pick up from the Cairns Airport. This may save you having to organise transport from the airport yourself.

Whether you choose to fly, drive or catch a bus to the area, you won't be dissappointed as you enjoy fresh cool air, spectacular views, rainforest, waterfalls, locally grown fruit and vegetables and of course, the friendly country towns across the Atherton Tablelands.

BY CAR:

FROM PORT DOUGLAS OR THE DAINTREE: The Rex Range is regarded as the most beautiful ways to travel to the Atherton Tablelands. This road begins at the base of the mountains near Port Douglas - 69km north of Cairns, so it is an easy frive for a day trip from Port Douglas.

FROM CAIRNS: When travelling to the Atherton Tablelands from Cairns, there are two roads you can take. One begins at the southern side of Cairns, the other from the north. The Gillies Highway ascends the mountain ranges starting at the small town of Gordonvale - 24km south of Cairns. The signs along the way are well marked, so it's difficult to get lost. At the top of the range, you drive past the turnoff to Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham, until you arrive at Yungaburra.

This range is only 16 kms long and takes approximately 35 minutes to travel. The views are amazing, and the cool mountain air most invigorating.

At the Smithfield Shopping Centre roundabout, a large sign will direct you to turn to the left. This is the very start of the Kuranda Highway.

This gentle road is a delight to drive. The lush green rainforest, and the views of the Coral Sea are magnificent. Kuranda is located at the top of the range, continue on your drive and you will eventually reach Mareeba. The flora along this road varies from thick rainforest to Australian scrub. If you intend to continue past Mareeba, you will turn left at the major intersection. This long straight road will take you to the tiny township of Tolga, and then onto Atherton or Lake Tinaroo.

FROM INNISFAIL: Starting at Innisfail (93km south of Cairns), the Palmerston Highway stretches through Wet Tropics rainforests of Johnstone River Valley to Millaa Millaa. Picnic areas, waterfalls and camping grounds can be found along the way. Although this is the longest route from Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands, many people believe it is the easiest drive and the most scenic route. If you can allow about an hour and a half for travelling time, and are keen to see as much of the tropical north as you can, the Palmerston Highway may be a good choice for you.

To reach the highway, drive south from Cairns through the cane fields and banana plantations until you reach Innisfail. At this town, good signage is located beside the main roads providing directions to the start of the highway. The highway is in very good condition so vehicles can maintain 100km/h for almost the entire length.