Top Family Touring Itineraries: Atherton Tablelands

Few destinations in Australia are jam-packed with such an amazing variety of awe-inspiring natural wonders than the short journey from Atherton to the Daintree. It will literally have you mesmerised from start to finish.

Starting your tropical drive in the Atherton Tablelands, you’ll have to spend at least one day exploring the myriad of lakes and waterfalls before making the short trip to the magical town of Kuranda. Take the kids on an exhilarating ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway or the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway – a combination of both is sure to tick everyone’s boxes. The next stop is Mossman where a visit to the spectacular Mossman Gorge is compulsory. The final journey to Cape Tribulation in the World Heritage-listed Daintree NP is short in kilometres but allows plenty of time to absorb this sensational landscape.

THE ITINERARY

Day 1: Atherton Tablelands to Kuranda

• Explore the Waterfall Circuit near Atherton
• Enjoy the serenity of the volcanic crater lakes
• Take the short drive to Kuranda

Day 2: Kuranda

• Experience a round trip on the Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Find unique souvenirs in this village in the rainforest
• Visit spectacular Barron Gorge

Day 3: Kuranda to Cape Tribulation via Mossman

• Enjoy the coastal scenery along the Captain Cook Highway
• Head out to Mossman Gorge
• Watch for crocs while on the Daintree Ferry

Day 4: Explore Cape Tribulation

• Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre and climb the impressive 23m Canopy Tower
• Take a river cruise to spot crocs
• Go 'jungle surfing' with the kids

PITSTOPS

• A quick stop at Koah on the way to Kuranda
• A detour to Port Douglas
• Breakfast on Daintree Beach

KIDS WILL LOVE

• Exploring the tropical rainforest
• 'Jungle surfing'
• Climbing the 23m Canopy Tower

WHERE TO CAMP

Kauri Creek camping area, Danbulla State Forest

• Open camping area without defined sites with uninterrupted lake views. Bookings compulsory

The Billabong Kuranda

• Spacious campground set in the rainforest, 15 minutes from town

Cape Trib Camping

• Nestled in the Daintree Forest - beachfront camping available