The Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands is rich in wildlife, beauty, natural wonders, history and adventure - an entire holiday is waiting to be discovered! The region is renowned for its stunning waterfalls and rainforests, abundant wildlife including more than 300 species of Australian birds, rich mining and early settler history, breathtaking natural wonders, historic heritage listed towns and its friendly, laid-back charm. Not only can visitors to the Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands savour the sights and sounds of the region but also the amazing tastes. Foodies will love the wine, coffee, cheese, chocolate, tropical fruits and other gourmet delights all grown and produced locally. Visits to the Curtain Fig Tree, Lake Tinaroo, Mt Hypipamee Crater, Undara Lava Tubes, Broomfield Swamp, Mamu Canopy Walk and the twin crater lakes of Barrine and Eacham are also a must and it is all possible as part of this great self drive itinerary. Itinerary Day One & Two Arrive into Cairns and head to the beachside town of Holloways Beach. Holloways Beach is just 10 minutes from the Cairns Airport and Cairns CBD. It is a great base for you to experience the Great Barrier Reef, the perfect location for self-drivers and the ideal starting point for your Cairns Highlands / Atherton Tablelands Self Drive Encounter. Overnight Cairns Beach Resort (2 nights) Day Three & Four Depart Cairns and make your way up to the Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands. Visit the world famous Kuranda Markets prior to continuing west to Mareeba. Your first overnight stop will be at Jabiru Safari Lodge at the Mareeba Wetlands (main picture above), a 2,000ha reserve famous for its prolific bird and wildlife. Ensure you are here by 3pm to enjoy your Sunset Safari on the lagoon followed by cheese, wine and the most glorious sunset from the deck of the visitor centre. The next morning you can get a birds eye view of the entire Atherton Tablelands from a Hot Air Balloon. Early morning tours depart from nearby Mareeba. Also close is Granite Gorge. You can explore the walking trails and you’ll have a fantastic opportunity to hand feed rock wallabies in their natural habitat. Another feature of this area are the coffee plantations, some offer tours and all offer tastings and opportunities to take some fresh beans home with you. Overnight Jabiru Safari Lodge at the Mareeba Wetlands (2nights) Day Five & Six Depart the Mareeba Wetlands and head south. The landscape changes from outback savannah to lush green rolling hills. Along the way stop at Mt Uncle Distillery, located at Walkamin, it is positioned in the middle of tropical fruit plantations and their cafe is a real treat for lunch. From this part of the Cairns Highlands south you head into dairy country. Plenty of dairies are open to the public to taste their wares. Beautiful cheeses, yogurts and chocolate tastings abound. Enroute to your overnight accommodation you will also discover tea plantations and strawberry farms where you can pick your own fruit. Atherton Tablelands / Cairns Highlands Self Drive Encounter Jabiru Safari Lodge Curtain Fig Tree, near Yungaburra Milla Milla Falls Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat Agile Rock Wallabies