From Cairns, head south through Gordonvale to Babinda. The surrounding sugar cane fields make this one of the sweetest stretches of road in north Queensland. Travel up the range on the Palmerston Highway.

At the top of the range is Millaa Millaa, an Aboriginal name meaning ‘plenty water’. A 15km drive takes you on a scenic circuit of Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie and Elinjaa Falls.

Australia’s widest waterfall, Millstream Falls is a 40km sidetrip along the Old Palmerston Highway via Ravenshoe.

Final stop today is Malanda, famous for its dairy products. To quench a hard earned thirst visit the classic Malanda Hotel, the largest wooden structure in Queensland.

Overnight accommodation – particularly boutique style Bed’n’Breakfasts – are dotted throughout the Highlands area.

Take time to enjoy the local produce as you drive north through the rich farm and grazing landscape of the ‘Highlands’ known as the food bowl of the tropics.

The nearby town of Atherton is built on the side of an extinct volcano – Hallorans Hill. The township is also home to Hou Wang Temple, which offers a fascinating insight into the cultural heritage of Chinese migrants in north Queensland.

Savour freshly picked coffee at one of five plantations before arriving at the Mareeba Wetlands, a non-profit, community wildlife reserve which boasts 121hectares of open water set in 2000 hectares of grassland savannah. Drive on to Kuranda, the cultural village in the rainforest. Enjoy a river cruise, stroll along the elevated boardwalk to Barron Falls or set out for a longer walk on the extensive track network in Barron Gorge National Park.

Stop at the Kuranda Range Road Lookout for stunning views over the Coral Coast on your way back to Cairns.

For further detailed information visit one of the local Information Centres on the way, or one of the following.

Cairns:
Gateway Discovery Centre
51 The Esplanade, Cairns
Tel: (07) 4051 3588
www.tropicalaustralia.com

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