Tablelands Region

The Perfect Tree Change

The Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) covers a total land area of 64,967.4km² and is the result of the 2008 amalgamation of the former shires of Atherton, Eacham, Herberton and Mareeba. The region’s population was approximately 45,297 persons as at 30 June 2008*. The two major regional centres are Mareeba and Atherton and also include the townships of Kuranda, Milla Milla, Malanda, Yungaburra, Tolga, Herberton and Ravenshoe. Smaller rural villages also form part of the TRC and more information on these can be found by visiting the following sites -

• Mareeba Heritage Centre
• Tropical Tablelands Tourism 

Quality agricultural and horticultural land, complemented with an abundant water supply, all play a major role in the region’s economy. The Tablelands is also home to the many expansive dairy and beef cattle properties, as well as being host to a hub of mining and tourism activity.

The natural diversity of the Tablelands Region near Cairns allows for a range of rainfall, temperatures and altitudes, ranging from 400m above sea level at Mareeba to approximately 1200m. The region's climate is pleasantly tropical, with low humidity and temperatures ranging from 17-35 degrees Celsius in summer and 2-25 degrees Celsius in the winter months.

Unlike many parts of Australia and the world, the Tropical North Queensland has regular rainfall and the ability to capture major outflows during the seasonal wet summer months. The average yearly rainfall for the Tablelands Region varies from approximately 400mm in the dryer areas, to over 4,000mm. This annual rainfall is utilised to help keep the Tinaroo Dam flowing with water to downstream townships, irrigating crops and the Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station. This wet season is fueled by Monsoon and South East Trade Wind activity. This annual rainfall is utilised to help keep the Tinaroo Dam flowing with water to the Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station, downstream townships and irrigation of our vast array of crops.

The Atherton Tablelands near Cairns, has one of the most diverse environments in the world, with landscapes ranging from wet tropics to dry savannah. This includes tropical rainforests and highly fertile volcanic agricultural areas. The Tablelands Region was shaped by the volcanoes of the past, creating today’s World Heritage listed rainforests, national parks, mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. It is home to some of Australia’s richest and diverse agricultural lands, sparse cattle country and endearing villages and townships. Far North Queensland is known to have twelve of the total thirteen soil types of the world in the one region.^

Tropical North Queensland is a ‘lifestyle’ region, which attracts both Australian and international settlers seeking to establish businesses, retire, relocate families and generally enjoy a laid back tropical lifestyle. The region has on offer not only more affordable housing than her southern sisters, but also its beautiful and diverse environment and friendly country hospitality. The Tablelands land availability, coupled with a choice of climate from the cool, lush and green areas to the dryer tropical savannah, are attracting an increased pace of development, as well as land and housing sales. The regions climate, natural diversity, unspoilt beauty, leisurely pastimes and proximity to the Cairns International Airport are making the Tablelands a mecca for the environmentally aware ‘Tree Changers’.

The Atherton Tablelands is one of the few places left with ample space, fresh, clean country air and get away from the pressures of modern urban living and to a beautiful and quiet place. Many families and retirees are currently enjoying the cool, green rural environment, some of which first came to the area as the ‘Grey Nomads’ set. Mareeba annually hosts the renowned ‘Christmas in July’ extravaganza, whereby an array of motor-homes is put on display by the Nomads for general public viewing. This annual event has been growing in popularity and fame with both Far North Queensland residents and the wondering ‘Grey Nomads’, as word spreads during their travels. The town and region as a whole, burgeons during the lead up to this spectacular event and has become an important economic driver to the area.

The Tablelands Regions beauty is made up of fertile varied soils, rich agriculture, abundant water and a mega-diversity of both natural flora and fauna. The ranges of bushlands and rainforests are home to almost double the varieties of native plants than anywhere else in Australia. Of the 430 bird species in the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef, the Atherton Tablelands has a staggering 327 of them. In 1998 the Wet Tropics of Queensland was inscribed onto the World Heritage List and most of the Atherton Tablelands National Parks, walking tracks, waterfalls and other natural attractions form part of this. It is also the only natural habitat for the numerous rare species of both plants and animals, which have been classified as rare, threatened or very rare. The Wet Tropics rainforests contain an almost complete record of the major stages in the evolution of plant life on earth!

The Tablelands transport networks make it the gateway to Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Six highways link the Tablelands to the coastal and inland road systems, including the Peninsula Development Road, Gulf Development road, Kennedy, Palmerston, Gillies and Rex Highways as well as the Kuranda Range road. A railway built in 1887 connects the Tablelands to the East Coast through spectacular coastline scenery. The Tablelands Region is linked to major transport hubs, including shipping ports in Cairns, Townsville, Darwin and the Cairns International Airport. This vast and comprehensive transport system allows for the exportation of the regions rich and abundant resources, as well as ease of entry for visitors and tourists alike.

Tablelands Regional Council Maps

http://www.atgis.com.au (then go to ‘maps)
Or search for: maps.trc.qld.gov.au

* source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
^ source: Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries
Images courtesy of Tropical Tablelands Tourism