Heading Up to Atherton

Wild1 · Senior Member

Heading Up to Atherton

JulieM · Veteran Member

It's beautiful (I'm a bit biased, live nearby), bit hairy getting up there in places. There are 3 ways to go up, someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but there may be a lot of

roadwork on the Gillies. I go the Palmerston (Innisfail) there is also Kuranda(Cairns) There is an RV friendly town - Ravenshoe and I think Mareeba too. Lots of camping around

Tinaroo. have fun and look out for cane trains Cheers JulieM

GaryKelly · Guru

You've frightened all the blokes with your nickname, Jennifer hehe.

Wild1 · Senior Member

Thanks Julie!

Wild1 · Senior Member

So that's it - everyone is avoiding me!

neilnruth · Guru

Hope you find some soon. It will make your journey more interesting.

Weedy Pigeon · Senior Member

I live on the south side of Cairns and I can assure you the Gillies is better than it has ever been. It ought to be, because they have had 5 different lots of roadworks on it for the past 3 years.
Bring all your winter gear as it's down to 18 at night and only 27 during the day here in Cairns. Will be a hell of a lot cooler at Atherton. No rain or wind at the moment.
Don't know about camping spots, there's bound to be some up there somewhere as I see GNs and their rigs everywhere.
If you want to turn right at the top of the Gillies and go along Boar Pocket Rd you'll be able to camp at the back of Tinaroo Dam and you'll go past the Curtain Fig Tree, worth a look. You can keep going and travel right around the dam and get back to Atherton.
Hope this helps

Haji-Baba · Senior Member

Hi! Wild 1.

If you pm me I am sure I can put you onto a few places up that way.

Been over that country a few times and as Weedy Pigeon said take your woolies for the Tablelands.

There are quite a few free camps in that area and some economical payee sites.

We won't be going that far I don't think ever again as health and finances are getting the better of us.

Have Fun Haji-Baba

bowlerbear · Senior Member

Hi I'm in Townsville at the moment but planning on heading north during this week. Was planning on one night at Paronella Park then onto Mareeba for a few days Not sure where to after that though.

nomadic1 · Senior Member

I'm at Home Hill. Planning on staying here for a few days then head for Townsville area. Haven't decided where to go after Townsville but it will almost certainly be either north(ish) or west(ish).

justcruisin01 · Guru

Lots of free camps all the way up, just follow the bible but do not try to free camp any where near Bowan. Fine$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

JC.

herbie · Guru

A lot to see and do in this neck of the woods.But pack your winter woollies.If your into food there is a food and wine trail that criss- cross the food bowl of the Tropic's.A lot of wildlife and birdlife also. Watching the unique marsupials like the tree kangaroo is a treat to watch.

If you are into waterfalls, there is a circuit you can do, with stunning rainforest back drops.

There is lots of hidden treasures up that way.The Curtain Fig tree is worth a look.

Lake Tinaroo, Mt Hypipamee Crater,Undara Lava Tubes, Broomfield Swamp, Pononella Park ( a must see try to do the night tour ) If you stay at the c/ park there your camping fee also gets you into one of the toures ) One of the best value for money tourist traps !!! we have ever experienced .Also the Twin Crater Lakes of Barrine and Eacham just to name a few things we have been to.

herbie · Guru

justcruisin01 wrote:
Lots of free camps all the way up, just follow the bible but do not try to free camp any where near Bowan. Fine$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
JC.

Proserpine is no better in regard to free/low cost camp.Last time I was there in the car park at s/ market (think it was IGA ) There was a huge sign stating no camping in shire any where,A lot of other rules were also wrote on the board regarding what you could and couldn't do .I got back in the 4be and just drove out of the place,did not even end up going into buy food and a few other things we needed. I filled up out at servo just north of Don River not all that far out of Bowen and camped for the night there .A fair few trucks come and go up to around mid night ,but just have an extra wine or beer and you wont be bothered by any truck noise. The servo sells ok food as well.

Would be interested to know if anyone has been into Proserpine s/ market and noticed if the sign is still displayed there.

.

Regards Herbie.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I'm in Townsville for a while yet, not sure after that. Anything after the next hour is too far away for a plan.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Hi Wild1 - if you go to the "free" camps just north of Townsville (Dougwe has done a report on them in the free/budget subforum) - there are GN's in and out of there all the time - and Doug is in Townsville - a great tour guide for the area - hahahahaa!!

We had the best couple of days in Mila Mila on the tableland - met up with some friends who were staying at a private rainforest near there - went for coffee and stayed two nights - the owner is now a good friend of ours - he has sold the rainforest though, to go sailing - bought a charter boat!!! Can't wait to get on board!

Beth54 · Guru

If you want a comfortable road trip with lots of scenic rainforests etc, take the Palmerston Hwy. If you want a direct route from the Tablelands to Cairns, or visa versa, take the Gillies. But be warned, it twists and turns like Chubby Checker. I call it the sick road. If you want the easier, but longer road, take the Kennedy Highway. The Palmerston is my highway of choice.

I agree with all the places Herbie has mentioned. Paronella Park is a particular favourite.

I've been to Malanda and the Tablelands in general many times, as my best friend lives there. Lots of waterfalls, crater lakes, beautiful rainforests. Go to the info centre near the Malanda Falls on the northern side of Malanda. The volunteers are very nice, and they have a wealth of info for you.

Oh and if you're into markets, Yungaburra is worth a visit.

Wild1 · Senior Member

Wow, sounds great, thanks everyone for the tips. I'm looking forward to it even more if not just to find some warmer weather, even if its only a couple of degrees!

Jennifer