The Loop

Where To Go Map 2024-25

It’s holiday season and it’s time to go exploring! Natural wonders abound on the Tablelands and we have highlighted some of the most popular options in the Where to Go Map on pages 8 and 9 of the December issue of What’s On. These amazing features have been explored in previous issues of What’s On, but what about the unique experiences our local businesses bring to the area? Their diverse offerings create a different kind of adventure to compliment a day out on the Tablelands.

We’ve highlighted a few of these local gems below, be sure to stop and explore along your travels as there is so much to be found on the journey, not just the destination!

Historic Village Herberton Pioneer Village: Prepare to be wowed as you experience living history, including working machinery, John Deere Tractors, antique motor vehicles, historical buildings, live demonstrations, and more. With sixteen acres to explore, locals should seriously consider the annual membership so they can visit throughout the year.

Atherton Gas & Camping: An essential Tablelands stop, this locally-owned business prides itself on providing a comprehensive range with excellent service. As a YETI gold dealer and Weber specialist for over 20 years, this is the place to go for all of your outdoor equipment needs.

Tinaroo n’ Tablelands Scenic Flights: For a memorable experience on the Tablelands, take to the skies with Trevor. This family business offers a wide range of helicopter services including scenic flights, property inspections, or design your own unique itinerary!

Cowgirl Country: A treasure trove of unique items including high quality handcrafted goods, hides & horns, saddlery, clothing, accessories, homewares, and gifts. Visiting the shop is an experience on its own, but head there on Yungaburra Market day for extra festivities. This month will include live music with Emily James & Walkamin Country Music, face painting, Ponies for Pats, professional Christmas photography, Vonnies Sweets & Treats, and giveaways every half hour!

Crystal Caves: Voted best Queensland Experience of 2023, the Crystal Caves is a testament to founder Rene’s imagination and passion. Explore natural crystals and prehistoric fossils in the three hundred square metre man-made cave. Immerse yourself in the adventure for all ages and furry friends on leash are welcome as well. Emerge from the cave to explore the crystal shop, allow the kids to fossick in the sandpit, or crack your very own geode.

As you embark on your Tablelands adventure, experience the rich local character that makes this region truly unique. From historic sites and scenic flights to one-of-a-kind shopping and immersive cave experiences, these businesses offer something special for everyone. Whether you’re discovering history, gearing up for the outdoors, soaring above the landscape, or uncovering hidden gems in town, the Tablelands has endless opportunities for exploration and delight beyond our world-famous natural wonders. Make the most of each stop and enjoy the journey as you make memories this holiday season!

Recent Stories

A Beginner’s Guide to Composting

A Beginner’s Guide to Composting

A Beginner’s Guide to Composting: Turn Waste into Garden GoldBy Marie Bella Compost is a soil-like material that is created when vegetable and plant matter break down. It’s widely accepted around the world as a superfood for your garden, but it’s not a modern...

Veggie Gardening in Hot Months

Veggie Gardening in Hot Months

By Jodie EdenLooking for inspiration for your Tablelands veggie garden in November? My advice is: Wait until March! Yes, use the months between now and then to plan and prepare your garden beds, but if you are not already well set up for gardening in hot dry...

Backyard Gardening Tips

Backyard Gardening Tips

Backyard Gardening Tips By Jodie Eden Agriculture, farming, land management & all goodthings from the Tablelands legendary red dirt. On the Tablelands, I always encourage beginner gardeners to start growing veggies in Autumn because we have ideal conditions then....

Atherton Mountain Bike Park for beginners

Atherton Mountain Bike Park for beginners

Written by Kristina HarenI’d like to start this article with a disclaimer. I’m an amateur mountain biker, actually I would hesitate to classify myself to that standard. I’m one of those annoying bikers that presses the brakes while going over creeks when I should be...

Discover the Atherton Mountain Bike Park

Discover the Atherton Mountain Bike Park

Ride the Tablelands: Your Guide to the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike ParkYear-round trails, diverse terrain, and views worth climbing for. Tucked into the hills above Atherton, the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park has become one of Far North Queensland’s most...

Camping FNQ’s Overlooked Wilderness

Camping FNQ’s Overlooked Wilderness

Written by Paul CurtisI was scrolling through the National Parks website a few months ago checking on the “park alerts” page for any closures that may thwart my future travels, when I noticed a couple of parks that I had never heard of. I turned to their geographic...

The Lost Causeway

The Lost Causeway

Written by Paul CurtisA little over 20 years ago I found myself in the position of photographically recording the rapidly deteriorating infrastructure that once belonged to the Department of Forestry in North Queensland. I was given a small amount of money to travel...

Discovering Queensland’s Dinosaur Trail

Discovering Queensland’s Dinosaur Trail

A Journey Through TimeAn unforgettable outback adventure from the Atherton Tablelands to the ancient heart of Australia’s prehistoric past. If you’ve got dinosaur lovers in the family — or you’re just after an adventure packed with discovery, quirky towns, and big...