Atherton is centrally located to many attractions across the tablelands and a popular base to explore the beauty of the area. Take in the view from Haloran Hill Lookout. See the restored Chinese Joss House, a unique mineral museum called the Crystal Caves and the 2.6 kilometres Wongable Botanical Walk is a worthwhile stroll. Catch a steam train to the once bustling tin mining community of Herberton – the train often has open carriages just great for the perfect picture of Carrington Waterfalls and views across the tablelands. Lake Tinaroo, just north-east of Atherton, has more than 200 kilometres of shore and is surrounded by 8,000 hectare state forest. Here rainforest meets the shore. Take the forest drive and look for platypus and tree-climbing kangaroos. The Lake is a popular fishing spot. Just north of Atherton, you’ll pass throug h the ‘Tolga Scrub’. Along the 700 metre rainforest walking track you may see Tree Kangaroos, Red Legged Pademelons, and the nocturnal Coppery Brushtailed Possum (only found on the Tablelands), Green Possums and a colony of Spectacled Flying Foxes. Mareeba, encircled by coffee plantations, the best exotic tropical fruit orchards and lush sugar cane fields is next, 34 kilometres along the plateau.