Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Home to a colony of platypuses, tiny Yungaburra is one of the unassuming gems of the
Tableland. Queensland's largest National Trust village with 18 Heritage-listed buildings,
its boutique accommodation and stunning surrounds have made it a popular weekend re-
treat for those in the know.
The 500-year-old
Curtain Fig
tree, signposted 3km out of town, is a must-see for its gi-
gantic, otherworldly aerial roots that hang down to create an enormous 'curtain'.
Day trippers descend on the village to hunt through crafts and produce at the vibrant
Yungaburra Markets
(
www.yungaburramarkets.com
;
Gillies Hwy; 7.30am-12.30pm, 4th Saturday of the month)
.
In late October, the
Tablelands Folk Festival
(
www.tablelandsfolkfestival.org
; tickets $55, camping $22.50)
features music, workshops and poetry readings.
If you're very quiet, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a timid mono-
treme at the
platypus viewing platform
on Peterson Creek. Dusk and dawn give you your best
chance, but it's worth stopping any time.
On the Wallaby
( 07-4095 2031;
www.onthewallaby.com
;
34 Eacham Rd; camping $10, dm/d with shared
bathroom $24/55; )
is a homey hostel with handmade timber furniture and mosaics, spotless
rooms - and no TV! Nature-based
tours
($40) include night canoeing; tour packages and
transfers (one-way $30) are available from Cairns.
Nick's Restaurant
( 07-4095 9330;
www.nicksrestaurant.com.au
;
33 Gillies Hwy; mains $8.50-36.50;
11.30am-3pm Sat & Sun, 5.30-11pm Tue-Sun)
has been serving it up Swiss-style since 1986. Cos-
tumed staff, piano-accordion serenades and impromptu yodelling provide an apt backdrop
for a menu that spans schnitzels to smoked pork loin. Vegos are catered for, too.
Yungaburra's
visitor centre
( 07-4095 2416;
www.yungaburra.com
;
Maud Kehoe Park; 9am-5pm)
has a complete list of B&Bs, including beautiful retreats in the nearby countryside.
Lake Tinaroo
Tinaroo was allegedly named after a prospector stumbled across a deposit of alluvial tin
there and, in a fit of excitement, shouted 'Tin! Hurroo!'. The excitement hasn't died down
since, with locals fleeing the swelter of the coast for boating, waterskiing and lazy
shoreline lolling.
Barramundi fishing
is permitted year-round, though you'll need to pick up a permit
(weekly $7.45), available from local businesses and accommodation. Or you might like to
head out for a fish, a barbie or glass of wine during a sunset cruise aboard a super-comfy
