Walk Queensland's Atherton Tablelands with Donkeys

Welcome to northern Queensland! Your adventure begins in Cairns, your gateway to the Atherton Tablelands. You’re free to check in to your accommodation from the early afternoon and, if you arrive with time to spare, you may like to check out the colourful array of tropical plants at the Cairns Botanic Gardens or get a feel for the city with a stroll along the esplanade. This evening is free for you to rest your legs before the upcoming walks, or to get to know the city a bit better with a drink and dinner in town.

Meet the group in the accommodation lobby at 7:15am this morning as you leave Cairns in the rear-view mirror and hit the Gillies Highway, one of Queensland’s best scenic drives. Make a pit stop in Little Mulgrave for refreshments then make tracks for Yungaburra, a charming rural town bursting with history and heritage sites. On arrival, meet you leader for your official welcome meeting and pre-trek briefing, where you’ll be issued with your pack bags and be introduced to some of the best travel buddies you’ll ever have – an endearing team of pack donkeys. These four-legged trekkers are well-loved and looked after and trained in carrying bags across all sorts of terrains, allowing you access to parts of the Atherton Tablelands that can’t be accessed by vehicles, while also providing excellent company along the way! The donkeys will be led by an expert guide who will make sure they’re having as good a time as you are. Then it’s time to set out along the Peterson Creek Walking Track – if you’re really lucky you may even see platypus or Lumholtz tree-kangaroos. For a taste of local culture this evening you may like to get together for dinner and drinks Yungaburra’s iconic pub. (L)

Get your donkey friends saddled up this morning before walking from Yungaburra to Lake Eacham. Here you’ll take some time out to enjoy the lake and the surrounding Crater Lakes National Park. Perhaps take a refreshing dip in Lake Eacham’s clear blue waters, or head into the park to explore a series of walking tracks shaded by lush rainforest. Retire to your accommodation for the evening and sit down for drinks around the campfire followed by dinner. (B/L/D)

After breakfast this morning, set off for a walk along a network of country lanes and through diverse rainforest before eventually arriving at the Peeramon Hotel where you’ll sit down for a well-deserved lunch and soak in spectacular views of the Tablelands. After lunch, trek downhill towards the Malanda Hotel, and if time permits, continue to the Malanda Falls and swimming pool. Built in 1906, this heritage-listed swimming pool is surrounded by beautiful rainforest and the perfect spot to cool down after a long day of walking. If you’re not in the mood for a swim, you may prefer to explore the surrounding Malanda Falls Environment Park in search of tree kangaroos. Return to the Malanda Hotel and enjoy a classic Australian dinner in the grand dining room. (B/L)

Wake up for a final fireside breakfast, bid farewell to your donkey friends then begin the journey back to Cairns, stopping en route in the scenic little mountain village of Kuranda. Your adventure will come to an end upon your arrival in Cairns. (B)