Atherton Tablelands Food & Wine Tasting Tour from Cairns
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; you should be comfortable with a full day of short walks and getting on/off a minivan.
Overview
Spend a day tasting your way through the Atherton Tablelands on this full‑day tour from Cairns. Visit crater lakes, family farms, a platypus pond and boutique distilleries while sampling regional cheeses, tropical fruits and artisan ice cream.
Atherton Tablelands Food & Wine Tasting Tour from Cairns
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You step off the air‑conditioned minivan and the tablelands reach toward you—cooler air, bright green paddocks and a crater lake that stares back like a calm eye. Breakfast at Lake Barrine arrives on a wooden table in the original Victorian tearoom: local coffee, thick jam on warm scones and the first of many flavors that will define the day. From the shore the rainforest leans close; birds keep time with the clink of cutlery and the soft hum of the group getting to know one another.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Notify for allergies
Let the operator know of any food allergies or dietary requirements before travel — many tastings are unique and not easily swapped.
Bring a reusable bottle
Carry a refillable water bottle; hydration is crucial during a long day at altitude and between tastings.
Layer for temperature shifts
Mornings at the crater lakes are cool while inland stops can warm quickly—pack a light jacket.
Cash and cards
Most vendors accept cards but small purchases at farm stalls may prefer cash—carry a small amount.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Platypus
- Agile wallaby and various rainforest birds
History
The Atherton Tablelands are formed from ancient volcanic flows; crater lakes like Barrine and Eacham are breached volcanic maars and have shaped local agriculture for centuries.
Conservation
The area supports sensitive freshwater ecosystems—respect viewing rules at platypus habitats and support small producers who use sustainable farming practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cairns
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Low‑impact, closed shoes are useful for short farm walks and pond boardwalks.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the long day and reduces single‑use plastic.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Open paddocks and garden tastings offer little shade—protect against Queensland sun.
summer specific
Light jacket or fleece
Morning and late afternoon temperatures on the tablelands can be noticeably cooler than the coast.
winter specific