Tinaroo Haven Holiday Lodge

Atherton Tablelands

Atherton is situated on rich red volcanic soil on the Atherton Tablelands (also known as Cairns Highlands) and has an abundance of natural attractions and beauty such as waterfalls, scenic views, walking tracks, rainforest, native animals, and prime agricultural land growing fruit and vegetables such as peanuts, maize, corn, potatoes, avocados, mangos, lychees, macadamia nuts, and dairy and beef cattle.

Atherton is approximately 100kms south-west of Cairns in the highlands (and ranges from 500m to 1280m above sea level covering 620km² in area). Bus Services operate daily from Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands and Highlands.

The climate is tropical and in Winter the days are fine and sunny, the maximum temperature reaching the mid 20’s with crisp nights. Summer temperatures are slightly warmer but not hot and rainfall can be variable.

James Mulligan, explorer and prospector, was the first European to see the Tablelands in 1875, however the region is named after John Atherton, explorer, who settled in the area in 1877. He settled at the junction of Emerald Creek and the Barron River and formed Emerald End Station. When he found alluvial tin in the headwaters of the creek, he reputedly yelled "tin-hurroo" to his mate - hence the name of the area. Some recommended attractions in Atherton would be:

	Platypus Park This park is located on Herberton Road heading towards Herberton, 5 minutes out of Atherton. Barbecues are supplied for your convenience and the park has a fenced playground area. The main attraction of this park is the local platypus.
	Hou Wang Temple Located a short walk from Platypus Park on Herberton Road is the 100 year old Joss House (Hou Wang Temple). The temple has recently undergone restoration. The site also houses an Interpretation Centre and Art Gallery. A grant from the State and Federal Governments as part of the Heritage Trails Network has enabled the redevelopment of the site which was once a thriving Chinatown in Atherton. The site and temple was bought by a number of Chinese families who donated it to the National Trust in 1979. It is the only temple outside China known to be dedicated to Hou Wang and is the only surviving timber and iron temple in Queensland. The Temple contains a substantial number of original artefacts. The Chinese were pioneers of agriculture in North Queensland and as such played an important role in opening up the Atherton area for settlement
	Hallorans Hill Lookout Atherton is built on the side of an extinct volcano – Hallorans Hill. Take the walking track (1.5km) you’ll see a curtain fig tree, miniature waterfalls rock pools and rainforest. Once you reach the lookout, you’ll experience sweeping views across some of the richest farming land in North Queensland, "The Seven Sisters" and Lake Tinaroo. Both Hallorans Hill and The Seven Sisters are the cinder cones of extinct volcanoes.
	Mt Hypipamee National Park Visit Mt Hypipamee National Park and see the Crater formed as a result of escaping gases blasting a vent hole clean through solid granite. The Crater is some 120 metres deep with a 70 metre pool of still water. Situated approximately 25 kilometres from Atherton on the Kennedy Highway. Whilst here take the walking track which will lead you to Dinner Falls and see the various mountain falls and enjoy a swim in the various swimming holes along the way. These Falls become the Barron River which flows into the ocean at Cairns.
	Hasties Swamp If you are a keen bird watcher, Atherton has both *Hasties Swamp* and *Wongabel Botanical Walk* where various bird species frequent throughout the year. This is an absolute birdwatcher’s delight. Hasties Swamp is located in Koci Road, Atherton and sightings of Jacanas, large flocks of Whistling-Ducks, Magpie Geese, Sarus Cranes and Brolgas can be expected. Victoria’s Riflebirds, Tooth-billed Bowerbirds can be seen on the Wongabel Botanical Walk which is only 9 kilometres from Atherton.
	Danbulla State Forest Take a tour by car through the natural rainforest of the Tablelands. Throughout the trip you will also see plantations of pine and eucalypt trees, rainforest of the State Forest and Wet Tropics. The road is suitable for conventional vehicles and is a very comfortable and enjoyable drive. Start your tour from Danbulla Road (Lake Tinaroo) and this scenic drive will lead you to "The Chimneys" and the Cathedral Fig before reaching your destination at Boar Pocket Road (Gillies Highway). It is not unusual to see native rainforest animals such as Scrub Turkey Hens and cassowaries wandering beside the roadway and occasionally crossing your path. You could be surprised at any time during this tour with the presence of other native animals.
	Lake Tinaroo Construction began on the 17th of December 1955 and was completed on the 1st of November 1958. Tinaroo Dam was constructed to supply water to the Mareeba - Dimbulah Irrigation Area. Storage Capacity is 407,000 Megalitres, Area is 3,360 Hectares, the length of shoreline is 209 kilometres. Tinaroo Dam is built on the Barron River and supplies water for drinking, and irrigation for farming.
Barrumundi Barramundi are one of the greatest sportfish, and to many anglers, represents close to an ideal opponent. Once these fish were numerous throughout tropical Australia, but overfishing and other pressures have reduced their natural numbers. Due to breeding programmes, fish have been released into many dams and waterways. One of these dams is Lake Tinaroo. The fish in Tinaroo have become very large. Fish of 15-25kg are common. Lake Tinaroo is the only place in Australia where Barramundi can be caught and legally kept all year round. In Queensland there is a closed season on Barramundi, from 1st of November to the 1st of February each year. Legal size of Barramundi is 58cm. There is no limit on the maximum size at Tinaroo. The barramundi do have to be tagged if caught during the closed barramundi season. Catching Barramundi The winter months of May, June and July. The best approach is live baits (mouth almighty) fished about 300mm under a gloat. In summer the fish will respond to live baits and lures. Best times are early morning and late afternoon. Other varieties of fish that can be caught: Sooty Grunter, Mouth Almighty, Sleepy Cod, Archer Fish, Striped Grunter and Eeltail Catfish (Jew) all respond to bait. Red Claw Red claw is a species of fresh water crayfish native to tropical Queensland and the Northern Territory. Mature males have a distinctive red patch on each of the large claws. Hence the name "Red Claw". Adult crayfish are omnivorous, consuming a variety of plant and animal material. Catching Red Claw Traps are used (opera house) baited with many different types of bait such as potatoes, mangoes, dry dog food and fresh fish. The traps must be of a legal design 600mm x 200mm with funnels no larger then 100mm in diameter.