ABOUT YUNGABURRA
The quaint historical village of Yungaburra weaves it’s web on you at your first visit and you will find yourself returning time and again. It has retained an old world charm, a warm country atmosphere and a strong sense of community. The serene beauty of the area makes it a popular tourist destination.
Nestled amongst rolling green hills, near the shores of Lake Tinaroo, Yungaburra is an ideal location to enjoy the scenic beauty and natural attractions of the Atherton Tableland. Its close proximity to the unique and picturesque volcanic lakes of Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine, the curtain fig trees, waterfalls, national parks, wet-tropics rainforest, dry sclerophyll forests and walking trails provide the opportunity to spot our unique wild life: lumholtz tree kangaroos; platypus; southern cassowary; possums; spotted quolls; musky rat kangaroos; gliders; water dragons; native fish; turtles, sarus cranes; brolgas; Gouldian finches, frogs, a variety of water birds and the stunning Ulysses (azure blue) and Cairns birdwing butterflies .
Yungaburra is the ideal central point for a visit to enjoy all the attractions and spend the evening dining at one of the fine restaurants or mix with the locals at historic Lake Eacham Hotel. This has made the area a popular place to live or for holiday homes and guesthouse for the people from the coast (Cairns to Townsville) to escape the oppressive heat of summer. The village being approximately 740 metres above sea level provides cool relief from the climate of Far North Queensland’s tropical coast. The area is often referred to as the ‘air-conditioned’ tablelands.
Yungaburra, a village of approximately 1100 people has retained many of its original buildings, still in use today. A stroll along the streets offers a glimpse of a fascinating past which started in the early 1880s as an overnight stop for miners and settlers who came from the coast on their way to the gold and tin fields further west. After construction of a sawmill and completion of a railway line linking Cairns and Yungaburra, the town saw a period of rapid development near the railway station, which included houses, a number of shops, a hotel and churches. Later a bank, a school and police station were established.
Yungaburra is also the home to the famous Yungaburra Markets held on the fourth Sunday of each month, which is the biggest and most popular of all Tableland markets. Also home to the very popular Yungaburra Folk Festival is held each year.
Lake Tinnaroo is popular for fishing (barramundi & red claw), sailing, water-skiing, picnics and swimming. Enjoy the drive around the lake and watch the changes in landscape.
Crater Lakes National Park
Lake Eacham: A short, scenic drive through world heritage rainforest leads to a superb volcanic crater lake with deep clear waters, and a 4.5 km walking track around its perimeter. Perfect for a swim on a hot summer’s day with all facilities provided for a picnic or BBQ on the grassy foreshore.
Lake Barrine: The larger of the twin crater lakes has been operating as a tourist destination since the 1920s. A short walk will find 1100 year old Twin Kauri Pines or enjoy a 6.5 km walk around the lake, a lake cruise, lunch or Devonshire tea at the tea house at the waters edge.
The Atherton Tablelands or Cairns Highlands boasts many excellent restaurants using local produce from the rich farmland, a region which produces dairy products, cheeses, yoghurts, fresh milk, tropical fruits, nuts and grains, strawberries, other fruits and vegetables. Long extinct volcanos in the area ensure deep rich volcanic soil as well as many different soil types and a great variation in topography and vegetation.
Yungaburra is approximately one hour’s drive from Cairns and just 13 kilometres from Atherton which is the hub of the Atherton Tablelands.
Facilities include: Post Office, Supermarket, hotel, butcher, Chemist, medical centre, library, cafés and restaurants, Primary School, Police Station, kindergarten, churches, motels, B & B's, backpackers hostel, lawn bowls and tennis.
Population: 1100 approx
Elevation: 760 metres
Rainfall: 1400mm p.a. approx.
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