Malanda

Nestled high in the Atherton Tablelands of Tropical North Queensland and surrounded by lush rainforest, the picturesque village of Malanda seems an unlikely place to find a dairy. But find one you will. In fact you'll find dozens around this small community known as the dairy capital of northern Australia.

Located 10 minutes from the town of Atherton and just under an hour from Cairns, there are many reasons to include Malanda on your holiday itinerary.

Right on the edge of town are the Malanda Falls where you may be lucky enough to spy a platypus, tree-kangaroo, birds, butterflies or dancing Brolga in the surrounding forest. Enjoy a picnic on the bank or go for a refreshing dip in this crocodile-free section of the Johnson River.

In town, be sure to follow the Malanda Art Trail, a series of painstakingly crafted mosaics that takes followers on a journey through the rich history of the area. Pay attention to the intricate detail in the designs and see if you can find the blue butterfly hidden in each mosaic!

Pay a visit to the Dairy Centre and learn more about the industry that put Malanda on the map. Take a stroll through the quaint country town past its many historic buildings, including a huge hotel complete with grand staircase and ballroom. It's said to be the largest wooden structure in Queensland.

Just 10 minutes from Malanda you'll find the Mt Hypipamee National Park, home of the beautiful rainforest-shrouded Dinner Falls and a huge water-filled crater created many thousands of years ago by a volcanic explosion.

Accommodation in Malanda includes motels, hotels, lodges, guesthouses, bed-and-breakfasts and camping.