Malanda South east from Atherton is Malanda a
picturesque rural town at the centre of a thriving dairy industry and
boasts the longest milk run in the world (all the way to Alice
Springs)! Supported by over 190 local dairy farmers, a Friesian cow is
not an unusual sight on your journey to Millaa Millaa. Set
in rolling green hills interspersed with pockets of rainforest, Malanda
is 800 metres above sea level providing a climate of mild summer days
and cool winter evenings. It also has Australia's oldest operating
picture theatre, complete with canvas seats. Local wildlife
includes many species of rare rainforest animals and birds such as tree
climbing kangaroos, platypus, echidnas, cassowary, bandicoots and
possums. Miles of scenic drives reveal a diverse range of agricultural
activities including macadamia, tea, avocados, flowers, timber, beef
cattle, deer, pigs, poultry and redclaw crayfish. A
highlight of any visit to Malanda is the Malanda Environmental Centre
where the geological history of the Tableland, the subsequent
development of the cool wet climate, and the resulting
inter-relationships of the local ecosystem are informatively explained.
To the south west of Malanda you will also find Bromfield
Swamp, a bird watchers paradise with magpie geese, brolgas and sarus
cranes. Starting with Malanda Falls which feeds into the
local swimming pool, and incorporates a picnic and BBQ area set in the
rainforest, the road continues from Malanda to Millaa Millaa via
Tarzali, and on to Ravenshoe, and undoubtedly reveals the most
breathtaking views on the Atherton Tableland. Millaa Millaa
Millaa Millaa is a quiet, peaceful village, and is the centre of the
famous 17 kilometre long Waterfall Circuit to the east of town.
Visitors from around the world "do the circuit" that includes Mungalli
Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls Zillie Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, and a host of
others. Southeast along the old Palmerston
Highway on the way to Ravenshoe are Souita and Pepina Falls. All are
spectacular in their own unique way, and are surrounded by the peaceful
serenity of the rainforest that can be experienced in many locations
along walking trails. Most waterfalls are within 10
kilometres of Millaa Millaa, are readily accessible by conventional
vehicle and feature picnic facilities and parking areas.
Just west of Millaa Millaa on McHugh Road, is the Millaa Millaa (or
Gentle Annie) Lookout, which is probably the most popular lookout on
the Tableland and presents a highly photographed vista with 180 degree
views from the north west to the south east, including the distant
coastal areas of Innisfail, and the volcanic peaks scattered across the
Tableland. Further west 5km past Ravenshoe
on the Kennedy Highway, are the widest falls in Australia, the
Millstream Falls. The Kennedy Highway continues through to Mt Garnet
providing opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Australian Outback as
the rainforests and pastures give way to the browns and oranges of the
Outback.
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