Things to Do in Mareeba Shire
From feeding rock wallabies at Granite Gorge to floating over the Tablelands in a hot air balloon, Mareeba Shire offers an extraordinary range of experiences where rainforest meets the outback.
Granite Gorge Nature Park
Wildlife & NatureHand-feed friendly Mareeba rock wallabies in their natural boulder habitat. Explore swimming holes, waterfalls, and signed walking trails through spectacular granite formations. One of TripAdvisor's top-rated Mareeba experiences.
Open daily. Entry fees apply. BYO macropod pellets available at entry. Swimming holes, 2km walking trail, camping available.
Emerald Creek Falls
Swimming & WaterfallsA stunning natural swimming hole surrounded by tropical rainforest, accessed via a moderate 850-metre walk through the bush. Crystal-clear water cascading over rocks into deep pools perfect for cooling off.
Free entry. 850m walk each way. No facilities - bring water and supplies. Best visited in the wet season when water levels are higher.
Davies Creek National Park
Hiking & Mountain BikingA 1.1km circuit walk leads to a scenic lookout over Davies Creek Falls and the surrounding rainforest canopy. The Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park offers purpose-built trails for all skill levels through eucalypt woodland.
Free entry. Walking trail: 1.1km circuit, easy-moderate. Mountain bike park open year-round. Camping available at Davies Creek campground.
Hot Air Ballooning
Adventure & ScenicMareeba is the hot air ballooning capital of Australia. Sunrise flights drift over the Atherton Tablelands, offering panoramic views of farmland, mountains, and rainforest in the calm early morning air. An unforgettable Far North Queensland experience.
Flights depart pre-dawn, landing by mid-morning. Multiple operators including Hot Air Cairns. Includes champagne breakfast. Book in advance.
Coffee Plantations
Food & DrinkMareeba produces 70% of Australia's coffee. Tour working plantations at Jaques Coffee, Skybury Coffee, and Coffee Works. See production from tree to cup, enjoy tastings, farm-to-table meals, and buy beans direct from the source.
Jaques: guided tours and self-guided, 85,000 trees, licensed restaurant. Skybury: tours and cafe. Coffee Works: roastery tours and chocolate tastings.
Chillagoe-Mungana Caves
History & GeologyExplore 400-million-year-old limestone cave systems on ranger-guided tours through Donna, Trezkinn, and Royal Arch caves. Spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and Aboriginal rock art in one of Queensland's most remarkable geological sites.
Ranger-guided tours daily (except Christmas Day). Book through QPWS. Self-guided options also available. 2 hours drive west of Mareeba.
Kuranda Village & Markets
Shopping & CultureThe Village in the Rainforest, accessible by the iconic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway. Browse the Original Rainforest Markets (open daily) and Heritage Markets, visit Koala Gardens, Birdworld, and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
Original Markets: open 7 days. Heritage Markets: Wed-Sun 10am-3:30pm. Skyrail and Scenic Railway operate daily from Cairns/Smithfield.
Mareeba Wetlands
Birdwatching & NatureA 2,000-hectare conservation reserve and one of northern Australia's most important wetland ecosystems. Home to over 200 bird species, freshwater crocodiles, and diverse wildlife. Walking trails, bird hides, and guided tours available.
Open seasonally. Entry fees apply. Guided canoe tours, walking trails, bird hides. Best visited early morning for birdwatching.
More Things to Do
Golden Drop Winery
Boutique winery on one of Mareeba's largest mango plantations. Wine tastings, mango products, and cafe.
Mareeba Heritage Museum
TripAdvisor Hall of Fame and #1 thing to do in Mareeba. WWII history, tobacco era, and local heritage.
MakoTrac International Raceway
Go-kart racing on a purpose-built track. Fun for families and competitive racers.
Mareeba Rodeo (July)
One of North Queensland's premier rodeo events. Bull riding, barrel racing, country entertainment.
Multicultural Festival (August)
Celebrating Mareeba's diverse cultural heritage with food, music, dance, and community spirit.
Coffee Festival (September)
Annual celebration of Mareeba's coffee industry with tastings, barista competitions, and tours.
Rotary FNQ Field Days
Northern Australia's largest agricultural show. Machinery, livestock, demonstrations, and entertainment.
Lake Tinaroo
Swimming, water skiing, fishing (permit required), red claw crabbing, and lakeside picnics. 30 minutes south.
Dinden National Park
Tropical rainforest walks and mountain biking trails near Kuranda.
Motorcycle Trike Tours
Guided trike tours through the Tablelands countryside and scenic back roads.
Planning Your Visit
Mareeba is located 60 kilometres west of Cairns via the Kennedy Highway, approximately a one-hour drive up the Kuranda Range. The town sits at 443 metres elevation on the Atherton Tablelands, making it noticeably drier and sunnier than coastal Cairns.
The dry season from April to November offers the most reliable weather for outdoor activities, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The wet season from December to March brings tropical downpours but also fills the waterfalls and swimming holes. Hot air ballooning operates year-round thanks to Mareeba's sheltered position.
Many attractions are spread across the shire, so having a car is essential. Chillagoe Caves are a further 2-hour drive west of Mareeba, while Kuranda is 30 minutes east towards Cairns. The Mareeba Visitor Information Centre at the Heritage Museum on Byrnes Street is the best starting point for planning your itinerary.
Explore the Region
Kuranda Village
Markets, Skyrail, rainforest walks
Chillagoe & Outback
Caves, mining history, stargazing
Coffee Trail
Plantations, tastings, tours
Waterfalls & Swimming
Falls, swimming holes, gorges
Wildlife & Birds
Wallabies, wetlands, cassowaries
Innot Hot Springs
Natural thermal pools
Mareeba Rodeo
Annual July rodeo event
Day Trips from Cairns
Itineraries and routes
Best Time to Visit
Weather and seasons guide