Atherton Shire is located 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.

If you enjoy towns that have retained that country charm of yesteryear but have modern facilities and technology, then Atherton Shire is a must on your travel itinerary, as all the towns of the Shire - Atherton, Tolga, Kairi, and Tinaroo - contribute to make this a special characteristic of Atherton Shire. 

To travel to Atherton Shire which is 90kms south-west of Cairns in the highlands (and ranges from 500m to 1280m above sea level covering 620km² in area), can be by air (arriving in Cairns), and road.  Bus services operate daily from Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands and Highlands.

You will enjoy the tropical climate that the Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands is renown for  - pleasant temperatures ranging between 17°C and 25°C, September to June and between 5°C and 14°C from July to August, cool summer nights and mild, sunny winter days without the high humidity experienced in coastal areas.

The shire's total population of approximately 10,500 people is currently growing at a rate of about 1.9%. 

Atherton, in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands (Cairns Highlands), has much to offer, and we invite you to tour our site and enjoy.