Gillies Range Road & Atherton Tablelands
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Australia drives

Gillies Range Road & Atherton Tablelands

Australia · Far North Queensland

Five verified stages from Gordonvale into the Atherton Tablelands.

81 miles · 1-2 Days · 6 rally points

Guide statusPublished and available
Editorial updateAugust 11, 2026
Road conditionsVerify locally

The route

This verified route climbs from Gordonvale on the Gillies Highway, visits Yungaburra, Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine, then continues through Atherton to Millaa Millaa Falls.

The range road has frequent bends, wet-weather hazards and wildlife risk. Check QLDTraffic, drive to the visible stopping distance and use designated pullouts for slower traffic.

May to October generally provides the driest touring conditions. Rain can still arrive quickly, so keep extra braking distance and avoid rushing the descent.

“The Gillies climb exchanges the coast for rainforest, crater lakes and high-country farmland.”

The whole Drive Pack, not just a line on a map.

This complete edition includes the practical tools, considered places and editorial context listed below.

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Route

Exact route map

The complete route, every rally point and sequential navigation links ready to open in Google Maps.

Itinerary

Full rally-point itinerary

A day-by-day sequence with distances, driving time and the stops that shape the journey.

Field notes

Road character & timing

Surface notes, corner character, suggested departure windows and the stretches that demand attention.

PDF

Downloadable roadbook

A premium PDF edition of the complete Drive Pack, designed for print and reliable offline use.

Web + PDF

Pre-drive checklist

Interactive and printable checks for the car, fuel, bookings, weather and offline navigation.

Live tools

Live departure desk

Official road-condition links and practical departure checks gathered in one place.

Curated

Stops, stays & tables

Curated accommodation, restaurants, wineries and worthwhile pauses matched to the route.

Route map

See the territory. Keep the discovery.

The shaded area shows the landscape of the drive. Members receive the verified road, sequence and navigation.

Explore the route region
  1. 01

    Day 1 , Evening

    Gordonvale

    20.9 miles · 42 minutes driving, plus stops
  2. 02

    Day 1 , Morning

    Gillies Range Road

    20.9 miles · 42 minutes driving, plus stops

  3. Days 2–3 · Member Drive Pack

    The rest of the journey

    4 further rally points with verified routing, timings and road notes

Day by day

The drive, unfolded.

Gordonvale01

Day 1 , Evening

Gordonvale

Gordonvale to Gillies Range

Gordonvale is a small sugar-cane town 25 km south of Cairns, sitting at the base of the Gillies Range. The town is dominated by Walsh's Pyramid , a 922-metre natural pyramid that is the world's highest free-standing natural pyramid. Fill the tank and grab a coffee at the Gordonvale Bakery before the climb begins.

Distance
20.9 miles
Drive time
42 minutes driving, plus stops
Gillies Range Road02

Day 1 , Morning

Gillies Range Road

Gordonvale to Gillies Range

The Gillies Range Road is 19 km of continuous climbing through tropical rainforest , 263 corners, 800 metres of elevation gain, and a road surface that demands respect. The corners are tight and many are blind. The rainforest canopy closes overhead, creating dappled light and a green tunnel effect.

Distance
20.9 miles
Drive time
42 minutes driving, plus stops

Complete Drive Pack

4 more rally points await.

The complete itinerary includes exact timings, road character, every stop and the downloadable roadbook.

Public preview · 2 of 6 rally points
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Beyond the road

Worth stopping for.

Places selected because they belong to the journey, not because they happened to be nearby.

Food & wine

European$$$

Nick's Swiss-Italian Restaurant

Yungaburra

A Tablelands institution, Swiss-Italian cuisine in a heritage building. The fondue, the veal, and the homemade pasta are excellent. Book ahead on weekends. This place is known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a cozy atmosphere. Don't miss their signature dish, which perfectly captures the essence of the region's culinary traditions. The wine list features excellent local selections that pair wonderfully with the menu. It's a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking for an authentic taste of the area. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it perfect for both casual and special occasions. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate about the menu, always ready to offer recommendations that enhance your dining experience. A true culinary gem in the Atherton Tablelands.

Teahouse$

Lake Barrine Teahouse

Lake Barrine

Devonshire teas and light lunches on the shore of a volcanic crater lake. The scones are freshly baked and the setting is magical. Take the rainforest cruise after lunch. This place is known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a cozy atmosphere. Don't miss their signature dish, which perfectly captures the essence of the region's culinary traditions. The wine list features excellent local selections that pair wonderfully with the menu. It's a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking for an authentic taste of the area. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it perfect for both casual and special occasions. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate about the menu, always ready to offer recommendations that enhance your dining experience. A true culinary gem in the Atherton Tablelands.

Coffee & Café$$

Jaques Coffee Plantation

Mareeba

Tour a working coffee plantation and taste single-origin Australian coffee. The café serves excellent coffee and cakes. One of the few places in Australia where coffee is grown commercially. This place is known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a cozy atmosphere. Don't miss their signature dish, which perfectly captures the essence of the region's culinary traditions. The wine list features excellent local selections that pair wonderfully with the menu. It's a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking for an authentic taste of the area. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it perfect for both casual and special occasions. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate about the menu, always ready to offer recommendations that enhance your dining experience. A true culinary gem in the Atherton Tablelands.

Where to stay

Cottage$$$

Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages

Lake Eacham

Secluded cottages in the rainforest between the crater lakes. Private, peaceful, and surrounded by wildlife. The perfect base for exploring the Tablelands. Each room offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities including a swimming pool, spa, and fine dining restaurant. The personalized service ensures a memorable experience, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. The serene environment and luxurious amenities provide a perfect escape, allowing you to unwind and recharge amidst nature's beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, this accommodation offers an unparalleled experience in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands.

Retreat$$$

Eden House

Yungaburra

A luxury retreat in the Tablelands with spa, restaurant, and rainforest setting. The rooms are spacious and the food is excellent. The finest accommodation on the Tablelands. Each room offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities including a swimming pool, spa, and fine dining restaurant. The personalized service ensures a memorable experience, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. The serene environment and luxurious amenities provide a perfect escape, allowing you to unwind and recharge amidst nature's beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, this accommodation offers an unparalleled experience in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands.

Before departure

Know before you go.

Fuel

Ensure your tank is full before embarking on longer stretches. Fuel stations can be sparse in remote areas of the Atherton Tablelands.

Mobile Signal

Mobile phone coverage can be intermittent in certain parts of the range. Download offline maps and communicate important travel plans in advance.

Reservations

For popular dining spots and unique accommodations, especially during peak season, it's highly recommended to make reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Navigation App

A reliable navigation app with offline map capabilities is essential. Consider apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and route planning.

Local Tips

Always carry sufficient water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Be mindful of wildlife on the roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Respect local customs and natural environments.

Continue exploring

More roads in Australia.

The complete journey

Take the full route with you.

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