Atherton Tableland

From Freepedia

The Atherton Tableland is part of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland, Australia. It is inland from Cairns, well into the tropics, but its elevated position provides a climate suitable for dairy farming. The principal river flowing across the plateau is the Barron River, which was dammed to form an irrigation reservoir named Lake Tinaroo.

The area was originally explored for its mining potential where tin deposits and a little gold were found.

Towns on the Atherton Tableland

Industry

Crops have been grown on the Tableland since the early twentieth century. Chinese immigrants successfully grew maize up until the end of World War 1, when the Federal Government established the Soldier Settlement Scheme, and the Chinese were replaced by Scottish settlers with little experience of tropical conditions.

Crops grown today include cane, corn, maize, beans, strawberries, macadamia nuts and lettuce. Tobacco was also grown for many years. Cattle grazing and poultry also present on the Tableland.

Tourism also contributes to the Tableland economy, with Tinaroo Dam being the focal point. Yungaburra is also becoming a tourist destination with a number of restauraunts and Bed and Breakfasts.