Self Guided Excursions

The committee has investigated a number of DIY (self-drive) excursions that you might like to undertake on one or more of the free time slots available on the program, detailed further below. These will not be organised by the committee and thus will need to be booked and paid for by you.

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot air ballooning is an iconic activity on the Atherton Tablelands. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn, floating in your Hot Air Balloon, time to really breathe in the wide-open spaces!

Meet the pilot and crew at the Mareeba Heritage Centre, 345 Byrnes St, Mareeba, at 6:00am. You’ll be transported to the lift-off area for a 6:30 flight lasting about 90 minutes. A complimentary glass of bubbles or juice will be yours upon landing, before being returned to the Heritage Centre about 8:00am.

We have earmarked 3 mornings where this activity won’t clash too much with other Muster activities.

Wednesday 2^nd September
Thursday 3^rd September
Friday 4^th September

Remember, you’ll probably need to book before the commencement of the Muster. The cost is in the order of $390 per person.

To make Bookings visit the website

Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail

This is a truly amazing experience, unique to the Tablelands. Kuranda Scenic Rail is one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia steeped firmly in Australian Pioneer history. The original Kuranda Scenic Railway is a spectacular journey comprising unsurpassed views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls. This famous railway winds its way on a journey of approximately 90 Minutes from Cairns to Kuranda.

The Kuranda Skyrail Station is located next to the Kuranda Scenic Rail Station and a short 5-minute walk from the famous village of Kuranda.

From here, you’ll board the cable car and glide just meters above the rainforest canopy, descending through the canopy layers and deep into the heart of the rainforest. You’ll be amazed at the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you on this incredible 7.5km journey.

Travel up to Kuranda Village on the Kuranda Scenic Railway then back on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Your day starts at Skyrail Smithfied where you catch the shuttle bus to Freshwater Station to board the Kuranda Scenic Railway. At the end of the day, you will return to Skyrail Smithfield where your vehicle is parked.

Time Options

08:50am Train | 12:30pm Skyrail
09:50am Train | 02:00pm Skyrail

Go online for other options and prices. You’ll need to allow a full day, and allow 1hour drive each way to Smithfield Terminal.

Check the Muster program to decide which day works best for you. The program shows this activity on Friday 4^th September, being the day when no other at-camp group activities are scheduled, however the choice is yours.

To make Bookings visit the website

Herberton Historic Village

Set on 16 acres, the Historic Village Herberton is a tin mining town with shops, pub, bank, chemist, grocer, printer, and garage. There are more than 50 restored period buildings making this outdoor museum the most significant in Queensland. Plan to spend the day and take your time taking in thousands of genuine antiques, Australian collectibles, vintage machinery and vehicles, and more.

Herberton is located 55km south of the Muster site. The Village is open 7 days a week from 10:00am to 4:00pm (last entry 2:30pm).

Booking is advisable, though possibly not essential. Check the Muster program to decide which day works best for you.

For more details, checkout the village website

Atherton Herberton Historic Railway and Museum

1.5km from the Village is the Atherton Herberton Historic Railway and Museum.

The railway is a not-for-profit organisation formed, run and managed by a group of passionate volunteers who are dedicated to bringing the old railway history, that dates back to 1910, the year the railway arrived in Herberton, back to life for the benefit of the Tableland community and visitors.

The owned rail network includes 22 km of rail track from Herberton Railway station and workshops to Atherton’s Platypus Park Railway Station.

In Herberton there is the Herberton Railway Station, Railway Museum, Sleeper Cutters Display Shed, Railway Refreshment Room, the main railway workshop, and maintenance centre that supports overall operations.

Check out their prices and running times on the website