Herberton

Jacaranda trees, wattles, and bottlebrush provide a colourful accent to Herberton's well preserved buildings and inviting streets. Heritage themed walks criss-cross the town, walking trails cover the timber clad hills, and pack donkey walks are the way to see the surrounding highlands.

With the discovery of large deposits of tin near the Wild River in 1880, miners flocked to Herberton from the fading gold mines to the north. Herberton, named after the first premier of Queensland, was the first town to be established on the Cairns Highlands/Atherton Tablelands.

The cool, dry climate has preserved much of the past. Visitors can wander along the charming streets of the town's heritage precinct to view the region's two oldest continuously licensed hotels, miners' cottages, historic stores, classic Queenslanders, and the original School of Arts - the first public building on the Tablelands.

The recently opened Herberton Mining and Information Centre occupies the site of the first big tin discovery at the Great Northern Mine. Themed areas tell the fascinating story of Herberton's mining history and trace the town's development over the years. There are several mineral collections on display plus a small theatrette for multi-media displays. Exhibits are being added to regularly, and the young - and not so young - can try their hand at tin panning in the courtyard.

The signature Great Northern Mine Walk is a popular short walk over well-formed pathways, and leads visitors past the three main mineshafts that contributed the lion's share of the tin mined at Herberton.

A self-guided Heritage Walk through the streets passes nine Photoposts reliving scenes from Herberton's early history, each cleverly positioned so visitors can enjoy the contrast of past scenes with the reality of the present day.

The Mining Centre is also the starting point for other Great Northern Walking Trails, a series of self-guided walks of various lengths and challenges.

To follow in the footsteps of early explorers, you can arrange to join local expeditions which offer guided walks and overnight adventures using pack donkeys following historic mule roads. The campfire camaraderie is wonderful, and it's an excellent way to see Herberton's amazing wildflowers.

Ye Olde Camera and Photography Museum is a must-see for enthusiasts, as well as anyone with an interest in the unusual. It houses an international, world class collection of cameras of every styIe and configuration and includes examples of micro spy cameras. In contrast, a nearby image gallery showcases a modern blend of artistry and photoqraphy.

The scenic Wild River Park is a quiet retreat close to the centre of town. A short walking trail follows the path of the river. Relax over a barbeque or picnic, and look out for over a 100 species of birds which have been identified in the area.

Hospitality abounds in Herberton. A caravan park caters with sites, cabins and a store, B&B's, hotels and homestay options are increasing, and the former post office, now called Herberton Heritage Cottage, offers grand suites accented with period furnishings.

A stay in Herberton will also allow you to experience its wonderful uplands climate. At 1000 metres above sea level, Herberton is a welcome relief from the humid coastal tropics.

While you relax, pamper yourself at one of several well-being clinics in the town offering acupuncture, massage, fitness, beauty and relaxation therapies.

Herberton's wonderful combination of natural and built heritage is unique. This 'jewel in the hills' is truly a living museum, a must-see destination, and a visit to this vibrant, friendly community will remain a treasured memory.

Irvinebank
Some 30 kilometres further west is Irvinebank, originally founded as a tin settlement in the hills behind the main mine at Herberton. It's a town filled with character and outback folklore. Visit Loudoun House Museum and journey to the very centre of a long lost mining empire. The house was once the home of mining magnate John Moffat, who had a mining operation extending from Chillagoe to Mt Carbine and who played a critical role in the development of the port towns of Cairns and Port Douglas.

Sit and have a picnic under the magnificent fig trees that line the road, hire a local guide (ask at the Museum) who will reveal the town's colourful history.

The new Tin Town Gallery located in the high street is a showcase for local artists. It's situated inside the historic Post Office building which, although built a century ago, still looks a picture. Wander through the original Police Station, built in 1886, and see its courtroom and even venture into the old jail outside,

Places to visit include the Ibis Dam - a pretty picnic spot - and the Town Common beside McDonalds Creek, where visitors can camp for free and access the newly built amenities block.

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