Malanda

Black and white Friesian cattle dot the green hillsides, the township sparkles with welcoming flower gardens and beautifully worked mosaics, there's an original ancient picture theatre and a brand new dairy centre in the main street. Malanda is as pretty as a postcard and a pause at its refreshing Malanda Falls recreation area is a must.

Malanda is surrounded by green rolling dairy country with bed and breakfast places tucked away between streams and hills. The township is the centre of a highly successful dairying industry - an unusual feat in the tropics - and is an ideal place to base yourself for excursions and explorations.

Strolling around Malanda is very pleasant. Visitors can follow the mosaic trail - nine vibrant artworks created by local mosaic artists Natalie Foster and Felicity Wallis - which commemorates the rich history of the local community. From the original Aboriginal inhabitants and early settlers through to modern day Malanda, all is captured in these striking artworks.

The town features many creative and unusual shops with beautiful gifts and artworks. Take a break at the historic Malanda Hotel - step inside for a cool ale!

The Malanda Dairy Centre in the main street features an innovative 'retro' milk bar restaurant showcasing the food and produce of the region and includes a retail section, factor tours Tuesday-Thursday, and interpretive centre for the loc dairy industry.

The Malanda Falls Visitor Centre is a great place to start. A comprehensive display here focuses on the geological, cultural and natural history of the region and its rainforests. The area's traditional owners are the Ngadgon-Ji people, and part of th display focuses on their culture and lifestyle. The volunteers here can give you advice and information, and the guided rainforest walks from the centre are moderate, enjoyable trails. The Malanda Falls are next to the visitor centre and are a must-see with perfect conditions for year round swimming and picnicking.

Outside of Malanda, you can pick up your own catch of the day at Tarzali Lakes Fishing Park. Anglers of all ages can catch perch and red-claw, or take a fish farm tour through the property. The property's seven ponds and park-like gardens are a great adventure for all ages and the platypus tour is excellent with daily sightings of the shy creatures.

Tarzali is also home to beautiful Hillside Eden Gardens, an oasis where you can wander the spectacular gardens and water features, relax over a meal and a cuppa in the teahouse, or even picture your wedding in these lovely tranquil surroundings.

Many bed & breakfasts around Malanda offer activities ranging from bird-watching, butterfly spotting, platypus viewing, bush walks and swimming.

Fur'n'Feathers Tree Houses and Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat have private rainforest settings, fireplaces and spas, and inquisitive wildlife who like to entertain visitors. Sharlynn B&B offers riverside seclusion, Grandview has, as its name suggests, panoramic views to Mt Bartle Frere and five acres of award-winning landscaped gardens. River's Edge Rainforest Retreat comprises two spacious timber chalets and is located right on the Johnstone River at Malanda. The Malanda Fails Caravan Park is the closest option to the Falls themselves, and the Malanda Lodge Motel has an onsite restaurant.

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