Tolga

The striking red volcanic soils around Tolga produce a swag of mangoes, strawberries, avocados and cut flowers. The town is at the centre of The Golden Triangle of produce and with its historic buildings and shady trees is a pretty picture of relaxed country living.

Like Atherton, Tolga began life as a staging post on the track, then welcomed the railway which stretched all the way to Millaa Millaa and played an important role in establishing the local dairy industry.

At the outbreak of World War 11, the region became a training centre and staging base for Allied forces. During 1943-1945 the entire Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands became the largest military base in Australia hosting between 100,000 and 300,000 troops from 140 different units
The Rocky Creek War Memorial Park was established a decade ago to honour the many men and women who served. The land was originally the site of the largest field hospital in the southern hemisphere where an estimated 60,000 patients were treated. Dedication ceremonies are held in the park each year on the Sunday nearest VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day, 15th August 1945. The park features commemorative stone markers for military units with a special area reserved for Allied and community plaques.

Tolga's foremost attraction is the established fine woodwork gallery, Tolga Woodworks, on the main road. As well as exquisitely crafted handmade timber pieces ranging from small spinning tops and bowls to fine furniture, the gallery features a large array of hand forged iron and hammered steel, ceramics, fused glass and silver jewellery which showcases the collective talents of North Queensland's finest artisans. There's also a cafe. For something different, check out the carved totem poles in Tolga's main street.

The quirkily named Bones Knob Lookout - an old volcano - overlooks the western mountains of the Great Dividing Range and the slopes of Halloran's Hill towards Atherton.

Heading to Atherton, the road turns into a leafy canopy of rainforest at the Tolga Scrub.

The Tolga markets are held on the first Sunday of every month at the racecourse. Roadside produce stalls like the The Humpy are a great way to say 'G'day' to a local and enjoy treats like roasted peanuts, local jams and freshly picked, seasonal fruits. Plantation tours are available by appointment at Wondaree Macadamias, where you can sample the fresh flavours of this Australian bush nut and see how they grow.

Walkamin
At Walkamin, north of Tolga, Nardello's Lagoon is a peaceful retreat with water birds and a short trip along the back roads will take you through banana plantations to North Queensland's first and only distillery at Mt Uncle. Visit the cellar door to taste their excellent fruit liqueurs.

In the hills are bed & breakfasts and modern boutique accommodation like Allawah Retreat, which features private spas in each luxury cabin and superb views of the surrounding patchwork of fields. The cafe at Tolga Woodworks serves fresh and delicious lunches and teas daily.

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