Herberton

Description

If you like painting or using the camera, then visit Herberton for some inspiration. This old tin mining town south-west of Cairns has a wonderful collection of Queensland architecture - large houses with wide verandahs and the rich colours of Jacaranda trees in bloom during winter.

The well-preserved town centre offers interpretive panels highlighting historic facts. Renovated buildings include the butcher's shop, newsagency, cafe, hotel, gift and craft shops. The Interpretive Centre explains the region's extensive mining history including John Moffat's Great Northern Mine.

Stroll down memory lane to Ye Old Camera and Photographic Museum which features a camera collection and photographs using the old methods of hand colouring. The current Gillies Highway roughly follows the Robson Track used by pack horses between Trinity Inlet and Herberton. Years ago, Atherton and Yungaburra were small 'shanties', bark or slab hut eating places which were the forerunners of today's roadhouses. Travellers would eat and rest using the rainforest pockets (eucalypt forests with grasses within the dense rainforest) to spell their horses.

Herberton is still a pleasant place to take a break. The climate is usually cooler than the coast - snow has even been recorded in winter. Wonders never cease! Use Herberton as a base to visit historic Irvinebank to the west or Atherton, a short drive down the Range.There's a caravan park and well-appointed bed and breakfasts in classic buildings but no motel.