What to do and see in Atherton Tablelands, Queensland: The Best Museums

A visit to the Historic Village Herberton is like stepping back in time. Showcasing Australia’s rich and diverse history this outdoor pioneer museum is testament to an era that is long gone.Open year round to visitors, the Village collects, preserves and displays fascinating historical exhibits from across Australia. The history of this museum is also closely tied with the township of Herberton and features many priceless antiques as well as buildings that have come from the town’s ancestors.The Village currently has over 50 original buildings that date from Herberton’s foundation years. Walking through the Village, visitors are given a sense of being in a real township complete with chemist, bottle collection, school, bank, grocer’s store, frock salon, toy shop, mechanic, jail and more.

Peter Jarver Gallery is a large and beautiful, iconic art gallery featuring Peter Jarver's incredible, spectacular, panoramic, landscape photographs of Australia. These are the finest award-winning images. A must-see while visiting Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. Both overseas and domestic visitors LOVE Peter's breathtaking images.

Rainforest Gems Gallery ~ a stunning gallery set in a garden of tropical shrubs & flowers with beautiful handcraft made by the region’s top artisans - Jewellery Glass Artwork Pottery Wood Discover beautiful ceramic bowls, vases and dishes with glazes inspired by early Middle Eastern and Persian cultures featuring copper and silver lustre. Spectacular glass animals, vases and platters. Trees made from twisted aluminium wire. Stunning wall hangings of animals, birds and reptiles made with colourful glass set behind stainless steel. Beautiful hand painted silk scarves, carved wood bowls, platters and jewellery boxes. Artwork by several indigenous artists. Our Jeweller/Silversmith makes all the jewellery, in her workshop located within the gallery. You can see her designing beautiful jewellery, polishing gemstones, soldering and preparing work for casting. Visit us in Tolga on the spectacular Atherton Tablelands, a scenic tropical drive 1¼ hours from Cairns, 1½ hours from Port Douglas.

Artistree Gallery is a local artisan-owned business proudly showcasing the work of talented Tablelands and North Qld artists, woodworkers and craftspeople. You'll be inspired by the beautiful quality artworks, furniture, pottery, sculpture, jewellery and handcrafted gifts. Next door to Global Free style Boutique and Whistle Stop Cafe

Emu Ridge Gallery is the famous Fossil/Gemstone Museum and gift shop in the township of Kuranda, Far North Queensland; well known for displaying a life-size, museum quality Allosaurus skeleton. It all began as a collaboration between two enthusiastic and passionate gemstone fossickers, Chris Maaten and Shane Hebbard. Chris and Shane spent many decades fossicking, cutting and polishing the crystals and gems found and soon turned their hobby into a business, officially commencing in July, 2001. Proudly celebrating 18 years of being open as of the 1st of July 2019, Chris and Shane continue to source natural authentic Gems, Crystals, Minerals and Fossils from likeminded fossickers and collectors from around the world with Australia being the main source. Our gift shop consists of a wide range of Australian gemstone jewellery, locally sourced gems, crystals and fossils. Chris and Shane hope to share their passion with their free Gemstone and Fossil Museum that runs underneath the shop.

Didi La Baysse Art Studio & Gallery, is Kuranda's newest art space. It is a beautifully presented and delightful working studio with original paintings and unique 'Objets d'art' created on location by flamboyant Kuranda artist Didi La Baysse. The gallery also features artworks from local artisans including glass, pottery and jewellery. If you are looking for a unique souvenir, gift or anything special, Didi's Art Studio and Gallery is a must see!! Come and have a look and enjoy the artwork. Opening Hours can vary **To avoid disappointment please contact Didi to confirm Opening hours for your visit. Appointment Highly Recommended.

Sue Krucker is a multi-skilled contemporary artist, whose practice includes printmaking, mosaics, stained glass lead lighting, painting and jewellery making. The graphic style in her practice combines her diverse ethnic heritage with a strong passion for intuitive experimentation. The results presents a style varying from abstract to tessellates to intricate relief carvings. Sue enjoys working across the fields of Fine and Contemporary art, in her purpose-built studio and gallery in Yungaburra, on the Atherton Tablelands, in North Queensland. Set on a hill on her rural hobby farm, the gallery houses unique and original creations, all hand made on site, by Sue. Situated only 2km from the village centre, the gallery boasts spectacular views of Lake Tinaroo, surrounding countryside and the family’s menagerie of animals. Watch Sue as she creates limited edition linocut prints and one-offs, mosaics, hand printed calico bags, Scented Soy Wax Candles, beaded key rings and jewellery, cards and more. Her works make ideal gifts and mementos of your time spent in this beautiful part of the Tablelands. Commissions welcome. Open Daily, Free Entry.