The Atherton Tablelands in Queensland, Australia, are known for their remarkable caves that display geological wonders, natural beauty, and a rich history. Just west of the Atherton Tablelands, Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park is a scenic 3-hour drive from Cairns. The park boasts various caves like Donna, Trezkinn, and Royal Arch caves, which visitors can explore on ranger-guided cave tours. These caves house spotted pythons, a range of insects and spiders, and ancient fossils of extinct animals. The park also preserves Aboriginal paintings and the Chillagoe Smelters site, showcasing relics of the state's mining and industrial heritage.
Another notable attraction in the Atherton Tablelands is the Crystal Caves. Created by Rene, this unique location features 300m2 of manmade tunnels and grottos displaying million-year-old natural crystals and prehistoric fossils. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour through the tunnels and grottos, enjoy interactive displays, and even crack their own crystals. The Crystal Caves provide an immersive experience where visitors can touch and photograph over 600 specimens, offering a memorable glimpse into the Earth's geological history.