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Queensland Government
Link to Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
 
Queensland Health

Location Profiles

Cairns and Hinterland Health Service District

ATHERTON

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Atherton is a major service town located in the heart of the beautiful Atherton Tableland. Originally a camp for cedar-cutters, Atherton was called Prior’s Pocket after a local timber family. In 1885, the town was established as a stopping point between the coast and the Herberton tin mines and renamed Atherton after the famous grazier, John Atherton. Situated on rich volcanic soil, Atherton supports many industries including timber, maize, potatoes, peanuts, macadamia nuts, avocados, sugar cane and other tropical fruits. Surrounded by rainforest, crater lakes and waterfalls, Atherton offers excellent recreational and shopping facilities in a superb natural environment.

Population: 5,700

Queensland Health facilities in District: 10

Services

  • 21 education facilities, including state and private schools (Preparatory Year (non-compulsory) followed by Year 1 to Year 12, special education, TAFE
  • Childcare facilities
  • Kindergarten
  • Community clubs, including Rotary, Lions, QWCA,
  • Scouts and Toastmasters
  • Police station
  • Australia Post
  • Places of worship
  • Banks
  • Aged care facilities
  • Shopping centres
  • Library
  • Conference facilities

Sporting, Recreation & Interests

  • Halloran’s Hill Environmental Park and Lookout
  • The Old Post Office Gallery
  • The Chinese Temple to the Emperor Ho Wong
  • Platypus Park
  • Hyprpamee National Park
  • Hasties Swamp National Park
  • Tinaroo Dam
  • Rocky Creek War Memorial Park
  • Danbulla State Forest
  • Sporting clubs and facilities, including archery, basketball, bowls, football, golf, equestrian, martial arts, swimming, shooting, tennis, squash, gymnastics, hockey, athletics, hiking, caving and cycling

Location

1710 km north of Brisbane
94 km south west of Cairns
355 km north of Townsville

Access

Car - Yes Rail - No Air- No
     

Useful links

Local Council: www.athertonsc.qld.gov.au
State information: www.qld.gov.au
Tourism: www.australianexplorer.com
www.queenslandholidays.com.au
www.walkabout.com.au
Transport: www.translink.com.au
www.racq.com.au
www.travelmate.com.au
Education: www.education.qld.gov.au
Real Estate: www.realestate.com.au
www.reiq.com.au

Queensland Health provides these links as convenience only and takes no responsibility for individual website maintenance or accessibility.