204 Carson Road, MALANDA

Malanda is a quiet town on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, situated 790m above sea level and 85km west of Cairns. The town’s population is about 1500. However, the surrounding lifestyle acreage and rural properties bring the regional area population closer to 5000.

Malanda is synonymous in North Queensland with milk and cheese, having one of the state’s largest dairy factories. The dairy industry is the region’s main employment source, with 65 dairy farmers supplying the Malanda factory and other boutique dairy’s such as Mungalli Milk, which specialises in biodynamic and organic milks, cheese and yoghurt, and Gallo’s chocolate and cheese centre. Nerada tea has its factory and tea plantations near the town, and there are several coffee plantations and centres within a short drive. With green pastures almost year round, beef cattle are another large part of the rural industry.

There are stunning views of Mount Bartle Frere and Bellenden Kerr (Queensland’s highest mountains) from the town and surrounds. As part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area, they form part of the ancient rainforest, home to about 3000 plant species, incredible bird life and a third of Australia's 315 mammal species. Thirteen of these species are found nowhere else in the world.

Built in 1911, The Malanda Hotel is the largest timber building in Australia. The timber picture theatre has been in continuous operation since 1923, featuring current films and several theatre productions each year. The town services the surrounding district and has many small businesses including rural and hardware, a supermarket, gift shops, cafes and post office. There are full medical services and an excellent primary and high school. There is a variety of accommodation available, including rainforest cabins, bed & breakfasts and motels.

Central to other Tableland towns – Yungaburra, Atherton, Millaa Millaa – Malanda has access to the area’s many natural attractions such as waterfalls, crater lakes, huge fig trees, wetlands, lakes and rivers. The area boasts a large art community, with several galleries regularly displaying exhibitions. Markets are held weekly in rotating towns, featuring locally grown fresh produce.