By Belinda Moore
Nestled throughout the picturesque Atherton Tablelands lies a vibrant art scene waiting to be discovered. From traditional Aboriginal art to contemporary pieces by local and international artists, the galleries here offer a diverse range of artistic expressions. Art galleries are for everyone, they are free to visit, and they sometimes offer events and workshops. Here are some galleries to visit, whether you’re shopping for decor or a gift, or just want to experience the pleasure of observing others’ creativity…
Azalea House Studio – 107 Robert Street, Atherton
Open: 9am-5pm Tuesday to Friday
Features: a carefully curated selection of Kai Hagberg’s paintings and sculptures. In addition to browsing a wide array of exquisite handmade jewelry, art lovers and collectors can meet and chat with the artist himself.
The Banksia Gallery – 25 Anthony Drive, Atherton
Open: Sundays 12-4pm or call Ian Wallace on 4095 2298 for an appointment to visit
Focus: watercolours featuring banksias, butterflies, fungi and more
Features: original paintings and cards – all welcome to browse.
The Old Post Office Gallery – Herberton Road, Atherton
Open: 10am-2pm Tuesday to Saturday
Focus: Exhibitions of mostly local artists and community groups
Features: This gallery is set amongst beautiful gardens at the Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum precinct. There is a workshop room for hire, as well as the exhibition space. It’s a lovely one to wander through with children on a day out at Platypus Park, and it’s close to Station Café.
Special Events: Check the Tablelands Regional Council’s website and facebook page for workshops and exhibition openings.
Tablelands Regional Gallery – 16 Robert Street, Atherton (next to the library)
Open: 10am-4pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am-12pm Saturday
Focus: Showcases local artists as well as touring exhibitions
Features: An excellent venue for workshops and activities, close to the library to pop in regularly, and a team of welcoming volunteers.
Special Events: Check the Tablelands Regional Council’s website and facebook page or ask at the gallery for upcoming artist talks, community art projects, exhibition openings, and school holiday fun.
The Foyer Gallery – 45 Mabel Street, Atherton
Open: 8:30am-5pm Monday to Friday
Focus: Emerging artists and art group exhibitions on display for longer periods
Features: Local People: The Second Series – portraits depicting and honouring the richly diverse inhabitants of the Tablelands by Songriver Photography Group until Friday 10 January, 2025.
Frond Gallery and Gifts – 198 Lakes Drive, Lake Eacham
Open: 12-5pm daily
Focus: Exhibitions of mostly local artists and community groups
Features: This intimate gallery is designed for the viewer to immerse themselves amongst the art. Frond Gallery offers afternoon tea and cosy nooks to sit and admire the eclectic artworks. Beautiful gardens surround the property, where local wildlife and birds are often seen.
Little Eden Restaurant – 20 Gillies Range Road, Yungaburra
Open: 5.30-9pm Wednesday to Saturday
Features: Little Eden restaurant is in a restored heritage Listed building in Yungaburra. Artwork exhibited is mostly by local artists. Follow Little Eden’s Facebook page to see which artists are currently showcasing their work.
NOMO Gallery – 2C/28 Cedar Street, Yungaburra
Open: 8:30am-3:30pm Monday to Friday
Features: NOMO seeks to showcase FNQ artists in the heart of Yungaburra. This mixed medium gallery features rotating exhibitions spanning hanging wall art, sculpture (wire, ceramic, metal, floral, textile), and basketry. All artworks are for sale.
Artistree Gallery – 14 Kehoe Place, Yungaburra
Open: 9:30am-4pm Wednesday to Saturday, and 9:30am-2:30pm weekends
Focus: high quality, handcrafted items from over forty artists at an affordable price
Features: Gallery co-owner Anthony Kruck’s timber creations. Visit one of the many nearby cafés to enjoy a cuppa or a meal when you visit Yungaburra!
At The Art Garage – 6/20 Eacham Road, Yungaburra (see Kids & Tales in October 2024 issue)
Open: 10am-5pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am-2pm Saturday
Focus: As well as being an art supplies store, and offering workshops and classes for all ages, some amazing local artists exhibit here.
Features: after-school and school holiday classes, gift vouchers, guest workshop presenters, and the enormous range of art supplies for sale!
Special Events: “She Sees it Differently” exhibition (Sue Gilmour & Marianne Tow) open September-November.
Rainforest Gems Gallery, 26 Kennedy Highway, Tolga
Open: By appointment – phone 4095 5223
Features: beautiful jewellery complimented by a variety of glass, ceramics, paintings, and timber art.
Anzac Avenue Art Gallery – Mareeba
Open: By appointment – text 0448 857 762
Focus: Featuring Gioia Dalla Lana’s original art as found on Facebook and Instagram. P.ARTies (workshops) also on offer – check online for details.
Mareeba Arts Society Inc – Gallery Shoppe, Gallery 58 & The Creative Shed, at the Mareeba Heritage Museum & Visitor Information Centre, 345B Byrnes Street, Mareeba
Open: Most weekdays 10am-2pm – call 4092 7539
Events: mareebaartsociety.weebly.com/whatson and on Facebook
Chillagoe Gallery 29 – 29 Queen Street, Chillagoe (as seen in our Dining Guide)
Open: Open most days 8.30am – 12.30pm. Check FB page for updates during the wet season.
Focus: This coffee shop with a beautiful garden also displays & sells one-off local marble pieces ranging from coasters to cheese boards & tea lights. They also offer local artists’ paintings and glass work.
Kuranda Art Trail – start at Kuranda Village Information Centre
Open: 24/7
Focus: Immerse yourself in arts, history and culture in Coondoo Street and Therwine Streets. See metal sculptures, colourful mosaics, ceramic tiles, murals, and street art. Pick up a trail brochure at the Kuranda Visitor Information Centre or download it from kuranda.org. Don’t miss the Cassowary Installations at four locations around the village!
Widiworks Aboriginal Art Gallery – Original Kuranda Markets
Open: 10am-3pm Tuesday to Sunday
Focus: Contemporary Indigenous artwork by Connie Rovina, who is often working and sharing her story on site.
Kuranda Indigenous Tourism Hub – Kuranda Heritage Markets
Open: 9am-3:30pm Thursday to Sunday
Focus: Curated exhibits that illustrate the stories, perspectives, and culture of Australia’s Indigenous people.
Kuranda Arts Co-op Gallery – 17 Coondoo Street, Kuranda
Open: 10am-3:30pm Wednesday to Sunday
Features: All locally made art and craft. Come in and meet the local artists who manage this gallery themselves!
The Ark Gallery – 22 Coondoo Street, Kuranda
Open: 10am-4pm daily
Focus: One of three Doongal galleries specialising in Aboriginal Rainforest Art.
Terra Nova Gallery – 15 Therwine Street, Kuranda
Open: 10am-3pm Tuesday to Sunday
Features: Mostly local art, with a framing shop on site.
Ric Steininger Gallery – 1/1-3 Coondoo Street, Kuranda
Open: 10am-3:30pm daily
Features: Stunning panoramic limited edition photographs
Didi La Baÿsse Art Studio & Gallery – 3/20 Coondoo Street, Kuranda
Open: 11am-3:30pm daily / by appointment
Features: One of the most exclusive handmade galleries in the area, with amazing art by Didi La Baÿsse, unique creations by Leah Kelly, and blown glass wonders by Eric ‘Dragonglass’ Imeson.
Tin Town Giftshop – 40 Grace Street, Herberton
Open: 9am-12pm Saturday, and 10am-2pm Sunday during October
Features: This artists’ collective offers handcrafted gifts made by local tablelands artists.
Herberton Mining Centre – 1 Jack’s Road, Herberton
Open: 9am-4pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-1pm Saturday
Focus: You might be surprised by the small but significant collection of artworks at the Herberton Mining Centre. The museum entry features a very early James Baines (signed Junior Baines) oil painting of the Irvinebank Pub, and the Glenville Pike collection includes 32 small oil paintings. Outside the centre a large sculpture by world-renowned local Tom Risley (pictured below) sits in magnificent Lemon scented Gum surroundings.
Enuma Elish New Earth Sanctuary Healing and Art Centre – Ravenshoe
Open: by appointment – call 4097 7493
Focus: This private gallery and venue sits amongst the rainforest just outside of Ravenshoe and beside the beautiful Lawyer Creek. Art by Clive Walters takes the form of mandalas, many of which contain symbology and sacred geometry. Clive is also a Master Wood Carver and creates magick with his carving tools. Wendy Everett’s fantasy art is more colourful, and also symbolic in many ways. Check Facebook for events.
Kingfisher Art & Framing – 35 Grigg Street, Ravenshoe
Open: 9am-4:30pm Tuesday to Friday and 9am-2pm Saturday
Features: Outstanding fine art gallery and custom framing shop designed with a creative mind. Coffee in house.
Win’s Art – 2 Ethel Street, Ravenshoe
Open: by appointment, call 0401 051 070
Features: beautiful oils, watercolours and pastels
Mountain Mist Art Studio – 5035 Palmerston Hwy, Millaa Millaa
Open: when flag is out, or by appointment
Features: Paintings, cards, jewellery and lead light work by Colleen Amoretti.
Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual observer, the art galleries of the Atherton Tablelands offer a rich tapestry of artistic expressions deeply rooted in the region’s culture and natural surroundings, with some delightful displays from, or inspired by, far off places.
Galleries not only showcase artworks but also serve as cultural hubs, fostering creativity, community engagement, and appreciation for the arts. Plan your visit to explore some of these places, and immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the Atherton Tablelands.
For more terrific spots to stop, see the Atherton Tablelands Museum & Galleries Trail here, or grab a guide at one of our local Visitor Centres. You can also check out the Tablelands Arts and Culture map online here.
