So, seems my husband agreed with Saltuarius! We've shortened our stay in Port Douglas to follow suggested itinerary - funny thing, the major guidebooks(Frommer, Fodor) don't seem to mention the Atherton Tablelands at all. Anyway just wondering about where to stay up there - Yungaburra sounds neat but seems pricey - we are trying to stick to a bit of a budget! Would appreciate any suggestions.

Click on my screen name above and read my report from May/June on the Atherton Tablelands. Take a look at Kookabura Lodge in Yungaburra, nice and very reasonable, if a little small. You will not get a better breakfast! It is also the prettiest town in the Tablelands.

You will also see this area called Cairns Highlands.

I think I would leave myself a little flexible actually. I don't know how long you will be staying now in PD or how long your time in that whole area is but it is not that hard to get accommodation on the Tablelands and yes Yungaburra is a nice place to stay and you could book that for the first night but there are many places to stay and it will depend on where you are at any given time actually and therefore I would just book one night and wing it from there.
Unfortunately Frommers and Fodors only talk about the "tourist traps" mostly and you do not get good information about those other treasured areas which the locals and most intrepid travellers know about.

Kookaburra Lodge is very pleasant though some find the rooms a little small. Unfortunately the pub is in receivership and not operating at the moment. check out www.yungaburra.com for more accommodation options. There is a back packers www.onthewallaby.com/ and if you really want to save money a few dense garden beds to hide in while you sleep rough.

There are a number of motels in Atherton as well and the Lake Eacham Tourist Park www.lakeeachamtouristpark.com has self contained cabins.

Sorry, I'm confused - what pub is in receivership? Was about to book at the Kookaburra Lodge but is it in receivership? Sounds like there are lots of choices, think we're a bit too decrepid for sleeping rough though!

It Ok janeog, its the Lake Eacham Hotel otherwise known as the Yungaburra Pub which is in receivership, Kookaburra Lodge is OK and isn't a pub.