Drink Driving on the Tablelands
A drink driving charge on the Tablelands means a mandatory licence disqualification — and on the Tablelands, that disqualification hits harder than it does in a city. There are no buses between Atherton and Mareeba, no trains between Herberton and Ravenshoe, no practical way to get to work, pick up your children, or do anything else without a car. Your matter will be listed at either Atherton or Mareeba Magistrates Court depending on where the offence occurred. Sacha travels from Cairns to appear at both courts — same preparation, same fixed fee, no travel surcharge.
Why Licence Loss Is Different Here
The sentencing range for drink driving is the same across Queensland — but the practical consequences of a disqualification vary enormously by location. In Cairns, you might catch a bus. On the Tablelands, there is no bus. Farmers driving between paddocks and town, tradespeople travelling between job sites in Atherton and Mareeba, agricultural workers commuting from Ravenshoe to a processing…
Work Licences on the Tablelands
If your income depends on driving — and on the Tablelands, it almost certainly does — the work licence application may be the most critical part of your matter. A work licence under section 87 of the TORUM Act allows you to drive for work purposes during your disqualification period. It does not restore your full licence — it authorises driving to and from work, and during work, under conditions…
Which Court Hears Your Matter
Atherton Magistrates Court — matters from Atherton, Yungaburra, Herberton, Ravenshoe, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, and the southern Tablelands. Mareeba Magistrates Court — matters from Mareeba, Kuranda, Dimbulah, Chillagoe, Mount Molloy, and the northern and western Tablelands. If you were caught on the Kennedy Highway, the court depends on the police division — Kuranda and Mareeba police divisions go…
Estimate Your Likely Outcome
Our drink driving penalty estimator shows the disqualification range, fine range, and whether the interlock program applies for your charge category. For a full breakdown of the charge categories — low range, mid range, deemed DUI, zero limit — see the main drink driving page .