It is largely covered with tropical rainforest and receives an annual rainfall total of 2,000 mm.
The tablelands are part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage area.
The plateau's highest point is unnamed, and is the fourth tallest mountain in Queensland.
The Waterfall frog was feared to be extinct until it was rediscovered at a creek on the Mount Carbine Tableland in July 2008.
[2] The rich basaltic soils in the area supports forests which provide habitat for the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo.