Atherton Tablelands & Waterfalls Day Trip from CairnsDay trips and Excursions

Cairns Adventure Group

Overview

Take an Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls day trip and travel south to discover the majesty and beauty of north Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls. This is a MUST-see for anyone wanting to experience pristine rainforest, cascading waterfalls, stunning panoramas of Queensland’s highest peaks, and maybe a glimpse of rare and unique native wildlife. Atherton waterfalls fun tour is ideal for the young and the young at heart, looking to see the best of the Atherton Tablelands.

Highlights

◾ Enjoy a full-day Atherton Tablelands and waterfalls trip from Cairns
◾ Explore North Queensland's tropical rainforests, falls, and beauty sites
◾ Swim in the crystal waterfalls of the Josephine and Millaa Millaa Falls
◾ Experience wildlife like cassowary, platypus, and tree-kangaroos

About this Experience

✔ Health & safety measures apply
✔ Family-friendly tour
✔ No booking fees

DURATION: 10 hours
STARTING TIME: 7.30 am
MEETING POINT: Designated meeting points in the Cairns area
MOBILE TICKET: Use your phone or print your voucher
OPENING SEASONS: Daily, all year round
WHO CAN COME: Atherton Tablelands & Waterfalls day tour is suitable for all

Description - What to expect

Your Atherton Tablelands & Waterfalls day trip commences on Cairns’ coastal lowlands, traveling south from the city to visit the Babinda Boulders. The Babinda Boulders have cultural significance for the region’s Indigenous people and are ‘home’ to a tragic Aboriginal love story.

Rainforest Waterfalls & Rock Slides
The next stop is Josephine Falls, which has a huge natural rock slide. This is a favorite swimming spot for locals and your first chance for a dip; we’ll even bring along some inflatables, to ramp up the fun factor. Fabulous photo opportunity, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife.

Traveling up the Palmerston Highway we leave the lowlands behind and make our way to the Atherton Tablelands. Tour across this volcanic landscape is a patchwork of farms, country towns, crater lakes, national parks, and wild rainforests.

Millaa Millaa Falls is the next stop and it’s an impressive one. This 18m single-drop waterfall has framed on either side by rich rainforest and tree ferns. It stakes its claim as being one of the most photographed in the country and was chosen by Qantas and Herbal Essences (hair shampoo) to feature in television commercials. Get snap happy at this postcard-perfect waterfall with a hair flick or two.

Lunch on this Atherton Tablelands tour is taken at the Malanda Pub. She’s big, she’s old and she’s full of character. A delicious pub lunch will power you up for the next stop of the day, a visit to Mount Hypipamee.

Crater Lakes & Rainforest Giants
Walk through the rainforest on easy pathways to gaze down at ‘The Crater’. 61m in diameter with a viewing platform 58m above the water, this is a remnant from the Tablelands volcanic past. Continue along to see the pretty little Dinner Falls. Top tip, lots of wildlife here including Brush Turkeys and the Boyd’s Forest Dragon.

No Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls tour is complete without a stop at the Curtain Fig Tree. As high as a three-story building, the Curtain Fig Tree is hundreds of years old and shows what can happen in nature, if we leave it be. Another great photo opportunity and believe me, you will be impressed!

Next up, we try our luck at Platypus spotting in Yungaburra. Ever heard of a Platypus? Just one of the crazy critters that evolved in Australia. Has a duck-like bill and an otter-like body. Really hard to see in the wild, as they are quite shy. Ever heard of Yungaburra? Well, you have now!

The last swim of the day on this Atherton Tablelands & Waterfalls day trip is at Lake Eacham, which is 65m deep, volcanically formed, and surrounded by beautiful rainforest. Home to many freshwater turtles and fish, the water is a comfortable 23 degrees Celsius all year round.

What's included, what's not

✔ Quality coach transfers
✔ Local guide
✔ Morning and afternoon tea
✔ Lunch
✔ Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits, and fruit throughout the day
✔ Plenty of games and puzzles to keep you entertained on the bus
✔ Swimming opportunities at amazingly beautiful locations
✔ Bushwalking and more

Why choose this experience

There are several compelling reasons why you should choose the Atherton Tablelands & Waterfalls day trip:

◾Diverse Natural Wonders: This Tablelands tour showcases an incredible variety of natural attractions, from the cultural significance of the Babinda Boulders to the majestic waterfalls, crater lakes, and ancient rainforest giants.
◾Immersive Rainforest Experience: Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the lush, biodiverse rainforests of the region.
◾Unique Wildlife Encounters: With the chance to spot elusive platypuses, as well as other native Australian creatures like Brush Turkeys and Boyd's Forest Dragons, this tour provides an exciting opportunity to observe the region's diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.
◾Balanced Itinerary: The Tablelands tour strikes a great balance between adrenaline-fueled activities, such as the Josephine Falls rock slide, and more serene, contemplative experiences like the Curtain Fig Tree.
◾Knowledgeable Local Guides: The Tablelands tour is led by experienced, knowledgeable guides who can provide insightful commentary on the history, culture, and ecology of the Atherton Tablelands.

By choosing the Atherton Tablelands & Waterfalls tour, you'll have the opportunity to discover the stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique wildlife of this remarkable region of Tropical North Queensland.

Bring with you

Atherton Tablelands & Waterfalls day trip takes you from the coastal lowlands to the rainforest highlands with chances for swimming, which means you might get cold and you should bring a hoodie or warm jacket. Don’t forget your camera, hat, swimmers, sunblock, towel, and a happy heart.