
Ready to trade the coast for the cool green heart of North Queensland? Join Gus the Wonder Bus for a full day roaming the spectacular Atherton Tablelands, swimming in pristine waterfalls and crater lakes along the way.
We'll take a short walk and a swim in the crystal-clear mountain water of the Babinda Boulders, cool off at the three-stage Josephine Falls, swim behind the 30-metre Milla Milla Falls, and visit the deep volcanic crater lake at Lake Eacham. There's good food at the Tea House and, between April and October, a chance to spot a platypus in the wild.
- Informative guides
- Rainforest walks
- All park fees
- Platypus spotting (Apr-Oct)
- Morning tea & coffee
- Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight at Wallaby Eco Lodge
- Night Canoe
- Josephine Falls
- Milla Milla Waterfall
- Lake Eacham
- Babinda Boulders
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands
After a morning pick-up we head up into the spectacular Atherton Tablelands. First stop is the Babinda Boulders, where a short walk and talk lead you to a swim in crystal-clear mountain water. Next we reach Josephine Falls, a three-stage rainforest waterfall with one of the best swimming holes around. We take our food seriously, so there's a proper feed at the Tea House before we push on to Milla Milla Falls, where you can swim behind a 30-metre wall of water. We visit Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake over 60 metres deep, and between April and October we go looking for that cutest of creatures, the platypus, before heading home to Cairns.
Highlights:
- Short walk and swim at Babinda Boulders
- Swim at the three-stage Josephine Falls
- Lunch at the Tea House
- Swim behind Milla Milla Falls
- Volcanic crater lake at Lake Eacham
- Platypus spotting (1 April – 31 October)
- Rainforest walks with informative guides
Departs
Pick-ups from your Cairns accommodation start between 7:20am and 8:10am, depending on where you are staying. We return to Cairns at approximately 7:30pm.
What to bring
- Sense of fun
- Sunscreen
- Raincoat
- Swimming gear
- Walking shoes/sandals
- Towel
- Change of warm clothes
- Smile and singing voice
What is included
MEALS
- Morning tea & coffee
- Lunch
OTHER
- Informative guides
- Rainforest walks
- Babinda Boulders
- Josephine Falls
- Milla Milla waterfall
- Lake Eacham
- Platypus spotting (Apr–Oct)
- All park fees
- Heaps of fun
FAQ
Preparing for the trip
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
For all camping tours require you to have a sleeping bag. If you don't have one they may be available for hire via the "join tour" button.
How fit do I need to be?
Our tours are made to be fun, informative and active and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking/walking up to 5km each day.
Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
If your looking for a private tour based of one of our trips please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.
Booking the trip
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
How do I know when a tour is available?
You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.
Does the tour price include flights?
No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!
How far in advance do I need to book my tour?
As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.
If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?
Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 49, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture. Our tours are for those wanting to really explore and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience. The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings. As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
Cost and Fees
What does Paid Locally mean?
Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. Its handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary and is not at all expected.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
Whilst on tour
Where do I meet the tour?
For pick up times and locations, please check out the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary. Here we list everywhere we can pick up from and their respective times.There is a lot of information here to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review careful as these can vary from tour to tour.
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.
Can you cater of special diets?
We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.
Reviews
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
Travellers consistently praise their guides, who are described as knowledgeable, funny and caring, and who keep the group entertained on the bus with games, music, singalongs and stories while sharing information about the region's wildlife and history. The most frequently mentioned highlights are the beautiful waterfalls and swimming spots, including sliding down Josephine Falls and swimming behind Millaa Millaa Falls, along with generous food, snacks and hot chocolate, and the ease of meeting other travellers, which many solo visitors valued. Reviewers also often note wildlife sightings such as platypus, cassowaries, tree kangaroos and turtles, and that the day feels well organised and unrushed despite being long, with pickups around 8am and drop-offs in the early evening. Many describe good value for money and a pace that packed in multiple stops. The most common caveats are that rain and cold weather can affect swimming, that it is a full-on day with a lot of swimming, and that one reviewer wanted more commentary about the region.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
“5 Stars - Cousin Paul”
“Stunning locations and awesome tour guides”
“Amazing day in the Rainforest!”
“Falls, Friends, and FUN”
“A must do while in Cairns!!”
“Great trip!”
“Brilliant day trip”
“Fun day with uncle Brian!”
“So much fun, great day out.”
“Great Time”
“Beautiful waterfalls and expert guides”
“Awesome day out - lot of fun”
“Great day out!”
“Uncle Brian -a must do in Cairns !”
“Great day!”
“Amazing tour guide”
“Magic Mike delivers”
“rainbows and cassowary”
“Must do!”
“Great day out! Michael was fantastic!”
“Basically a swimming tour”
“Great Experience”
“Fantastic rainforest tour despite the rain!”
“Incredible and well worth the money”
“Definitely fun and with lots of waterfalls”
“Amazing Day, so much fun, Great food, good vibes”
“Amazing”
“Loved the tour!”
“Great Day in the Rainforest”
“UNREAL DAY”
“Exceptional tour and tour guides!!”
“Best day!!”
“The best !”
“Raych the Queen”
“Rachel is an asset to your team!”
“Love Mike!”
“The perfect day!”
“Great fun and informative trip”
“Great time in the rain… forest”
“Amazing!!!”
“Strongly recommended”
“Wonderful tour! 5/5”
“Awesome rainforest and waterfall tour!”
“Fun day out of the city”
“Wonderful adventure :)”
“Amazing!”
“Waterfalls Tour”
“Great!!!”
“The most amazing day”
“BOOK IT NOW!”
“A wonderful rainforest experience in Cairns”
“Fantastic experience!!!”
“Must experience”
“Tourguide Coco made our day”
“Brilliant Tour and swim”
“Waterfall trip :)”
“Bloody fantastic!”
“Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cairns!”
“Had a fun day, but not as informative as other tours”
“Intro tour”
“Brilliant rainforest and waterfall tour with swimming spots”
“Personal attention and fun”
“Awesome day out!”
“Beautiful experience”
“Day trip for all ages”
“Incredible day with beautiful views and swimming spots and…”
“Amazing tour!”
“An Unforgettable Experience with Uncle Brian’s – Even in the…”
“Do this trip ! It’s really fun”
“super fun day trip, youll feel very refreshed!”
“The most memorable experience”
“Don't go chasing waterfalls with Peter Andre”
“Uncle Frankie is the best”
“Just book the tour!”
“Amazing experience with amazing tour guide Brian!”
“Relaxed and well organised trip with friendly and…”
“Amazing fun time with the crew!”
“Amazing time with Brian at the falls and forest”
“100% Recommend!!”
“Tropical Rainforest Magic 💚”
“Must Do”
“Uncle Brian’s waterfalls tour”
“An amazing experience!”
“Had the best experience!”
“Best tour of falls, lake and rare animals”
“Highly recommend”
“Favourite tour in Australia!”
“A perfect day out in the Atherton Tablelands”
“10/10 experience”
“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING TOUR”
“Fresh Day trip to Daintree Forest - 10/10 would go again”
“This tour is a must do!”
“Amazing day trip”
“Brilliant Time!”
“Amazingly well thought out tour”
“Proper Australian experience!”
“An exceptional day tour!”
“Great views Great swims great wildlife 👍”
“Great Tour”
“Uncle Brian’s review”
“Waterfalls with Conrd”
“Awesome day !!”
“A MUST DO TRIP!”
“Outrageous Oz Opportunity”
“An amazing experience and day out!”
“DO IT!”
“Really fun”
“A day of swimming and food”
“Great tour!”
“Best Tour We’ve Been On”
“Best trip in Cairns !”
“Thanks for a great day!”
“Amazing time on the Fun Falls and Forest Day Trip!”
“Super Awesome Experience”
“Fabulous fun - a must do trip”
“Amazing day out!”
“Swimming with crocs”
“Highly recommend!”
“Incredible experience! Really recommend”
“Best tour of our travels”
“Great”
“Amazing day with Conrad! 29/12/2024”
“Fabulous tour, 100% recommend!”
“lot's of waterfalls, swimming and adventure”
“Amazing Day trip!!!”
“Uncle Brian’s is the best!”
“Excellent full day trip”
“Fun filled day!!”
“An essential trip if in Cairns”
“Absolutely Amazing Day!”
“Best tour on the east coast!”
“1000% recommend”
“Amazing day!”
“Amazing tour with Conrad”
“A must do”
“Experience of a lifetime”
“A must do! Thank you”
“Optimal”
“BRIAN!!!”
“Amazing tour”
“Conrad is the GOAT”
“Good vibes only”
“Amazing trip!”
“BEST TOUR EVER!”
“Fantastic day playing in nature’s paradise!”
“A day to remember!”
“An unreal adventure”
“Conrad’s the man. Great day.”
“The great guide, Conrad”
“Beautiful waterfalls with fun”
“Lots of fun lovely spots!”
“Do yourself a favor and take this tour”
“Full Day Tour Review - Tour Guide Coco is the best!”
“Awesome day. Would go again!”
“Give Conrad a raise!”
“Best tour ever”
“Amazing waterfalls”
“Absolutely Fabulous!”
“What a cracker of a tour!”
“Best of both worlds is best”
“Best tour in Australia!!!”
“Wholesome fun”
“Amazing amazing amazing! Great food, good host and lots of…”
“Bad weather but good experience!!!”
“Awesome vibes!!!”
