Cairns Adventure Group Natural Explorers (Waterfall Tours & Daintree Rainforest Tours)

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Two full guided days from Cairns: waterfalls, crater lakes and a Traditional Owner tour of the Cathedral Fig on the Atherton Tablelands, then Mossman Gorge, a Daintree River crocodile cruise and the beach at Cape Tribulation. Lunch is included both days, and you sleep at your own Cairns accommodation.

Days

2 days (two day tours)

Age

All ages; infants under 2 on a lap

Group size

Shared coach tours

Start / finish

Cairns / Atherton Tablelands / Cairns, then Cairns / Daintree / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Not included — nights at your own Cairns accommodation

Transport

Air-conditioned coach with hotel pick-up both days

Meals

Lunch both days, plus morning and afternoon tea on day one

Route

Map of Cairns Adventure Group Natural Explorers (Waterfall Tours & Daintree Rainforest Tours)

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Included experiences

Millaa Millaa Falls — swim below the falls
Josephine Falls — slide down a natural rock slide
Cathedral Fig Tree — 45-minute visit with Traditional Owners
Lake Eacham — swim in a volcanic crater lake
Mossman Gorge — Welcome to Country, smoke ceremony and a river swim
Daintree River — wildlife cruise looking for crocodiles
Cape Tribulation — beach where the rainforest meets the reef

Cairns Adventure Group Natural Explorers (Waterfall Tours & Daintree Rainforest Tours)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: CAIRNS TO THE TABLELAND WATERFALLS

An air-conditioned coach collects you early from Cairns City or selected Northern Beaches accommodation, and a rainforest guide leads the day. Your guide sets the order of stops on the day. South of Cairns, Babinda Boulders is a clear creek running between huge granite rocks, with a Yidinji story of a young woman, Oolana, who is said to haunt the water. Josephine Falls tumbles off the slopes of Bartle Frere, at 1,622 metres Queensland's highest mountain; a 700 metre sealed path leads to a natural rock slide into the pool. Up on the Atherton Tablelands, Millaa Millaa Falls drops about 18 metres over basalt columns into a swimming hole, and Mungalli Falls is on the circuit too.

DAY 1: THE CATHEDRAL FIG AND A CRATER LAKE

At the Cathedral Fig Tree, Traditional Owners of Yidinji and Mbabaram descent lead a 45-minute visit, sharing stories and traditional tools beneath a strangler fig about 500 years old, its canopy some 50 metres high. Lunch is a buffet in the rainforest, with morning and afternoon tea along the way. Lake Eacham (Yidyam) fills a crater blasted out by a volcanic explosion more than 9,000 years ago, and its still, deep water is perfect for a swim. If time allows, there's a stop at the platypus viewing platform on Peterson Creek in Yungaburra, a well-known spot to see one in the wild. You're back in Cairns about 10 hours after pick-up.

Overnight: Cairns (your own accommodation, not included)

DAY 2: THE COAST ROAD AND MOSSMAN GORGE

Pick-ups start from about 7am, and the coach runs north along the coast road between Cairns and Port Douglas, where the rainforest-covered ranges come right down to the beaches, with lookout stops along the way. At Mossman Gorge, Kuku Yalanji people welcome you to their Country with a smoke ceremony and an introduction to traditional practices. Then there's time to swim in the Mossman River, which runs cold and clear over granite boulders straight down from the ranges. Expect about 4 km of walking across the day, mostly on easy paths and boardwalks.

DAY 2: THE DAINTREE AND CAPE TRIBULATION

On the Daintree River a wildlife cruise looks for saltwater crocodiles, which can grow beyond five metres, and the birds of the mangroves. You cross the river into the Daintree Rainforest, part of the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest on earth, and a guided boardwalk walk explains the plants and animals that hold it together. Lunch is included. At Cape Tribulation, named by James Cook in 1770 after his ship ran aground on the reef offshore, two World Heritage areas, the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, meet on the sand. If time allows, there's a stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company (at your own cost) before the drive back to Cairns in the late afternoon or early evening.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from Cairns City and selected Northern Beaches accommodation on both days, if selected when you book.
Departure time: Early morning both days; the Daintree day starts from about 7am. Exact times are confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Back in Cairns each day: about 10 hours on the waterfall day and up to 12 hours on the Daintree day, returning late afternoon or early evening.
Minimum age: No minimum. Adult rate from 12, child rate 2 to 11 (children need their own seat). Infants under 2 travel free on a parent's lap, with no meal.
Fitness: Low to moderate: about 3.5 km of walking on day one and about 4 km on day two. Partly accessible for folding wheelchairs only.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are offered at lunch; tell us any dietary needs when you book.
Accommodation note: This is two day tours only, with nights at your own Cairns accommodation.
Please note: All participants sign a release form; under 18s need a parent or guardian to sign it at pick-up. Swimmers must be competent and able to follow the guide's instructions in English. Tell us about any medical condition before you travel.

What to bring

Swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes
Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Insect repellent
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
A warm jacket or hoodie — it gets cool in the mountains after a swim
Camera and a small day bag
Money for extra snacks and drinks

What is included

Full-day waterfall tour of the Atherton Tablelands with a guide
Full-day Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour with a guide
Pick-up and drop-off in Cairns City and selected Northern Beaches accommodation both days, if selected when you book
Cathedral Fig Tree tour with Traditional Owners
Welcome to Country and smoke ceremony at Mossman Gorge
Daintree River wildlife cruise
Morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea on the waterfall day; lunch on the Daintree day

Not included

Accommodation
Other drinks and snacks
Daintree ice cream (bought on the day)

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 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 carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

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.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed 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 or walking up to 5km each day.

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.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these 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.

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.

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.

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 it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

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.

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.

Whilst on 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.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

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. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

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.

(5/5)

We did the two-day package, starting with the waterfalls with John, which was amazing, and a beautiful lunch spot, though I'd have liked longer at each fall. Day two in the Daintree was a bit short on rainforest time, but we learned plenty about the plants and trees, the views were great and the croc-spotting river cruise was a good finish. Tim and John were both brilliant guides.

Lesley Bollemeijer Verified· Travelled 22nd October 2026

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