Cairns Waterfalls Atherton Tablelands - Day Tour

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A day trip from Cairns through the Atherton Tablelands, from farmland to scrub forest and ancient rainforest, with waterfalls, national parks, tea plantations and freshwater swimming spots.

Days

About 10 hours

Age

8 and over; under 16s with an adult

Group size

Max 20

Start / finish

Cairns / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Tour from Cairns; CBD accommodation pick-up $10 per person

Meals

Morning and afternoon snacks, DIY sandwich lunch, tea and coffee

Route

Map of Cairns Waterfalls Atherton Tablelands - Day Tour

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Included experiences

Atherton Tablelands — waterfalls and rainforest
Freshwater swimming spots — including a natural slide
Scenic lookouts
Tea or banana farm — possible stop

Cairns Waterfalls Atherton Tablelands - Day Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: CAIRNS TO THE TABLELANDS

Your day starts early in Cairns, with a small group of no more than 20 and a local guide. The road climbs off the coastal cane fields onto the Atherton Tablelands, a high volcanic plateau where the last eruptions happened only around 10,000 years ago and left crater lakes, rich red soil and cooler air behind. Over the day the country changes from dairy farms and crops to dry scrub and then deep rainforest. There's no fixed running order. Your guide plans the day around the weather, the water and the group, with lookout stops whenever the view opens up and morning tea of local tea and plunger coffee along the way.

THE CATHEDRAL FIG AND LAKE EACHAM

In the forest of the northern Tablelands stands the Cathedral Fig Tree, a strangler fig close to 50 metres tall. It began life as a seed dropped by a bird high in another tree, sent its roots down to the ground and slowly smothered its host, leaving a tower of hanging roots that a boardwalk circles. Not far away is Yidyam (Lake Eacham), which fills the crater left by a volcanic blast. It's about 65 metres deep, has no creek flowing in or out and is filled by rain alone, so the water is clear and cool. Watch the edges for saw-shelled turtles.

MIDDAY: WATERFALLS AND RAINFOREST

Further south, Millaa Millaa Falls drops about 18 metres in a single white curtain over a wall of old basalt into a round swimming hole. It's the most photographed waterfall on the Tablelands, and the water is cold enough to wake you up properly. Lunch is make-your-own: fresh bread, salad and meat, with a fruit platter to finish. Between stops the road runs through the Wet Tropics rainforest, World Heritage-listed since 1988 and home to plants whose families go back to the age of the dinosaurs. Keep an eye on the branches for a Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo, a shy climber that lives only in these highland forests.

AFTERNOON: JOSEPHINE FALLS AND BACK TO CAIRNS

Down near the coast, Josephine Falls spills off the slopes of Mount Bartle Frere, which at 1,622 metres is the highest mountain in Queensland. The creek runs over smooth granite here, and one of the pools has a natural rock slide that drops you into deep, clear water, the moment most people talk about on the drive home. The day may also take in a local tea or banana farm, so bring some cash if you'd like to buy. Afternoon snacks come out before the run back north, and you're in Cairns about 10 hours after you left.

Map

Good to know

Duration: Around 10 hours.
Minimum age: 8 years. Guests under 16 must be with an adult.
Fitness: All fitness and swimming levels are welcome; the guides adapt to every pace.
Please note: Not recommended from 37 weeks of pregnancy. Please tell us about dietary needs, allergies or medical conditions.

What to bring

Swimwear and towel
Reusable water bottle
Sunglasses and hat
Camera
Cash for stops such as a tea or banana farm
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Warm clothing and a dry change, especially in winter

What is included

Morning and afternoon snacks
Locally grown tea and plunger coffee
DIY sandwich lunch with fresh ingredients and a fruit platter
Lookout stops
Swimming at freshwater spots, including waterfalls and a natural slide

Not included

Pick-up from Cairns CBD accommodation — $10 per person
Purchases at stops such as a tea or banana farm

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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 2 reviews

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 had the best time exploring the waterfalls around Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands, a stress-free way to see the natural beauty up here. It was well planned, and our guide Renae was knowledgeable and full of energy.

Tomo Lin Verified· Travelled 15th September 2026

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(5/5)

We had a wonderful day in the Tablelands with our guide Wolf, who found us lots of wildlife, amazing spots and great swims. An incredible time for our family of five.

Brad Ferris Verified· Travelled 18th December 2025

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