Cairns Waterfalls Explorer - Waterfall and Rainforest Tour

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A five-hour small-group loop from Cairns to its best freshwater swimming spots, Crystal Cascades and Behana Gorge, with stops at Walsh's Pyramid, the old Gordonvale sugar mill, the Botanic Gardens and a northern beach. Swim time is built in.

Days

About 5 hours

Age

8 years and over

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Cairns / Gordonvale / Behana Gorge / Crystal Cascades / Cairns
Central Cairns, around 3pm

Return

Central Cairns, around 3pm

Transport

Air-conditioned bus with a local guide

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Cairns Waterfalls Explorer - Waterfall and Rainforest Tour

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Included experiences

Crystal Cascades — swim in rainforest pools
Behana Gorge — swim below Clamshell Falls
Walsh's Pyramid — photo stop at the peak above Gordonvale
Gordonvale Sugar Mill — learn where cane toads were first released
Cairns Botanic Gardens — walk the short Red Arrow Walk
McGregor's Lookout — wide views over the ranges

Cairns Waterfalls Explorer - Waterfall and Rainforest Tour

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: OUT OF CAIRNS

The tour leaves central Cairns around 10am in an air-conditioned bus with a local guide, who plans the order of the day around the weather, water levels and access, so the stops below are described from south to north rather than in a fixed order. Bring swimmers and a towel, because two of the stops are rainforest swimming holes.

SOUTH: GORDONVALE AND BEHANA GORGE

South of the city the cane fields open out beneath Walsh's Pyramid, a 922 metre peak near Gordonvale, often called one of the tallest free-standing natural pyramids in the world. At the Gordonvale Sugar Mill you hear how, in 1935, cane toads were first released in Queensland on the farms near the town, meant to eat cane beetles, which they didn't. Then it's into Behana Gorge, in the World Heritage Wet Tropics, for a swim in the clear pools below Clamshell Falls.

CRYSTAL CASCADES AND THE GARDENS

Closer to the city, Crystal Cascades is a chain of waterfalls and pools on Freshwater Creek, the creek that fills Cairns' main water supply, and a favourite local swimming spot. There's also a photo stop at McGregor's Lookout. In town, the Cairns Botanic Gardens were first laid out in 1886, and the short Red Arrow Walk climbs through the forest of Mount Whitfield behind them to a lookout over the city and the airport.

THE COAST AND THE ESPLANADE

To finish, you see the sea side of Cairns. The Northern Beaches are a string of palm-lined beaches and villages running up the coast towards Port Douglas, and you stop at one of them. Back in the city, the Esplanade Lagoon is a free saltwater swimming lagoon on the waterfront, opened in 2003 because the mudflats here are no place for a swim. You're dropped back in central Cairns around 3pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Central Cairns. The exact pick-up point is confirmed when you book.
Departure time: Around 10am, back around 3pm. Your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: Allow up to 5 hours.
Minimum age: 8 years.
Fitness: Suits all fitness levels; the walks are short.
Please note: The guide may change the order or swap a stop on the day for weather, water levels or access.

What to bring

Swimmers and a towel
Lunch or money to buy food on the way

What is included

Local guide
Air-conditioned bus
Pick-up and drop-off in central Cairns
National park fees and permits
Time to swim at Crystal Cascades and Behana Gorge

Not included

Food and drinks (bring your own, or buy at stops along the way)
Pick-ups outside the Cairns CBD may cost extra

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.