Cairns Waterfalls Spillway Adventure Tour by Cairns Canyoning (Full Day)

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A full day of canyoning in the World Heritage Wet Tropics, taking in two locations — Crystal Cascades and Behana Gorge. You'll need to be active, have a good fitness level, be a strong swimmer and be willing to face your fears.

Days

Full day, about 11 hours

Age

12+; under 16s with a parent or guardian

Group size

Small group, max 12

Start / finish

Cairns / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Return shuttle from Cairns CBD (accommodation pick-up $10 extra)

Meals

No meals are listed as included; bring your own snacks and lunch

Route

Map of Cairns Waterfalls Spillway Adventure Tour by Cairns Canyoning (Full Day)

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Included experiences

Crystal Cascades — guided canyoning
Behana Gorge — guided canyoning
Swimming through the gorges with a certified instructor

Cairns Waterfalls Spillway Adventure Tour by Cairns Canyoning (Full Day)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS INTO THE WET TROPICS

This is the big one: both of Cairns' canyoning gorges in a single day, for strong swimmers aged 12 and up. The shuttle leaves Cairns and climbs past views back over the city into the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, listed in 1988 and home to some of the oldest rainforest on earth. At the first gorge your guide fits your helmet, harness, life jacket and, in winter, a wetsuit, and takes you through each technique. There are at most 12 of you, with about one guide for every six people. The day usually ends at Crystal Cascades, but it can run the other way round.

BEHANA GORGE

South of the city, Behana Gorge cuts through granite on Behana Creek, one of the water supplies for Cairns, so the pools run cool and clear. You start at the top by the best waterfalls and work down a course of pools, rock chutes and falls: up to two abseils beside the water, up to three rock jumps with the biggest at 12 metres, and natural slides into plunge pools. In between you swim and float through still green water. Bring your own snacks and a packed lunch in a ziplock bag; you'll eat in the rainforest between gorges.

CRYSTAL CASCADES

Then it's north to Crystal Cascades behind Redlynch, on Freshwater Creek, which flows out of Lake Morris, the reservoir behind Copperlode Dam. This is the harder gorge, with only one way down. Expect up to five abseils, the largest a 32 metre drop down a granite wall beside falling water, a 4 metre jump or an optional 10 metre one, a rock slide, and a 30 metre zipline that ends in a pool. Look out for the electric-blue Ulysses butterfly along the creek.

EVENING: BACK TO CAIRNS

After two gorges your legs will know about it. Change into dry clothes, and the shuttle brings you back into Cairns at the end of a day of about 10 hours, though it can run to 11 depending on the weather and the roads. Photo and video packages cover the whole day if you want to relive the 32 metre abseil over dinner.

Map

Good to know

Duration: Allow up to 11 hours for the whole experience from start to finish; every day is a little different, depending on weather and road conditions.
Minimum age: Ages 12 and up. Guests under 16 must be with a parent or guardian.
Fitness: A good fitness level is needed, and guests need strong, confident swimming skills to move through the water.
Dietary needs: Please advise diet requirements, allergies, surgeries, impairments or disabilities so the team can best cater to you.
Please note: Not allowed at any stage of pregnancy. Maximum of 12 people, unless booked as a group.

What to bring

Snacks and lunch
Swimwear, or a rash top and leggings (optional)
Towel, sunglasses and sunscreen
Closed-toe shoes (runners) and socks that can get wet
In winter, something a little warmer, a dry change of clothes and a jumper
Camera or GoPro with attachments (must be hands-free)
Cash, just in case, for extras
Contact lenses rather than prescription glasses
Daily medication

What is included

Wetsuits (winter season)
Helmet, harness, carabiners and life jacket
Safety equipment to wear for the day
Instruction from a certified instructor
Return shuttle transport from Cairns CBD to the location

Not included

Food — bring your own snacks and lunch
Pick-up from Cairns CBD accommodation ($10 per person)
Shoe hire ($10 per person)
Photo and video packages and T-shirts (optional extras)

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.