Cassowary Falls Gateway Daintree Waters Tour

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A full day guided trip from Port Douglas combining the Daintree River, ancient rainforest and a private waterfall: a one hour wildlife cruise, an off-road rainforest ride and swimming at Cassowary Falls.

Days

7.5 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Max 20

Start / finish

Port Douglas / Port Douglas
Port Douglas, 3.30pm to 4.00pm

Return

Port Douglas, 3.30pm to 4.00pm

Transport

Return transfers from Port Douglas accommodation, river cruise boat, UTV and Army Truck

Meals

Light lunch by the Daintree River

Route

Map of Cassowary Falls Gateway Daintree Waters Tour

View map

Included experiences

Daintree River — 1 hour wildlife cruise
Cassowary Falls — swimming at a private waterfall
Cassowary Falls property — off-road UTV and Army Truck rainforest rides
Bush tucker and farm fruit tasting

Cassowary Falls Gateway Daintree Waters Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: PORT DOUGLAS TO THE DAINTREE

Your day starts with a pick-up from your accommodation in Port Douglas, the seaside town at the end of Four Mile Beach. Your guide heads north through sugar cane country with the green wall of the ranges on your left, talking you through the region as you go. This is the edge of the Wet Tropics, World Heritage-listed in 1988, and the Daintree rainforest ahead is one of the oldest living rainforests on earth, home to plants whose families go back to the age of the dinosaurs. Nobody has to drive, so you can just watch it get greener.

LATE MORNING: WILDLIFE CRUISE ON THE DAINTREE RIVER

Then it's onto the water for an hour on the Daintree River, named in 1873 after the Queensland geologist Richard Daintree. Your local guide steers along the mangrove banks and explains how river, rainforest and reef connect in one of the country's most important ecosystems. Keep your eyes on the mud banks: saltwater crocodiles bask here, and the big males can pass 5 metres. Look up too, for kingfishers, herons and the snakes that sometimes drape over branches above the water.

MIDDAY: LUNCH BY THE RIVER

Back on land, a light lunch is served by the Daintree River, a chance to sit in the shade and swap crocodile stories before the afternoon's rides.

AFTERNOON: CASSOWARY FALLS

Next stop is Cassowary Falls, a private rainforest property with a waterfall of its own, far from the crowds at the public swimming holes. You spend about two and a half hours here. First come the rides: an off-road UTV, then an old army truck that grinds up tracks a minibus could never manage, deep into the forest. Your guide brings out seasonal bush tucker and fruit grown on the farm to taste. Then it's swimming time under the falls, or a towel on the rocks if you'd rather stay dry. Keep watch for the southern cassowary, an endangered bird that stands up to about 1.8 metres tall.

LATE AFTERNOON: BACK TO PORT DOUGLAS

Dry off, change into fresh clothes and settle in for the drive south. You're back at your Port Douglas accommodation in the late afternoon, in good time for a swim or a sunset on Four Mile Beach.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from Port Douglas accommodation; pick-ups begin from 8.15am and your exact time is confirmed after booking. Please be ready at least 5 minutes early.
Finishes: Back in Port Douglas between 3.30pm and 4.00pm.
Fitness: Moderate mobility needed; not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations. Swimming is optional, but you should be comfortable around water.
Cancellation: Full refund more than 24 hours before the tour starts. Cancellations within 24 hours and no-shows are not refundable.

What to bring

Swimwear
Towel
Hat
Change of clothes
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Camera or phone
Cash or card for snacks or souvenirs

What is included

Transfers to and from Port Douglas accommodation
Fully guided day with local commentary
1 hour Daintree River wildlife cruise
2.5 hour Cassowary Falls rainforest and waterfall tour
Off-road UTV ride and Army Truck rainforest ride
Swimming time at Cassowary Falls
Seasonal bush tucker and farm fruit tasting
Light lunch by the Daintree River

Not included

Drinks beyond the included lunch
Food and drinks for infants
Travel insurance
Snacks or souvenirs

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.