2 Day Tablelands, Daintree & Cape Tribulation

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Discover the natural beauty and history of the Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour, covering over 300km packed with pristine rainforest waterfalls, ancient tropical rainforests and the intriguing history of heritage-listed Paronella Park.

Amongst a small group in our air-conditioned bus, our expert guides reveal the secrets of the rolling landscapes and charming townships of the Tablelands, taking time to pause for unforgettable scenic views, rainforest encounters and of course, a dip in the cool rainforest waters of Milla Milla Falls and Babinda Boulders. Travel to the Famous Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation in small group comfort. Our Specially designed vehicles carry a small amount of passengers - offering unrivalled personalised service. Visit the Magical Mossman Gorge and take a Cruise on the only Solar Powered Boat on The Daintree River.

This package is made up of two day tours joined together. Pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Cairns.

Days

2 days, you arrange your own night between them

Group size

Max 21

Start / finish

Cairns / Cairns
Cairns, around 6:30pm on day 2

Return

Cairns, around 6:30pm on day 2

Accommodation

No accommodation is included. Both days start with a pick-up from your own Cairns accommodation, so the night in between is your own arrangement.

Transport

An air-conditioned 4WD mini bus with a guide, picking up in Cairns between 7:15am and 7:45am on day 1 and at 7am on day 2. Day 2 also picks up from the Northern Beaches at 7:45am and Port Douglas at 8:45am.

Meals

Devonshire tea at Lake Barrine and an a la carte lunch on day 1, then morning tea at Mossman Gorge and a restaurant lunch on day 2. Ice cream on the way home is at your own cost.

Route

Included experiences

Heales Lookout — valley and coastal views on the climb to the Tablelands
Lake Barrine — a guided walk to the 1000 year old twin kauri pines
Curtain Fig National Park — the 600 year old fig from an elevated boardwalk
Millaa Millaa Falls — a swim under 20 metres of falling water
Paronella Park — priority entry and a guided tour of the heritage gardens
Paronella Park — Theresa Falls, the bats of the Tunnel of Love, and feeding the platypuses
Babinda Boulders — the freshwater swimming hole on the way back
Rex Lookout and Flagstaff Hill — the Coral Sea and Four Mile Beach from above
Mossman Gorge — Rainforest Aboriginal history and a dip in the Mossman River
Daintree River — a cruise for crocodiles, cormorants and butterflies
Alexandra Lookout — rainforest tumbling down to the sea
Cape Tribulation Beach — the only place two World Heritage sites meet
Kulki Boardwalk and Lookout — a bird's eye view over Cape Tribulation
Daintree Ice Cream Company — homemade tropical flavours, at your own cost

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Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1. TABLELANDS WATERFALLS, RAINFOREST & PARONELLA PARK

After a 7.15am – 7.45am coach pickup, the imposing silhouette of Walsh’s Pyramid marks the start of our day of discovery south from Cairns, its steep slopes making for a dramatic first photo opportunity on the border of Wooroonooran National Park. The Mulgrave River leads us onwards through the vibrant rainforests Goldsborough Valley to the Gillies Range Road, where we ascend towards the Atherton Tablelands, stopping to appreciate the dramatic valley landscape and coastal vistas from Heales Lookout.

Our first stop in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area comes at Lake Barrine, in Crater Lakes National Park, where a short guided walk with our expert guide reveals the area’s ancient natural history at the 1000-year-old twin kauri pines, true giants of the rainforest.

After a walk imbibing the rainforest ambience, it’s time for our memorable Devonshire Tea consists of locally grown tea and coffee served with our secret recipe scones going back four generations which are presented with jam and freshly whipped cream. Birdwatchers will delight in the array of ducks, pelicans, sea eagles and various other seasonal visitors to the lake, in addition to tortoises, eels, water monitors and various species of snakes sunning themselves on the shoreline.

On the outskirts of Yungaburra we enter under the cool canopy of Curtain Fig National Park, our expert guide sharing the unlikely story of how the 600+ year-old Curtain Fig Tree came to rest in its spectacular formation above the elevated rainforest boardwalk. Onwards via the historic dairy town of Malanda, we reach another must-do rainforest destination on the Atherton Tablelands — Millaa Millaa Falls. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, the falls are an iconic image of Far North Queensland, not to mention an essential place to swim and shower as the cool rainforest waters cascade from 20 metres above. We then stop for an a la carte lunch.

A refreshing morning swim behind us, we wind our way to the coastal town of Innisfail, before priority entry into the heritage-listed gardens and architectural delights of Paronella Park. A guided tour reveals several fascinating chapters of this park’s rich 90-year history amongst the colourful tropical gardens, then you’re free to explore the rest of its treasure trove of offerings — Mena Creek and Theresa Falls, the miniature bats of the Tunnel of Love, and you can even feed the fish and platypuses!

Our trip home winds back up the coast through Babinda and its popular freshwater swimming hole, Babinda Boulders, with time for a taste of Tropical North Queensland produce as we pause at a local fruit stall before our trip home, arriving in to your Cairns accommodation or meeting point between 5.30 – 6:00 pm.

DAY 2. DAINTREE & CAPE TRIBULATION

Day two of your World Heritage rainforest discovery begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas (pickup times listed below). From Cairns, we commence our scenic journey on the Great Barrier Reef Drive, the steep slopes of the McAlister Range yielding abruptly to the alternating rocky shorelines and golden beaches that border the iridescent Coral Sea —all immediately apparent from our stop at Rex Lookout.

At Port Douglas we visit Flagstaff Hill for sweeping coastal views over Four Mile Beach, before our stop at Mossman Gorge for morning tea and an exploration of its rich natural and cultural history. Learn how Rainforest Aboriginal people lived and thrived here, explore underneath the shelter of the rainforest canopy and take a dip in the Mossman River’s pristine waters.

After your choice of a restaurant quality lunch we continue to the banks of the Daintree River, where a river cruise highlights this remote rainforest’s abundance of wildlife, from cormorants feeding on the riverbanks, a bounty of butterflies or the imposing figures of the prehistoric estuarine crocodile. The Daintree Ferry escorts us into the Daintree Rainforest, which envelops our path to Alexandra Lookout before receding to offer panoramic sights of rainforest tumbling to sea.

Walk Cape Tribulation Beach, unique in the world as the only place where two natural World Heritage sites meet, and absorb the contrast between ancient rainforest and teeming fringing coral reef. Kulki Boardwalk and Lookout rewards walkers with a bird’s eye view of this special place, a fitting end to our journey north. From here, it’s a scenic drive home with an essential stop to sample home-made ice cream at a local Daintree Ice Cream Company (at own expense) —hopefully not the only thing from your two-day journey that leaves a sweet taste!

Day 2 pick-up / drop-off times:

Departs Cairns City 7.00am – returns 6.30pm (approx.)
Departs Northern Beaches 7.45am – returns 6.00pm (approx.)
Departs Port Douglas 8.45am – returns 5.30pm (approx.)

Map

What to bring

Small overnight bag
Sense of fun
Sunscreen
Raincoat
Swimming Gear and towel
Walking Shoes
Change of warm clothes
Smile and singing voice
What's Included Day 1

What is included

Highlights:

Morning Tea & Lunch
Visit to Lake Barrine & Guided walk to the Twin Kauri Pines
Priority Entry, 45 min Historical Guided Tour & up to 2 hour stay at Paronella Park
Visits to Walsh’s Pyramid, Heales Lookout, Yungaburra, Curtain Fig Tree, Malanda,
Crawford’s Lookout, Millaa Millaa Falls, Mena Creek & Theresa Falls
National Park Fees
Complimentary pickup & drop off from Cairns CBD Accommodation.
Full Interpretation and commentary by naturalist guides.
Port Douglas. Flagstaff Hill lookout with views over 4 Mile Beach.
Mossman Gorge. Guided walk and swim in the cool waters of Mossman River.
Morning Tea & Lunch. Choice of meals at lunch.
Daintree River Cruise. 1-hour cruise.
Cape Tribulation Beach and Lookout. Where reef meets rainforest.
Attractions and all national park fees and permits as per itinerary.

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 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.

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 will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

For all camping tours require you to have a sleeping bag. If you don't have one they may be available for hire via the "join tour" button.

How fit do I need to be?

Our tours are made 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/walking up to 5km each day.

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.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If your looking for a private tour based of one of our 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.

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.

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.

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 this tour for me?

Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 49, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture. Our tours are for those wanting to really explore and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience. The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings. As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.

Cost and Fees

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.

Will I need additional money?

Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. Its handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.

Do I need to tip our guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary and is not at all expected.

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.

Whilst on tour

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick up times and locations, please check out the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary. Here we list everywhere we can pick up from and their respective times.There is a lot of information here to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review careful as these can vary from tour to 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.

Can you cater of special diets?

We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.

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