Cairns Waterfalls Full Day Adventure Tour

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Both of Cairns' canyon courses in one long day: Behana Gorge with its waterfall abseils and rock jumps, then the bigger abseils and zipline of Crystal Cascades. For confident swimmers aged 12 and up, in groups of up to 12.

Days

Full day, about 10 hours

Age

12 years and over

Group size

Max 12

Start / finish

Cairns / Behana Gorge / Crystal Cascades / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Return shuttle from the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns

Meals

Bring your own lunch and snacks

Route

Map of Cairns Waterfalls Full Day Adventure Tour

View map

Included experiences

Behana Gorge — waterfall abseils, rock slides and jumps up to about 12 metres
Crystal Cascades — up to five abseils, the longest 32 metres
Zipline — 30 metres into the water at Crystal Cascades
World Heritage Wet Tropics — two rainforest canyons in one day

Cairns Waterfalls Full Day Adventure Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: INTO THE WET TROPICS

The day starts at the Reef Fleet Terminal in central Cairns, where the reef boats also leave from. The shuttle climbs out of the city, with views back over Cairns and the coast, into the Wet Tropics, rainforest World Heritage-listed in 1988 and some of the oldest on earth. Before the first canyon, your guides fit your wetsuit, helmet and harness and brief you on each technique. Which canyon comes first depends on the conditions, and the day usually ends at Crystal Cascades.

BEHANA GORGE

Behana Gorge lies south of Cairns on the northern slopes of the Bellenden Ker Range, whose summit at 1,593 metres is Queensland's second-highest peak. Here you work down about 3 km of creek with up to two abseils beside the waterfalls, up to three jumps into deep pools, the highest about 12 metres, and natural rock slides worn smooth by the water. Behana Creek supplies part of Cairns' drinking water, so the pools you float through are crystal clear. Somewhere between the two canyons, you stop for the lunch you brought.

CRYSTAL CASCADES

Crystal Cascades sits on Freshwater Creek in the hills behind Redlynch, and the canyon cuts through granite cliffs. This is the bigger of the two courses: up to five abseils, the longest 32 metres, a 30 metre zipline that drops you into the water, a rock slide, and jumps of 4 metres or an optional 10 metres. Once you're in, the only way out is down. Watch for electric-blue Ulysses butterflies along the creek.

EVENING: BACK TO CAIRNS

After a 10 hour day of climbing, swimming and walking over wet rock, the shuttle takes you back to the Reef Fleet Terminal. Allow up to 11 hours from start to finish.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Reef Fleet Terminal, Bus Bay 7, 1 Spence Street, Cairns, where the reef boats leave from. Pick-up from Cairns CBD accommodation can be added for a small fee; there are no pick-ups from private homes or holiday rentals.
Departure time: Your start time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: A 10 hour day; allow up to 11 hours from start to finish, depending on weather and roads.
Minimum age: 12 years. Under 18s must have a parent or guardian sign for them and come along.
Fitness: You need good fitness and to be a confident swimmer, at least intermediate level, able to move through moving water on your own. The guides adjust the pace to the group.
Dietary needs: Let us know about diet requirements, allergies, past surgery or any impairment when you book so the guides can plan for you.
Please note: Not suitable at any stage of pregnancy. Spinal injuries and some neck injuries can rule you out for safety. Groups are capped at 12 unless booked as a group.

What to bring

Packed lunch and snacks
Swimmers or board shorts, with a rash top or leggings if you like
Closed-toe runners and socks that can get wet
Towel, sunglasses and sunscreen
Something warmer for winter, a jumper and a dry change of clothes
Hands-free camera or GoPro with your own mount
Contact lenses rather than prescription glasses
Any daily medication
Cash or card for extras

What is included

Wetsuit in the winter season
Helmet, harness, carabiners and life jacket
Ropes, dry bags and first aid kit carried by the guides
Instruction from certified guides, about one for every six guests
Return shuttle between the main pick-up point in Cairns and both canyons

Not included

Lunch and snacks: bring your own, packed in a zip-lock bag
Pick-up from Cairns CBD accommodation, $10 per person
Shoe hire, $10 per person
Photos, $65 per person (around 100 shots)
Helmet-camera video, $85 per person (three hours or more of footage)
Photo and video package, $105 per person
T-shirt, $35

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.

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 did the full day tour of two canyons, more abseiling in Crystal and more jumps and slides in Behana, both great. The wetsuits kept me warm all day. Dom led with energy, history and jokes for 10 hours, with Wolf and Tom alongside, and they kept a non-swimmer in our group happy and safe.

Anne McLaughlin Verified· Travelled 12th July 2025

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(5/5)

Dom, with Wolf and Tom, made our canyoning wild, fun and memorable while keeping it safe and organised, and he shared lots about the plants, animals and rocks. We did both Behana and Crystal Cascades and loved them, though combined it's a long day. There's a challenge for every comfort level.

Tom Drewes Verified· Travelled 11th July 2025

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