Cassowary Falls Gateway UTV Guided Waterfall Tour

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A small-group off-road tour on a private property in the Daintree Valley, by ATV and army truck through the rainforest, with a swim at Cassowary Falls, one of the few places it's safe to swim in the Daintree.

Days

2.5 hours

Age

All ages, up to 90

Group size

Small group, max 20

Start / finish

Daintree Village / Daintree Village

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

ATV and army truck, with transfers from Daintree Village

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Cassowary Falls Gateway UTV Guided Waterfall Tour

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Included experiences

Daintree Valley — ATV ride across creeks and rivers
Daintree Rainforest — guided army truck ride
Cassowary Falls — swim, and feed fish and turtles

Cassowary Falls Gateway UTV Guided Waterfall Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAINTREE VILLAGE TO THE STEWART VALLEY

Your tour starts with a transfer from Daintree Village, a small riverside town that began in the 1870s as a base for timber cutters chasing red cedar. The road runs up the Upper Daintree into the Stewart Valley, to a private, family-run property right beside the Daintree National Park. It covers about 160 acres: 60 of rainforest and 100 of rolling cattle paddocks, with creeks running through both. Look up the valley for Thornton Peak, at 1,374 metres one of the highest mountains in the region, its top often in cloud. Groups are small, at no more than 20, so you get to know your guide quickly.

OFF ROAD THROUGH THE RAINFOREST

First comes the ride itself, on all-terrain vehicles across the paddocks and down into the forest, splashing through creeks and rivers on the way. Then your guide slows things down for a walk and talk in the rainforest. This is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, a forest whose plant families go back well over 100 million years, to when Australia was still joined to Gondwana. Look for fan palms, strangler figs and the bright blue Ulysses butterfly. The property is named for the southern cassowary, a flightless bird that can stand as tall as a person and spreads the seeds of more than a hundred rainforest plants. Sightings are never promised, but this is their country.

A SWIM AT CASSOWARY FALLS

The best part of the afternoon is Cassowary Falls, where a rainforest creek tips over the rocks into a clear, cool pool. In most of the Daintree, rivers and creeks belong to saltwater crocodiles, so swimming is off the table. This is one of the few places where it's safe to dive in, because the crocodiles don't come up here. Wear clothes you're happy to get wet. Once you're in, you can feed the fish and the freshwater turtles that live in the pool, and they come closer than you might expect. Bring a mask and snorkel if you have one, along with a towel.

THE ARMY TRUCK AND BACK TO THE VILLAGE

The ride back is in an old army truck, sitting high above the track for a different view of the canopy and the valley as you roll back across the creeks. It's the kind of vehicle built to go anywhere, and on this property it does. The whole tour takes about two and a half hours, and suits all ages, from children to grandparents up to 90. From the property you're taken back down to Daintree Village, still damp from the falls. If you have time to spare, the river at the village is where the Daintree's crocodile-spotting cruises leave from.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: 263 Upper Daintree Road, Daintree.
Suits: All ages, up to 90.
Please note: There are some limitations on changing facilities.

What to bring

Clothes to get wet in

What is included

Transfers to and from Daintree Village
Access to Cassowary Falls on private property
ATV ride
Army truck rainforest ride
Guided rainforest tour
Swimming at Cassowary Falls

Not included

Mosquito spray
Sunscreen

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.