DESCRIPTION
Itinerary
Day 1: Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Day Tour-Cairns
Stop At: Curtain Fig Tree, Fig Tree Road, East Barron QLD 4883, Australia
The Curtain Fig Tree in Cairns, Australia, is estimated to be between 500 to 800 years old and thrives in the endangered Mabi Rainforest. The term “Mabi” hails from the local indigenous Ngadjon-Jii tribe and refers to the rare Lumholtz’s tree kangaroo. This tree stands as one of the largest in Tropical North Queensland and is a well-known gem of the Atherton Tablelands.
The roots of Yungaburra’s Curtain Fig Tree have descended over 15 meters to form a captivating “curtain” of roots, while the host tree has been suffocated and drained of nutrients by the strangler fig. Upon closer inspection, you can discern that it was originally four host trees; one of which likely fell due to rot, contributing to the distinctive curtain seen on the fig tree walk.
The Cathedral Fig Tree is conveniently located just off the Gillies Highway, a short drive from Lake Barrine. Standing tall at an impressive 50 meters, with a canopy spanning the size of two Olympic swimming pools.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Lake Eacham Crater Lakes National Park, Lake Eacham, Queensland Australia
This pristine gem is known for its crystalline blue waters, embraced by lush, dense rainforests and inhabited by a variety of small creatures. It’s a National Park that’s perfect for birdwatching, bushwalking, swimming, and even canoeing.
Approximately 10,000 years ago, molten magma from the Earth’s mantle began its journey toward the Earth’s crust, heating the water that lay trapped underground. This process resulted in the release of steam in the Tablelands area, eventually leading to cracks in the ground. When the pressure reached its zenith, it caused massive explosions, giving rise to what we now know as Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine.
Lake Eacham is a self-contained catchment, a volcanic crater brimming with water, with no direct outlets to nearby rivers, creeks, or streams. The water levels here ebb and flow by approximately four meters between seasons due to evaporation and seepage.
These Atherton Tablelands Lakes are an integral part of the World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainfore
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Millaa Millaa, Millaa Millaa, Queensland
Nestled 90 minutes inland from Cairns, in the lush Atherton Tablelands, lies the charming town of Millaa Millaa. Surrounded by verdant rainforest, this Heritage-listed gem is internationally renowned, having graced TV ads, movies, documentaries, and music videos across the globe.
Millaa Millaa Falls takes center stage within the Atherton Tablelands waterfall circuit, forming part of the spectacular Millaa Millaa waterfall circuit. This circuit boasts several nearby waterfalls, including Ellinjaa Falls, Mungali Falls, Zillie Falls, and Pepina Falls.
When you venture into the Wet Tropics region to explore the Atherton Tablelands waterfalls from Cairns, you’ll encounter Mother Nature’s jaw-dropping wonders. Millaa Millaa Falls, with its 18-meter (60-foot) cascade over an impressive rock formation, is a sight to behold. Beneath the waterfall lies a tranquil plunge pool, ensconced by vibrant rainforest and a grassy picnic area. Swimming beneath the falls or standing behind the curtain.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Queensland Australia
The World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest in the Atherton Tablelands offers a captivating immersion into one of the world’s most extraordinary natural habitats. However, it’s important to note that wildlife encounters, such as the elusive Southern Cassowaries, are a matter of chance. While we can’t promise guaranteed sightings of these remarkable creatures or the mythical Dropbears, exploring the pristine rainforest gives you the opportunity to witness the magic of their untamed world.
According to local legends, Dropbears are known for their mischievous antics, famously dropping from the trees to startle unsuspecting passersby. While these legends are all in good fun and are not grounded in reality, they reflect the joyful spirit of the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The Wet Tropics Rainforest is a haven for endemic species, including the Lumholtz’s tree kangaroo, the green ringtail possum, and the stunning Ulysses butterfly.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Bartle Frere Lot 1 Josephine Falls Walk Wooroonooran National Park, Cairns, Queensland 4861 Australia
Emerging as a gentle trickle from the Bartle Frere summit, the waters meander their way down, cascading over granite boulders. These tumbling waters form the picturesque Josephine Falls, a beloved site in Cairns, Australia.
In days of old, the traditional indigenous custodians, the Noongyanbudda Ngadjon-jii, resided in these lands surrounding Mount Bartle Frere. Their nomadic lifestyle mirrored the rhythm of the seasons, with women gathering and men hunting. Their ethos of taking only what was needed sustained the delicate balance of life.
Some parts of Josephine Falls hold sacred significance for the indigenous people and remain off-limits to the public.
Nestled in the World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest, Josephine Falls boasts breathtaking views, an abundance of plant species, diverse wildlife, and crystalline waters. It has earned accolades as one of the most enchanting waterfalls in Tropical North Queensland.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch: Morning & Afternoon Snacks
Picnic Lunch- Fresh Bread, Salad, Meat & Fruit Platter.
What to bring:
Towel, Sunglasses
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: Great Barrier Reef Day Tour
Stop At: Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Queensland Australia
Cruise onboard Cairns’ fastest, most luxurious super-yacht, , to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an affordable and comfortable reef tour from Cairns City.
The 35-metre superyacht departs Cairns for the outer reef, with 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day. Experience the adventure of snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Dial-up the adventure
Day Tour Itinerary
7:15am – 7:45am: Check-in, Reef Fleet Terminal
8.00am: Yacht departs from Cairns
9.45am: Arrive at reef location 1
11:30am: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
1:00pm: Yacht arrives at reef location 2
3:00pm: Yacht departs for Cairns
4:30pm: Yacht arrives back in Cairns
*Times are just an estimate.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: Delicious BBQ Lunch including fresh fish, prawns, steak, vegetarian option and a variety of fresh salads.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 3: Daintree Cape Trib & Bloomfield Day Tour
Stop At: Daintree Region, Daintree Region, Queensland
Return transfers
Scenic Coastal Drive
Daintree River Cruise with light morning tea of coffee, tea and biscuits
Interpretative drive over the Alexandra Range
Guided beach walk
Lunch in a rainforest setting
Tropical fruit ice-cream (included)
Daintree River ferry crossing
Mossman Gorge guided rainforest walk on a selection of trails and elevated boardwalks (easy grade).
Visit the Mossman River Lookout and Suspension Bridge and enjoy an invigorating freshwater swim (swim is subject to river conditions).
Locations and activities
Daintree River Cruise:
Scenic Coastal Drive:
Alexandra Lookout:
Guided Rainforest Walk:
4WD Bloomfield Track:
Emmagen Creek Freshwater Swim:
Lunch at a local cafe:
Ice-cream stop:
Duration: 9 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: Char Grilled Steak (GF) Served with chips & salad
Local Mackerel – Grilled or Battered (GF available) and more.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 4: Kuranda Day Tour
Stop At: Kuranda Scenic Railway, Bunda Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia
Discover the living colour and natural beauty of a rainforest that’s millions of years old.
Far North Queensland’s World Heritage-listed rainforest, the Wet Tropics, are among the oldest on earth. Thousands of species of plants and hundreds of unique creatures inhabit this lush green world. The famous Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way on a journey from Gimuy (Cairns) via Bubundji (Freshwater), to Ngunbay (Kuranda), the village in the rainforest. Rising from sea level to 327 metres, the journey to Kuranda passes spectacular waterfalls and into the stunning Barron Gorge.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Kuranda Koala Gardens, 2-4 Rob Veivers Dr Clifton Beach, Kuranda, Queensland 4881 Australia
Kuranda Koala Gardens is a boutique wildlife attraction, located in the world famous Kuranda rainforest village. Situated in the Kuranda Heritage Markets, the wildlife park is home to an amazing array of Australian animals, including wallabies, wombats, quokkas, gliders and freshwater crocodiles. What we lack in size, we make up for in cuteness.
The Aussie Bush Collection features a fascinating combination of marsupials and reptiles, all living in harmony together. See the Long-nosed Potoroos along with Bearded Dragons and Blue Tongue Lizards.
Kuranda Koala Gardens has the only nocturnal exhibit in our Tableland region, giving visitors the opportunity to see up close some night-loving marsupials like the Greater Bilby, Northern Bettong and the rare Mahogany Glider.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Butterfly Shop Kuranda, Shop 13 Village Centre, Kuranda, Queensland 4881 Australia
Discover Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Australia’s biggest butterfly flight aviary. Home to 1,200 tropical butterflies, the sanctuary is an all-weather experience in the heart of Kuranda.
Be enchanted by these elusive wonders of nature as you walk amid boardwalks and gardens, letting vibrant butterflies flutter around you. Join the breeding lab tour or download a free audio tour. Educational exhibits feature Silk Moth caterpillars, Hercules Moth, or Mini Beasts. Explore food plants on the new walk, witness the butterfly lifecycle from eggs to daily aviary release, and be amazed at butterflies from all over the globe in our museum displays.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Birdworld Kuranda, Heritage Markets, Kuranda, Queensland 4881 Australia
At Birdworld Kuranda you can immerse yourself in one of the most unique wildlife attractions of Tropical North Queensland. Birdworld Kuranda replicates the natural habitats of almost 60 native and exotic species that roam the unique rainforest habitat we’ve created. There’s handfeeding and photo opportunities so make sure you bring your camera.
Flying around you are species from the vanishing rainforests of the world, including some of Australia’s most precious and beautiful birds. There are brilliant Amazonian macaws, the endangered and stately cassowary, cheeky rainbow lorikeets, galahs, cockatoos and many more.
Naturally landscaped with waterfalls, ponds, exotic and native plants, Birdworld Kuranda is a place where you can join the birds in their beautiful world. Surround yourself in their rainforest habitat and be amazed at the more than 350 birds of all shapes, sizes and colours on display, including the Finch Aviary.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets, 7/13 Therwine St, Kuranda, Queensland 4881 Australia
These markets had their humble beginnings in 1978 organized by a group of local hippy artists and crafts people. The original marketeers had to pay for the operation of their own train service for two seasons, to prove commercial viability of the service to the Queensland Railway Department. These markets put Kuranda on the map, cementing its reputation as an exotic rainforest destination for local and international visitors.
Today the Original Markets has retained its atmosphere, with many local artists and personalities making the market part of their lifestyle. Many of the current marketeers have been involved in the markets during the course of the last 25 – 30 years. Their local knowledge and expertise is second to none.
Renovated in 2005 this market has lost none of its rustic charm
Strong eco-conscious ethic with organic, recycled, natural, holistic and remedial products available
Local crafts people display their beautifully hand crafted wares.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: The Original Kuranda Markets, 13 Therwine Street Kuranda Queensland, Kuranda, Queensland 4881 Australia
A visit to Tropical North Queensland isn’t complete without taking in the famous markets in Kuranda.
The Kuranda Heritage Market has been established for over 20 years and is all weather covered meaning you can enjoy the picturesque rainforest surrounds at the Heritage Markets all year round.
There is also a variety of organic produce, locally sourced from the region, as well as mixed spices and healthy treats.
View our operational hours on our contact us page to see when the Kuranda Heritage Market is open during normal operation hours and throughout the school holiday terms. We have a wide range of stalls offering locally produced souvenirs, arts & crafts, jewellery, gemstones & clothing.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, 6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield, Queensland 4878 Australia
EXPERIENCE SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tranquillity of one of the world’s most botanically fascinating areas that has remained relatively unchanged for 130 million years.
Enjoy a truly unique perspective of this ancient landscape with unsurpassed panoramic views of Barron Gorge and Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Glide metres above the pristine jungle canopy between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda, enroute descend to explore the rainforest close up at Red Peak and Barron Falls.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: Menu to choose of your favourite meals.
No accommodation included on this day.
