Discover our Early Bird Sale! Explore offers →

Premium Tablelands, Waterfalls & Paronella Park Rainforest Day Tour

$200 / Person

Rates

Book Now Link
https://booknow.operatorhub.travel/?token=eaadf676a008f52216ecada10cb5b3f1&category=northern-experience-eco-tour
Enquire Link
/contact
Price From
219
Price Child
169

Tour Info

Ages
4 years+
Trip Code
NEET
Trip Styles
Premium Day Tours
Duration
1 day
Physicality
5/10
Group size
6-20
Destinations
Cairns and Far North Queensland

About This Tour

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 Millaa Millaa Falls and Babinda Boulders.

Highlights

  • Spectacular scenic lookouts
  • World Heritage rainforest
  • Visit two waterfalls
  • Lake Barrine
  • Devonshire morning tea
  • 1000-year-old twin kauri pines
  • Curtain Fig Tree
  • Yungaburra & Malanda townships
  • Swim at Millaa Millaa Falls (or Malanda Falls from 9 November 2026 to mid-December 2026, while Millaa Millaa Falls is closed)
  • Visit Babinda Boulders (if time permits)
  • Restaurant-quality lunch
  • Paronella Park & guided walk
  • Multilingual Audio App: Download the app via the App Store or Google Play to listen along in your preferred language and enjoy extra insights throughout the experience. Available in English, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 4.8 on Tripadvisor (1,109 Reviews)

Your Day At a Glance

Itinerary

Day 1: Tablelands Waterfalls & Paronella Park
Your full-day discovery tour of the Atherton Tablelands and Paronella Park starts with a coach pickup from your Cairns accommodation or alternative meeting point, between 7.15am – 7.45am. Travelling south from Cairns in our air-conditioned coach, your first photo opportunity is at the towering Walsh’s Pyramid, a Cairns icon and one of the largest naturally formed pyramids in the world at over 900 metres in height. Onwards through the verdant green landscape of the Goldsborough Valley, we commence our ascent into the cool tropical rainforest climes of the Atherton Tablelands via the Gillies Highway. Rainforest giants stand sentinel over our winding path, breaking momentarily at Heales lookout for a spectacular vista over the valley and out to the Coral Sea. 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 now 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 or  you can relax in the teahouse overlooking Lake Barrine, or take a leisurely walk through the rainforest walking tracks, keeping watch in the water for eels and turtles, in the trees for Boyd’s forest dragons and on the rainforest floor for Australia’s most ancient marsupial: the musky rat-kangaroo. Next stop is the historical town of Yungaburra, where your guide will share the township’s logging past, taking you on a driving tour around this quaint town and showcasing the many heritage-listed buildings. He will even stop for a photo or two! From Yungaburra it is a short drive to the Curtain Fig Tree, which towers more than 45 metres into the rare Mabi forest of its namesake, Curtain Fig Tree National Park. Leading a fascinating boardwalk tour, your guide shares the unlikely story behind the formation of this 600-800 year-old epiphyte, while also looking out for unique wildlife in the rainforest canopy, like green ring-tailed possums, eastern whip birds, Victoria’s rifle birds the rare Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo. Next is a driving tour through the historical dairy town of Malanda, home to Australia’s oldest continuously running commercial picture theatre and another slice of Australiana, the charming Malanda Hotel. After a 30-minute drive travelling through rolling green pastures, home to teeming rainforest streams and beef, dairy and sugar cane, we then arrive at Millaa Millaa Falls. Seem familiar? It’s one of Australia’s most-photographed waterfalls! Jump into the cool rainforest waters and shower under the falls as they tumble over 20 metres from volcanic lava flow formed over 1 million years ago. Or sit and enjoy the sights and sounds from the rainforest canopy. We then stop for an a la carte lunch. Please note: Millaa Millaa Falls is closed from 9 November 2026 to mid-December 2026. When travelling between these dates, we visit Malanda Falls and swim there instead. We descend from the Atherton Tablelands via the Palmerston Highway and through the traditional lands of the Mamu people, passing expansive sugar cane and banana fields to the coastal town of Innisfail. Before heading to Paronella Park. The extensive National Trust-listed gardens at Paronella Park are our next stop, where a 30-minute guided tour in English it tells the story of the park’s memorable architecture, set amongst sprawling tropical gardens and inspired by founder José Paronella’s dream of a Spanish castle. Photo opportunities abound here, from Kauri Avenue to Teresa Falls, the Grand Staircase and suspension bridge over Mena Creek Falls. With 2.5 hours here, you’ll have ample time to explore the grounds, appreciate its history and capture some memorable moments. Now, we head north towards Cairns, stopping at a local banana farm where you can buy your very own taste of the tropics with local bananas, papaya and seasonal, home-grown fruit. Onwards past Babinda, where — time permitting — we stop for another dip at Babinda Boulders, sampling the tranquil waters nestled between striking granite boulders. Babinda, Queensland’s wettest town with more than four metres annual rainfall, sits between Queensland’s two highest mountains: Mount Bartle Frere (1,611 metres) and Mount Bellender Ker (1,593 metres). These majestic peaks are blanketed in World Heritage-listed rainforest and form part of the Great Dividing Range, Australia’s most substantial mountain range and the fifth longest land-based range in the world. From its beginning off the tip of Queensland, it spans 3,500 kilometres through into New South Wales then Victoria before ending at the Grampians: quite a stretch! Following these northern portions of the Great Dividing Range home with a full day of rainforest, history and waterfalls behind us, it is approximately a 50-60 minute drive back to the city of Cairns and onwards to your accommodation, arriving between 5.30 – 6.00pm.

Gallery

EcoTour-listing-1-1200x600_Premium Tablelands Day Tour
EcoTour-listing-10-1-1200x600_Premium Tablelands Day Tour
EcoTour-listing-9-1200x600_Premium Tablelands Day Tour
EcoTour-listing-8-1200x600_Premium Tablelands Day Tour
EcoTour-listing-4-1200x600_Premium Tablelands Day Tour
487739855_1214058707388966_5919657132420232252_n
487804234_1213911137403723_21832135722675193_n
488601689_1214309050697265_6866230098135139839_n
107554
103704-19
103705-19
107556
100921
102663
102675
104309

Inclusions

  • Knowledgeable and experienced tour guide
  • Devonshire morning tea
  • Quality lunch at a local restaurant
  • Paronella Park with priority entry and guided tour
  • Return hotel transfers in the Cairns area (with paid transfers available for Northern Beaches hotels)
  • National Parks Permit Fees
  • Swim at Millaa Millaa Falls (or Malanda Falls from 9 November 2026 to mid-December 2026, while Millaa Millaa Falls is closed)
  • Small group touring in comfortable air-conditioned buses

Tour Map

FAQ

What fitness level is required?
This experience requires only a basic level of fitness, with limited walking involved.
What time do you normally start and finish the tour?
Pick up times commence at 7:15am from Cairns CBD and return around 5.30-6.00pm
What should I bring with me?
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable covered walking shoes
  • Swimwear, towel and change of clothes.
  • Bottled water
  • Light jacket in cooler months (June – Oct), when the Tablelands can be quiet cool early in the morning, but still hot enough for swimming later in the day.
  • Umbrella (if rain is forecast)
  • Camera with spare batteries and enough room on the memory card.
  • Cash / credit card as we visit two very well-equipped gift shops with mostly locally-made products.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, we cater for most dietary requirements if you notify us when you complete your online check in.
Can you bring a walker or wheelchair on tour?
Unfortunately, we can’t accept wheelchairs as we don’t have wheelchair lifts. Passengers must be able to get in and out of the tour bus vehicle. For passengers with mobility restrictions:
  • Paronella Park is set on 13 acres, on 2 different levels.
  • The 2 levels are joined by a staircase with 47 steps.
Paronella Park also offers a courtesy vehicle (down a service road), for guests to be able to utilise, if they cannot use the staircase.
Do tours pick up from Palm Cove and Port Douglas?
We offer complimentary transfers from all hotels in the Cairns CBD and South of Cairns. If you are staying in Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches, we can organise transfers (please select this pickup option when booking), or you can self-drive to the Smithfield Skyrail terminal as we can offer a complimentary pickup from here.
Do you supply booster seats?
Yes, we supply booster seats for children, included in the child/infant price. Please note your child’s age and if they require a booster seat in the comments box when you complete the online check-in for your tour. * In Queensland, children under 7 years old must be secured in an approved, properly fastened, and adjusted Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1754) child restraint, with specific requirements based on age. Children aged 4 to 7 years require a forward-facing restraint or booster seat.
What is your cancellation policy?
Click here to view the booking terms & conditions.

Reviews

Reviews
<!-- Elfsight All-in-One Reviews | Discovery Tours All-in-One Review --> <script src="https://elfsightcdn.com/platform.js" async></script> <div class="elfsight-app-67d7079f-bd8b-4668-8705-4457a9b60cb8" data-elfsight-app-lazy></div>

Reviews

Overall Rating 4.8 (1331): Google 4.8 (196), Tripadvisor 4.8 (1135)

  1. ShazBenn1 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great places to visit

    The itinerary and our driver were great. We visited some beautiful places and learned a lot along the way. We really enjoyed morning tea, lunch, and some local ice cream. The option to swim in Mossman Gorge, or relax and take photos from the lookout, was the best part of the trip.

  2. Jade M ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    GREAT DAY BLOODY AWESOME.

    Love the communication with our guide Caston.awesome driving skills reminds me off my own driving and doesn't muck around👌everything on this tour was a lifetime experience and loved everything throughout the day.

  3. Mary M ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great day

    Enjoyed the day. Carsten was an excellent guide.

  4. Graham P ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Ecology at its best

    Had a great day with our guide Mario. He was knowlegable and informative throughout, taking every effort to ensure we all had a good time. His instructions for different drops and collections during the day were clear and concise to ensure the day went smoothly. The food stops included morning tea, a full lunch, and a visit to a fruit farm for quality ice cream! Mario kept us informed during the journey pointing out landmarks, plant species, and local and geological history. All in all an easy and enjoyable day leaving us all well educated on the oldest rainforest in the world.

  5. paul walker ★★★★★
    on Google

    A very nice tour, beautiful places and nature. A guide very knowledgeable and kind

  6. pan1k1962 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great day to Cape Tribulation

    Excellent day out Great way to get an experience of the beaches and rainforest Our guide Ron was highly knowledgeable and informative

  7. Emma B ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great tour for all ages!

    Fantastic experience, our guide had great knowledge and provided facts, insights and jokes that kept us enlightened throughout the day. The jungle walk, the river boat cruise and the swim were the highlights!

  8. John Michael K ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Daintree and Cape Tribulation

    Wonderful well rounded experience. Our guide Steve was knowledgeable and entertaining.

  9. Robyn H ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Daintree

    Lovely day, for guide Steve was great, very knowledgeable, funny, attentive to his passengers needs. The day was long however we certainly covered alot of ground and sights.

  10. Greg Knight ★★★★★
    on Google

    Our trip was a great experience. Our guide Darren was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We had a great day

  11. Dawn S ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Cairns trip

    Steve was great! Very knowledgeable and just the right amount of energy. We appreciated his professionalism, keeping the tour on track.

  12. Anna ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Consigliato

    Massima puntualità nel prelievo e per gli spostamenti. La nostra guida è stata impeccabile. Peccato solo aver pagato così tanto ed non aver visto nemmeno un coccodrillo.

  13. angela Urquhart ★★★★★
    on Google

    Great tour, would highly recommend any tour with Carsten. He was amazing.

  14. Andries Kraaijeveld ★★★★★
    on Google

    Wij hebben de Daintree and Cape Tribulation premium tour gedaan. Alles top georganiseerd. De spots die we bezochten waren supermooi, lunch was top, krokodillen cruise was ontzettend gaaf. Je zit in totaal wel wat veel in de bus, maar dat is onvermijdelijk om de verschillende spots te kunnen zien. Maar de verschillende etappes zijn ook weer niet enorm lang en je rijdt bovendien door een mooi en afwisselend landschap. Het is dus heel goed te doen. Tot slot: de gids was ontzettend sympathiek en enthousiast.

  15. Eloise Grainger ★★★★★
    on Google

    Great guides, vehicles and day out. Day trips are ideal to see a highlight reel of all notable sites.

  16. Ryan Y ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    A day trip to Daintree Rainforest

    Had a wonderful day with Carsten! The trip was very well organized, and what made it even more enjoyable was our guide and driver, who was incredibly fun, friendly, and entertaining. There was never a dull moment throughout the journey. Thank you, Carsten, for such a memorable and enjoyable experience!

  17. Ryan F. ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great tour!

    From beginning to end, the tour was great. But the star of the show was Carsten. He is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, funny, and engaging. We felt lucky that he was guiding us!

  18. Rebecca S ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Excellent Day Tour

    The day was exceptional. From the drive along the coast to the drive through the rainforest. We enjoyed all the scenic stops for picture taking. Karsten our guide did a great job sharing information about all the sights. We enjoyed the riverboat ride and were able to see several large crocodiles. Lunch was great. We tried the barramundi and kangaroo loin. Both dishes were very good as well as the tropical fruit served with our meals. I would highly recommend this day tour.

  19. Es B ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Highly recommended

    Our guide Stev was absolutely fantastic. He went above and beyond. The trip was more than what we expected. Thank you!

  20. Trevor B ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Daintree tour

    The tour was fantastic. Steve was an amazing tour guide, and he really went above and beyond to make sure we had a great tour. His knowledge of the area is truly impressive, and I had a very enjoyable trip. Thank you Steve!

  21. amore62 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    A truly PREMIUM full day tour, it fulfills everything agreed upon.

    My guide-driver was Pierre. Passionate about the jungle, he gave us a lot of information about animals and birds of the oldest jungle on the planet. He was efficient, fast, and safe in his responses. Punctual pickup at my hotel, and everything went according to what was agreed. At lunch there were several options to choose from, fish, chicken, kangaroo, vegetarian. The tour lasted 11:45 hours, just as it is pre-established in the conditions. Highly recommended. The weather, which does not depend on the agency, was rainy at times, but that is nature. Thank you Pierre.

  22. Doris Bohndorf ★★★★★
    on Google

    Great tours and guides!! I did a few of their tours in Cairns. Totally impressed with their knowledge and organisation of the tours.

  23. Anna Januszko ★★★★★
    on Google

    Tour guide Sean was great, favourite part of the drive were his dad jokes at red lights. Lunch at the Daintree Cafe was beautiful, it was a highlight of the experience to taste the local fruit.

  24. burningblue2018 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great day out

    Excellent day out, Ron was excellent. Wholly recommend.

$200 / Person
Compare list 0