- Get up to $15 cash back per person when you book with us
- Full-day guided exploration of the beautiful Atherton Tablelands region & its many natural attractions
- Enjoy short rainforest walks through Lake Barrine's twin kauri pines, Curtain Fig Tree National Park & take a refreshing dip at Millaa Millaa Falls
- Devonshire Morning Tea of fresh scones with tea & coffee at Lake Barrine Teahouse
- Priority entry into the stunning Paronella Park, including a 45-minute guided tour & free time to explore
- Savour a buffet lunch at Roscoe’s Pizza Place
- All National Park entry fees
- Convenient return transfers from selected Cairns accommodation
Northern Experience Eco Tour - Atherton Tablelands & Paronella Park ex Cairns
Discover all of the natural wonders of Northern Queensland's Atherton Tablelands region in one packed day of adventure.What's Included
What to Expect
Delve into the natural beauty and history of Tropical North Queensland on this full-day discovery tour, covering over 300km packed with pristine waterfalls, ancient tropical rainforests and the intriguing history of heritage-listed Paronella Park. Amongst a small group in an air-conditioned bus, our expert guides reveal the secrets of the rolling landscapes and charming townships of the Atherton Tablelands, taking time to pause for unforgettable scenic views, wildlife and rainforest encounters and of course, a dip in the cool rainforest waters of Millaa Millaa Falls and Babinda Boulders.
Get collected from your accommodation in Cairns to head south towards your first photo opportunity at the towering Walsh’s Pyramid, one of the largest naturally formed pyramids in the world. Passing through Goldsborough Valley and into the cool tropical rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands, we take a brief stop at Heales Lookout to admire the spectacular vista over the valley and out to the Coral Sea.
Continue to 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, the true giants of the rainforest. Here you will enjoy a Devonshire Tea of freshly-baked scones with jam and cream, washed down with locally-grown, fresh brewed tea and coffee at the Lake Barrine Teahouse and the opportunity to discover the local wildlife on the leisurely rainforest tracks.
Pass through the quaint historical town of Yungaburra, with its many heritage-listed buildings, en route to Curtain Fig Tree. This unique fig tree 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.
Next is a driving tour through the historical dairy town of Malanda as we make our way to Millaa Millaa Falls, one of Australia’s most-photographed waterfalls. Jump into the cool rainforest waters as they tumble over 20 metres from volcanic lava flow formed over 1 million years ago, or just sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Enjoy a stop at Innisfail to indulge in a hot buffet lunch at Roscoe’s Pizza Place before the next highlight of your day, the National Trust-listed gardens at Paronella Park. A 45-minute guided tour 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 the suspension bridge over Mena Creek Falls. With two and a half hours here, you’ll have ample time to explore the grounds, appreciate its history and capture some memorable moments.
Stop at a local farm to buy some home-grown fruit as we continue onwards past Babinda, where, time permitting, we stop for another dip at Babinda Boulders. Follow the northern portions of the Great Dividing Range back to Cairns, reflecting on an amazing day of rainforest, history and waterfalls.
Where We Visit
- Heales Lookout
- Lake Barrine - Crater Lakes National Park
- Yungaburra
- Curtain Fig Tree National Park
- Millaa Millaa Falls
- Innisfail
- Paronella Park
- Babinda Boulders
- Northern Experience Eco Tour - Standard
FromAUD $159 Check Availability - Northern Experience Eco Tour - Morning Tea & Lunch
FromAUD $189 Check Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
- Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Comfortable covered walking shoes
- Swimwear, towel & a change of clothes
- Bottled water
- Light jacket in cooler months (June – Oct), when the Tablelands can be quite cool early in the morning, but still hot enough for swimming later in the day
- Umbrella (if rain is forecast)
- Camera with spare batteries & enough room on the memory card
- Cash/credit card as we visit 2 very well-equipped gift shops with mostly locally-made products
- A sense of adventure & thirst for great views
No, although return transfers from Northern Beaches' hotels are available for an additional fee of $22 per person, payable direct to the driver.
Alternatively, you can make your way to our pick-up points at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway’s Caravonica Terminal car park or Cairns Central Railway Station’s Bunda St entrance.
Yes, we stop at the amazing Millaa Millaa Falls for a refreshing dip in its pristine rainforest waters and Babinda Boulders on the way home (time permitting).
Policies
- All participants are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19
- Please reconfirm your tour 24 hours prior to departure
- Cancellations within 24hrs prior to departure & no shows - 100% cancellation fees
- Date changes are permitted (subject to availability)
- In the unlikely event that we are not able to operate a tour, due to weather conditions or unplanned operational events, an alternate travel date will be offered or a full refund processed
Pickup Locations
- 7.15am - See Comments on Manifest @ 07:15
- 7.15am* - See Comments on Manifest @ 06:55
- 7.25am - See Comments on MANIFEST @ 07:25
- 7.40am See Comments on Manifest @ 07:40
- 7.45am - See Comments on Manifest @ 07:45
- 7.15am - See Comments on Manifest @ 07:15
- 7.15am* - See Comments on Manifest @ 06:55
- 7.25am - See Comments on MANIFEST @ 07:25
- 7.40am See Comments on Manifest @ 07:40
- 7.45am - See Comments on Manifest @ 07:45
- ACACIA COURT-Pickup Lake St side @ 07:15
- ACCENT ON MCLEOD @ 07:25
- ADOBE MOTEL- @ 07:20
- AGINCOURT- @ 06:50
- ALAMANDA @ 06:45
- ALASSIO ON THE BEACH- @ 06:45
- AMAROO RESORT - Pickup at Moore & Trinity Bus Stop @ 07:00
- AQUARIUS- @ 07:40
- ARGOSY ON THE BEACH @ 06:50
- ASPECT CENTRAL - @ 07:20
- ASYLUM- @ 07:20
- BAILEY, A Crystalbrook Collection Hotel @ 07:25
- BAY VILLAGE- @ 07:20
- BEACH FRONT APARTMENTS-Pickup at Moore & Trinity Bus Stop @ 07:00
- BEACHFRONT VILLAS-Pickup at Clifton Palms 35 Upolu Esp @ 06:50
- BELLEVUE APARTMENTS - Pickup at Moore & Trinity Bus Stop @ 07:00
- BENSON HOTEL @ 07:35
- Best Western Central Plaza @ 07:20
- BLUE LAGOON - Pick Up Reception @ 07:00
- BLUE WATERS - Pickup at Moore & Trinity Bus Stop @ 07:00
- BOHEMIA RESORT- @ 07:15
- BOUNCE HOSTEL (Ex Northern Greenhouse) @ 07:30
- BREAKFREE ROYAL HARBOUR -Pickup at Abbott st Night Markets @ 07:30
- CAIRNS BEACH RESORT - @ 06:50
- CAIRNS CENTRAL PLAZA APARTMENTS @ 07:30
- CAIRNS CITY APARTMENTS @ 07:45
- CAIRNS CITY BACKPACKERS @ 07:45
- Cairns City Motel (next to Cascade Gardens) @ 07:25
- Cairns City Palms (ex high chapparel) @ 07:15
- CAIRNS COCONUT CARAVAN RESORT- @ 07:55
- CAIRNS COLONIAL CLUB @ 07:10
- CAIRNS GATEWAY RESORT- @ 07:55
- CAIRNS HOLIDAY LODGE- @ 07:15
- CAIRNS ONE - Gregory Street Entrance @ 07:15
- CAIRNS PLAZA HOTEL- @ 07:20
- CAIRNS QUEENSLANDER- @ 07:15
- CAIRNS RAILWAY STATION - Bunda Street Side @ 07:45
- CAIRNS REEF APARTMENTS @ 07:55
- CAIRNS SHERIDAN HOTEL-Pickup at McLeod St entrance @ 07:15
- CANNON PARK MOTEL- @ 07:50
- CARAVELLAS 149- @ 07:20
- CASCADE GARDENS- @ 07:25
- CASTAWAYS BACKPACKERS- @ 07:15
- CENTRAL PLAZA APARTMENTS (Opp Cairns Hospital) @ 07:15
- City Plaza Apartments - Digger St @ 07:15
- CITY SHERIDAN @ 07:20
- CITY TERRACES- @ 07:25
- CITYSIDER HOLIDAY APARTMENTS- @ 07:20
- CLIFTON BEACH -Pickup at bus stop Cnr Endeavour Rd & Cook Hwy @ 06:50
- CLIFTON BEACH - See Comments @ 06:50
- CLIFTON PALMS UNITS- @ 06:50
- CLIFTON SANDS UNITS- @ 06:50
- CLIFTON VILLAGE SHOPS -Pickup at bus stop Cnr Endeavour Rd & Cook Hwy @ 06:50
- COMFORT INN Cairns City @ 07:25
- COOLWATERS VANPARK- @ 06:50
- CORAL REEF RESORT- @ 07:50
- CORAL SANDS - Pick Up Bus Stop Cnr Moore & Trinity @ 07:00
- CORAL TOWERS- @ 07:15
- CORAL TREE INN- @ 07:25
- CRYSTAL GARDENS @ 07:15
- CWA UNITS @ 07:15
- DEEP SEA DIVERS DEN @ 07:15
- DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON @ 07:25
- DREAMTIME- @ 07:45
- DRIFT Apartments (Palm Cove) @ 06:45
- EDGE APARTMENTS @ 07:15
- EDGE HILL - BOTANICAL GARDENS BUS STOP @ 07:10
- EDGE HILL - See Comments on MANIFEST @ 07:10
- EDGE HILL SERVICE STATION @ 07:10
- EDGEHILL SCHOOL @ 07:10
- ELLIS BEACH VANPARK- @ 06:30
- ELYSIUM @ 06:45
- FIRST CITY CARAVILLA- @ 07:50
- FLORIANA- @ 07:20
- FLYNN - A Crystalbrook Collection Hotel @ 07:30
- FREEDOM BACKPACKERS - Pick Up Night Markets Bus Stop Abbott Street Side @ 07:35
- GETAWAY ON GRAFTON- @ 07:20
- GILLIGANS @ 07:30
- GLOBAL ON WATERFRONT @ 07:40
- GLOBETROTTERS- @ 07:20
- GRAND CHANCELLOR @ 06:45
- GROSVENOR-Pickup Grove St side (front entrance) @ 07:20
- HALF MOON BAY RESORT @ 07:10
- HARBOUR LIGHTS- @ 07:40
- HERITAGE MOTEL- @ 07:20
- HIDES HOTEL-Pickup reception @ 07:35
- HILTON- @ 07:40
- HOLIDAY INN HARBOURSIDE @ 07:15
- HOTEL TROPIQ @ 07:20
- IBIS Styles - Florence Street @ 07:25
- IL CENTRO- @ 07:35
- IL PALAZZO- @ 07:30
- IMAGINE DRIFT @ 06:45
- INN CAIRNS @ 07:35
- JACK AND NEWELL APARTMENTS- @ 07:40
- JJ's Backpackers @ 07:20
- Jungle Hostel @ 07:25
- KEWARRA BEACH - SEE COMMENTS @ 06:55
- KEWARRA BEACH RESORT @ 06:55
- KOALA BEACH RESORT (Lake Central)- @ 07:25
- KOALA COURT Holiday Apartments (Not Koala Beach Resort) @ 07:20
- KOOKAS B&B EDGE HILL @ 07:10
- LILLYBANK B & B @ 06:50
- MAD MONKEY ( Next to 1st Choice Liquor) @ 07:30
- Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront @ 07:30
- MAD MONKEYBACKPAKERS VILLAGE @ 07:20
- MANGO LAGOON @ 06:45
- MANTRA AMPHORA (N) - Pick Up REEF RETREAT, Harper Street @ 06:45
- MANTRA ESPLANADE - @ 07:40
- MANTRA TRILOGY-Pickup at Abbott St entrance @ 07:25
- MARLIN WATERS- @ 06:45
- MELALEUCA RESORT- @ 06:45
- MID CITY LUXURY SUITES @ 07:45
- MOTEL NOMAD @ 07:50
- Mummas Cairns - Ex Reef Backpackers @ 07:25
- NEW CHALON- @ 07:55
- NIGHTCAP - BALACLAVA HOTEL @ 07:50
- NORTH COVE-Pickup at Lake St entrance @ 07:15
- NOVOTEL CAIRNS OASIS RESORT- @ 07:25
- NRMA CAIRNS HOLIDAY PARK @ 07:15
- OAKS CAIRNS HOTEL @ 07:40
- OASIS INN- @ 07:15
- OASIS PALM COVE- @ 06:45
- ON THE BEACH APARTMENTS @ 07:00
- ONE 181 ESPLANADE - Pickup Lake St side @ 07:20
- PACIFIC HOTEL CAIRNS @ 07:40
- PACIFIC SANDS- @ 06:50
- PALM COVE NRMA CARAVAN PARK @ 06:45
- PALM COVE TROPIC APARTMENTS- @ 06:45
- PALM ROYALE CAIRNS Pickup at Bus Shelter @ 07:50
- PARADISE ON BEACH @ 06:45
- PARK REGIS CITY QUAYS- @ 07:40
- PARK REGIS PIERMONDE-Pickup at City Quays @ 07:40
- PEPPERS - PALM COVE @ 06:45
- PULLMAN CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL- @ 07:40
- PULLMAN REEF HOTEL CASINO- @ 07:40
- PULLMAN SEA TEMPLE ***Palm Cove*** @ 06:45
- QCWA Holiday Apartments @ 07:20
- QUEENS COURT- @ 07:20
- RAINBOW INN- @ 07:20
- RAMADA HOTEL (Ex HOTEL CAIRNS) @ 07:25
- RED BERET- @ 06:50
- REEF GATEWAY- @ 07:20
- REEF HOUSE @ 06:45
- REEF PALMS- @ 07:20
- REEF RETREAT- @ 06:45
- RILEY - A Crystalbrook Collection Hotel @ 07:25
- ROYAL PALM VILLAS- @ 07:20
- ROYDON APARTMENTS - Pickup at Moore & Trinity Bus Stop @ 07:00
- RYANS REST GUESTHOUSE @ 07:45
- RYDGES ESPLANADE @ 07:20
- SANCTUARY- @ 06:45
- SARAY'I HOTEL- @ 06:45
- SEACHANGE APARTMENTS @ 07:00
- SEAPOINT - Pickup at Moore & Trinity Bus Stop @ 07:00
- SEBEL ACCOR - PICK UP GRAND CHANCHELLOR @ 06:45
- SEE COMMENTS ON MANIFEST @ 07:00
- SHANGRI-LA- @ 07:40
- SKYRAIL TERMINAL - @ 06:50
- SOUTHERN CROSS ATRIUM APARTMENTS- @ 07:40
- SOUTHSIDE INTERNATIONAL @ 07:50
- SUMMER HOUSE (Ex Nomads) - @ 07:15
- SUNLAND VANPARK- @ 07:20
- SUNSHINE TOWER- @ 07:20
- TBA (To be advised) @ 06:50
- THE ABBOTT BOUTIQUE HOTEL @ 07:35
- THE BALINESE @ 07:20
- THE BEACH PLACE -Pickup at Sims Esplanade shops @ 06:50
- THE JACK @ 07:30
- THE LAKES-Pickup at Greenslopes St entrance @ 07:10
- TRADEWINDS MCLEOD- @ 07:20
- TRAVELLERS OASIS- @ 07:45
- TRAVELLERS PARADISE @ 07:45
- TREETOPS Stratford @ 06:50
- TRINITY BEACH CLUB - Pick Up Bus Stop, Cnr Moore & Trinity @ 07:00
- TRINITY BEACH LODGE -Pickup at Moore & Trinity Bus Stop @ 07:00
- TRINITY BEACH PACIFIC - Pickup Bus Stop, Cnr Moore & Trinity @ 07:00
- TRINITY BEACH PICK UP - See Comments @ 07:00
- TRINITY LINKS @ 07:55
- TRINITY SANDS - Pickup Bus Stop, Cnr Moore & Trinity @ 07:00
- Tropic Days @ 07:45
- TROPIC TOWERS @ 07:15
- TROPICAL QUEENSLANDER (CNR McKENZIE) @ 07:15
- TWO 201 LAKE STREET- @ 07:20
- UNITED SERVICE STATION @ 08:30
- VILLA MARINE- @ 07:15
- VILLA PARADISO- @ 06:45
- VILLA VAUCLUSE- @ 07:25
- VISION APARTMENTS - Pick Up ABBOTT Street Side @ 07:25
- VUE TRINITY BEACH APARTMENTS-Pickup at Moore & Trinity Bus Stop @ 07:00
- Waterfront Backpakers - (Next to Flynn) @ 07:30
- WATERFRONT TERRACES -Pickup at Lake St entrance @ 07:15
- WATERS EDGE-Pickup at Abbott St entrance @ 07:25
- YAL (Ex TROPICANA LODGE) @ 07:15
- YHA CNS CENTRAL- @ 07:40
- YORKEYS ESPLANADE SHOPS (Sims Esp)- @ 06:50
- YORKEYS KNOB - Pickup at Yorkeys Knob POST OFFICE @ 07:15
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