From Cairns: Atherton Tablelands Wildlife & Waterfalls
Overview
The Atherton Tablelands holds ancient rainforests, volcanic crater lakes, and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. This is the best way to spend a full day in it.
Departing Cairns with hotel pickup included, your small group heads into World Heritage-listed rainforest for a day of swimming, exploring, and wildlife watching. Slide down natural rock chutes at Josephine Falls, swim beneath Millaa Millaa Falls, cool off in volcanic Lake Eacham, and stand beneath the 500-year-old Cathedral Fig. Watch for platypus, cassowary, tree kangaroos, and turtles. Sightings are a regular part of the day.
Your guide is local and genuinely passionate. They will point out wildlife you would walk straight past and adapt the pace to your group. Maximum 20 guests, so every stop gets proper time.
Picnic lunch, entrance fees, national park permits, and return Cairns transfers included. Certified carbon-neutral. Fully accredited Queensland operator.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Carbon-neutral tour - every adventure is carbon offset
- Expert local guide
- Small group experience - maximum 20 people
- Water can be provided and there are water stations available along the route
- Pickup and drop-off from Cairns CBD (Reef Fleet Terminal, Bus Bay #7)
- All national park entrance fees and permits
- Picnic lunch - sandwiches and fruit platter
✗ Not Included
- Breakfast and dinner
Itinerary
Meeting & End Point
Find Hotels in Cairns & the Tropical North
Good to Know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Meeting point: Reef Fleet Terminal, Bus Bay #7, 1 Spence St, Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns CBD
- Look for the vibrant green or orange Barefoot Tours bus - arrive 15 minutes before departure
- What to bring: towel, swimwear, comfortable shoes or sandals, sunglasses, hat, camera
- Water can be provided and there are water stations available along the route
- Pack a jumper or light jacket in winter months - temperatures in the Tablelands are cooler than Cairns
- Wildlife sightings including platypus, cassowary, and tree kangaroos are common but not guaranteed
- Itinerary is flexible and may vary based on weather and road conditions on the day
- Minimum age 8 years
Known For:
Day Trips in Cairns & the Tropical North, Nature and Wildlife Tours in Cairns & the Tropical North, Sustainable Tours in Cairns & the Tropical North, Bus Tours in Cairns & the Tropical North, Private and Luxury in Cairns & the Tropical North, Full-day Tours in Cairns & the Tropical North, Weather Dependent - Moderate in Cairns & the Tropical North, Likely To Sell Out in Cairns & the Tropical North
Special Instructions
Welcome to your adventure with Barefoot Tours!
Dietary Requirements: Your comfort and enjoyment are our top priorities. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least 24 hours in advance to ensure we can cater to your needs appropriately.
Stay Informed: TripAdvisor's platform may not pass your email or phone number to us, making direct communication challenging. We recommend checking TripAdvisor's app the day before your tour for any important messages from our team. This is our primary way to inform you of any necessary details or changes.
Tour Cancellation Policy: We value your time and experience. In the rare event that we need to cancel the tour, decisions will be made by 6 PM the day before. Cancellations can occur due to minimum participant numbers not being met, adverse weather conditions, or other unforeseeable circumstances. We will communicate any cancellations through TripAdvisor's app, so please keep an eye on your notifications.
Prefer a hassle-free start? Arrange a direct pick up ($10 per person) with operator at least 24hrs in advance for a smooth beginning to your adventure.