From Cairns: Atherton Tablelands and Paronella Park Day Trip

Discover the beauty and history of the Atherton Tablelands on this full-day guided tour from Cairns. Cover over 300 kilometers of rainforest waterfalls, explore Paronella Park, enjoy a tasty lunch.
Begin your tour early in the morning by hopping on board a comfortable coach. Take in the the verdant landscapes of the Goldsborough Valley, before ascending to the cool tropical rainforest climes of the Atherton Tablelands.

Ride next to towering rainforest trees which stand sentinel over the winding path. Stop at the Heales lookout for a spectacular vista over the valley and out to the Coral Sea. Head to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area's Lake Barrine which is in the Crater Lakes National Park.

Learn about the area’s ancient natural history on a guided walk to the 1000-year-old twin kauri pines. Admire these true giants of the rainforest, before being whisked off to Devonshire Tea. Have some locally-grown tea and coffee served accompanied by scones with jam and freshly whipped cream.

Continue to the historical town of Yungaburra where the coach stops for a photo or two before moving on to the Curtain Fig Tree, which towers more than 45 meters over the rare Mabi forest of Curtain Fig Tree National Park.

Listen as your guide shares the unlikely story behind the formation of this 600-800 year-old epiphyte. Walk along the boardwalk while looking for local wildlife in the rainforest canopy, like green ring-tailed possums, eastern whip birds, Victoria’s rifle birds, and the rare Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo.

Drive through the historical dairy town of Malanda. After Malanda, arrive at one of Australia’s most-photographed waterfalls, Millaa Millaa Falls. Jump into the cool rainforest waters as they tumble over 20 meters from volcanic lava flow formed over 1 million years ago.

Refuel with a delicious la carte lunch before descending from the Atherton Tablelands via the Palmerston Highway. Pass through the traditional lands of the Mamu people. Take in views of expansive sugar cane and banana fields until you reach the coastal town of Innisfail.

Reach the extensive National Trust-listed gardens at Paronella Park and go on a 30-minute guided tour that 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.

Capture pictures of the Kauri Avenue to Teresa Falls, the Grand Staircase, and the suspension bridge over Mena Creek Falls. Go for another dip at Babinda Boulders (time permitting) where tranquil waters are nestled between striking granite boulders.

Travel back to your pickup point in the city of Cairns in the evening with unforgettable memories of the stunning Atherton Tablelands and Paronella Park.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.