Day Tour to Paronella Park, Lake Barrine and Millaa Millaa Falls, Cairns & the Tropical North

About this activity

This small-group premium day tour offers an immersive journey through Tropical North Queensland’s most iconic landscapes, guided by local experts in a comfortable air-conditioned mini-coach.

Travel through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest and explore the stunning Atherton Tablelands, with hand-picked highlights including waterfalls, volcanic crater lakes, and ancient rainforest sites.

Swim at Millaa Millaa Falls, discover the beauty of Lake Barrine and the Curtain Fig Tree, and enjoy an extended guided visit to the historic Paronella Park.

With a relaxed pace, expert storytelling, and carefully selected stops, this tour is designed to showcase the very best of the region in just one unforgettable day.

Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Audio Guides Historical Tours Excellent Quality Adventure Tours Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 11 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: German, Korean, Japanese, French, Spanish
Guide: English
Operated by: Northern Experience Eco Tours

Ages: Infants (1–3 years) · Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–64 years) · Seniors (65–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Multilingual Audio Guide via mobile app to follow the tour in your preferred language
Included: Small group touring in comfortable air-conditioned buses
Included: National Parks Permit Fees
Included: Quality lunch at a local restaurant
Included: Devonshire morning tea
Included: Knowledgeable and experienced tour guide
Included: Live commentary on board
Included: Paronella Park with priority entry and guided tour
Included: Return hotel transfers in the Cairns area (paid transfers available for Northern Beaches hotels)

Not included

Not included: Tour does not operate from Port Douglas

Itinerary

Atherton Tablelands

one hour Admission included

Departure from Cairns, we head south travelling past Walsh’s Pyramid, one of the largest naturally formed pyramids in the world. Here your guide will stop so you can grab a photo of this unique North Queensland landmark.

Now it’s time to travel up the World Heritage listed Gillies Highway climbing 730 metres above sea level whilst enjoying the breathtaking views over the Goldsbourgh Valley.

Just before the top of the amazing Gillies Range is a short photo opportunity at the Heales Lookout before heading into the gorgeous Atherton Tablelands.
Lake Barrine

1 h 30 min Admission included

Enjoy a relaxing quiet stop in the cool of the morning at beautiful Lake Barrine filled with pristine rain water and surrounded by World Heritage listed rainforest teeming with abundant wildlife.

This is the first stop of the day and includes a delicious morning tea. Lake Barrine are famous for their award winning ‘Devonshire Morning Tea’ of freshly baked scones and jam/cream and locally brewed tea or coffee.

On most days the banks of the lake will reveal a variety of birds including pelicans and ducks and other animals such as tortoises, eels, water monitors and various species of snakes including pythons, carpet snakes & red bellied black snakes sunning themselves on the shoreline.
Curtain Fig National Park

15 min Admission included

After leaving Lake Barrine, we take a short journey through quaint country towns and farming areas to visit an unusual quirk of nature – the 600 year old Curtain Fig Tree nestled in World Heritage Mabi rainforest. This is the worlds most visited tree and easily accessible via elevated boardwalks.

The surrounding rainforest is home to the shy Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo – only found in Queensland. We spot them seasonally high up in the trees.
Millaa Millaa Falls

30 min Admission included

Visit The World famous Millaa Millaa Falls, one of the most renowned and photographed waterfalls in Australia surrounded by Mabi rainforest. This waterfall has been used as a feature in both television advertisements and movies.

The waterfall flows over solid volcanic basalt rock formed over many thousands of years ago giving the perfect drop for Millaa Millaa creek to fall for approx 20 metres into a pool surrounded by rainforest.
Innisfail

Passing by

Enjoy a short drive through this interesting country town, with many buildings of the Art Deco Era
Paronella Park

2 hours Admission included

In the cool of the afternoon we visit amazing Paronella Park’s Spanish style castles in the rainforest. This includes a 30 minute tour expertly conducted by Paronella Park’s own knowledgeable English, Chinese & Japanese speaking guides.

Paronella Park is a multi award winning tourist attraction with National Trust listed Heritage gardens and castle ruins, also boasting North Queensland’s first hydro-electric power plant all built by Jose Paronella at Mena Creek Falls. Originally created in the 1930’s by Jose Paronella, a man with a dream.
Babinda Boulders

40 min Admission included

If time permits, we may stop at Babinda Boulders, a beautiful natural spot known for its clear, cool waters flowing between large granite boulders. This peaceful area is perfect for a short walk and, conditions allowing, an optional swim.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Mercure Cairns
Mantra Trilogy Cairns
Nomads Esplanade
Coral Tree Inn
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Bay Village Tropical Retreat
Crystalbrook Bailey
Tyrconnel Historic Goldmine
Cairns Queenslander Hotel and Apartments
Crystalbrook Riley
The Reef Hotel Casino Cairns

and 63 more pickup points

DEPARTING FROM CAIRNS OPTION

This tour operates daily with pickups from Cairns (from 7:15am).

Please note that the “starting time” is not the same as the pickup time. Discovery Tours Australia signage will be displayed on the vehicle. Please be ready and waiting at your pickup point at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

As multiple stops are made across the Cairns CBD, we kindly ask guests to allow a 15-minute pickup window. If your guide is not there exactly at the scheduled time, there is no need to worry — they are on their way. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

If you are unable to locate your pickup point, please contact us.

DEPARTING FROM NORTHERN BEACHES OPTION

Pickups start from Palm Cove at 6:45am.

Please note that the “starting time” is not the same as the pickup time. Discovery Tours Australia signage will be displayed on the vehicle. Please be ready and waiting at your pickup point at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

Northern Beaches pickups include a return shuttle transfer between the Northern Beaches and Cairns CBD, where the main tour departs.

You will be collected by an International Coaches shuttle bus for transfer to Cairns CBD to meet your tour bus and guide.

As travel times between the Northern Beaches and Cairns CBD may vary depending on traffic and daily conditions, we kindly ask guests to allow a 15-minute pickup window. If your shuttle does not arrive exactly on time, there is no need to worry — it is on its way. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

If you are unable to locate your pickup point, please contact us.

Using your ticket

An all year round recommendation, and especially during the summer months is to bring a hat, sunscreen and some bottled water
Another all year round summer / winter definite recommendation is to bring your swimming gear - swimmers, towel and a change of clothes is essential for an excellent day out as you will get the opportunity to swim at Millaa Millaa Falls. During the summer it's just so refreshing and during the winter it's 'invigorating' - not to be missed!
During autumn, winter and spring it is recommended that you bring a jacket as the Tablelands can be quiet cool early in the morning, and still hot enough for swimming later in the day
If rain is on the forecast an umbrella or rain jacket is handy
A must is your camera with spare batteries and enough room on the memory card
Some spare change as you will visit gift shops with mostly locally made products

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Chinese & Japanese language guides are ONLY available on the Paronella Park guided tour. All commentary throughout the day is in English ONLY.

Options

Pick Up From Northern Beaches

Please select this option for pickup from the Northern Beaches, Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, and Yorkeys Knob.

Lunch and Morning Tea

Pickup included
Pick Up From Cairns CBD

Includes Morning Tea & Lunch

Pick up from Cairns CBD

Pickup included