From Cairns: Atherton Tablelands Wildlife & Waterfalls

4.9 (906 reviews) 10 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

906 reviews

4.9

From Cairns: Atherton Tablelands Wildlife & Waterfalls — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Barefoot Tours; Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Day Tour; Lake Eacham — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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, 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.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Sustainable Tours Excellent Quality Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Barefoot Tours

Ages: Adults (8–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Carbon-neutral tour - every adventure is carbon offset
Included: Expert local guide
Included: Small group experience - maximum 20 people
Included: Water can be provided and there are water stations available along the route
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Pickup and drop-off from Cairns CBD (Reef Fleet Terminal, Bus Bay #7)
Included: All national park entrance fees and permits
Included: Picnic lunch - sandwiches and fruit platter

Not included

Not included: Breakfast and dinner

Itinerary

Stop 1

10 min

Meet the Barefoot Tours bus at Reef Fleet Terminal, Bus Bay #7, 1 Spence St, Cairns Marlin Marina. Look for the vibrant green or orange Barefoot Tours bus - arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Babinda Boulders

45 min

Your first stop is Babinda Boulders, known as nature's playground - a fast-flowing tropical creek set among huge granite boulders and lush Bellenden Ker rainforest. Take a refreshing swim in the natural rock pools or walk through the forest and hear the Aboriginal legends that surround this magical place.
Josephine Falls

1 h 30 min Admission included

One of the Tablelands' most loved swimming spots. The clear waters of Josephine Falls glide over smooth boulders into a natural pool with a rock slide that guests come back for again and again.
Mungalli Falls

45 min

A scenic lunch stop in the heart of the Tablelands. Enjoy your included picnic lunch of sandwiches and fruit platter in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Millaa Millaa Lookout

10 min

A panoramic vantage point over the rolling hills and lush farmland of the Atherton Tablelands. One of the best photo stops of the day.
Millaa Millaa Falls

one hour

One of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia, a single-drop curtain of water into a clear pool surrounded by protected rainforest. Time to swim, relax, and take photos at Cairns' most iconic waterfall.
Atherton Tablelands

3 hours

Your guide takes you through the heart of the Tablelands, rolling hills, ancient rainforest, and local towns. Commentary throughout covers the region's natural history, geology, and wildlife. Watch for tree kangaroos along the way.
Lake Eacham Crater Lakes National Park

45 min Admission included

A swim in one of Australia's most beautiful volcanic crater lakes. Lake Eacham's crystal-clear waters are surrounded by ancient rainforest and are home to turtles and freshwater fish you can see clearly from the surface.
Cathedral Fig Tree

15 min Admission included

Marvel at one of Australia's most remarkable living structures, a 500-year-old strangler fig with roots that have grown to form a cathedral-like chamber in the forest.
Yungaburra Platypus Viewing Platform

30 min

The highlight wildlife stop of the day. Wander along the rainforest creek at dusk and watch for wild platypus in their natural habitat, one of the most elusive and iconic animals in Australia. Sightings are not guaranteed but are a regular feature of this tour.
Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

Passing by

Wet Tropics Wonder: Immerse yourself in the heart of one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is a living museum of natural history, home to ancient flora and rare wildlife. (The Region we visit throughout the day, not an actual location)
Stop 12

10 min

Drop off back in Cairns CBD.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Our vibrant green or Orange bus with the Barefoot Tours logo awaits you 15 minutes before your scheduled time at the Reef Fleet Terminal, Bus Bay #7, 1 Spence St., Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns CBD.

Or your please arrange pick up at your accomodation in Cairns city.

End point

Our vibrant green or Orange bus with the Barefoot Tours logo awaits you 15 minutes before your scheduled time at the Reef Fleet Terminal, Bus Bay #7, 1 Spence St., Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns CBD.

Or your please arrange pick up at your accomodation in Cairns city.

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
Crystalbrook Riley
The Reef Hotel Casino Cairns
Aspect Central Motel
Mantra Esplanade Cairns

and 30 more pickup points

Meeting point: Reef Fleet Terminal, Bus Bay #7, 1 Spence St, Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns CBD

Meeting time: 7:30 AM

Or, arrange pick up at your accommodation in Cairns city.

Using your ticket

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.

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

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