Private Tour: Tropical Rainforest and Waterfalls Day Trip from Cairns
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Private Tour: Tropical Rainforest and Waterfalls Day Trip from Cairns

By Tablelands Tours
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Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-120
Duration: 8–9 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Lunch (at own expense)
  • Morning tea (at own expense)
  • National Park fees
  • Live commentary on board
  • Local guide
  • Professional guide first aid trained
  • Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
  • Entry/Admission - Atherton Tablelands
What's not included
  • Food and drinks are included in your tour but must be purchased at your own expense.
  • Souvenirs (available to purchase)


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • Your tour will always begin and finish at your accommodation address unless otherwise stated by traveller.
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      Airport pickup offered
      During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.
      • Cairns Airport, Airport Ave, Aeroglen, Queensland 4870 Australia
      Port pickup offered
      During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.
      • Hemingway's Brewery Cairns Wharf, Wharf St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
      • Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 29 Buckley St, Yorkeys Knob QLD 4878, Australia
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        • Near public transportation
        • Infant seats available
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 19448P9

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Minimum drinking age is 18 years
        • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
        • Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
        • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
        • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
        • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 19448P9

        From
        $965.92
        per group (up to 10)
        Select date and travelers

        Similar experiences

        Itinerary
        • 1
          Your guide is professional, and a local making this an insider's private tour. Leaving Cairns, experience freedom and flexibility, visit ancient World Heritage-Listed rainforests and waterfalls. This tour has the balance of keeping to a personal pace, with your experienced guide as he explains the diversity and history of this ancient land in a fun and friendly way. No boredom of scripted lectures from a pushy hired guide. Picture native tropical fauna and flora in their natural environment. Breath in the fresh mountain air, refresh with a quick swim or soak up the spray from one of the many waterfalls you'll visit. be left in awe at the timeless beauty of this natural paradise. Inclusive of morning tea, lunch chilled bottled water, and more. Expect to photograph, experience and encounter these things : • Extinct Volcanic Crater Lakes 100s of feet deep and miles wide. • Travel to over 3000 feet above sea level, to view and photograph the contrasting ancient landscape of the shady green world heritage listed Mabi rain forests, deep green rolling dairy pastures, and valley gorges, of the basalt layered fertile red soils within this unique elevated temperate wet tropical area of Far North Queensland. •  Learn about the Indigenous and bygone era of the pioneering history of this unique area from your local expert guide. • Photograph and learn of rare and endangered world heritage listed plant species including some giant trees over 1000 yrs old. • Observe unique and endangered native fauna in their natural environment such as the rare tree kangaroo, cassowary, platypus and hundreds of species of colorful songbirds.  • Optional swim in one of the many cool refreshing mountain water rivers and streams. • Feel the cool spray upon your face of the natural moist air from one of the many waterfalls we visit, formed many thousands of years ago from lava solidified in time. Waterfalls such as; Malanda, Millaa Millaa, Zillie, Ellinjaa and more. • Enjoy local homemade cuisine (prepared especially according to your dietary requirements). •  Experience the pleasure of not being rushed as we customize your tour to suit your individual needs, as a group or a family.  • While in the bus, enjoy temperature controlled conditioned comfort between destinations. • Pick up and return to your hotel accommodation. 
        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Tablelands Tours
          5.0 of 5 bubbles128
          Australia
        • cathymareewotton
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great tours Port Douglas and Cairns
          We met up with Darrin from our cruise ship in Port Douglas and Cairns where he took us on 2 days of tours. We visited some amazing places. Was a great 2 days! Darrin was so knowledgeable about the areas and was a great guide, even with the Dad jokes 😃
          Written June 4, 2024
        • Schlepper1939
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          One of the best historic villages I have had the pleasure of visiting
          This privately owned and run historic village is a credit to those involved, just ensure to allow enough time to do it justice. The entry fee is not cheap, but it does allow entry for three days and is therefore great value for history buffs. We drove out from Cairns for the day, but for another visit we would stay locally and go back on a daily basis rather than run ourselves ragged in one day. A bit of something for everyone.
          Written May 22, 2024
        • Camper573345
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Step back in time
          It was the most visually interesting step back in time, the artifacts, the massive area filled with so much history and preserved so well. It’s worth visit for all ages.
          Written November 4, 2023
        • David W
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Simply amazing!
          This is an absolute must for those interested in history. An outstanding array of buildings and memorabilia gathered together to showcase life as it was in the early days. Take your time to wander through and compare this to the mod cons we take for granted today!! An exceptional view of the heritage of the area and still cannot believe there was so much to see.
          Written August 20, 2023
        • lurelleb
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Herberton Historic Village
          We were amazed at the size of the collection on display, as well as the attention to detail. Credit goes to the current and previous owners for having the passion to create such an acquisition over time. Allow for a full day so as not to miss any part and don't forget to view the film. We enjoyed our visit and highly reccommend this Herberton attraction.
          Written June 11, 2023
        • 584RolandT
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Fascinating tablelands/waterfalls tour
          Darren was a knowledgeable and affable host for this tour of the Atherton Tablelands and the Barron River waterfalls. He worked hard adapting the tour to our interests and discussing the economics, industry and politics of the area as well as showing great knowledge of the wildlife. A fascinating and entertaining day!
          Written April 7, 2023
        • crilly2111
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Top service
          We had Darrin as our driver who met all 8 of us at Cairns Airport with a big smile and a lovely sense of humour to greet us! Darrin was easy to communicate with and replied with quick response to all enquiries. The drive to Port Douglas was smooth and very comfortable with injections of information along the way. On pick up to take us back to Cairns Airport he made contact he was 10 mins away. What a true gentleman Darrin is... I cannot recommend him highly enough... it’s like meeting up with a dear friend. Can’t recommend him highly enough, will definitely use him again. Thank you Darrin
          Written January 3, 2023
        • 860gemmat
          0 contributions
          3.0 of 5 bubbles
          The good the bad the ..... cellophane sandwich
          This was my second time coming to this attraction. My first experience was amazing the place was full of action and the staff where also very friendly and knowledgeable. The cafe was delightful and very well kept and all of the facilities really made it an enjoyable experience My second experience was somewhat lacking. (I'm aware I'm writing this 1year into a world pandemic so I have to be fair to all) But considering the costly entry I expected abit more effort to create an astomphere to enhance the experience. No music was played throughout, staff looked like they would rather be anywhere else. I live in northern Queensland so we are trying to travel to places to support local business etc stay afloat. The staff in the cafe didn't make eye contact and when I asked for a menu they pointed to a board then carried on with tasks. I commented on the strange choice of menu for a historical village, I would have expected delicate traditional dishes fit for the villages time again enhance people's experience. But I was confused by the only choices being a selection of hot curries. I ordered a basic sandwich and milkshake as it was abit pricey and I wasn't very hungry and a cellophane cheap bread wrapped sandwich was graced upon me. For a $6 sandwich I kinda expected a plate and maybe a little garnish. The milkshake is still insane but I was confused. ( I did ask for a plate and got given a take away box ). I guess given this day and age I should probably greatful I'm even aloud the privilege of a sandwich outside. But money is money and I found the service lacking.
          Written August 22, 2021
        • Departure11218087479
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Amazing Value
          Have just silent the day at this wonderful museum village set on 16 acres of immaculately keep grounds and gardens. It cost us as pensioners $29 each and this entitled us to a three day pass. Had we not travelled 90 minutes to get there this pass would have been ideal as there was just so much to see and do. Mining, printing, saw milling, woodwork , toys and several original houses were just a small part of what was included. Everything was maintained in excellent condition. Toilets etc clean and plentiful. This place is a credit to the people who established it and those who are now maintaining it. Highly recommended
          Written August 12, 2021
        • POLLYANNA57
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Outstanding. Heritage buildings and artefacts form a lifelike Village.
          We passed the Village a few years before the current Owners acquired it and pulled off a Herculean effort to finalise completion and open to the Public. A commendable effort. It is unique and wonderful. Try to allocate reasonable time (3+ hours) to do justice to touring the Village. The big Pub sells food, drinks etc., and is the perfect place to pull up. Even the old style, corrugated tin amenities block was excellent. The Village has equal appeal for adults and children. There is ample free car parking at the entry. The Village wins our award as the best example we’ve seen of a recreated town, and we’ve been thru several around the world. Everything was spotless, beautifully sited, cool and shaded and the gardens were lovely and fragrant. There is no musty, museum like aura. It’s as if every building still has a family or proprietor in situ, looking after it. The Entry Building has excellent, very well priced souvenirs and gifts. Visitors wander around at their own pace in whatever direction they choose to go. Elderslie the majestic old Queenslander taking prime position at the front was beautifully decorated and themed. Loved it. My next favourite building, tho spoilt for choice, was The Apothecary. Again best example I’ve ever seen. The number of different sets of Apothecary Jars/Urns on display was stunning. The circular padded leather banquette for Customers in the centre of the huge room harked back to a time when Proprietors looked after their Customers. The beautiful, elaborate National Cash Register on the counter looked like it belonged in Tiffany. Worth a visit just to see it. There is a Suspension Bridge crossing the river to the rear grounds where a wealth of farming machinery is scattered about. Every building, posh or humble, had things of wonder inside. All Staff we met were helpful and pleasant. We could have spent an entire day here. My husband is a keen photographer and I love old. Anything/everything. Time flew and our visit was fantastic.
          Written August 2, 2021
        • coulstom
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A great pioneering expericence
          It is a great recreation of a tin mining village. The buildings were fantastic along with the contents inside. Would highly recommend going to if your on the Atherton Tablelands
          Written July 12, 2021
        • Fiona_Boyce76
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          an amazing step back in time
          best 6 hours I have spent in a long time totally immersed in memories of later years. will be back because I know there was so much I missed even after 6 hours.
          Written July 7, 2020
        • Crawfoes
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great day out
          We visited the village for the second time. It has been expanded over the creek. The village is fantastic. So clean and tidy. So much to see. The new area over the creek is great. A farm house and a tractor display. The old sawmill was interesting. We had a lovely lunch there too. Well worth a visit.
          Written January 30, 2020
        • 515graham
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Undara Lava Tubes
          Great time, Darrin adapts the tour to suit your needs & shows you points of interest on the way, he knows all of the sites to see in your time frame
          Written August 6, 2019
        • Michael L
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Two Days Private Touring plus transfers
          We were fortunate to connect with Darrin for our time in Cairns/Palm Cove, and he truly made our trip better. From his personalized emails with ideas and specific details to our first greeting at the airport until we were dropped off, Darrin was kind, flexible, professional, and informative. It's easy to tell that he takes great pride in taking care of his clients. Having the Cassowary run along next to us while on the ATV Tour was just one of many highlights of the trip. I would recommend Darrin without hesitation. Michael P.S. Darrin, it was great meeting your family!
          Written July 22, 2019
        See all 128 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

        Popular mentions

        5.0
        5.0 of 5 bubbles9 reviews
        Excellent
        9
        Very good
        0
        Average
        0
        Poor
        0
        Terrible
        0

        Elliott M
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2023 • Family
        Darren was a remarkable guide. We explored the Daintree rainforest with him in September 2022. He was extremely informative and really brought the intricacies and history of the rainforest alive. He was also a fascinating conversation partner. He was flexible in terms of timing and good natured to a tee. We would recommend Darren unreservedly for any tour you'd wish to take.
        Written December 10, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        travelogged
        Pernem, India22 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Oct 2022 • Family
        A Perfect Guide. We had the best of our time at Cairns thanks to Darrin . He took care of smallest of the things to make our tour hassle free. He was there with us all along waiting with us in the queue making sure we don’t meet with any problem.
        Right from the booking he was very flexible with the itinerary and accommodated all my requests. Overall an Excellent hospitality.
        Highly recommended .
        Written November 2, 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thankyou Supriya. It was an absolute pleasure to look after you and your family members during your stay in Cairns. Recovering from the 3 yrs of Covid restrictions has been very difficult, and just getting my travellers used to writing a review is difficult, so I really appreciate your kind words, and look forward to being of service to you or anyone you should send my way soon. Happy travels. Darrin
        Written November 3, 2022
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        maryj_10
        Benalla, Victoria6 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jun 2022
        My sister and I enjoyed three tours with Darrin as our driver. Every effort was made to ensure we had a great time - we are elderly and we’re shown lots of outstanding places that were suited to our abilities. Of course the weather was perfect that helped! On time, dressed well, cheerful conversation mixed with interesting facts.- awesome venues, some fabulous eateries. We’ve had a great time with no complaints except maybe not enough days sightseeing on our itinerary - thanks Darrin from Mon and Mary
        Written June 18, 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thanks Mary and Mon'. I had a ball too. You made the tours very easy for me with great conversation, and you asked interesting questions about the area. It was great we were able to find time to visit some places you hadn't seen in a long time, and revisit old memories. We are indeed kindred spirits. See you here, there, or in the air... Happy travels. Darrin.
        Written June 27, 2022
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        RAHVMH
        4 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2023
        We had an amazing one-day tour of the Tablelands with our guide, Darrin. Such a friendly, helpful and knowledgeable bloke: we had a fantastic time.

        We saw so much in one day - amazing value for money. Darrin was happy to tailor the tour to include what we wanted to see, and to fit around the somewhat unpredictable weather conditions! Would strongly recommend to anyone who is going to be visiting Cairns and would like to see some beautiful nature.

        Thanks again Darrin!
        Written February 10, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Guys. Thankyou so very much for a wonderful review. I put a lot of work into my tours to really go the extra mile, knowing that if I promise a local authentic experience I must deliver. Having said that it is very easy to do when I have passengers who appreciate the area they are visiting as truly unique. Fortunately, if the weather doesn't go according to plan there is so much more we can do and see in the area to keep you interested. I believe expectations are met whenever you put yourself in your travelers' shoes for the day. Happy travels.
        Written April 9, 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Moish M
        Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Israel31 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jul 2023 • Family
        Darrin was amazing.
        We are a family of 6 the kids ages are 2-16 which means a variety of issues and requests, and Darrin did all he could to make everyone happy: wildlife, Rainforest walk, swim in nature, amazing scenery views etc.
        You name it in Darrin will do what he can to fulfill your dreams (unless nature says otherwise like like my hope to see tree kangaroo)
        As my kids said: this day was the top of our vacation in Australia.
        Moreover Darrin is a pleasant man to talk with.
        If you want to upgrade your time in Cairns, book with Darrin, you won't regret it.
        Written August 23, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Mette
        Copenhagen, Denmark8 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nov 2019
        I think the headline says it all.
        Darrin was a great guide, extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastically passing his knowledge on to us. He definitely went the extra mile to make sure the trip was a success.
        As one of the highlights on our trip with Darrin we saw a cassowary less than 3 meters away by one of the trails leading to a waterfall
        If I am ever in Australia again, I would take another trip with Darrin
        Written April 15, 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hey THANKS folks, what a great review. I work hard to make sure ech tour is delivered to an individuals expectations and beyond. I'm so glad you enjoyed the tour. Please dont forget to tell your friends. I'll still be here doing what I love for yrs to come. Happy travels. Darrin.
        Written April 21, 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Matt R
        Irvine, CA23 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Prior to the trip Darrin was eager and happy to answer all of our questions even after more than a few emails. 😬 On the day of our trip Darrin was on time (actually early) with a beautiful van and a big smile. After all of our emails back and forth it was like seeing an old friend and it got even better as the day went on. We headed out to Kuranda to see the falls, Koala Gardens, a coffee plantation and so much more along the way. Darrin gave us lots of history, local insight and lots of laughs. Our day with Darrin is something our family will never forget and when we head back to Carins there is only one person we will call. Do yourself a favor and stop looking for the right guide because you just found him.
        Written January 12, 2019
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thanks Matt R. What a wonderful review, it's not taken lightly. It truly was an absolute pleasure to have you and your wonderful family on tour with me. It really makes my day to read such comments, as producing such a tour does not come easy, so its nice not to be taken for granted. It also means we are doing the right thing by our customers and this goes a long way for future bookings and peace of mind. I'm really very happy that you enjoyed the tour, half the fun was in the planning and yes it did feel as though we were old friends once we finally met. Of-course you are welcome back any time, it's a big area, and there is still so much more to see. Happy travels. Darrin.
        Written January 14, 2019
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        del
        Courtenay, Canada2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nov 2018 • Solo
        Darin showed us a great time and allowed us to modify the tour to suit our desires. There was a mix up about the lunch and he more than satisfied me. He defiantly went the extra mile. He is the only tour I will use in Cairns and strongly recommend that you do too.
        Written November 29, 2018
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi folks. Thanks so much for your super review. Sometimes its really tricky trying to satisfy all customers and angry ladies in golf carts... But if you treat people like your own family and the way you would expect to be treated as a paying customer, I believe we hit the mark 99% of the time. I'm so glad you enjoyed your day, and while the waterfalls were not behaving in the hot dry weather, there is still so much more to see and experience on our tours that no one goes away bored or disappointed. Happy travels.
        Written December 1, 2018
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Mel959
        Ottawa, Canada60 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Set up an individualized tour with Darrin-I had read about Yunguburra Markets on line and wanted to go. He set this up and added beautiful scenic spots-falls,tree, lake, lookout. A very pleasant and informative, careful driver on the twisty Gillies highway. ok, his jokes aren't great (gotcha, Darrin!) but they're fine. He really is a very nice person to spend a day with-accommodating and professional at all times.

        Definitely book with this company!!
        Written July 28, 2018
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Melissa. Ha ha - "All jokes aside" Thanks so much for the great time we had, I told you that you would have a great time, and by the look of that review you did. You are welcome back on my bus any time. Remember to tell your mates about us. Happy travels. Darrin.
        Written July 29, 2018
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        Private Tour: Tropical Rainforest and Waterfalls Day Trip from Cairns provided by Tablelands Tours

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