Atherton Tablelands Eco Tour

Highlights

• Small group rainforest tour from Cairns
• Visit iconic must-see sights, including Millaa Millaa Falls
• Explore ancient World Heritage rainforest 
• Expert local guides & lunch included

Description

Enjoy an enchanting full day experience admiring the awe-inspiring Atherton Tablelands and the local sights of picturesque Lake Barrine, Curtain Fig Tree, Millaa Millaa Falls and Paronella Park (featuring the Spanish Castle ruins, the ambitious dream of one man). The gushing waterfalls in the Cairns Tropical Highlands will refresh, inspire and invigorate.

You’ll be transported in a comfy vehicle equipped with air conditioning and accompanied by local guides who are also naturalists. You can expect to fully experience this special tropical environment and the incredibly rich rainforest ecosystem.

Northern Experience, with their abundance of knowledge on the area and its history, are dedicated to enabling their guests to enjoy in utmost comfort the wonderful experience that awaits. Enjoy music and listen to stories about virtually anything you are curious about as the tour unfolds.

The local drivers have all had years of experience exploring the various attractions, and will regale you with anecdotes of local history and demonstrate an intimate knowledge of the natural features of the region.

Founded in 1997, Northern Experience Eco Tours run the original tour from the Tablelands to Paronella Park, so there is no better choice for those who want a great experience exploring tropical Australia that’s also excellent value for money.

Tour Details
The tour will take you over a distance of more than 300 kilometres in a single day, with 6 stops at various destinations on your journey. You’ll experience a range of natural environments, from relatively dry tropical forests to the luxuriance of the tropical rainforest.

At Lake Barrine, embark on a short guided walk amongst 1000 year old twin kauri pine trees - the giants of the rainforest. Look out for a rich variety of birdlife including pelicans, ducks, sea eagles and many other seasonal species.

On the banks of the lake, which is of an estimated age of 10,000 years, spot turtles, water dragons, eels and snakes such as amethystine pythons, red bellied snakes and carpet pythons, as well as a variety of other species.

Visit the historical town of Yungaburra, before the tour continues on to the Curtain Fig Tree. Here, you will look out for the bashful Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo, the Green Ring Tailed Possum, Boyd’s Forest Dragon and a cacophony of bird species.

A variety of butterflies, insects and the elusive Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo await at Millaa Millaa Falls, where you can jump into these famous rainforest waters for a swim. Don't forget your camera, as this is one of Australia's most photographed waterfalls!

The next portion of your Northern Experience tour takes you past huge banana & sugar cane fields to the coastal town of Innisfail, where you will stop for lunch. Then, at the lovely National Trust gardens of Paronella Park, spot a variety of turtles, fish, eels, scrub turkeys and even miniature bats on a 45 minute guided tour.

On your return journey to Cairns there are plenty more photo opportunities, as well as stopping at a local banana farm for the option to purchase local tropical fruits. If time permits, you might also stop at the famous Babinda Boulders for a taste of these tranquil waters. 

Trip Includes

• Return Cairns hotel transfers
• A short guided walk and Devonshire tea at beautiful Lake Barrine (a volcanic crater lake)
• View 1,100 year old twin Bull-Kauri pine trees & the giant Curtain Fig Tree (600 years old)
• Elevated rainforest boardwalk & the world famous Millaa Millaa Falls
• Lunch at Innisfail
• A visit to the award winning Paronella Park (Spanish Castles in the rainforest)
• Mena Creek Falls
• Walsh's Pyramid
• Heales Lookout
• World Heritage rainforests
• Wildlife spotting & aboriginal legends
• Ecology & history of the diverse farming areas
• Beautiful photo opportunities
• Experienced Naturalist guide & interpretive rainforest walks
• Visit a local fruit stall
• Swimming
• National park fees
• Small groups & lots of fun

Duration

• Allow 10hrs round trip from Cairns 

Departures

• 7:30 am from Cairns & Northern Beaches accommodation (returns approx 6 pm)
• Pick up from your central Cairns accommodation
• Operates daily all year 

Other Information

• Child rates apply (4-14yrs)
• Infants (0-3yrs) will incur an additional $70 AUD charge to be paid on the day & will be provided with a booster/child seat
• Depending on the season & what the weather brings you may like to come with a jacket during the winter months as the Tablelands can get cool. In the summer you should bring a hat, sunscreen & some bottled water
• Definitely bring your swimming gear, towel & a change of clothing is essential for an excellent day out. Even during the cooler months
• A must is your camera with spare batteries & enough room on the memory card
• Some spare change as we visit 2 very well equipped gift shops with locally made products
• And last of all a good attitude and a thirst for great views & an excellent time is essential