Cairns Day Tours · World Heritage Rainforest
Waterfalls you can swim under. Volcanic crater lakes of impossible blue-green. A 500-year-old strangler fig. Platypus in the wild. Just 80 km from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands is Tropical North Queensland's best-kept secret — and the finest day trip in Far North Queensland.
The Atherton Tablelands — also known as the Cairns Tablelands — is a fertile highland plateau rising 500 metres above sea level, just an hour's drive southwest of Cairns. Often called the "Food Bowl of the North," this UNESCO Wet Tropics World Heritage region is a rare convergence of ancient rainforest, volcanic geology, wild rivers, and working farmland that produces some of Queensland's finest coffee, chocolate, cheese and tropical fruit.
What makes a Tablelands day tour genuinely special is the sheer diversity packed into a single day: swimming under a picture-perfect waterfall, gliding on volcanic crater lake water, spotting platypus at dusk, walking beneath a strangler fig older than European settlement, and tasting single-origin coffee grown on the plateau — all within a 100 km radius of your Cairns hotel.
Must-See Stops
Every great Atherton Tablelands tour from Cairns visits a hand-picked selection of these iconic stops. Here are the highlights that define the region.
Queensland's most photographed waterfall — an 18-metre curtain of water cascading into a pristine swimming hole rimmed by lush rainforest. Made famous by the Herbal Essences shampoo ad, this is the Tablelands' signature moment.
Slide down a natural rock waterslide into a crystal-clear pool. Pure exhilaration inside World Heritage rainforest.
Swim in the deep blue-green waters of an extinct volcanic crater, ringed by ancient rainforest and patrolled by freshwater turtles.
A 500-year-old heritage-listed strangler fig whose aerial root curtain drops 15 metres — one of Queensland's most spectacular natural monuments.
A heritage-listed Spanish castle built by one man's dream in the rainforest — the Tablelands' most magical and surprising attraction.
The largest of the volcanic crater lakes at nearly 1 km across. Guided rainforest walks reveal twin 1,000-year-old kauri pines on the shoreline.
Spot in the Wild
Choose Your Adventure
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, wildlife, world-class produce, or the romance of Paronella Park — there's a tour designed for you.
The classic Atherton Tablelands tour from Cairns — and the most popular. Spend a full day swimming at Millaa Millaa Falls, sliding down Josephine Falls' natural rock waterslide, cooling off in Lake Eacham, and marvelling at the 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree. Small-group, guided, with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea typically included.
Explore the legendary heritage-listed Paronella Park — a Spanish castle ruin deep in the rainforest — alongside the rainforest walk at Lake Barrine. Often combined with Millaa Millaa Falls and the Curtain Fig Tree for a landmark-packed day. This is the tour for those who want history, architecture and nature in one itinerary.
Up to 80% of Australian wildlife is nocturnal — making this afternoon-into-evening tour one of the most rewarding in Far North Queensland. Small groups head into the World Heritage rainforest at dusk to spot platypus, tree kangaroos, lemuroid ringtail possums, and Boyd's forest dragons by spotlighting. Ideal for wildlife lovers and photographers.
The Atherton Tablelands is the "Food Bowl of the North" — and these boutique food-and-wine tours let you taste the reason why. Visit Coffee Works Mareeba (Australia's largest coffee-growing region), try single-origin chocolate, macadamias, tropical fruits, award-winning cheese and local spirits. Historic Village Herberton and Millaa Millaa Falls round out the day.
Plan Your Visit
The Tablelands can be visited year-round from Cairns. Each season brings a different character to the plateau.
Clear blue skies, comfortable temperatures (18–26°C on the plateau), and excellent road conditions. Peak touring season — perfect for swimming and walking.
Waterfalls run at their most dramatic and powerful. Rainforest is at its lushest, deepest green. Some roads may be affected — check conditions.
A sweet spot combining good waterflow with clear skies. Smaller crowds and the best of both seasons — excellent value for money.
The Tablelands' most perfect weather — cool mornings, warm afternoons (perfect for swimming), brilliant sunshine. The best time to visit Cairns overall.
Before You Go
Most Atherton Tablelands day tours from Cairns depart between 7:00–8:00 am and return around 5:30–7:00 pm. Hotel pick-up from Cairns CBD and Northern Beaches is available on most tours. Confirm your exact pickup point at the time of booking.
Bring your swimmers and a towel — you'll want them. Pack a change of clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a light waterproof layer during the wet season. Comfortable walking shoes (not thongs) are essential. Camera or phone with storage to spare.
Most Tablelands tours are suitable for all ages and fitness levels — walks are short and easy. Wildlife night tours are better for ages 8+. The natural waterslide at Josephine Falls has a minimum age recommendation of 13 on some tours. Always check individual tour age requirements.
All tours depart from Cairns with hotel pickup included. If self-driving, take the Gillies Highway via Gordonvale (1.5 hours) or the Kennedy Highway via Kuranda. A rental car is a great option for combining a self-drive day with a guided tour stop.
Most full-day tours include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Locally grown Tablelands coffee and tea are a standard feature. Food and wine tours include extensive tastings — liqueurs, cheese, chocolate, tropical fruits, and more. Vegetarian and vegan options available on request.
Book online 24/7 through Tours To Go or call us at 07 4041 3244. Most tours allow free cancellation or changes up to 48 hours before departure. Some peak-season tours fill quickly — we recommend booking at least 3–5 days in advance.
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