rainforest tours — down under tours
tablelands, waterfalls & spanish castles
This rainforest scenic tour is the perfect way to experience the rainforest of Cairns and all the wonderful secrets hidden inside! Your bus will pick you up at approximately 7:30am from your Cairns and Cairns Beaches accommodation and your trek into the rainforest will begin. Enjoy a scenic drive up the winding Gillies Range; as you weave in and out of a tropical canopy covered road, watch as the landscape slowly turns from an arid gumtree forest to a dense abundant rainforest.
At the top of the Gillies Range you will arrive at Lake Barrine, located on the famous Cairns Tablelands. Enjoy a Devonshire tea overlooking this charming volcanic Crater Lake before you board your informative wildlife cruise. While on your rainforest wildlife cruise, see plants and animals unique to the Cairns Tablelands area such as Kauri Pine trees, Amethystine Pythons, Eastern Water Dragons, Saw-shelled Turtles and Musky Rat-kangaroos.
From Lake Barrine, re-board the bus — it is time to visit the famed Curtain Fig Tree. The Curtain Fig Tree is a Strangler Fig and is an unusual and fascinating display of natural strength and domination. The Curtain Fig Tree is not only a stunning sight to observe, but also shows what a cut-throat environment the rainforest is, with all plants viciously competing for the crucial light of the sun. The ‘strangler’ fig gets its name because as it begins growing on top of another tree it eventually strangles the host tree, leaving a hollow centre surrounded by tangled roots. The Curtain Fig Tree is unique because it is sloped on a 45 degree angle, leaning against another tree, and, when the sun hits it, glorious beams of sunshine radiate through the curtain creating a magnificent sight to behold.
After the Curtain Fig Tree it is time to visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls you will ever see, Millaa Millaa Falls. Located on the Cairns Tablelands, near the town of Malanda, this tiny waterfall has gained worldwide acclaim. This lovely waterfall, which is surrounded by colourful tropical flowers and rainforest, was featured in a shampoo commercial and has been famous ever since. This exquisite waterfall is not only great to look at but is also a great little spot to go for a dip. While you are admiring Millaa Millaa Falls, stare at the middle of the waterfall for 30 seconds, and then shift your eyes to the top (I won’t ruin the surprise but what you will see is really quite amazing.)
By this point you will be getting quite hungry so it’s time to visit Mungalli Creek for a delicious lunch. Once you have finished your lunch, take some time to explore the lovely property which includes a beautiful waterfall and creek, lush green fields and a scenic walk through the rainforest.
The day is now over half way through and it is time to get back on the bus for a trip down the Palmerston Highway. Along the way you will see and learn about the agricultural industry of the Cairns Tablelands and get a close up look at the many dairy, sugar cane, mango and banana farms that sustain the area.
Paronella Park is the next tour of the day and this special spot combines fairytale with picturesque scenic views and an inspirational story of tremendous human feat. Paronella Park was created by a Spanish man, José Paronella, in the 1930s and is living proof that any dream can be achieved. The story behind Paronella Park (which I will not give away right now) is almost as exquisite as the Spanish Castle ruins, enchanted gardens, and glorious waterfalls of the property. The magic of Paronella Park is undeniable and you will feel truly grateful to see such a unique and charming spot.
After driving through the cyclone-ravaged town of Innisfail, which has now begun to recover after a category-five cyclone mercilessly tore through in 2006, you will stop at your final destination: Babinda Boulders. Babinda Boulders is a popular swimming hole with large smooth boulders strewn throughout. Go for a dip or take a scenic walk before it is time to get back on the bus, on the final leg of the journey back to Cairns.
