Cairns: Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls & Rainforest Day Trip

Summary

Swim under waterfalls taste local stories and wander rainforest trails

You’ll feel rainforest mist on your face at Josephine Falls, listen to local legends at Babinda Boulders, and float in Lake Eacham’s volcanic waters. With a Cairns pickup and lunch included, it’s a day for swimming, listening, laughing—and maybe even trying that famous waterfall hair flick yourself.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to smell so green at Babinda Boulders—like wet stone and eucalyptus, with a kind of hush that made our group whisper without meaning to. Our guide, Matt, told us the old stories about the spirits in the water. I’m not sure if it was the mist or his voice, but I got goosebumps. There’s something about being shown a place by someone who grew up nearby—you start noticing details you’d miss alone, like the way the rocks shine where the water runs fastest.

Josephine Falls was louder than I thought—water hitting rock in steady bursts—and we all ended up laughing as one guy tried (and failed) to do the “natural rock slide” gracefully. The rainforest there felt close, almost wrapping around us. Then came Millaa Millaa Falls, which honestly looked too perfect to be real. I tried that hair flick thing from the adverts (don’t ask how it turned out). Lunch at Top Rail was simple but hit the spot—sandwiches, fruit, hot tea—and everyone swapped soggy stories while drying off a bit.

By late afternoon, Lake Eacham had this glassy calmness. A couple of turtles poked their heads up near where we swam; someone said they saw a platypus but I missed it (still annoyed about that). Matt poured out afternoon tea and we sat on damp grass watching sunlight slip through tall trees. On the drive back down towards Cairns, my towel still smelled faintly of rain and leaves. I keep thinking about that last swim—the quiet under those big blue skies.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore waterfalls and rainforest highlights

• Visit Babinda Boulders and hear stories
• Swim and slide at Josephine Falls
• See and try hair flick at Millaa Millaa Falls
• Enjoy lunch break at Top Rail
• Attend cultural presentation
• Swim and relax at Lake Eacham
• Have afternoon tea before return

Top questions

How long is the Atherton Tablelands waterfalls tour from Cairns?

This is a full-day tour departing from Cairns with morning pickup and evening drop-off included.

Is lunch provided on this Cairns waterfalls & rainforest day trip?

Yes, lunch is included along with morning and afternoon tea during the tour.

Can you swim at Millaa Millaa Falls on this tour?

Yes, swimming at Millaa Millaa Falls is part of the itinerary—you’ll have time to enjoy the water there.

Are hotel pickups included for this Atherton Tablelands tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairns are included in your booking.

Is this waterfalls day trip suitable for children?

The tour welcomes children accompanied by adults; child rates apply for ages 2-11.

Will we visit Babinda Boulders on this tour?

Yes, Babinda Boulders is one of the first stops where you’ll hear Indigenous stories and explore the site.

What wildlife might we see during this Cairns day trip?

You might spot turtles at Lake Eacham or even tree-kangaroos or platypus if you’re lucky.

Are entry fees covered on this Atherton Tablelands waterfalls tour?

All entry fees and taxes are included in your booking price—no extra charges on site.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairns, all entry fees and taxes covered throughout Atherton Tablelands and Crater Lakes visits, plus a local guide leading each stop. Lunch is provided at Top Rail along with morning and afternoon tea—so you can focus on swimming under waterfalls or listening to local stories instead of worrying about logistics.