Cairns National Park Rainforest and Waterfall Small Group Tour Shore Excursion

Meet your guide on arrival at Cairns City Cruise Ship Terminal or Yorky's Knob Cruise Ship Terminal, and jump aboard a 4WD to start your Cairns Shore Excursion. First, head north through the lower Barron Gorge National Park and stop to admire the beautiful waterfall of Surprise Falls, that cascades 797 feet (243-meters) into the Barron Gorge.

Soak up the scenery as you climb through the Lamb Range and look out over Cairns city and Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Stop nearby to stroll around the gigantic Copperlode Dam, Cairns’ water supply, and snap photos of Lake Morris from the dam wall.

It’s now time to head off the beaten track and make the most of your exclusive access permit. Venture off-piste as you explore little-visited rainforest trails and wind your way through the Great Dividing Range, Australia’s largest mountain range. Along the way, hop out to spot exotic wildlife and unique flora like the Clohesy River Fig, in the heart of the rainforest.

Keep your eyes glued to the road as the landscapes change from the lush Wet Tropics rainforest to the beginning of Australia’s vast Savannah country, then take a detour to Kuranda Village.

Continue to the Upper Barron Gorge National Park and pause at the Wrights lookout for a stunning photo opportunity, gazing out over the Barron Gorge and back towards the coastal plains and Cairns City. Then, take a short drive to the Barron Falls lookout to view possibly the most famous waterfall in Northern Queensland – the spectacular Barron Falls.

Finally, turn back towards Cairns and follow the Wet Tropics World Heritage drive through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Kuranda range. Make one final stop at the Henry Ross Lookout, for a view of Cairns’ northern beaches and the Coral Sea Coast, before returning to your cruise port in time to board your ship.

• Meet your guide on arrival at Cairns City Cruise Ship Terminal or Yorky's Knob Cruise Ship Terminal, and jump aboard a 4WD to start your Cairns Shore Excursion. First, head north through the lower Barron Gorge National Park and stop to admire the beautiful waterfall of Surprise Falls, that cascades 797 feet (243-meters) into the Barron Gorge. Soak up the scenery as you climb through the Lamb Range and look out over Cairns city and Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Stop nearby to stroll around the gigantic Copperlode Dam, Cairns’ water supply, and snap photos of Lake Morris from the dam wall. It’s now time to head off the beaten track and make the most of your exclusive access permit. Venture off-piste as you explore little-visited rainforest trails and wind your way through the Great Dividing Range, Australia’s largest mountain range. Along the way, hop out to spot exotic wildlife and unique flora like the Clohesy River Fig, in the heart of the rainforest. Keep your eyes glued to the road as the landscapes change from the lush Wet Tropics rainforest to the beginning of Australia’s vast Savannah country, then take a detour to Kuranda Village. Continue to the Upper Barron Gorge National Park and pause at the Wrights lookout for a stunning photo opportunity, gazing out over the Barron Gorge and back towards the coastal plains and Cairns City. Then, take a short drive to the Barron Falls lookout to view possibly the most famous waterfall in Northern Queensland – the spectacular Barron Falls. Finally, turn back towards Cairns and follow the Wet Tropics World Heritage drive through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Kuranda range. Make one final stop at the Henry Ross Lookout, for a view of Cairns’ northern beaches and the Coral Sea Coast, before returning to your cruise port in time to board your ship.

While you're in port in Cairns, take a 5-hour shore excursion to explore the rainforests and waterfalls surrounding the city. By 4-wheel-drive vehicle, you’ll travel through Barron Gorge National Park and Kuranda National Park, part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland UNESCO World Heritage site. Ideal for those with limited time in Cairns who want to see some of the area's most spectacular scenery, this tour provides an exclusive-access pass to visit sections not usually open to the public. This small-group tour is limited to 13 participants, ensuring you'll see some of Tropical North Queensland’s hidden gems with personalized attention from a guide. Select a morning or afternoon tour when booking.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for children 4 years and under
Please bring your own bottle of water
Tour is not available from Port Douglas
At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time
Wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 2 travelers