Cairns National Park Rainforest and Waterfall Small Group Tour Shore Excursion

Highlights

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.

Summary

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.

Tour info

Duration

5 hours

Why take this tour?

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.

What’s included?

Port pickup and drop-off
National Park fees
Driver/guide
Transport by 4WD vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Tropical Fruit Tasting
Entry/Admission - Barron Gorge National Park
Entry/Admission - Davies Creek National Park
Food and drinks, unless specified

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 5h
Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

FROM 17/12/21 - COVID VACCINATION: All guests are required to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine. Evidence is to be provided prior to boarding. If Evidence or medical Exemption cannot be provided, boarding will be denied. No Refund of any portion of the tour amount will be refunded.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Discovery Tours Australia

About operator:

Specialising in Small Group tours, Discovery Tours Australia offer daily departures to Cape Tribulation & The Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda and beyond. Our extended tours operate from May until October and included tours to Cape York Peninsula (Cairns to Cape York) and The Savannah Way (Cairns to Darwin)