Day 1 - Waterfalls Day Tour
Travel south and discover the majesty and beauty of north Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls, a MUST see for anyone wanting to experience pristine rainforest, cascading waterfalls, stunning panoramas of Queensland’s highest peaks and maybe a glimpse of rare and unique native wildlife.
You will visit and be amazed by the legend of Babinda Boulders, steeped in Aboriginal history of trapped spirits and a tragic love story that will chill you to the bone. Next, your morning swim beckons amidst the lush rainforest and cascading crystal clear waters of Josephine Falls. A natural waterslide awaits the young at heart, while the spectacular backdrop provides photo opportunities and wildlife spotting. Josephine Falls is a unique opportunity to slide down a waterfall on a natural rockslide, sure to make even the crankiest traveller crack a smile.
Journey on to Australia’s most iconic waterfall Millaa Millaa Falls, made famous by Qantas and Herbal Essence (hair shampoo) commercials. This 18m single drop waterfall lies in the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage listed rainforest. For lunch, we will take you to Australia’s largest timer pub and fill your belly with some good old fashioned country cooking. Then it’s back into the waterfalls.
Mount Hypipamee, the Crater and Dinner Falls, WOW 3 great things in 1 location! Here you will have the opportunity to take a bush walk, swim behind a waterfall and gaze into an 85 meter deep volcanic crater and if that’s not enough, we quite often see the local Cassowary here too.
As the afternoon starts to roll on, we head to the Curtain Fig Tree. Here 15 meter high tree roots tower above, like a 3 story building; keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo.
Just before our last swim spot, we will take you down to a quiet little creek to search for Platypus and then off to our last stop of the day at Lake Eacham.
Lake Eacham is a dormant Volcanic Crater lake filled with turtles and surrounded by wildlife. We’ll watch the sunset over a truly spectacular day, having our last swim together and don’t worry about getting cold, the water in here never changes temperature, 23 degrees all day all night.
Waterfall Wanderers will provide morning and afternoon tea, lunch, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits and fruit throughout the day, as well as heaps of games and puzzles to keep you entertained on the bus.
Day 2 - Cape Tribulation & the Daintree
Cape Tribulation is where the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforests, meet the world’s greatest living tropical reef, the Great Barrier Reef. Nowhere else on earth do two natural World Heritage listed sites exist side by side. Such is the natural beauty and precious value of this truly stunning piece of paradise, that you will have ample time to explore and enjoy on the Active Tropics Explorer Cape Tribulation full day tour.
Commence the adventure with a scenic coastal drive from Cairns to Port Douglas. This is the far north’s very own great ocean road and provides panoramic views over the sparkling Coral Sea. Heading north our first stop is at Mossman Gorge, which is in the southern sector of the world famous Daintree National Park. This gorge has been carved out by the cold mountain waters of the Mossman River, which winds through large granite boulders, bordered by lush green rainforest. It’s a magical place and you’ll participate in a “Welcome to Country” with the traditional owners, the Kuku Yalanji people, who will also cleanse you of evil spirits with a smoke ceremony and apply traditional rainforest body paint to you. There’s the opportunity for you to enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading waters.
Continuing north we cross the mighty Daintree River and head to Cape Tribulation for lunch. After lunch, it’s time to explore this ancient rainforest environment on an interesting guided tour of the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk and Cape Tribulation beach. Our highly trained guides will give expert rainforest interpretation, which will inform and impress.
Be amazed at the huge diversity you will encounter, everything from low lying ferns and shrubs, to the massive rainforest canopy and even mangrove ecosystems all in one short easy walk. Next stop – Floravilla – which has 26 flavours of locally made ice-cream, including dragonfruit, coconut ginger, black sapote and goji berry with rainforest honey. Yum! [At own cost.]
Photo opportunity at the Alexandra Range Lookout (Walu Wugirriga), which provides sweeping views over the Daintree River, its rainforest delta and out to the Coral Sea. This afternoon it’s onto the river for a wildlife cruise where you might get to see a crocodile, while learning about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive serpent-like river system.
Then it’s back on to the bus for the return journey to Cairns, including a quick drive through Port Douglas, a picturesque beachside village with a laid back vibe and loads of bars and cafes.