How to Plan Your Full Day Atherton Tablelands Tour from Cairns

Are you looking for an adventure that includes natural beauty, delicious food, and amazing wildlife? Look no further than the Full Day Atherton Tablelands Tour from Cairns. This small-group tour offers everything you need to have a fun and relaxing day exploring one of Australia’s most beautiful regions.

Overview

The tour starts with pickup from Cairns at 8:30 AM. From there, you’ll head to one of the Atherton Tablelands’ most beautiful locations, Lake Barrine. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious morning tea at a teahouse while overlooking the serene lake. Afterward, you’ll have the opportunity to search for elusive platypus and other amazing native wildlife.

Next, you’ll explore the stunning surroundings of the Crater Lakes National Park. Walkthrough the lush rainforest and ancient trees at the curtain fig tree. Then, visit the majestic Cathedral Fig Tree, an 800-year-old tree that stands at 50 meters tall.

The tour continues to the town of Yungaburra, where you’ll have lunch at one of the region’s best restaurants. The lunch is award-winning and includes a delicious range of options to cater to everyone’s taste.

After lunch, you’ll visit the Curtain Fig National Park, where you can take a dip at Josephine Falls. This is a stunning location that offers a natural rock slide that is perfect for adventurous people.

You’ll finish off the day at one of the Atherton Tablelands’ most striking locations, the spectacular Millaa Millaa Falls. Here, you’ll have some of the best photo opportunities of the entire tour. The tour then returns to Cairns by 6:00 PM.

What’s Included

The Full Day Atherton Tablelands Tour from Cairns includes everything you need for a fun and relaxing day. These include:

– Pickup from Cairns
– Transport to all the destinations included in the tour
– Entry fees to all the attractions
– Morning tea at a teahouse overlooking Lake Barrine
– Award-winning lunch at a top-rated restaurant
– Coffee and/or tea
– Snacks

Meeting and Pickup

The tour provides pickup from Cairns at the Cairns Jewellery Market (79 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia) or the Ochid Plaza Bus Stop.

Booking the Tour

To book the Full Day Atherton Tablelands Tour from Cairns, click here.

Conclusion

The Full Day Atherton Tablelands Tour from Cairns is a fantastic way to explore one of Australia’s most beautiful regions. With everything from transport to food included, all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see some of Australia’s most amazing wildlife and natural wonders on this unforgettable tour.

An Insider’s Guide to Cairns, Australia

Cairns is a city in north Queensland, Australia, renowned as one of the country’s most famous tropical destinations due to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. A vibrant city that combines a relaxed tropical atmosphere with modern amenities, Cairns is filled with local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions

Cairns boasts an abundance of local attractions with something for everyone, from nature lovers to adventure seekers. Here are a few must-visit attractions during your trip:

– The Great Barrier Reef: Take a boat trip to explore the world’s largest coral reef system, where you’ll witness a colorful underwater wonderland. You can go snorkeling, scuba diving, or simply marvel at the aquatic life from a glass-bottom boat.
– Kuranda Scenic Railway: Take a journey on this historic railway and discover the picturesque views of the rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and stunning mountains. Don’t forget to check out the markets and wildlife sanctuaries in Kuranda.
– Cairns Tropical Zoo: Get up close and personal with Australia’s native animals. You can cuddle a koala, pet a kangaroo or feed friendly wallabies.
– Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and Boardwalk: Spend a day lounging by the man-made lagoon and stroll along the boardwalk lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars.

Dining Spots

Cairns is a foodie’s paradise with an abundance of dining options, from street eats to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are a few must-visit places for your taste buds:

– Ochre: An award-winning restaurant, specializing in native Australian ingredients to create a unique and exciting cultural fusion experience.
– Rusty’s Market: Open only from Friday to Sunday, Rusty’s Market is the perfect place to check out local and international cuisine. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit and vegetable stands to crepes, Vietnamese pho, and Greek baklava.
– The Pier Bar: Dine in style with breathtaking waterfront views, sip on cocktails and share plates that are perfect for a lazy afternoon spent watching the boats drift by.
– Waterbar & Grill: They have an extensive selection of meats cooked to perfection, but the seafood is the real star here. Situated on the waterfront, you’ll have panoramic views that set the scene for their fresh and tasty cuisine.

Cultural Experiences

Cairns is steeped in rich culture and history, providing visitors with vibrant experiences. Here are a few must-visit places for a cultural experience:

– Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park: Experience the traditional Aboriginal culture, learn about the Dreamtime stories, watch traditional dances, and even learn how to throw a boomerang and play a didgeridoo.
– Cairns Night Market: Check out the night market, where you can browse local handicrafts, hunt for souvenirs, or indulge in some street food, while immersing yourself in a night market vibe.
– Cairns Art Gallery: Enjoy an afternoon browsing the galleries and exhibitions featuring local and national artists. The gallery showcases contemporary, modernist, and traditional styles.
– The Museum of Tropical Queensland: Explore the museum’s collection, documenting the natural and social history of tropical Queensland, including artifacts from the RMS Queen Elizabeth Shipwreck.

Local History

Discover the rich history of Cairns by exploring these historic sites:

– St. Monica’s Cathedral: A stunning heritage-listed building, with intricate stained-glass windows and a giant 24-meter tower, it is the largest Cathedral in Cairns. It is a must-visit, even if you’re not religious.
– Cairns Historical Society Museum: Learn about Cairns’ history and its early settlers. The museum features exhibits about the region’s indigenous culture, World War II, and cyclones that have hit the area over the years.
– Cairns Botanical Gardens: Explore the rainforest, lakes, and exotic plants of Cairns, as well as learn about the history of the region’s agriculture, with a walk through the Heritage Gardens.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to explore Cairns beyond the usual tourist spots, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

– Green Island: Escape the crowds and discover Green Island, a serene coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax on the beach.
– Palm Cove: Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Cairns and drive 30km up the coast to reach Palm Cove, a quaint seaside village. It’s a charming spot to watch the sun set, and you can book a table at one of the restaurants for dinner by the beach.
– Behana Gorge: Spend a day in the beautiful Behana Gorge, a natural swimming hole that’s perfect for a refreshing dip or hiking to the nearby waterfall.
– Rainforest Gondolas: Enjoy Cairns from above by taking a scenic cableway ride in the rainforest, gondola-style.

Conclusion

Cairns is a must-visit destination for anybody looking to enjoy the tropical beauty of Australia, whether you’re an adventure-seeker or a laid-back traveler. With an abundance of attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, your trip to Cairns, Australia, will definitely exceed your expectations.