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Tablelands and Paronella Park Eco Day Tour
Discover rainforest waterfalls, heritage towns, and historic Paronella Park on a full-day Atherton Tablelands tour showcasing nature, culture, and breathtaking tropical scenery.
Journey through the heart of Tropical North Queensland on a full-day exploration of the Atherton Tablelands and Paronella Park - a tour that beautifully blends natural wonder, history, and culture.
Departing Cairns, your adventure begins with scenic views of Walsh's Pyramid, one of the world's largest natural pyramids, before ascending into the cool, green heights of the Tablelands. Travel along the winding Gillies Highway, framed by towering rainforest giants, and stop at Heales Lookout for breathtaking views over the valley and out to the Coral Sea.
At Lake Barrine, enjoy a guided walk through ancient rainforest, home to 1,000-year-old Kauri Pines, before indulging in a traditional Devonshire Tea of freshly baked scones, local jam, and cream. Continue to Yungaburra, a charming heritage town filled with history, and visit the iconic Curtain Fig Tree, a 45-metre-tall natural masterpiece draped in cascading vines.
Pass through the rolling pastures of Malanda, dotted with heritage buildings and lush farmland, before arriving at the famous Millaa Millaa Falls. Take a dip beneath the cascading 20-metre waterfall or simply soak in the serene rainforest atmosphere.
Descending from the Tablelands, travel through the traditional lands of the Mamu people to Paronella Park, a National Trust-listed treasure inspired by the dream of Spanish immigrant José Paronella. Explore this romantic castle ruin surrounded by waterfalls, tropical gardens, and timeless architecture. Your guided tour reveals the inspiring history behind this heritage-listed landmark, followed by free time to wander the lush grounds, capture stunning photos, and cross the Mena Creek suspension bridge.
Before returning to Cairns, visit a local banana farm or stop for a refreshing swim at Babinda Boulders, a sacred Aboriginal site where crystal-clear waters wind between striking granite formations beneath the peaks of Queensland's highest mountains.
By day's end, you'll have experienced the very best of the Tablelands - from rainforest to reef, waterfalls to castles - a journey rich in beauty, history, and heart.
- Devonshire Morning Tea: Scones and tea/coffee at Lake Barrine Teahouse
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Paronella Park priority entry, 30-minute guided tour and free time to explore
- Return hotel transfers, Cairns area only
- Attractions and all national parks permit fees as per the itinerary
- Small Group Touring in comfortable, air-conditioned buses
What to bring:
Hat and sunglasses. Sunscreen, comfortable covered walking shoes, swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes. Bottled water, light jacket in cooler months (June - Oct), when the Tablelands can be quite cool early in the morning, but still hot enough for swimming later in the day. Umbrella (if rain is forecast), camera with spare batteries and enough room on the memory card. Cash/credit card, as we visit two very well-equipped gift shops with mostly locally-made products.
Conditions:
Child rates apply for 4-14 years. Infant rates apply for 0-3 years, no meal included. Concession rates apply for those 65 years and over. Discovery Tours Australia reserves the right to amend this itinerary due to any unforeseen circumstances and accepts no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged property. Lunch destination may be changed without notice; cancellation fees apply. Pensioner ID required. Please note: Northern Beaches (Palm Cove & Trinity Beach) pickups are complimentary if you make your own way to/from either The Skyrail Terminal at Smithfield or from Cairns Central Railway Station, Bunda Street Entrance. We recommend reconfirming your tours 24 hours prior to the date of travel. Please call 1300 321 019 or +61 7 4041 0122.
Optional extra:
Return Transfers from Northern Beaches Hotels are payable directly to the driver.
