Discover the Atherton Tablelands over 5 days on this Far North escape featuring tastes of the region, ranges, waterfalls and wildlife.
Your day begins with your luxury 4WD awaiting you at your accommodation in Cairns at 8am. As we head out of Cairns, you will have a spectacular view over the sugar cane fields, with a stunning backdrop of surrounding Mountains and lush rainforests. Along the journey, you’ll pass Queensland's highest peak: the iconic towering Mount Bartle Frere. You will spend the morning exploring the “#1 Must Do Attraction in Queensland”, the beautiful, Paronella Park. Built in 1937 by Jose Paronella, it is both a living love story and a feat of unique engineering. This is a wonderful photo opportunity and a truly unique experience. Following your tour of Paronella, we make our way through the Atherton Tablelands and stop off for lunch at Mungalli Creek Dairy Farm. Here you will taste some of the best local biodynamic cheeses Far North Queensland has to offer and enjoy the spectacular rolling hill scenery of the Atherton Tablelands. Our afternoon will be spent visiting magnificent falls that cascade perfectly into a pristine waterhole surrounded by lush Rainforest, it is one of the most photographed Waterfalls in all of Australia - Millaa Millaa. You will check into your Atherton Tablelands accommodation for the evening, freshen up, and attend your “Welcome Dinner” at “Our Place” a popular restaurant in scenic Yungaburra. After dinner, wind down from your first exciting day on the road at the unique Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages. Located on the border of the World Heritage-listed Crater Lakes National Park, these Cottages are immersed in the Rainforest with wildlife such as Possums and Tree Kangaroos, right on your doorstep.
Accommodation: Local Accomodation
Meals: Local Lunch
We are off to Chillagoe! It’s an early start as we travel through the rolling hills of the Atherton Tablelands and the iconic “Wheelbarrow Way” stretching from Mareeba to Chillagoe, travelling through farmland, cattle country, wooded savannah and historic towns. Our morning starts with a National Parks Ranger Guided Chillagoe Cave Tour. Delight in the spectacular caverns and passages decorated by stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. Their formation began over 400 million years ago, with fluctuating groundwater slowly dissolving and sculpting the caves. Chillagoe was once an ancient Coral Reef that has been transformed into spectacular limestone bluffs with a network of some 560 caves, while early volcanic activity has created rich marble and mineral deposits. Wander the town to see the Railway Station, Bank Vault, Court House, Police Museum, and Post Office. The tall chimney on the edge of the town is part of the former Ore Smelter. Nearby short walking tracks include Balancing Rock and two Aboriginal Rock Art Galleries. After a day of exploring this historic mining town, we make our way back via the rustic Herberton-Petford 4WD track – a truly unique off-the-beaten-path experience full of wildlife in The Atherton Tablelands.
Accommodation: Local Accomodation
Meals: Local Lunch
Day 3. Crater Lakes National Park to Daintree
Start your day with Breakfast at the 90-year-old Lake Barrine Teahouse, with stunning views over the serene blue volcanic crater Lake. A beautiful way to start the day, before seeing highlights such as Lake Tinaroo, and the 500-year-old towering Cathedral Fig. Today we leave the Tablelands and wind our way down the Gillies Range and north along the Coast. Tonight, you will be staying at the beautiful Ferntree Rainforest Lodge. You nestled where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before meeting for a magical dinner.
Accommodation: Ferntree Rainforest Lodge
Meals: Local Breakfast and lunch
A fascinating day in Cape Tribulation – the World’s oldest continuous Rainforest awaits you! Here you will enjoy sites such as Alexandra Bay Lookout and experience a Croc Cruise in a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the famous Bloomfield Track north to Cooktown. Weather dependent, we may experience river crossings along the way. Your highlight of the day is Wujal Wujal Falls. As we arrive into Cooktown soak in views from Grassy Hill before spending the evening dinner at the historic Lions Den Hotel. Established in 1875, The Lions Den Hotel walls are adorned with signatures from around the world, a tradition that started in the old mining days. An amazing atmosphere often with live entertainment.
Accommodation: Ferntree Rainforest Lodge
Meals: Local Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, wake to the sounds of the ancient Daintree Rainforest and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before we make our way south. Our first stop is a short guided rainforest walk at Jindalba or Dubuji Boardwalk, where you may be lucky enough to spot the elusive Southern Cassowary.
We then journey to the Daintree River, where you will board a Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise. This is your chance to see Estuarine Crocodiles, Kingfishers, and other birdlife in their natural habitat. After your cruise, we cross the Daintree River by ferry and continue south along the spectacular Great Barrier Reef Drive.
We take a relaxed journey back towards Cairns, with scenic stops along the way including Rex Lookout, with its sweeping views of the Coral Sea, and Palm Cove, a tropical beachfront village perfect for a final photo stop.
Arrive into Cairns in the late afternoon, where your incredible 5-day Far North Queensland Waterfall and Rainforest adventure comes to an end. Take in the tropical sunset along the Cairns Esplanade or enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your unforgettable journey.
Accommodation: Not included – return to Cairns accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Please note: All itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, unexpected circumstances or Tour Guides decision based on what is best for the group and preferences. This itinerary is ONLY a guide. Our itineraries are flexible, at Far North Escapes we modify our itineraries based on our guests needs and requirements. We believe in accommodating all our guest's needs and creating a remarkable Far North Queensland Adventure.
© 2025 Ferntree Rainforest Lodge. All rights reserved.
Website by Digital Spice