Day Tour to Paronella Park, Lake Barrine and Millaa Millaa Falls

This small-group premium day tour offers an immersive journey through Tropical North Queensland’s most iconic landscapes, guided by local experts in a comfortable air-conditioned mini-coach. Travel through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest and explore the stunning Atherton Tablelands, with hand-picked highlights including waterfalls, volcanic crater lakes, and ancient rainforest sites. Swim at Millaa Millaa Falls, discover the beauty of Lake Barrine and the Curtain Fig Tree, and enjoy an extended guided visit to the historic Paronella Park. With a relaxed pace, expert storytelling, and carefully selected stops, this tour is designed to showcase the very best of the region in just one unforgettable day.

Itinerary

1. Departure from Cairns, we head south travelling past Walsh’s Pyramid, one of the largest naturally formed pyramids in the world. Here your guide will stop so you can grab a photo of this unique North Queensland landmark. Now it’s time to travel up the World Heritage listed Gillies Highway climbing 730 metres above sea level whilst enjoying the breathtaking views over the Goldsbourgh Valley. Just before the top of the amazing Gillies Range is a short photo opportunity at the Heales Lookout before heading into the gorgeous Atherton Tablelands. (1h 0min) Admission included
2. Enjoy a relaxing quiet stop in the cool of the morning at beautiful Lake Barrine filled with pristine rain water and surrounded by World Heritage listed rainforest teeming with abundant wildlife. This is the first stop of the day and includes a delicious morning tea. Lake Barrine are famous for their award winning ‘Devonshire Morning Tea’ of freshly baked scones and jam/cream and locally brewed tea or coffee. On most days the banks of the lake will reveal a variety of birds including pelicans and ducks and other animals such as tortoises, eels, water monitors and various species of snakes including pythons, carpet snakes & red bellied black snakes sunning themselves on the shoreline. (1h 30min) Admission included
3. After leaving Lake Barrine, we take a short journey through quaint country towns and farming areas to visit an unusual quirk of nature – the 600 year old Curtain Fig Tree nestled in World Heritage Mabi rainforest. This is the worlds most visited tree and easily accessible via elevated boardwalks. The surrounding rainforest is home to the shy Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo – only found in Queensland. We spot them seasonally high up in the trees. (15 min) Admission included
4. Visit The World famous Millaa Millaa Falls, one of the most renowned and photographed waterfalls in Australia surrounded by Mabi rainforest. This waterfall has been used as a feature in both television advertisements and movies. The waterfall flows over solid volcanic basalt rock formed over many thousands of years ago giving the perfect drop for Millaa Millaa creek to fall for approx 20 metres into a pool surrounded by rainforest. (30 min) Admission included
5. Enjoy a short drive through this interesting country town, with many buildings of the Art Deco Era
6. In the cool of the afternoon we visit amazing Paronella Park’s Spanish style castles in the rainforest. This includes a 30 minute tour expertly conducted by Paronella Park’s own knowledgeable English, Chinese & Japanese speaking guides. Paronella Park is a multi award winning tourist attraction with National Trust listed Heritage gardens and castle ruins, also boasting North Queensland’s first hydro-electric power plant all built by Jose Paronella at Mena Creek Falls. Originally created in the 1930’s by Jose Paronella, a man with a dream. (2h 0min) Admission included
7. If time permits, we may stop at Babinda Boulders, a beautiful natural spot known for its clear, cool waters flowing between large granite boulders. This peaceful area is perfect for a short walk and, conditions allowing, an optional swim. (40 min) Admission included