The Tour Specialists Tour Blog

Sep 26
2013

Tropical Horizons Waterfalls and Paronella Park Tour

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Sophie Tabouel

Scrumptious food, spectacular sights and elusive wildlife spotting – it’s all in a day on the Tropical Horizons Waterfall and Paronella Park tour.

There is something to be said about sightseeing on an organised tour….and I’m gonna say it! It was relaxing and exciting! I visited places I have never been in the 10 years of living in Far North Queensland and learnt more than I thought I could in a day about my own home! Our charismatic guide ‘Mick’ was a wealth of knowledge regarding historical sights, the region’s native flora and fauna and created a very welcoming atmosphere for our group from the get go.

We left the hustle and bustle of the morning traffic in Cairns city (not that much!) and headed south along the Bruce Highway to the Gillies Range, a scenic entry into the Atherton Tablelands. As we climbed the range we witnessed a sudden change from native forest to dense luscious rainforest, we had arrived at our first destination Lake Barrine. What a sight, a volcanic crater come fresh water lake lined with giant Kauris, red cedars, wait a whiles, black beans and fig trees, just to name a few. Lake Barrine is teeming with wildlife to who you’ll be introduced during your morning boat cruise. The voracious ‘Herbert’ the pelican is a favourite amongst the coots, pacific mallards, eels, fresh water turtles and pythons. After the cruise we enjoyed freshly baked scones with homemade preserves and locally grown Devonshire tea. We continued on to see the humungous Curtain Fig Tree keeping our eyes peeled for the Lumholtz’s tree kangaroos and the elusive platypus at Tarzalli Lakes.

Our journey took us through the rural towns of Yungaburra and Malanda home of the Dairy Farm Milk Factory and Majestic Theatre the oldest continuous running cinema in Australia. Through the back country roads and rolling green hills we made our way to the waterfall circuit, visiting the famous Milla Milla Falls, the water so clear and fresh. A lovely swimming hole!

With the thought of food creeping back into my mind we left for Mungalli Creeks Cheese factory. On arrival we were met with samples of the finest and freshest cheeses, yogurts and homemade relishes and pesto’s which would match a sneaky little wine in the evening perfectly.

My taste buds were now active after those delicious teasers, lucky an alfresco 2 course meal was awaiting me overlooking the magnificent Mungalli Falls.

Next stop the intriguing story of Jose Paronella and his Spanish castle which was recited by our passionate local tour guide ‘Pia’, who led us through the maze of staircases and gardens trails that is Paronella Park!

We witnessed an array of eels, fresh water turtles, micro bats and fruit bats, one who was hanging so close to the rainforest floor I had to get down on all fours to photograph him! After having a light afternoon tea we settled into the comfort of our coach and commenced our journey north back to Cairns.