Discover Cooktown and the Atherton Tablelands over 5 days. Highlights include Crater Lakes National Park, Waterfall Circuit, Paronella Park, Daintree Rainforest, Bloomfield Track and Cooktown.
Join us on an immersive five-day exploration of Far North Queensland's Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown and beyond. This meticulously curated tour offers a blend of historical insights, natural wonders, and cultural experiences, transporting you from the vibrant rainforests to the ancient landscapes of Chillagoe and the historical coastal town of Cooktown.
Designed for small groups, this tour promises a personalized experience that delves into the heart of Queensland’s lush rainforests, rugged outback’s, and serene beaches. It's an ideal choice for those looking to fully engage with Australia's diverse natural and cultural heritage and outback Australia.
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
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
View other ways you can see and experience Cooktown and the Atherton Tablelands on tours from Cairns.
EnglishCairns
Guests must be at pick up location at least 15 minutes before pick up time
January - December
Daily
5 day 4 night
Medium, Active
Passengers will be required to sign a Medical Waiver Form for each tour.
Each passenger is entitled to take one medium size soft suit case or soft bag weighing no more than 16kg
Children & minors under 14 must be accompanied by a legal guardian at all times. If required baby car seats can be provided at an extra charge.
Our T&Cs
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Additional Tour Operators cancellation policy:
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your booking with us, you must notify us in writing by email and pay a cancellation fee in the amount set out below.
If payment is not received by the due date notified, Far North Escapes reserves the right to cancel the booking.
Far North Escapes recommends Travel Insurance to help you in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may result in you being unable to travel in order to recover the operator’s cancellation policy penalties.
Night Walk Tours •0% cancellation fee 48 Hours or more prior to departure •100% cancellation fee 47 Hours or less prior to departure
One-Day Tours •25% cancellation fee 14 days or more prior to departure •25% cancellation fee 7-13 days prior to departure •100% cancellation fee 5 days prior to departure
Multi-Day Tours •25% cancellation fee 30 days or more prior to departure •50% cancellation fee 29 – 15 days prior to departure •100% cancellation fee 14 days prior to departure
Cape York & Tablelands Tours •25% cancellation fee 60 days or more prior to departure •50% cancellation fee 59 – 30 days prior to departure •100% cancellation fee 29 days prior to departure
Supplier Cancellation
a. Far North Escapes acts as an intermediary between passengers and various suppliers, such as hotels, airlines, transportation providers, and tour operators, to arrange and coordinate travel services.
b. While we make every effort to ensure the reliability and quality of our suppliers, there may be circumstances beyond our control that result in supplier cancellations, modifications, or changes to the agreed-upon services.
c. In the event of a supplier cancellation, Far North Escapes will make reasonable efforts to arrange suitable alternatives or substitutes for the affected services, depending on availability and feasibility.
d. Far North Escapes shall not be held liable for any costs, damages, or losses incurred by passengers as a result of supplier cancellations, modifications, or changes.
Deposit Policy
To confirm a multi-day tour booking, payment must be made at the time of making the reservation. A deposit time of booking by direct deposit or credit card will be 30% of the tour fare per person. Final balance due 60 days prior to travel.
Liabilities & Amendment Fees
If an event occurs that is outside of our control and not reasonably foreseeable or preventable by our business and this event leads to the suspension or cancellation of your tour booking, we will provide you with a credit voucher equal to the value of the monies paid for that booking. This voucher will be valid for a period of 24 months from your original tour departure date and can be used for any Far North Escapes travel experience. Amendment fees from any third parties who are supplying components of the booking (for example hotels or attractions) may apply.
Alternative Arrangements:
a. In the event of a supplier cancellation, Far North Escapes will work diligently to arrange suitable alternative arrangements, taking into account the original itinerary and preferences of the passengers.
b. Any additional costs associated with alternative arrangements, including but not limited to transportation, accommodations, meals, or activities, shall be the responsibility of the passengers.
Passenger Responsibility:
a. Passengers are responsible for understanding and acknowledging that supplier cancellations may occur due to reasons beyond Far North Escapes's control, including but not limited to weather conditions, strikes, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances.
b. Passengers are advised to review and comply with the terms and conditions set forth by individual suppliers regarding cancellations, refunds, and modifications.
c. Far North Escapes shall not be held liable for any costs, damages, or losses incurred by passengers as a result of supplier cancellations.
Dispute Resolution
Should any dispute arise between Far North Escapes and a Passenger, the parties agree that formal proceedings in a Court or Tribunal will not commence until after the following process has been followed:
• A party provides written notice specifying the nature of the dispute (“the notice”).
• The parties will in good faith attempt to resolve the dispute.
• If the dispute is not resolved within 7 days of receipt of the notice, the parties agree to refer the dispute to mediation administered by the Australian Disputes Centre and conducted in accordance with the ADC Guidelines for Commercial Mediation.
• If there is no resolution to the dispute at the expiration of 30 days from the receipt of the notice, formal proceedings may be commenced.
Authority to Remove or Refuse Participants
In the sole discretion of Far North Escapes or Tour Guide or, Far North Escapes may refuse may require you to leave the tour or disembark if it is reasonably believed that you
• are dangerous to others or to yourself;
• have engaged in, are engaged in, or are threatening to engage in behaviour that may adversely affect the safety, security, comfort, enjoyment, or well-being of other participants, suppliers (including Service Providers), The Far North Escapes Tour guides, including, but not limited to, behaviour that is disruptive, verbally abusive, physically abusive, obnoxious, harassing, discriminatory, or obscene;
• have failed or refused to follow, or are failing or refusing to follow Far North Escapes rules and procedures or the instructions of the Far North Escapes Tour guide.
In the event you are removed, you may be left at any city or place the vehicle stops at or calls without any liability to Far North Escapes or its representatives. Far North Escapes shall not be required to refund any portion of the fare paid by you if you are removed pursuant to this section. In the event you are removed, The Far North Escapes will not be responsible for expenses for lodging, medical care, meals, transportation, or any other expenses incurred by you. We shall be entitled to recover from you any costs or expenses incurred by Far North Escapes or its representatives, in your removal or the exercise or enforcement of this clause.
Pets
No pets are permitted on any tours, only service dogs may accompany tour guests.
Luggage Limits
Each Passenger is entitled to take one medium size suitcase or soft bag weighing no more than 15 kg. The sum of each case’s width, length and depth is not to exceed 150cm. Passengers may also take on board the coach one hand luggage item to be stored in the overhead luggage racks. The weight of hand luggage is not to exceed 3 kg per person.
Please note that Luggage limits are enforced on every tour. Passengers will be asked to leave their excess baggage behind in the event that the weight of the luggage exceeds our limits. The luggage is entirely at the passenger’s risk during the tour.
Overweight Luggage Charges:
a. Passengers are responsible for complying with the luggage weight restrictions set by the airline(s) or transportation provider(s) associated with their tour.
b. If a passenger's luggage exceeds the allowed weight limit, an overweight luggage charge will apply as specified by the airline(s) or transportation provider(s).
c. The overweight luggage charge will be communicated to the passenger prior to departure or at the time of check-in.d. The overweight luggage charge is the sole responsibility of the passenger and must be paid directly to the airline(s) or transportation provider(s) at the time of
Agent Bookings:
a. In the case of bookings made through travel agents or third-party agents, the overweight luggage charge will be billed directly to the agent.
b. The agent is responsible for communicating the overweight luggage charges to the passenger at the time of booking or prior to departure.
c. The agent will be invoiced for the overweight luggage charges by Far North Escapes and must settle the payment within the agreed-upon timeframe.
Passenger Responsibility:
a. Passengers are responsible for ensuring that their luggage meets the weight restrictions set by the airline(s) or transportation provider(s) for the duration of the tour.
b. It is the passenger's obligation to pack within the weight limits and to distribute the weight of their luggage accordingly.
c. Far North Escapes shall not be held liable for any overweight luggage charges incurred by passengers.
Flight Cancellation:
a. Far North Escapes utilizes flights as part of its tour itineraries. While we strive to provide a seamless travel experience, flight cancellations may occur due to factors beyond our control, such as weather conditions, airline schedule changes, or unforeseen circumstances.
b. In the event of a flight cancellation, Far North Escapes will make reasonable efforts to assist passengers in arranging alternative flights to continue their tour.
c. Far North Escapes is not liable for any costs associated with flight cancellations, including but not limited to expenses incurred due to missed connections, accommodations, meals, or transportation.
d. Passengers are responsible for any additional costs or expenses resulting from flight cancellations.
Travel Insurance
a. Far North Escapes strongly recommends that all passengers obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for flight cancellations, trip interruptions, and related expenses.
b. It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure that their travel insurance policy covers flight cancellations and provides adequate coverage for their specific needs.
c. In case of a flight cancellation, passengers should contact their travel insurance provider to initiate a claim for reimbursement of expenses.
d. Far North Escapes will assist passengers in providing necessary documentation for insurance claims, such as tour itineraries, flight details, and any other relevant information upon request. occurrence.
Passenger Responsibility
a. Passengers are responsible for reviewing and understanding the terms and conditions of their travel insurance policy.
b. It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure that their travel insurance coverage is valid and provides adequate protection for their specific travel requirements.
c. Far North Escapes shall not be held liable for any expenses or losses incurred by passengers as a result of flight cancellations or inadequate travel insurance coverage.
Agency Tour Bookings
Far North Escapes can act as an agent on behalf of tour operators (the Tour Operator) in the provision of some tour booking services (the Agent Tour Booking Service). Agency tours are ultimately fulfilled by the applicable Tour Operator according to their terms & conditions in addition to Far North Escapes standard terms & conditions. Should Far North Escapes' terms & conditions conflict with those of the Tour Operator, Far North Escapes' terms & conditions will apply. You acknowledge that any agency tour booking is separate from any other booking with Far North Escapes, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.
Different terms will apply to different tours and any other booked components. The applicable supplier will be described in the product description. If no Tour Operator is named, the tour booking will be delivered by Far North Escapes Far North Escapes standard terms & conditions will apply. The operation of the tour is entirely the responsibility of the Tour Operator and Far North Escapes will not be responsible for any loss resulting from the customer's booking of or participation in that tour. You acknowledge that, as agent, any payments made to Far North Escapes includes payments for the Tour Operator in return for the tour as well as for Far North Escapes for the provision of the Agent Tour Booking Service.
Breach of Terms & Conditions
You agree that, should you or your guests breach any of the terms and conditions: You will pay to us the total loss or damage that we suffer as a result of that breach and hereby authorise us to debit your credit card or apply your refundable deposit in payment of that loss or damage and we may evict you and your guests without notice.
PAYMENT OF DEPOSIT OR FULL PAYMENT CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The terms and conditions of booking are subject to change without notice.
au$13,124.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Tour Code: 1082