15 Waterfall Tours in Cairns Worth Booking

1.Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,485 reviews · 11 hours · from $145Our pick

Spend 11 hours exploring Mossman Gorge, the Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation with an English-speaking guide such as Patrick, Lena, Michael, or Sambo. Swim in a cool rainforest river, join a Kuku Yalanji Welcome to Country and Smoke Ceremony, cruise the Daintree River for crocodiles, and finish with local fruit ice cream.

“Patrick was an amazing guide. Right from the pick up, cleanliness of the vehicle, knowledge about the Daintree forest and surrounding areas, music, to food - everything was top notch. He ensured that every traveler feels comfortable during the entire journey. He kept looking out for wild creatures to ensure that we remember this day and go back with happy memories. You will be in safe hands with Patrick and team.”

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2.Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,961 reviews · from $164

Spend up to 12 hours exploring Tropical North Queensland by air-conditioned coach. Visit Mossman Gorge for a Kuku Yalanji Welcome to Country and smoke ceremony, cruise the Daintree River, walk the Dubuji rainforest boardwalk, stop at Cape Tribulation Beach, and try local-fruit ice cream. Guides such as Patrick, Michael, Noel, and Sampo are known for strong commentary.

“This trip was a perfect way to see the Daintree rain forest, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation in one day.”

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3.Barron Gorge White Water Rafting from Cairns or Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,596 reviews · from $91Top rated

Join Foaming Fury for up to two hours on the Barron River, tackling Grade II and III rapids with a trained guide in each raft. Guides such as Lily, Jess, Jacob, and Dorothy lead clear safety briefings and keep the mood light. Choose Cairns or Port Douglas pickup, or meet at Lake Placid. Bring water, a towel, dry clothes, and secure footwear.

“Great afternoon on the rapids! Our guide was funny and controlled our raft well. Rapids were moderate, nothing too dangerous but enough for a fun adventure. Safe to take beginners and older kids.”

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4.Waterfall Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 927 reviews · 10 hours · from $101

Spend 10 hours exploring the Atherton Tablelands with an English-speaking guide such as John, Clint, Sampo, or Cheryl. Visit Cathedral Fig Tree, Lake Eacham, Millaa Millaa Falls, Josephine Falls, and Babinda Boulders, with time for swimming, short walks, local stories, morning and afternoon tea, and lunch in Malanda.

“Michael was caring, kind, inclusive. He created a wonderful experience! I especially loved the 500 years old ficus tree and the aboriginal culture session. Good and good venue location can be improved to proudly show the local delicious options. Thank you!”

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5.Barefoot Atherton Tablelands Adventure by Cairns Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 892 reviews · from $121

Start at 7:30 am from Cairns and spend 10 hours exploring Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, Lake Eacham, the Cathedral Fig Tree, and more. Swim in clear freshwater, try Josephine Falls’ natural slide, enjoy a picnic lunch, and travel with a guide such as Anton, Paige, Patty, or Jenna in a group of up to 20.

“It was so much fun to see all the waterfalls and the rainforest! I loved that it was a small and personable group, Paige and Luke were amazing guides!”

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6.Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 830 reviews · from $195

Spend about 11 hours heading north from Cairns with a guide such as Mario, Scottie or Steve. Walk through Mossman Gorge and the Daintree, swim if conditions allow, cruise for crocodiles, cross the Daintree River by cable ferry, and stop at Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas and a local ice-cream maker. Lunch, park fees, transport and hotel pickup are included.

“Great views of the rain forest! Knowledgeable guide, Troy! Wonderful lunch! Our guide got kangaroo so we could try a bite! Thank you Troy!”

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7.All Inclusive Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 741 reviews · from $128

Spend 11 hours exploring the Atherton Tablelands by air-conditioned bus, with hotel pickup, morning tea, pub lunch, and afternoon tea included. Visit the Cathedral Fig Tree, Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, and Lake Eacham. Guides such as Dan, Chandan, Clint, and John add local stories, swimming help, and wildlife spotting.

“If you love waterfalls and the rainforest, you will love this tour. Stunning waterfalls, lakes and boulders to see. Clint was a great tour guide with lots of local knowledge. I highly recommend this tour.”

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8.Barron Gorge: Half-Day Barron River White-Water Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 492 reviews · 150 minutes - 6 hours · from $81Best value

You’ll tackle up to two hours of Grade Two and Three rapids in Barron Gorge National Park with an English-speaking guide such as Tom, Olivia, or Zac. Expect safety training, calm stretches, rainforest views, and playful raft tricks. Pickup is available from Cairns or selected Port Douglas locations, or meet at Lake Placid.

“excellent trip, seamless pickup from the selected location, great time spent on the water, Joe was an excellent guide”

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9.Behana Canyoning Tour by Cairns Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 340 reviews · from $200

Spend about five hours in Behana Gorge, 30 minutes from Cairns, climbing, swimming, sliding, jumping, and abseiling through rainforest pools. Guides including Dom, Luke, Paige, and Marcio provide instruction and safety gear. The small groups suit first-timers, but you need reasonable fitness, swimming ability, and comfort around heights.

“Totally worth the money! Luke and Wolf showed us how to jump, slide and rappel down this river of boulders!! The water was crisp but the wet suit kept us warm and it was so much fun! Our 14 year old son loved it!! We also learned a bit about sugar cane and it’s toads and the ecosystem here around Cairns.”

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10.Behana Gorge Rainforest Canyoning Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 210 reviews · 5h 30m · from $176

Spend about 5.5 hours canyoning near Cairns with guides such as Luke, Paige, Dom, Spencer, or Marcio. Abseil beside waterfalls, scramble through rainforest waterways, slide down rock chutes, and jump into clear pools. The route changes with weather and water levels, and guides offer easier options when needed. Transport, safety gear, and winter wetsuits are included.

“We actually thought it was rafting, with a boat 😂 but it was so cool! Probably the best experience in Australia, even though I have many bruises, I wouldn’t miss it!”

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11.Atherton Tablelands: Lakes, Waterfalls, Rainforest Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 112 reviews · 10 hours · from $119

Spend 10 hours with Uncle Brian’s Tours exploring Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Milla Milla Falls, and Lake Eacham. You’ll walk through rainforest, swim in clear water, eat well, and possibly spot a platypus from April to October. Guides such as Sam, Pauly, Rachel, and Troy keep the long drives social with music, games, and local stories.

“the trip was definitely worth the money! the whole day was so incredible and fun which is all thanks to Jaime (PJ) the tour guide. he was informative, fun, and made everyone laugh and enjoy the day! the food was also fresh and there was plenty of it all day long.”

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12.Raging Thunder Barron Gorge River Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 104 reviews · 150 - 330 minutes · from $82

Join a half-day rafting trip on the Barron River, about 20 minutes from Cairns. Your English-speaking guide provides the raft, helmet, life jacket, safety briefing, and paddle practice before you tackle Grade 2 and 3 rapids, including Rooster Tail. Allow 150 to 330 minutes, and bring swimwear, a towel, secure water shoes, and dry clothes.

“The guide is really helpful. It is a great water experience.”

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13.Barron Gorge and Kuranda National Park Half Day Rainforest and Waterfall 4WD Tour from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · from $131

Spend about five hours in a small-group 4WD with a licensed guide such as Lance, James, Mick, or Steve. You’ll visit Barron Falls, Davies Creek, Kuranda National Park, and Henry Ross Lookout, with time for rainforest walks, photos, and a possible swim. Hotel transfers, park fees, and coffee or tea are included.

“This small group tour was perfect! The guide was fun and informative as they weaved our group throughout the rain forest, small streams and local landmarks. The off roading was a relaxing adventure.”

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14.Mossman Gorge Daintree Experience Small Groups

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $190

Spend about 9.5 hours exploring the Daintree and Mossman Gorge from Port Douglas or a nearby pickup point. Simon and Carlos are among the guides associated with the tour, which includes a crocodile cruise, morning tea, lunch, rainforest time, and a stop at Rex Lookout. Groups are capped at 11.

“We had a fantastic experience with Carlos on this tour - tbh he was the star! His love of the rainforest and his stories made this tour a highlight of our Australia vacation. Thanks!”

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15.Waterfall and Daintree Rainforest Tour – 2 Day Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 51 reviews · 2 days · from $221

Spend two full days from Cairns exploring Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Mossman Gorge, and Cape Tribulation. You’ll swim in clear waters, cruise the Daintree River, meet Kuku Yalanji hosts, and walk where rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Guides may include Ben, Adam, John, or Patrick.

“Great day, our tour guide Adam made it so fun and interesting and packed a lot into one day, definitely worth it!”

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