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World Heritage Rainforest Tours from Cairns

Choose between our amazing Rainforest tours below and reserve your experience online!

Far North Queensland Wet Tropics Rainforest

Appreciate the tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland in all its glory by getting out amongst it; hike in the forest; swim under the waterfall; wash your worries away in the freshwater swimming holes. Many of these locations are out of cell range, meaning you will be pushed to unplug, unwind, be present in the moment, and enjoy yourself.

The Wet Tropics Rainforest is a World Heritage protected area since 1988, starting North of Townsville and finishing around Cooktown. Approximately 180 million years old, this area includes over 30 different National Parks, as well as conservation parks, State forests and reserves that make up nearly 80% of the almost 900,000 hectares.

 

Daintree Rainforest and the Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland

Many visitors are under the impression that the Daintree National Park is the only World Heritage listed rainforest in FNQ, however the Daintree National Park is a park within the World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest. The Wet Tropics first became recognized through Mission Beach – another place where two world heritage areas meet.

a large waterfall over a body of water
a boat floating along a river next to a body of water
a waterfall surrounded by trees
Barefoot Tours, Cairns, Australia | Things to do in Cairns

Rainforest Tours from Cairns

Kuranda Village with Skyrail & Railway Pass

When looking to explore Kuranda, you may choice to self-drive up the hill, or the more popular option is to take the iconic Skyrail & Kuranda Railway to and from Cairns. While traveling on the Skyrail you will experience panoramic views over Cairns out to the ocean. You will also have a bird’s eye view over the Baron Falls.

Depending on what time of year you are visiting, this massive waterfall can be a trickle (May-October) or a fierce surge of rushing water(November-April). The railway will stop for a 10-minute viewing stop beside the falls, or if self-driving you are able to drive to a different viewing area.

Highlights:

  • Barron Falls
  • Butterfly Sanctuary
  • Koala Gardens
  • Rainforestation
  • Kuranda Village (great spot for lunch)

Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Beach

Roughly two hours North of Cairns you will find yourself in the Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation. Within the ancient Daintree Rainforest, you can appreciate an array of wildlife such as frogs, reptiles, snakes, birds, and cassowaries.

Travelling up North can be completed in one day trip, or if time allows, you can stay for multiple days at one of the remote rainforest retreats or camp sites. If you are planning an overnight trip, be sure to check out the night walking tours to appreciate natures’ night life. Creatures such as possums, Boyd’s Forest Dragon, snakes, frogs, and insects can often be seen in the night.

Highlights:

  • Rex Lookout
  • Alexandra Lookout
  • Mossman Gorge
  • Wildlife Spotting Cruise on the Daintree River

Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circut

Just up the hill from Cairns is the Atherton Tablelands, an awe-inspiring region that is 1600 or so meters above sea level. In the Tablelands you can expect a variety of farmland produce, fruits, rainforest, craters, lakes, hiking trails, and waterfalls.

The Tablelands is also home to some of the endemic wildlife species like Tree Kangaroos, Cassowaries, Green Tree Frogs as well as many other cute wildlife like the Platypus. Take a day trip with a local guide to some incredible locations to appreciate the best of what the wet tropics has to offer.

Highlights:

  • Josephine Falls
  • Babinda Boulders
  • Lake Eacham Volcanic
  • Platypus spotting in Yungaburra
  • Tree Kangaroo spotting in Malanda

Eliminate the Yellow Crazy Ants

As if the world was not crazy enough, yellow crazy ants are trying to invade our wonderful region. These invasive little soldiers can overpower, kill, and their prey which include other ants, insects, lizards, birds, and mammals. The problem is taken quiet seriously as this can have devastating consequences on the environment. The volunteers of the YCA Community task force, in conjunction with YCA Wet Tropics Management Authority and the local Djabuguy Bulmba Rangers, have been monitoring, baiting, and eradicating these crazy ants in the Kuranda region. To see what you can do to help ride the Far North of these pests, visit Kuranda Envirocare here.

Kuranda Envirocare go beyond the YCA in their fight to save the rainforest. They also participate in tree planting, monitoring endemic frog species of the wet tropics, and monitor the bird species in this region.

Save the Cassowary

Descending from dinosaurs, holding both environmental and cultural significance, the Cassowary is a vital part of the survival of the Wet Tropics. From an environmental perspective, the cassowary is viewed as the gardener of the rainforest. As cassowaries are primarily fruit eaters, they digest over 200 species of seeds, which then are distributed over vast areas through their droppings. Yes, that is a nice way of saying that cassowaries help save the rainforest through their poop. There are even some fruit trees that could not survive without this process, as they cannot re-germinate without firstly passing through the stomach of these magnificent birds.

Sadly, the biggest threat to the cassowary are humans, caused by road accidents, domestic animal attacks and the clearing of their environment. With over 80% of the coastal habitat already removed, the effects of natural disasters such as cyclones are that much more devastating. Great organizations like Rainforest Rescue and Wet Tropics Management Authority have started the Save the Cassowary campaign to raise awareness both locally and internationally about this endangered bird. If you would like to know more about how you can get involved, visit Rainforest Rescue here.