Cairns: Waterfall, Reef & Rainforest Trail

The Dreamtime Outer Barrier Reef Cruise is a unique activity that combines experiencing the world's oldest living culture and some of Australia's most amazing marine life. You will gain a deeper cultural understanding of the reef's diverse ecosystem and indigenous heritage of the region and experience demonstrations by Traditional Owners. Your morning commences with an Indigenous welcome after boarding the catamaran. Enjoy interactive commentary, informative storytelling, and games, as well as morning tea and buffet lunch. Once arriving on the reef, you will experience a guided snorkel experience in the Great Barrier Reef and get up close with the marine underworld. As you depart the reef in the afternoon you can enjoy an afternoon tea while sharing your experience with the Indigenous Sea Rangers on board.

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.
Please note, a one-way fee may apply

Head to the Cairns City depot today to collect your chosen rental car, and continue your journey.

Head up the Gillies Highway and wind your way “up the hill” into the Atherton Tablelands. Begin your adventure at Lake Barrine in the Crater Lakes National Park. Enjoy a classic Devonshire Tea at the lakeside cafe while keeping an eye out for native wildlife, then stretch your legs with a short rainforest walk to the towering twin bull kauri pines. For a truly unique experience, take a dip in the cool, clear waters of Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake 65m deep and home to over 180 bird species. Step back in time in the charming village of Yungaburra, where historic streets have barely changed since 1910. Grab lunch at quirky cafes or live out your Disney dreams at Mad Hatterz, an Alice in Wonderland-themed cafe. Search for the elusive platypus at Peterson Creek and marvel at the enormous Curtain Fig Tree, a 500-year-old natural wonder. Continue your journey to your overnight stay.

Start your day in this beautiful natural paradise with wildlife viewing. It starts every morning at 8:30am, behind the reception. You will see the smallest and most primitive kangaroos in the world - the musky rat-kangaroo and also the colorful parrots, the King Parrots and Rainbow Lorikeets. You will also learn about the evolution of parrots and kangaroos in Australia. For those of you seeking more Kangaroo experience, why not follow the Kangaroo Trail, you can also spot one of the biggest, the Eastern Grey Kangaroo. After that, you can explore the numerous walking trails, rainforest creeks, native plants, and stunning waterfalls. You can start with the Creek Walk, a moderate 90 minutes walk and look for platypus in this pristine World Heritage Wooroonooran National Park. Or you can go for an easy, 1-hour long Reforestation Walk. This track follows the contour around the Spring Creek Gorge and is probably the best for bird watching. Towards the end of the track is a rainforest with fruiting trees which attracts cassowaries. You can also spot other bird life, such as Cattle Egrets, Red-backed Wrens, White-faced Herons and other grassland birds. You can also go for a wild swim in tropical pristine waters at Butchers Creek or at Hidden Waterfall. The roads around Rose Gums are also bike friendly, you can go for a ride to the wonderful volcanic crater lake, Lake Eacham, or explore the Wooroonooran National Park to the base of Mt Bartle Frere, Queensland's highest mountain.

Journey into Paronella Park, a whimsical wonderland built by a man with a dream. José Paronella, a Spanish immigrant, poured his heart into this project between 1929 and 1935. A Spanish-style castle nestled beside cascading Mena Creek Falls, surrounded by lush rainforest with over 7,500 trees and plants. Stone bridges, a network of tunnels, and even a tennis court – all constructed by hand by José himself. Having survived fire, cyclones and floods durings it's 85 year history, this unique heritage site is a testament to one man's dedication and is now a popular tourist destination. Join a 35-minute guided tour departing every 30 minutes from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily to learn more about José. Witness the park transformed as night falls. The restored hydroelectric generator bathes the park's highlights in floodlights, culminating in a magical sound and light display that will leave you spellbound. Allow 3 hours to fully immerse yourself in Paronella Park's charm. Enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site cafe, or bring your own picnic and savor the park's tranquility.

Time travel back to an era that has long been forgotten. With over 60 perfectly restored period buildings, each housing a broad display of memorabilia. You'll we wowed by many historic highlights, including the 130-year old grand pioneer homestead, Elderslie House. Alongside this you will discover antique motor vehicles, turn of the century motor vehicles, small engines and rare John Deere tractors. 

Continue on the famous Waterfall Circuit. Just outside Malanda, the Australian Platypus Park at Tarzali Lakes offers another chance to spot this elusive creature, along with tastings of delicious smoked barramundi. In Millaa Millaa, the landscape transforms into a paradise of cascading falls. The iconic Millaa Millaa Falls is a must-see, its curtain of water plunges into a pristine swimming hole surrounded by rainforest. Nearby, Zillie Falls delivers dramatic gorge views, while Ellinjaa Falls tempts with its mossy rocks, turtles, and hidden ledge behind the flow. Food lovers can break up the adventure at Mungalli Creek Dairy & Café, sampling fresh farmhouse cheeses and homemade treats. Further along, the road reveals spectacular lookouts and attractions, including the elevated rainforest walkways of the Mamu Tropical Skywalk and the sweeping views from Crawford Lookout. The journey continues to Josephine Falls, a natural waterslide and one of the jewels of the Tablelands, before reaching the legendary Babinda Boulders a sacred place of cultural significance to First Nations people and a fitting finale to the circuit. Head back to the highway, follow once again through Gordonvale and continue north and along the coastal road to your destination, Port Douglas.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the Great Barrier Reef, filled with sailing, snorkelling and swimming. Immerse yourself In nature by swimming with turtles, taking a trip on the glass bottom boat, or relaxing on the white sandy beaches. As the sunsets take in the spectacular views as you sail back to the port. This is the perfect afternoon out to experience the absolutely stunning Great Barrier Reef in the most sustainable way!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, starting with morning tea at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.  Explore the ancient wonders of Mossman Gorge on a guided walk, discovering the secrets of this world-renowned rainforest.  A scenic one-hour cruise on the Daintree River offers glimpses of diverse wildlife, including crocodiles, birds, and unique plant species.  Savor a delicious tropical lunch at Heritage Lodge overlooking Cooper Creek before venturing to Cape Tribulation, where you'll stroll along the iconic beach and admire coastal views from Kulki Lookout.  Cool off with a refreshing cup of exotic fruit ice cream at the Daintree Ice Cream Company.  Finally, take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Daintree River estuary and Coral Sea from Alexandra Lookout, completing this immersive rainforest experience.

This short 70km drive will take you down the Captain Cook Highway to the beautiful city of Cairns. Consider picking up some groceries in Port Douglas and enjoy a picnic on one of the many stunning beaches along your drive. Pebbly Beach, located approximately 15km south of Port Douglas is a bit of a deviation from the standard sandy beaches of the tropical north but is beautiful nonetheless. As the name suggests, the beach is covered with smooth, tiny stones and is popular among motorists to stop and explore.
Your next stop on your drive south will be Rex Lookout, with panoramic views of the Coral Sea and views of Double Island to the south.
Further south, you will reach the beautiful coastal village of Palm Cove. Spend some time wandering the paperbark-lined streets dotted with boutique shops, artisan cafes and restaurants. Finally, pass through Smithfield before getting off the highway and heading into Cairns.

Return your rental vehicle to Cairns City depot before continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Cairns today. If there is more of Australia you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!