Cairns Waterfalls Tour
Cassowary Coast waterfall and culture tour from Cairns
An intimate small-group day tour from Cairns, with an exclusive Goondoi Culture tour experience, swims at Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders, and the chance to spot Southern Cassowaries at Etty Bay.
Where the Wet Tropics meets unique heritage
Our signature day tour opens up the World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest on the Cassowary Coast, entwining wildlife, waterfalls, and the indigenous connection with Goondoi Culture tours.
Delivered in exclusive partnership with Goondoi tours, this is a day of swimming at Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders, a Welcome to Country ceremony with the Traditional Custodians of the Dyirribarra Bagirbarra people, and the chance to spot a Southern Cassowary at Etty Bay, all in an intimate group of 4 to 11 guests.
What's included
- Hotel pick-up and return (Cairns city and Northern Beaches)
- Wooroonooran National Park entry and guided rainforest walk
- Swim at Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders
- Welcome to Country ceremony with the Traditional Custodians of the Dyirribarra Bagirbarra people
- Goondoi Cultural Experience: Dreamtime story of the Cassowary, weaving, language
- Lunch and afternoon tea
- Cassowary spotting opportunity at Etty Bay
- Expert local guide and small-group tour (4–11 guests)
The Tour at a glance
Full day (approx. 9 hours)
Small group, 4 to 11 guests
Northern Beaches 8:30 am, Cairns 9:00 am
Your accommodation (Cairns city and Northern Beaches)
Adult: $255 · Child (4-12 years): $205
Easy to moderate: short walks on formed paths, optional swims
Hotel transfers, all entry fees, lunch, expert local guide, Goondoi cultural experience
Cancel up to 48 hours before for a full refund

Your day on the Cassowary Coast
Five stops, one unforgettable day, here’s where we’ll take you.
Wooroonooran National Park & Josephine Falls
A guided rainforest walk to Josephine Falls in the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics, at the base of Queensland's highest mountain.
Innisfail Art Deco township
A scenic drive through this historic township, shaped by its striking Art Deco architecture and multicultural heritage.
Goondoi Cultural Experience
Welcome to Country with the Traditional Custodians of the Dyirribarra Bagirbarra people. Hear the Dreamtime story of Goondoi, the Cassowary.
Etty Bay
Where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. A palm-fringed beach and natural habitat of the iconic Southern Cassowary.
Babinda Boulders
A pristine rainforest gorge with crystal-clear waters flowing between granite formations, with the option to swim.
Journey south from Cairns into the lush landscapes of the Cassowary Coast, where your day unfolds through a seamless blend of nature, culture, and immersive discovery. Travelling through vibrant sugarcane fields and tropical countryside, your guide shares stories of the region’s rich history and unique ecosystems as you make your way into the heart of the Wet Tropics.
Your first stop is within the breathtaking Wooroonooran National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided rainforest walk to the stunning Josephine Falls, where cascading waters flow over smooth granite boulders, surrounded by ancient rainforest. As you walk beneath the towering canopy, your guide will interpret the incredible biodiversity of this remarkable environment, bringing the rainforest to life through storytelling and local insight.
Continuing south, enjoy a scenic drive through the historic township of Innisfail, renowned for its striking Art Deco architecture. Your guide will share the stories behind this unique town, shaped by its multicultural heritage and tropical surroundings, offering a glimpse into a different side of North Queensland’s history.
Arriving on Dyirribarra Bagirbarra Country, you are warmly welcomed by Traditional Owners for the Goondoi Cultural Experience. This is the heart of the journey, a deeply personal and interactive experience where culture is shared through storytelling, language, and hands-on connection. Learn about family traditions, bush foods and medicines, and hear the Dreamtime story of Goondoi (the cassowary) to gain a meaningful understanding of one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
From here, the journey continues to the stunning coastline of Etty Bay, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Take time to soak in the beauty of this palm-fringed beach, a natural habitat of the iconic Southern Cassowary, with the chance to spot this extraordinary bird in the wild.
Your day concludes at the iconic Babinda Boulders, a place of both natural beauty and cultural significance. Set within a pristine rainforest gorge, crystal-clear waters flow between striking granite formations, creating one of the region’s most tranquil settings. Here, your guide shares the powerful cultural stories of this sacred place, and, conditions permitting, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool, clear waters of the rainforest.
Throughout the journey, this small-group experience allows for genuine connection, personal interaction, and a deeper understanding of both culture and Country. This is more than a tour; it is an immersive experience that brings together people, place, and story in one unforgettable day.
Tour route from Cairns to the Cassowary Coast
Our day takes us south from Cairns into the Wet Tropics, through Josephine Falls in Wooroonooran National Park, the historic township of Innisfail, the Goondoi wetlands, Etty Bay, and Babinda Boulders.
What to bring
full-day outdoor tour
for waterfalls, rainforest, and wildlife
formed paths, mostly flat, 1–2 km total walking
refillable, we’ll refill throughout the day
for Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders
for cooler months (May–September)
A note on our sustainability practices
As an Ecotourism Australia accredited operator, we ask guests to avoid insect repellent and chemical sunscreens on tour as these wash into the rainforest waterways we swim in. Sun-safe clothing in neutral, lighter colours offers better protection and keeps you cooler in the tropics.
Our commitment to protecting these environments extends beyond our tours through our financial support of the Mabi Reforestation Project on the Atherton Tablelands
Why travel with Tropic Tours
We’re Simon and Renae, a family-run, locally owned tour operator in Cairns. Our day tours are small, unhurried, and built around what makes this region special: the people, the place, and the stories.
Intimate group size of 4 to 11 guests
Never a coach. Always a conversation
Ecotourism Australia accredited
Plus financial partner of the Mabi Reforestation Project and member of QTIC and ATEC.
2026 Best of Queensland Experience award
Recognised for consistency in tour delivery and customer service.
Exclusive partnership with Goondoi Culture Tours
A co-designed cultural experience you’ll only find with us, on Dyirribarra Bagirbarra Country.
Fast booking
Secure online booking with instant email confirmation
Hear from our guests
EXCELLENT Based on 87 reviews Posted on Google kathleen hawkesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an amazing day with Simon on Paranella Park Experience.His knowledge of areas we visited and history was extensive. Such a memorable day Highly recommend Thankyou Rod & KathyPosted on Google Megan JohnstonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Taste of Tablelands tour was a fantastic experience. A very diverse tour with a great mix of different scenic landscapes and food tastings. Simon was an outstanding host sharing his vast local knowledge. Every place we visited was a highlight. A very enjoyable day out.Posted on Google Linda ThwaitesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A trip with Tropic Tours is a must when in Cairns. The small group tours that they offer are top notch and delivered with a wealth of information and knowledge. My husband and I were lucky enough to go on two of there tours and can’t speak highly enough of them. Our tour guide Simon was professional and down to earth and every passengers needs were catered to - wether it be adapting a tour slightly if someone couldn’t walk quite as easy or staying slightly longer at a place to make sure everyone got that great experience. He is also pretty handy with the camera. Overall we had a fantastic time and came away thinking it was money well spent and will definitely do another tour with him again should we come back.Posted on Google Waiyin ChanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Mossman Gorge Daintree Experience 一整日既旅程由 Simon帶住我地一家人去探險~ 途中,Simon會對我地身處既環境、遇到既植物動物 提供好豐富既資訊, 佢透過分享過往豐富既人生閱歷,令我地既旅程變得更立體更多姿多彩。更重要既係,Simon會照顧我地每一位既需要,尤其係我媽媽行動不太方便,小組形式既旅行團令行程細節可以為我地調節~Simon太太整既banana bread好好味~行程尾聲仲帶左我地去一個秘密地點睇野生既wallaby~我地一家人都玩得好開心~Posted on Google Liz RandTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabulous afternoon tour to see Paronella park both in the daylight and after a yummy dinner at the local pub, to also see the spectacular and moving night show. Simon is a fantastic tour guide, providing excellent commentary along the way with stop overs at Babinda rocks and Etty bay, catering extremely well to the various needs of participants. He is very knowledgeable and lots of fun. Afternoon tea with Renee’s orange cake was delicious. Simon and Renee are passionate about their job with a focus on eco friendly principles and very high standards. We highly recommend this trip.Posted on Google IrenaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went on the cassowary coast/Paronella tour with Simon on Thursday and highly recommend it. The small group(only 4 of us) was fantastic. Simon asked about our special interests and was able to personalise aspects of the tour, like showing me the area where my father cut cane in the 50s. His great knowledge and enthusiam for the area, and family heritage enhanced the official Paronella Park tour by adding alot more detail about Jose and putting it into context with other local history. An added bonus was seeing 3 cassowaries, 2 of which walked right past us. A wonderful day overall.Posted on Google Nathalia BurgosTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the most wonderful experience visiting Paronella Park with Tropic Tours. Our guide, Simon, was absolutely amazing. You can tell how passionate he is about both the history of the place and his work. He treated us so kindly throughout the entire tour and made everyone feel welcome and cared for. One of the loveliest surprises was the afternoon tea, including a delicious chocolate cake that Simon had baked himself. It was such a thoughtful touch and perfectly reflects the care and love that he and his wife put into growing their business. Paronella Park completely stole my heart. As a Colombian, parts of it made me feel at home, while at the same time it reminded me of the beautiful castles in England my boyfriend has told me about. My boyfriend is from Yorkshire, so somehow this place felt like the perfect blend of both our worlds. It was incredibly special. Having the opportunity to experience the park both during the day and at night was absolutely magical. Seeing Paronella Park transform as the sun went down made the experience even more special. The light show at the end of the evening was breathtaking and made me fall even more in love with this beautiful place. I’m so happy we chose this small group tour. The smaller size makes such a difference because it feels personal, genuine and full of heart. You can truly feel the passion and dedication Simon and his wife put into making their business grow and creating unforgettable experiences for their guests. We will definitely be back, and when we do, we’ll absolutely book with Tropic Tours and Simon again. Thank you for creating such beautiful memories for us. Simon, may God always bless you and your family. Highly recommended!♥️🇦🇺🇨🇴🇬🇧Posted on Google JordyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a day! Absolutely amazing tour with Simon,our tour guide and amazing story teller! Couldn’t have imagined a better way to end our trip in cairns. I highly recommend booking a tour with Simon, we will definitely be coming back in the near future to do another tour with him. If you are unsure what to do in this beautiful area of the country then book a tour for a very memorable day out. You won’t regret it!Posted on Google Veronica SilvaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recommend this experience. We had a great time with our guide, Simon. He accompanied us the entire day, explaining in detail everything we were seeing. It was very interesting. Simon even prepared a snack for us with his fruit. Eating a slice of papaya on the beach after a nice walk was a real bonus. We recommend this experience. Simon took some beautiful photos of us during the visit that we will always carry as a memory of this beautiful day!Posted on Google Anne Orathai HomsombatTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you have an extra day during your stay in Cairns, I highly recommend exploring the Atherton Tablelands in addition to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. One of the best ways to experience this beautiful region is with Tropic Tours' "Taste of the Tablelands" tour. This unique experience showcases some of the finest local produce, stunning landscapes, and authentic wildlife encounters that Tropical North Queensland has to offer. This full-day tour operates in a small group setting, and the guide is also the owner of the business. As a local, he is exceptionally knowledgeable about the region and shares fascinating insights throughout the day. The adventure begins in the charming rainforest village of Kuranda, where you will enjoy a guided walk to the stunning Barron Falls early in the morning. Along the way, you will learn about the region's history, the significance of the falls, and their deep connection to the local First Nations people. The tour then takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Tropical North Queensland, including visits to Malanda, Bromfield Crater, the ancient Curtain Fig Tree, and the iconic Millaa Millaa Falls, where you can even take a refreshing swim if you wish. You will visit Skybury Plantation, Australia's oldest coffee plantation, where you can learn about coffee and papaya cultivation while enjoying morning tea and spectacular countryside views. Lunch is enjoyed at Gallo DairyLand, where you can sample a delicious range of locally produced cheeses and chocolates. The day is topped off with a tasting at Mt Uncle Distillery, one of Australia's most awarded distilleries, offering a selection of premium spirits and liqueurs. Beyond the food and tastings, you will also have the opportunity to encounter Australian wildlife up close. One of the highlights for me was hand-feeding wallabies, which made the experience truly unique and memorable. We were even lucky enough to spot a platypus along the way. The day concludes at the beautiful Lake Barrine, a stunning volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush rainforest. While the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest are must-see attractions, I encourage you not to overlook the Atherton Tablelands. A day with Tropic Tours is the perfect way to complete your holiday and experience another side of our tropical paradise here in Cairns. It is one of the most memorable experiences I have had in the region, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Anne _ Doubletree Tour Booking Centre Cairns.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Frequently asked questions about the Cassowary Coast tour
What does the Cassowary Coast Waterfall and Culture Tour include?
It’s a full-day small-group tour of 4 to 11 guests from Cairns. We swim at Josephine Falls in Wooroonooran National Park, share a Welcome to Country and Dreamtime experience with Goondoi Culture Tours on Dyirribarra Bagirbarra Country, stop in the Art Deco town of Innisfail, watch for Southern Cassowaries at Etty Bay, and finish with a swim at Babinda Boulders. Hotel pick-up, lunch, afternoon tea, and all park fees are included.
Will I see a cassowary on the tour?
Quite possibly, but we want to be honest: this is a waterfall and cultural tour, not a wildlife tour. Etty Bay is one of the few places in the world where Southern Cassowaries walk along the beach, so the chance is real. Sightings depend on the day, the time, and a bit of luck. Your guide knows the patterns and will share where to look.
What is the Goondoi cultural experience like?
Goondoi Culture Tours is our exclusive cultural partner, and the experience is co-designed with the Traditional Custodians of the Dyirribarra Bagirbarra people. You’re welcomed to Country, then guided through Goondoi wetlands while learning bush foods, traditional knowledge of sacred trees, weaving, sand art, and language. You’ll hear the Dreamtime story of Goondoi, the cassowary, and share a lunch of tropical fruit, sandwiches, and cold drinks. It’s a quiet, personal exchange, not a performance.
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
Easy to moderate. Total walking is 1 to 2 km on formed rainforest paths, mostly flat. Swims at Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders are optional, you’re welcome to enjoy the setting without getting in the water. The pace is unhurried, and your guide will support anyone needing extra time. If you have specific mobility, fitness, or health concerns, get in touch before you book and we’ll talk it through.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel up to 48 hours before your tour for a full refund, no questions asked, no fine print. We know plans change, especially for guests travelling from overseas or interstate. Within 48 hours, cancellations are non-refundable, but we’ll always work with you on rescheduling if there’s space on another tour date. The same policy applies if weather or safety forces us to cancel from our side, full refund or reschedule, your choice.

