Although touristy, the waterfall circuit is definitely worth doing during your time in Cairns! Don’t want to spend a lot of money on a tour? Rent a car and split the cost with friends! Here is my Atherton Tablelands self drive day trip itinerary that will guarantee an awesome time!
Lake Barrine/Lake Eacham
1hr from Cairns
These are two volcano crater lakes that were formed by massive volcanic eruptions over 17,000 years ago, and have been filled with rainwater. At Lake Barrine there is a 5km trail to the left that goes around the lake. We only walked for 5 min until we reached the two bull Kauri Pines. These are MASSIVE trees that are over 1000 years old with a trunk diameter of 2.2 metres. Lake Eacham also has a trail around the lake, and both are great for swimming and canoeing. (Checking out only one of the lakes is probably enough).
Curtain Fig Tree
10min from Lake Barrine
Basically a tree waterfall with it’s aerial roots hanging from above. This tree is super impressive, make sure you stop here! Seriously, we couldn’t stop staring, it’s pretty amazing. It’s a very short boardwalk to the tree that takes you on a 5 min loop around it. The tree is at least 500 years old!
Millaa Millaa Falls
30min from Curtain Fig Tree
A bit overrated in our opinion, and it was VERY crowded. The famous hair flip Herbal Essences commercial was filmed here though, hence it’s fame! The waterfall is located just off the parking lot.
Zillie Falls
10min from Millaa Millaa Falls
A more impressive waterfall with far less people around. A very short walk leads you to the top of the waterfall. You can explore the top and sit in the shallow pool beside the edge, or take the trail down to the bottom of it.
Ellinjaa Falls
3min from Zillie Falls
We really enjoyed this one! We had it to ourselves for a bit and it was a nice shallow swimming hole. It’s a slightly longer walk than the other two waterfalls.
Crawford’s Lookout
20min from Ellinjaa Falls
A quick stop to take in the view. Make it fast though or you’ll be eaten alive by mozzies.
Josephine Falls
40min from Crawford’s Lookout
Completely surrounded by rain forest there are beautiful waterfalls, an awesome swimming hole with clear green water, and a natural rock slide to slide down! It’s very popular so it can get a little crowded, but we definitely thought it was worth the stop.
Babinda Boulders
20min from Josephine Falls
Another popular swimming spot, but possible to explore and find a little section all to yourself! The water is a crystal clear emerald green and a little slice of paradise.
Read more about Josephine and Babinda in my post Best swimming holes around Cairns!
From Babinda Boulders, it’s one hour till you’re back in Cairns. Here’s a map of the Atherton Tablelands self drive day trip to give yourself an idea of where you’re heading!
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