Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Tour from Cairns — Millaa Millaa, Josephine & Lake Eacham
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for casual to moderately active travelers; requires short, even walks and basic swimming ability
Overview
Spend a day chasing waterfalls and volcanic lakes in the Atherton Tablelands. Swim Josephine’s rock slide, photograph Millaa Millaa, hear Indigenous stories at Babinda Boulders, and finish with a late swim at Lake Eacham.
Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Tour from Cairns — Millaa Millaa, Josephine & Lake Eacham
Select participants and date
You step off the coach into air that smells of wet earth and eucalyptus — the humidity lifts like a curtain and the rainforest exhales. A handful of minutes later you’re beside a plunge pool: water threads down mossy rock and dares you to step in. This full-day circuit from Cairns threads together the Atherton Tablelands’ best swimming holes — Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa and the volcanic blue of Lake Eacham — each stop offering a different face of North Queensland’s wet tropics.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Confirm pickup time
Pickup windows vary across Cairns suburbs; contact the operator the day before and be ready 5–10 minutes early.
Bring swim shoes
Rocks can be slippery and sharp — closed-toe water shoes protect feet at Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders.
Use reef‑safe sunscreen
Apply sunscreen before entering freshwater and reapply as needed; guides recommend mineral-based products to protect aquatic life.
Respect currents
After heavy rain currents at Babinda get strong; never enter closed areas and follow guide instructions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo
- Platypus
History
The Tablelands are on the traditional lands of several Indigenous groups including the Yidinji; water places like Babinda have strong cultural stories and protocols.
Conservation
Stick to marked paths and swimming areas to protect riparian vegetation; use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid disturbing wildlife to help preserve fragile freshwater systems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Cairns
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
For multiple swims and rapid drying between stops
Water shoes or sturdy sandals
Grip and protection on slippery rocks and riverbeds
Light rain jacket
Quick showers are common in the wet season and can reduce chill after swims
summer specific
Reusable water bottle and dry bag
Hydration for a long day and protection for electronics during water stops