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Waterfalls Near Cairns Australia’s Cruise Port

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Millaa Millaa Falls outdside of Cairns, Australia
Millaa Millaa Falls is the first of three waterfalls in the area. The yellow water is actually swimmable, and many people were taking advantage of this opportunity to cool off.

The Radiance of the Sea dropped anchor in Yorkey’s Knob, just north of Cairns. There are so many opportunities here. The ship offered options of rainforest tours, trains, markets and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. We made the choice to spend the day with good friends who live here.

Similar to our last port (Brisbane), the ship was too big to dock close to town. We anchored off of Yorkey’s Knob, a town to the north of Cairns and were transported to shore via tender. The rainy, cloudy morning cast shadows over the hills creating an ethereal illusion.

Note: Based on world conditions, we advise checking official channels including cancellation policies prior to booking. Also, with often reduced capacity, booking ahead becomes more important.

Sailing into Yorkey’s Knob

View from the tender between Radiance of the Seas and Yorkey's Knob (Cairns), Australia
View of Yorkey’s Knob from the tender.

Anchored at Yorkey’s Knob

Radiance of the Seas seen from the tender on the way to Yorkey' Knob (Cairns), Australia
Looking back we could see the Radiance of the Seas anchored in the water.

Tablelands

Our friends picked us up outside the Yorkey’s Knob boat club and rather than taking us to Cairns, they took us up into the Tablelands. It’s an area known to locals as a highland getaway destination. With cooler temperatures and frequent swimming holes, it is a paradise amidst this tropical Australian Queensland destination.

• Lake Eacham

Lack Eacham in Crater National Park, outside of Cairns, Australia
Our first stop was a lovely swimming hole at Lake Eacham. Located in Crater National Park, it is in fact, an extinct crater lake and it is home to the King Fern trees which boast the world’s longest fern fronds. (Up to 7 meters).

• Nerada Tea Plantation

Tea farm of Nevada Tea Plantation
Next, we enjoyed the aroma of freshly growing tea leaves. We had hoped for a tour of the Nerada Tea Plantation, however, they are are not open on Saturday or Sunday.

Waterfalls Near Cairns

• Millaa Millaa Falls

Millaa Millaa Falls outdside of Cairns, Australia
Millaa Millaa Falls is the first of three waterfalls in the area. The yellow water is actually swimmable, and many people were taking advantage of this opportunity to cool off.
Australian Bush Turkey
We opted to have a picnic at Millaa Millaa Falls and this Australian Brushturkey joined us.

• Zellie Falls

Zellie Falls oustside of Cairnes, Australia
Zellie Falls was only available from the lookout. Without jumping the fence, there didn’t appear to be a way down.
Zellie Falls oustside of Cairnes, Australia
Zellie Falls from the top (yes, they did hop the fence).
The rainforest path leading to Zellie Falls.
The rainforest path leading to Zellie Falls.

Returning to the Cruise Ship

On tender between Radiance of the Seas and Yorkey's Knob (Cairns), Australia
From our return tender as we pulled away from Yorkey’s Knob.
View from the tender between Radiance of the Seas and Yorkey's Knob (Cairns), Australia
Radiance of the Seas seen through the front window of the tender on the way back to the ship.

More about Cairns:

  • Cairns is a city in tropical North Queensland Australia.
  • Rather than docking in Cairns, the Radiance of the Seas headed up to Yorkey’s Knob. It is about a 35-minute tender trip to the city, followed by a 20-minute drive to Cairns if that’s where you choose to go.
  • There is no shortage of things to do in Cairns. It is probably most well known as the gateway to Great Barrier Reef in Australia. (Royal Caribbean offered a very popular trip out the reef.)
  • It is also known as a gateway to the wetlands and rainforests. (Popular trip options from the ship are on the train or Skyrail to Kuranda).
  • There is a man-made saltwater swimming lagoon and artificial beach located on the esplanade of Cairns.
  • The town of Cairns was originally founded when gold was discovered to the north in 1876. However, Cairns tourism began to grow when marlin fishing became popular after World War II.
  • The Great Barrier Reef was discovered in the 1970s. It is the largest reef in the world measuring 2011 km in length and 72 km across at its widest point also making it the world’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Areas. There are an estimated 1,500 species of fish, over 300 species of hard, reef-building corals, more than 4,000 mollusk species and over 400 species of sponges have been identified.
  • Other world records for Cairns region include: it is home to the world’s most dangerous bird (Cassowary); it is home to the world’s longest lava tubes (Undara lava tubes);  it is home to Australia’s largest moth (Hercules moth); and, it is home to the world’s longest fern.
  • The best time to visit Cairns is during the winter months of June to August. Monsoon season is from December to March and with it comes heavy rains, high temperatures, extreme humidity, and cyclones.
  • If you have a car, don’t miss Paronella Park. 

 

Our next port: Darwin

Have you been to the Tablelands, to Cairns, or to the Great Barrier Reef?

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Millaa Millaa Falls outside of Cairns, Australia is just one of the fascinating things we saw in the Tablelands

Disclaimer: In addition to VIP treatment onboard the Radiance of the Seas we were provided with many complimentary extras. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

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About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Andrea

    An Australian friend who mainly lived in NSW but lived in Tasmania, Brisbane, Darwin said the best living conditions are in Cairns. In my next life i will live there or in any sub-tropical climate.

    Reply

  9. Lexa Cain

    I didn’t know what a tender was so I’m glad you put in a picture. It looks like a ferry, I guess. The cruise ship is lovely. In fact, every picture is lovely! Well, maybe not the turkey. He’s a bit scary and I’d be nervous if he joined my picnic. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday!!

    Reply

  10. Travelera

    It looks that you had a fabulous birthday, what amazing places you saw on your day and on my favourite way to travel, on a boat stopping in different places to see so many beautiful things…
    Have a lovely week Rhonda
    xxx

    Reply

  18. Bill Kasman

    Happy birthday to you and it looks like you’re having a wonderful one! You are making me wish I could take a trip to Australia

    Reply

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