A Genuine Look at the 2025 ‘Koala and Kangaroo Encounter, Waterfalls and Scenic Train Journey’

So, we were looking for a day trip out of Cairns that wasn’t just about the reef, you know? My partner and I, we really wanted to see the green, lush part of Tropical North Queensland, like, properly see it. We stumbled upon the ‘Koala and Kangaroo Encounter, Waterfalls and Scenic Train Journey’ and, honestly, the name pretty much said it all. It seemed to tick all the boxes for the stuff we wanted to experience. You often find that tours promise a lot, so we were just a little bit hopeful that this one would live up to its name. At the end of the day, picking the right excursion can completely change your holiday, right? Well, this review is basically our story of that day, sharing the bits you actually want to know about before you decide to go yourself.

The Early Morning with Australia’s Famous Furry Friends

The day began with a pick-up that was, you know, refreshingly on time. Our guide, a fellow called Dave, was kind of a classic Aussie character, really full of stories. First, we headed to a wildlife sanctuary that felt a little bit more personal and less like a huge zoo. It’s almost a relief when these places feel more about the creatures. Actually, seeing the koalas was the first big moment for us. They were mostly just sleeping, as a matter of fact, looking incredibly peaceful in their eucalyptus branches. You get this almost overwhelming scent of eucalyptus in the air around their space, which is really something. You could get pretty close for pictures, which was just what we hoped for. I mean, the handler gave a very interesting talk about koala conservation too, which was a nice touch.

Then, it was time for the kangaroos, and honestly, this was a highlight. Basically, they have this big, open field where the kangaroos and wallabies just hang out. You are given some food for them, and well, they are extremely gentle when they take it from your hand. Some of them had joeys peeking out of their pouches, which was obviously a sight you don’t forget. In a way, you sort of connect with the place when you get to interact like that. I just spent ages sitting on the grass with a particularly friendly kangaroo. Anyway, it was a completely different vibe from seeing animals behind a big fence. This part of the day was sort of perfect for families, you know, but we loved it just as much as a couple. It’s just a little bit of magic, right?

Discovering Waterfalls Hidden in the High Country

After the animal encounters, we began our drive up into the Atherton Tablelands, and okay, the change in scenery is pretty immediate. The air gets cooler, more or less, and the landscape turns into this amazing patchwork of farms and incredibly deep green rainforest. Dave, our guide, was full of facts about the local coffee plantations and fruit farms, by the way. Our stop was at Millaa Millaa Falls, which you have probably seen in photos, but really, they don’t do it justice. The water pours over this smooth rock face into a pool that is just an incredible shade of green. Actually, the sound is the first thing that hits you when you get out of the van. It’s this powerful, constant roar that’s surprisingly calming, in a way.

Some people from our group, as a matter of fact, jumped straight in for a swim. We just paddled at the edge, to be honest, because the water was quite cool. The mist from the waterfall hangs in the air and feels amazing on your skin, especially after the morning sun, you know? It’s one of those places that feels ancient and very special. We spent a fair bit of time here, just sitting on the rocks and taking it all in. Frankly, you need that time to really appreciate a spot like this. It wasn’t rushed, and that is definitely something I appreciated about the day’s planning.

A Historic Train Ride Through the Rainforest Canopy

So, the last part of our big day out was the scenic train journey back down towards Cairns. We boarded the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, and I mean, it literally feels like stepping back in time. The carriages are beautifully restored, with, like, polished wood and vintage details everywhere. Finding our seats by the window, you could sort of feel the excitement from everyone on board. The train moves at a really gentle pace, which is perfect because you are there for the views, right? This part of the day is a very different way to see the rainforest we had just been driving through.

The route this old train takes is an engineering marvel, as a matter of fact. It curves around mountainsides and goes over these incredibly tall bridges that give you a view straight down into deep gorges. You are pretty much looking out over a sea of green treetops. There is a stop along the way to see the Barron Falls, which in the wet season are meant to be absolutely thundering. For us, they were a little more gentle but still a seriously impressive sight. Dave had told us to sit on the right side of the train for the best views, and honestly, that was a fantastic tip. At the end of the day, it was the perfect, relaxing way to finish an action-packed day of exploring.

Thinking About the Little Things on the Trip

You know, it’s often the small details that make a tour feel good. Lunch, for example, was at a country pub in the Tablelands. It was just simple, hearty food, but it was really delicious and felt very authentic. It wasn’t some generic tourist buffet, which was, frankly, a pleasant surprise. The timing of the day was also managed quite well, in my opinion. We seemed to arrive at places, like the wildlife park, just before they got really busy. Anyway, that meant we had a bit more space and time to enjoy things, which is obviously a big plus.

Dave, our guide, was also a huge part of what made the day so good. He was clearly very passionate about the area, you know? He wasn’t just reading from a script; he was sharing his own stories and pointing out things he found interesting, like certain birds or plants. That kind of thing makes you feel like you’re on an outing with a local, not just on a tour bus. In fact, that’s what makes it feel more personal. He made sure everyone was comfortable and having a good time, which seems like a basic thing, but it’s not always the case, right?

So, Was This Day Trip a Good Choice?

So, looking back, this tour was definitely a fantastic choice for us. It pretty much delivered on everything it promised in its name, which is honestly the main thing you want. You really do get to cuddle koalas (well, almost), feed kangaroos, see a stunning waterfall, and ride a famous historic train, all in one go. To be honest, it covers a lot of ground without feeling like you are constantly being herded from one place to the next. The pacing felt just right, with enough time to properly enjoy each key stop. This trip seems just about perfect for people who want a taste of everything the Cairns hinterland has to offer but maybe only have one day to spare.

“I think the best part was how varied the day was. One minute you’re interacting with iconic animals, the next you’re feeling the spray from a massive waterfall. It just kept your interest all day long, you know?”

Basically, if you are a first-time visitor to the area, this kind of day trip is a brilliant idea. It gives you a great overview of the region’s nature and history. We came away feeling like we had really experienced a different side of Queensland, you know, beyond the beaches. At the end of the day, that’s what good travel is all about. For what you get, the experience feels like it’s worth the price.

A Few Quick Pointers for Your Trip

• Wear comfortable shoes: There’s a bit of walking, you know, especially around the waterfall and the wildlife park, so you’ll want happy feet.

• Bring a light jacket: The Tablelands are much cooler than Cairns, seriously, and it’s a good idea to have something extra, just in case.

• Listen to your guide’s seating tips: For real, on the scenic train, sitting on the right side on the way down to Cairns gives you arguably the best views of the gorges.

• Charge your camera: Obviously, you will take a ton of photos. Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged before you leave in the morning.

Read our full review: [2025 ‘Koala and Kangaroo Encounter, Waterfalls and Scenic Train Journey’ Full Review and Details]
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