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Guided Rainforest Walk and Waterfall Swim in Conway National Park
Tour Information
Tour Operator:
Driftwood Tours
Duration:
Half Day (4.5 hours)
Departure:
9:00am from Airlie Beach
Phone:
0413 234 524
Return Time:
Approximately 1:30pm
Group Size:
Maximum 11 guests
Where This Tour Goes
Departure Point
Airlie Beach (hotel pickup included)
National Park
Conway National Park (Kingfisher Circuit trail)
Waterfall
Cedar Creek Falls (freshwater swimming hole)
Walk Distance
2km return (moderate fitness)
Departure Location & How to Get There
Hotel Pickup
Free pickup from your accommodation in Airlie Beach (wait at reception)
Departure Time
9:00am pickup (exact time confirmed when booking)
Travel Time
25-30 minutes to Conway National Park
What to Look For
White Driftwood Tours bus with company logo
About Airlie Waterfalls & Rainforest Bushwalk
Airlie Waterfalls & Rainforest Bushwalk is an eco-adventure mainland tour operated by Driftwood Tours, departing from Airlie Beach. The 4.5-hour half-day tour explores Conway National Park's Kingfisher Circuit rainforest trail before finishing with a refreshing swim at Cedar Creek Falls, one of the Whitsundays' most iconic freshwater waterfalls. This is the perfect way to escape the tropical heat and immerse yourself in the lush rainforest that most visitors to the Whitsundays never see.
Driftwood Tours is the 2023 Gold Winner of Best New Tour at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards and holds the Best of Queensland Experiences badge. Founder Cherene Poidevin is not only a qualified Savannah Guide but also a certified EcoGuide and avid bushwalker with a genuine passion for native flora and fauna. Her knowledge of the rainforest ecosystem is extraordinary - she'll point out king ferns, wild orchids, towering trees, and native wildlife while sharing stories about the land's geology, ecology, and cultural significance.
This tour operates seasonally from November to May when the waterfall is flowing and the rainforest is at its most vibrant. The 2km walk through Conway National Park is suitable for moderate fitness levels - it's not overly strenuous, but you'll be walking on uneven ground and through the bush. The highlight for most guests is swimming under the cascading waterfall at Cedar Creek - it's tropical serenity at its absolute finest. Perfect for anyone who wants to do something different from the typical boat-based tours and connect with nature in a meaningful way.
What Guests Are Saying
"The rainforest bush walk was awesome and Cherene had a wealth of knowledge. She was friendly and funny, and well stocked with biscuits, chips, water and fruit juice for us at the end of the walk. The Cedar Creek waterfall was absolutely fantastic and I can't rate it highly enough! Swimming in the creek and out to underneath the waterfall was incredible. It truly was a magical experience and I would highly recommend anyone of any age to do it! Thanks so much Cherene, it was one of the best family adventures we've ever done!"
TripAdvisor
"Absolutely fantastic! So great to do a land based tour for something different. The rainforest was stunning and Cherene was so engaging, knowledgeable and passionate! And then the waterfall swim topped it off perfectly! Brilliant tour."
Google Reviews
"We had such a great time with Cherene, she was so knowledgeable about all the plants and wildlife and took us to the best spots on our walk! Highly recommend taking her tour, we enjoyed swimming in the creek, and she takes the best photos!"
TripAdvisor
Good to know: This tour only operates seasonally from November to May when the waterfall is flowing. Outside these months, the falls may not be running due to lack of rainfall. The rocks at Cedar Creek can be slippery, so swim shoes are recommended. Pool noodles are provided if you're not confident swimming to the waterfall.
What's Included
Hotel Transfers
Free pickup and drop-off
Air-Conditioned Bus
Comfortable 11-seater vehicle
Certified EcoGuide
Expert rainforest knowledge
Snacks & Drinks
Biscuits, chips, juice, water
Pool Noodles
For floating at the falls
Photo Opportunities
Cherene takes photos for you
Guided Bushwalk
2km rainforest walk with commentary
Park Access
Conway National Park entry
The Experience
The Airlie Waterfalls & Rainforest Bushwalk is nothing like the typical boat-based tours in the Whitsundays. This eco-adventure takes you into the lush interior of Conway National Park, one of the Whitsundays' last remaining rainforest pockets. You'll walk through ancient forest, learn about the incredible ecosystem, and finish with a refreshing swim beneath a cascading waterfall. It's the perfect combination of education, exercise, and relaxation - a different side of the Whitsundays that most tourists never experience.
Your Itinerary
Morning Pickup: Free pickup from your accommodation in Airlie Beach around 9:00am. Cherene drives the white Driftwood Tours bus - look for the company logo. The 25-30 minute drive to Conway National Park is scenic, passing through the hinterland behind Airlie Beach.
Conway National Park - Kingfisher Circuit: Your first stop is the Kingfisher Circuit trail in Conway National Park. This 2km return walk takes you through one of the Whitsundays' most pristine rainforest areas. Step into a lush world of towering trees, king ferns, wild orchids, Alexandra Palms, and vibrant butterflies. The birdsong is incredible - you might spot kingfishers (hence the trail name), lorikeets, and other native species.
Guided Forest Interpretation: This is where Cherene's expertise really shines. As a certified EcoGuide and passionate bushwalker, she brings the forest to life with stories about the land's geology, ecology, and cultural significance. She'll point out native plants, explain their traditional uses, and help you spot wildlife that you'd never notice on your own. The pace is relaxed - there's plenty of time to stop, look, and learn.
Cedar Creek Falls: The grand finale and the highlight everyone talks about. Cedar Creek Falls is a natural cascading waterfall nestled within the rainforest. Feel the cool spray as you arrive, then spend time swimming in the crystal-clear rock pools beneath the falls. The water is fresh, clean, and wonderfully refreshing after your bushwalk. You can swim right out to the waterfall itself, or relax on the sun-warmed boulders if you prefer. Cherene provides pool noodles for those who want a bit of flotation help - some guests just float and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Photo Time & Snacks: Cherene loves taking photos and she's brilliant at capturing the moment - especially useful for solo travellers. After your swim, she'll have snacks ready: biscuits, chips, fresh water, and juice to refuel. There's no rush - this is a relaxed experience.
Return Journey: Head back to Airlie Beach around 1:00pm, arriving back at your accommodation by approximately 1:30pm. You'll have the rest of the afternoon free - plenty of time to have lunch in town, explore Coral Sea Marina, or simply relax after your morning adventure.
Before You Book
Important Information
SEASONAL TOUR: This tour only operates from November to May when the waterfall is flowing. Outside these months, Cedar Creek Falls may not have water due to lack of rainfall. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reconfirm your booking directly with Driftwood Tours before your tour date.
What to Bring
Swimmers (wear under clothes), towel, closed-toe walking shoes or good sandals (not thongs), sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, camera or phone, and water bottle. Swim shoes are highly recommended for the rocks at Cedar Creek - they can be slippery. Cherene provides snacks and refreshments.
Who Can Come
Moderate fitness required for the 2km bushwalk on uneven ground. Not suitable for people with mobility issues or those unable to walk on uneven terrain. Swimming is optional but highly recommended. Great for families with children who can walk the distance, couples, solo travellers, and nature lovers. Not wheelchair or pushchair accessible due to the bushwalk terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Airlie Waterfalls & Rainforest Bushwalk tour operate?
This seasonal tour runs from November to May only, when the waterfall is flowing after the wet season rains.
Can I swim at Cedar Creek Falls?
Yes, swimming is a highlight of this tour. Pool noodles are provided for those who want flotation assistance.
How difficult is the bushwalk?
The 2km return walk requires moderate fitness and involves uneven ground. It's not overly strenuous but does require reasonable mobility.
What wildlife might we see?
Look out for kingfishers, butterflies, native birds, and possibly wallabies. Cherene will help spot and identify native flora and fauna.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as children can comfortably walk 2km on uneven terrain. Families consistently rate this as one of their best Airlie Beach experiences.
More Nature-Based Tours
If you love nature and outdoor adventures, Driftwood Tours offers several other eco-experiences including coastal beach adventures, sunrise kangaroo encounters at Cape Hillsborough, and Bowen discovery tours. For water-based adventures, check out snorkelling tours or browse all tours departing from Airlie Beach.
Why Trust This Guide?
We're Airlie Beach locals who've called the Whitsundays home since 2001. Over more than two decades living and working in this stunning corner of tropical North Queensland, we've personally experienced the tours, explored the rainforests, and know which operators genuinely deliver on their promises.
Driftwood Tours has earned an exceptional reputation since 2017. Cherene Poidevin is a certified Savannah Guide, EcoGuide, and outdoor educator with over 30 years of experience. Her rainforest knowledge is genuinely remarkable - guests consistently rave about learning things they'd never have discovered on their own. The perfect 5.0/5.0 rating across both TripAdvisor and Google Reviews reflects the incredible quality of this eco-adventure. Cedar Creek Falls is a local favourite, and experiencing it with an expert guide like Cherene makes it truly special.
The recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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