I sit down to write still buzzing from the adrenaline rush of our adventure to Cassowary Falls. This was one of the most special and wild experiences of my life. Around 3 hours absolutely whipped by and it will be a core memory for us all.
We strap our belts on in the ATV after putting our bags in the open back and secure phones and car keys in a plastic bag with the backseat passengers. The front is “splash zone” though the back and boot will get wet too, actually everything gets wet and it’s awesome.
The ATV carries our bon-vivant driver and guide Wepiha who tells us about Thornton Peak and the local area as well as the Indigenous relationship to our surrounds. He expertly points out, and helps us to savour fruits such as blue quandong, oranges, limes, native raspberries, revelling in the biodiversity of the area.
We see many glorious emerald-blue Ulysses butterflies, fungi, edible green tree ants, a red-belly black snake crossing our path, a wallaby, plus cows, calves and a bull as we cut through a field. We spy several vibrant feathered friends and once we reach the waterfall are so happy to see turtles, 300 year-old ferns and well over a hundred jungle perch. The Daintree Rainforest and this corner in particular is abundant and teeming with life.
The journey to reach the waterfall is “nature’s rollercoaster.” Our son squealed with excitement going down the dips. I’m in the front seat next to my boy with the rest of the crew in the back row of the ATV. Present company is keen to hit the creeks we pass at maximum speed; and we are therefore drenched by several sheets of river water a handful of times before we get to our swim spot. It’s a welcome (but optional) refresh from the sun.
Hold onto your hats! We go across and up the grassy hills and cliff-side tracks, and catch air on the way down. My stomach jumps into my chest more than once as my son shouts “AGAIN!”
I am sure the journey can be modified to your comfort levels, and our iteration wouldn’t be for the faint of heart or weary body, but certainly left us with a buzz. Physically breath-taking, the ride toward the forest-floor equally ignites a deep appreciation for the beauty of this place and its ancient legacy. Our guide stops along the way to keep the tempo of thrills and gentle-joyride on an even keel; and to take photos of the lush green landscape.
We round a bend and are greeted by Cassowary Falls, a white cascade of water 8 storeys high. As we unclip from the ATV I am elated to touch terra firma and ready to plunge into the glistening clear waters of the waterfall pool. We have a chat about how to safely enter the water and are introduced to the friendly jungle perch who are now so accustomed to visitors they welcome a pat on their shimmering scales. Across the pond there is a turtle sunning on a rock and a few others poking their heads out of the water.
The sound of the waterfall is soothing and the sight magnificent. We dive in, swim, and play by the water’s edge. My husband swims out underneath the falls with a huge grin and carefully clambers up the slippery rock face for a few jumps into the bubbles. Our fellow travellers have goggles and merrily swim around observing the world below the surface.
On the way back we once again fang-it.
With their turn in the front-seat the other couple opt for a ‘dry run’, significantly less splashing but they still get a bit damp. Note to those who partake, go along in swimmers or quick-dry clothing. I started the journey with a singlet and shorts which became completely sodden (not a bother in the tropics though) and return in my bathing suit and towel.
To finish it all off, our little family offer an exuberant and genuine thanks to our guide, Wepiha, concluding the morning adventure. It was an exceptional and rich experience that we will treasure.
You can book tours through the Cassowary Falls Website.
