Cedar Creek Express Tour from Airlie Beach (Whitsundays)

If you’re looking for unforgettable things to do in Airlie Beach that are easy, scenic, and genuinely refreshing, Cedar Creek Express is the perfect half-day nature escape. This relaxed, eco-certified tour whisks you from Airlie Beach (Whitsundays, Queensland) into the lush hinterland to Cedar Creek Falls—a rainforest waterhole and waterfall set in a natural rock amphitheatre, surrounded by tropical greenery and birdlife.

In just a few hours, you’ll swap salty air and beach crowds for cool freshwater, rainforest shade, and that “wow, I can’t believe this is so close to town” feeling. Cedar Creek Falls sits roughly halfway between Airlie Beach and Proserpine on Saltwater Creek Road, making it one of the Whitsundays’ easiest and most rewarding nature experiences.

Why Cedar Creek Falls is such a lovely spot

Cedar Creek Falls is beloved for one simple reason: it’s a true rainforest oasis. Step through the trees, and you’ll find a clear rock pool tucked beneath a cliff line—an amphitheatre of stone where the waterfall spills down when conditions are right.

Even when the main cascade is gentle, the place still delivers: cool water, palms and vines, and that peaceful soundtrack of birds, rustling leaves, and running creek water. It’s a “reset button” kind of location—perfect for couples, families, solo travellers, and anyone who wants a nature break without committing to a full-day hike.

Cancel up to 24 hours before departure time for a full refund.

A little history and “deep time” of the landscape

Cedar Creek Falls sits at the edge of the Conway Range / Cape Conway peninsula, part of an area that protects the largest remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Queensland outside Tropical North Queensland.

What makes this landscape special isn’t just how green it is—it’s how long it has endured. Queensland Parks notes that the rainforest here has persisted through climate fluctuations over tens of thousands of years, acting as a refuge for wildlife.

And if you’ve spent any time on the Whitsunday islands, here’s a fun connection: the vegetation you’ll see around the Conway area is similar to what’s on the islands because rising sea levels thousands of years ago flooded coastal valleys and created the Whitsunday islands. In other words, this rainforest-to-reef region has been shaping itself for a very long time, and Cedar Creek is a beautiful little window into that story.

Respect for Country

This area is part of Country cared for by the Gia and Ngaro Peoples, with Queensland Parks recognising the deep cultural connection and responsibility Traditional Owners maintain for the Conway Range and surrounding places.

What you’ll do on Cedar Creek Express

Scenic transfer from Airlie Beach to the falls

Relax in air-conditioned comfort as we head out of Airlie Beach and into the green hinterland. Cedar Creek Falls is located between Airlie Beach and Proserpine, so you’re never far from town—yet it feels a world away once you arrive.

Guided rainforest time (easy and relaxed)

This is not a “march through the bush” tour. It’s a short, easy nature experience with a local guide who shares the little details most visitors miss—why certain plants thrive here, what wildlife to watch for, and how the seasons change the falls.

Swim time in the freshwater waterhole

Bring your swimmers and towel—this is the moment everyone talks about. The pool is the perfect place to cool down, float, relax on the rocks, or simply sit in the shade and take it all in.

Wildlife spotting and photo time

Depending on the day, you might see:

Colourful butterflies and rainforest insects
Birds flitting through the canopy
Turtles, fish, and other creek life near the water’s edge

Cedar Creek Falls is known for its surrounding tropical flora—white cedar trees, Alexandra palms, wild orchids, and more—so there’s plenty to notice even if you’re not trying to “tick off” wildlife.

Morning or afternoon tea

A simple, relaxed break that fits the vibe—no rushing, no fuss, just a good snack and a moment to enjoy the rainforest.

Why this tour is special (and why guests love it)

Eco-certified touring with a nature-first focus (small footprint, big experience)
Short and sweet: ideal if you want something amazing without giving up your whole day
Fully guided: you’ll get more than just a swim—you’ll understand the place
A true Whitsundays local favourite: rainforest freshwater close to Airlie Beach

When is Cedar Creek Falls “at its best”?

Cedar Creek Falls is famously seasonal. It’s often most spectacular in the wet season or after decent rain, when the waterfall really comes alive.

In the drier months, the main cascade may be lighter—but the waterhole remains a gorgeous place to swim and unwind, and the rainforest setting is still worth the trip (especially on a hot Whitsundays day).

What’s included

Your seat on our air-conditioned minibus
Morning or afternoon tea
Water bottle refills
Travel snacks

What to bring

Refillable water bottle
Towel + swimmers
Camera/phone for photos
Your sense of fun and adventure

Optional but handy:

Reef/water shoes (rocks can be slippery)
Light rain jacket in the wet season

Safety & care for the environment

We keep things relaxed, but we also take safety seriously—especially around natural water.

A few simple rules help keep everyone safe:

Never dive or jump into natural waterways (depth and submerged hazards can change).
Supervise children closely near water and follow your guide’s instructions.
In North and Central Queensland, it’s smart to stay CrocWise around waterways: keep a sensible distance from the water’s edge, avoid approaching the water unnecessarily, and always follow signs/advice.

We also love this place—so we travel gently. Please take all rubbish with you and respect the rainforest so it stays beautiful for future visitors (and the locals who cherish it).

Perfect for…

Visitors searching “things to do in Airlie Beach” beyond the lagoon and main street
Families who want a safe, guided nature outing
Couples wanting a scenic, refreshing Whitsundays half-day adventure
Anyone keen for a freshwater swim away from beach crowds

Ready to book your Cedar Creek escape?

If your Whitsundays itinerary needs one easy, beautiful nature moment—this is it. Cedar Creek Express delivers rainforest air, cool, fresh water, and a local-guided experience that feels like a hidden gem (because it kind of is).