Tropical North Queensland offers something unique for travellers, with incredible waterfalls, lagoons and creeks that go from the mountains into the Great Barrier Reef. Visit during the wet season to see the raging torrents and the mighty power of places like Barron Falls, or come in the drier months for peaceful dips beneath the cascading water.
There are so many North QLD attractions to explore during your trip that we created a guide to help you find the best Queensland waterfalls.
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1. Crystal Cascades | 30-minute drive from Cairns
Just a short drive from Cairns’ city centre, this series of swimming holes and waterfalls is hidden in the rainforest and surrounded by granite boulders.
It’s on our list of the best places to visit in North Queensland, with pools that stay refreshing even in the warmest months.
From the car park, you take the 1.5-kilometre paved trail to the swimming holes, culminating at the waterfall. There are also areas for having a picnic or preparing a BBQ (not bad for a day trip, right?).
2. Stoney Creek | 25-minute drive from Cairns
Located within Barron Gorge National Park, Stoney Creek is a local favourite that’s an easy drive from Cairns CBD. There’s a natural swimming hole just a short walk from the car park, and if you keep following the creek or walking track for around 20-25 minutes, you’ll reach the popular Old Weir Falls.
3. Tchupala, Wallicher and Nandroya Falls | 90-minute drive from Cairns
These three famous waterfalls in Queensland are part of the Palmerston section of Wooroonooran National Park. Tchupala and Wallicher Falls share a trailhead along the Palmerston Highway between Innisfail and Millaa Millaa, while Nandroya Falls has its own track nearby.
From the trailhead off the highway, the Wallicher Falls are a one-kilometre walk, and the Tchupala Falls are only 500 metres away. Too easy!
To reach Nandroya Falls, you’ll need to take the six-kilometre return track starting at Henrietta Creek campground. It’s a longer walk, but with scenic views, smaller waterfalls and rapid streams, you won’t mind the journey.
4. Josephine Falls | 1-hour drive from Cairns
A playground for the young and young at heart, these gorgeous waterfalls are near Cairns. Enjoy the 1.2-kilometre return walk surrounded by rainforest and stop at the viewing decks to watch the falls from a different perspective.
Josephine Falls are fed by rainfall from Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest peak. From the picnic area, you can take in the views of the mountain rising above the landscape.
5. Millaa Millaa, Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls | 1-hour & 40-minute drive from Cairns
This trio of cascading beauty makes up the Waterfalls Circuit. These are some of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia. Visit the World Heritage-listed Millaa Millaa Falls. The falls cascade into a pristine waterhole below, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim.
A short drive away is Zillie Falls, which has a viewing platform where you can take in the cascading water and lush rainforest. Just 10 minutes away, Ellinjaa Falls is the perfect spot for swimming or exploring the hidden ledge behind the falls. A 200-metre walkway leads to the base of the falls where you can occasionally spot turtles and platypuses.
6. Malanda Falls | 1-hour & 20-minute drive from Cairns
Falling from four metres high and 30 metres wide, the crisp freshwater of Malanda Falls tumbles over old basalt lava flows. Enjoy a quick dip in yet another special water hole, wander one of the two rainforest walkways or sit down for a glorious picnic in paradise.
7. Barron Falls | 40-minute drive from Cairns
Wind your way through the lush forest on the elevated walkway before you come to the Din Din Barron Falls lookouts. One of the standout natural attractions in North Queensland, the falls are particularly impressive during the tropical wet season, when mist fills the gorge and the water thunders down with all the power and rage you’d expect.
Chasing waterfalls is hard work, but luckily, North Queensland has some of the best places to visit when you’re ready for a little adventure. While you’re exploring all the Queensland waterfalls, Oaks Cairns Hotel gives you a comfortable room back in the city, which your legs probably appreciate.
