Should you’re in search of the most effective waterfalls close to Cairns to go to throughout your vacation, this epic Cairns waterfalls information will assist you to discover the highest ones within the space!
If you find yourself up in Far North Queensland exploring, visiting the cascades within the space is a spotlight.
Specifically, the waterfalls close to Cairns are to not be missed if you are up right here.
Even with so many unimaginable things to do in Cairns, like exploring the well-known Nice Barrier Reef, the falls are nonetheless one in every of our favorite sights.
We had been blown away by a few of these waterfalls with their tropical magnificence and clear waters.
And we all know that you simply’ll particularly be impressed if you’re seeking to do some unimaginable waterfall photography.
There are a number of plunge swimming pools you’ll be able to take a dip in. Little swimming holes of paradise that you would spend hours lazing round in. And Instagrammable photographs galore!
Most waterfalls close to Cairns are inside an hour drive away so it does take a little bit of effort to get to them. And convey your strolling footwear. For some waterfalls, you could have to take a bit of stroll to achieve their magnificence.
Whereas every one is completely different, all the waterfalls close to Cairns are stunning in their very own approach.
Right here is our record of the most effective Cairns waterfalls which are lower than 1 hour away from the city.
The Finest Cairns Waterfalls
Cairns waterfalls are to not be missed whether or not you reside in Queensland or are simply passing by.
After snorkeling within the Nice Barrier Reef and having fun with town, undoubtedly make a visit to see at the least a number of of those falls. Listed here are 9 of probably the most stunning waterfalls close to Cairns to go to!
Crystal Cascades
- Location – Redlynch Consumption Rd, Lamb Vary
- Kilometres from Cairns – 19 km (25 minutes drive)
This pure surprise is a secluded freshwater swimming gap hidden deep inside the northern rainforest.
Crystal Cascades has an array of cascading waterfalls that move over massive rock swimming pools, attracting many vacationers who’re keen to leap in and take a dip for some refreshing reduction from the warmth.
As a day trip from Cairns, this waterfall is not going to solely be price it however additionally, you will be crammed with hours of enjoyable! There are many completely different swimming holes alongside your journey; some shadier than others which offer nice spots to calm down on sizzling days!
There are sheltered tables and BBQs, so pack your lunch and have a picnic. And also you’ll discover a bathroom block there too.
From Crystal Cascades automobile park, you can even go to Fairy Falls. Tucked away in Crystal Cascades Nationwide Park, the picturesque Fairy Falls provides simply what you want for some peace and quiet from all that working round!
Fairy Falls is simply down the highway from the Crystal Cascade so you’ll be able to go to them each on the identical journey. If you find yourself on the automobile park, search for the signal concerning the stinger crops and there’s a path to Fairy Falls proper there.
Barron Falls
- Location – Barron Gorge Nationwide Park, Kuranda
- Kilometres from Cairns – 31 km (40 min drive)
That is undoubtedly one of the crucial in style waterfalls in Cairns. Barron Falls is likely one of the highest waterfalls in Queensland, at 125m.
It descends from the Atherton Tablelands in direction of the Barron Gorge and lowlands close to Cairns, tumbling off huge cliffs and being an actual sight to behold.
The Barron Gorge National Park is a phenomenal part of the world that has many pure and cultural sights.
Many guests will see the Barron Falls on their day journey from Cairns. They might add in tours of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway or each.
The 500m path from the Barron Falls carpark is wheelchair pleasant, so might be loved by all of the household.
Discover this elevated walkway, excessive above the forest ground because it winds by way of lush rainforest and open eucalypt forest cover to Din Din Barron Falls lookouts, on the finish of the path.
One lookout is from a viewing platform close to Din Din Barron (the bottom). And one other overlooks it from “Fairy Glen” alongside the upper floor. Use these to catch views over both facet of this gorge.
Alongside your journey, you’ve got alternatives for viewing nature at its best. From wayside indicators, take pleasure in views over the gorge with the sometimes-misty falls thundering spectacularly down.
Within the moist season the waterfall is on one other degree. We had been fortunate sufficient to see it throughout this time, and it truly is a drive to be reckoned with.
Stoney Creek Falls
- Location – Barron Gorge Nationwide Park, Kuranda
- Kilometres from Cairns – 13km (20 min drive)
The crystal clear water of Stoney Creek Falls attracts many individuals to the spectacular swimming gap.
There are many rock swimming pools to discover or you’ll be able to simply calm down within the clear waters fed straight from the stream’s supply, which runs by way of speedy after speedy till it reaches a creek mattress under.
Stoney Creek Falls is a secure place to swim, however it’s essential to not enterprise downstream in direction of the Barron River as it isn’t secure.
Stopping off at Stone Creek Falls in your technique to go to Barron Falls is an choice as they’re each within the Barron Gorge Nationwide Park.
Davies Creek Falls
- Location – Davies Creek Rd, Mareeba
- Kilometres from Cairns – 57 km (1-hour drive)
Positioned on the opposite facet of Lamb Vary, Davies Creek Falls is one other top-of-the-line waterfalls close to Cairns.
For many who have time and need to discover extra than simply their landmark-of-choice, this waterfall provides a possibility for exploration.
It has a pure infinity pool – a big rock face that plunges into deep crystal clear waters under. And it is just accessible by way of climbing or climbing down slippery rocks which might be muddy too.
So in case you’re up for some journey be sure that your footwear are sturdy sufficient as they may get soiled whereas exploring Davies Creek Falls!
READ MORE: Don’t miss our skilled record of the top places to visit in Australia!
Moreover, there are a lot of trails resulting in hidden swimming pools which are good for cooling off throughout summer time heatwaves.
Alongside the way in which, take a look on the different rock formations as they seem so surreal that you simply’re positive to have an Instagram-worthy expertise right here.
There’s a carpark on the prime. The stroll is about 800m return all the way down to the lookout on the prime of the waterfalls. The views looking over the Nice Dividing Vary from the highest are stunning.
The highway out there’s gravel however okay to your typical 2WD within the dry season. And you may camp out right here if you’re eager.
Emerald Creek Falls
- Location – Mareeba
- Kilometres from Cairns – 75 km (Simply over 1-hour drive)
Emerald Creek Falls is a hidden gem of the Atherton Tablelands. The waterfall provides each cascading waterfalls and deep swimming holes so that you can quiet down from all yr spherical.
This makes it fairly completely different than its different creek-side counterparts in Cairns that solely have one or two options both approach.
The creek erupts from the rainforest, tumbling over granite boulders into eucalypt bushes.
The picturesque falls plunge right here to type small swimming pools earlier than persevering with on its journey in direction of Mareeba.
Alongside Emerald creek is a strolling monitor that takes you previous these cascades to a lookout with attractive valley views – good for a picnic!
The path out to the Emerald Falls is 2.9km out and again. The stroll up isn’t too troublesome. There are two trails that department off within the center; one to the highest lookout and the opposite to the swimming gap on the backside.
Be sure you have sturdy footwear because the path is gravel with uneven floor, numerous stairs and slippery rocks.
There are picnic tables on the car parking zone so take pleasure in your lunch earlier than embarking onto this stunning hike.
The highway in might be tough however simply take your time. To get there it’s a must to drive on a dust highway however it’s simply accomplished in a 2WD. Keep away from throughout the wet season.
Josephine Falls
- Location – Josephine Falls Stroll, Bartle Frere
- Kilometres from Cairns – 75 km (1-hour drive)
Josephine Creek begins as a small stream close to the summit of Bartle Frere, the best mountain in Queensland positioned in Wooroonooran Nationwide Park.
By the point the water has flowed 7.5 km to Josephine Falls, it’s an awe-inspiring torrent that’s really beautiful to see.
From the Josephine Falls carpark head down the 700m monitor by way of World Heritage Listed rainforest for viewing decks over picturesque falls on the finish.
Don’t neglect your bathers as you’ll be able to bounce in for a dip right here. Do watch out on the rocks across the waterfalls as they’re slippery when they’re moist.
Within the moist season, flash flooding can happen and the sturdy currents fashioned might be lethal. You’ve been warned.
Clamshell Falls
- Location – Behana Gorge Rd, Aloomba
- Kilometres from Cairns – 37 km (55 minutes drive)
The Clamshell Falls is one other top-of-the-line waterfalls close to Cairns, positioned alongside Behana Creek with various deep, inexperienced swimming pools.
This recent rainforest river provides Cairns with water and gives you with sufficient cool refreshment for hours of enjoyable!
Positioned on the finish of Behana Gorge Waterfall Monitor, a 6km return hike from Innisfail & Cairns area, this waterfall is to not be missed!
The falls are fed by rainwater that rushes down into three tiers earlier than crashing over rocks and flowing downstream with thunderous applause.
There may be a tremendous view upstream in direction of Walsh’s Pyramid, which is framed superbly on its south face due to cane fields surrounding it.
It’s possible you’ll even see turtles round right here as they usually nest close to fresh-running streams.
Should you go to after numerous rainfall the waterfalls are much more spectacular.
This path options beautiful pure magnificence because it winds by way of shallow streams, granite gorges and swimming holes.
With so many twists and turns in your journey down the mountain there’s no approach you’ll get bored.
If you wish to discover Behana Gorge extra, you are able to do an adrenaline-pumping canyoning tour!
You’ll abseil down cliffs from excessive up within the air, plunge into crystal clear swimming pools, slide over clean rocks and bounce from heights that may make your coronary heart pump.
Spring Creek Falls (Black Rock Waterfalls)
- Location – Mowbray Valley, Mowbray
- Kilometres from Cairns – 60 km (1.5 hour drive)
Spring Creek Falls has lengthy been a favorite for these seeking to benefit from the open air and swim or quiet down on a sizzling summer time day when in Cairns.
It was initially generally known as “Black Rock Waterfalls”, however in the present day it is named Spring Creek Falls.
It’s a little little bit of a mission to get on the market, taking about 1.5 hours a method from Cairns to achieve these stunning waterfalls.
We undoubtedly suggest that you simply begin early within the morning and solely within the dry season. The moist season is usually a little dodgy.
The trail to the waterfall is stuffed with rocks and requires some rock hopping/scrambling, which makes this place stand out from different waterholes in Mowbray Valley.
After passing by way of lush inexperienced tunnels created by tree canopies and small swimming pools alongside the way in which and close to the top you’ll have to perform a little scrambling to achieve the waterfalls.
It’s a nice swimming gap so don’t forget your bathers. It’s deep so watch out and there are yabbies in there.
Verify the walkout Maps.me or All Trails to get the best coordinates.
READ MORE: Take a look at our suggestions for all of the best things to do in Queensland!
Babinda Boulders
- Location – 1 Munro St, Babinda
- Kilometres from Cairns – 19 km (25 minutes drive)
The Babinda Boulders is a hotspot for vacationers positioned close to the Wooroonooran Nationwide Park, not too removed from Cairns. This spot is surrounded by all the lush rainforests that Tropical North Queensland has to supply.
The creek working by way of this spot is lined with big boulders that create small, but elegant swimming pools the place guests can swim or play.
Even throughout mid-summer when temperatures are sizzling, these waters stay surprisingly chilly providing refreshing reduction any time you want it!
The Babinda Boulders holds nice significance for native Aboriginal individuals within the space, the Yidinji individuals. Please respect the waters and the realm.
Which Waterfalls Close to Cairns Ought to You Go to Subsequent?
There may be a lot extra to discover farther from Cairns. You may head to the north or south or west.
If you’re into waterfalls and being in nature, then try our record of the Atherton Tableland Waterfalls.
READ MORE: Take a look at our submit on the Waterfalls in the Atherton Tableland.
You are able to do a loop from Babinda Boulders, heading inland again as much as Cairns. Discover the waterfall circuit as there are such a lot of extra to see.
Or you’ll be able to enterprise additional to go to:
- Wallicher Falls and Tchupala Falls
- Nandroya Falls and Silver Falls
- Mungalli Falls
- Mena Creek Falls
- Ellinjaa Falls
- Millstream Falls
Then onwards to drive the Waterfall Circuit close to the city of Milla Milla. You’ll go to Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls.
From there you’ll be able to head again in direction of the coast to go to Mena Creek Falls, a waterfall that cascades over basalt rock that’s hundreds of thousands of years previous.
Or you’ll be able to head out to go to Millstream Falls, then up and throughout to see Malanda Falls and again to Cairns.
There are such a lot of waterfalls in Cairns and Atherton Tableland space. It’s exhausting to decide on the most effective waterfalls and the waterfalls with the most effective swimming spots.
Don’t have a number of time? You may ebook a tour the place you go see the most effective waterfalls and discover the rainforest. Check it out.
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