When it comes to nature adventures, Cairns is the place to be! This tropical city in Queensland, Australia, is a getaway to not one but two Heritage-listed sites: the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef. Blessed with marvelous natural landscapes, it’s no surprise that Cairns is the perfect destination for the nature lover.
And rightfully so! When you’re not spending time on its pristine beaches or snorkeling at the kaleidoscopic reefs, you can head inland and explore its lush rainforests, where refreshing swimming holes, rivers, and creeks lie. Of course, Cairns is also home to the most gorgeous waterfalls in Australia!
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Don’t go chasing waterfalls… Well, at least not by foot! Turn it into a road trip and see all the beautiful waterfalls Cairns has to offer.
1. Stoney Creek Falls
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Looking for a quick escape from the city? Stoney Creek Falls is a nearby waterfall just 20 minutes north of the CBD! Stoney Creek boasts lush canopies to keep you cool as you wade through its crystal clear rockpool.
From the car park at Stoney Creek Road, you can immediately see the track that leads to a concrete footbridge that forks off to the nearest watering hole. If you’re willing to get more steps in, you can follow the track even further to the nearby Old Weir Falls, another pristine waterfall in Cairns.
2. Zillie Falls
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Do you enjoy watching rushing rapids and listening to gushes of water? Hop behind the wheel and drive two hours from Cairns to Zillie Falls in Wooroonooran National Park. In no time, you’ll be immersed in lovely nature sounds amidst the verdant bushes. You can even set up a picnic lunch and feast with the views of the cascading waterfalls in your backdrop.
If you find yourself in Zillie Falls, complete your trip with a triple waterfall combo by visiting the nearby Millaa Millaa and Ellinjaa Falls. All of these waterfalls in Cairns form the Waterfall Circuit in Atherton Tablelands. Zillie Falls is the middle set of falls along the Circuit and is located east of the Bluff Forest Reserve.
3. Tully Falls
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Visiting Cairns during its wet season (between November to March)? You should plot a visit to Tully Gorge and watch the cascades of Tully Falls in full action. This waterfall in Cairns is part of the Heritage-listed Wet Tropics and is considered one of tropical Queensland’s hidden gems as the falls only show after much rain. Don’t fret — Tully Gorge is still an awe-inspiring view all year round. For the rest of the year, you can marvel at the Gorge’s rock walls and lush rainforest that plunges down the river.
To see this Cairns waterfall in full glory, head to Tully Gorge Lookout and follow the river walk to see the rock plateau that overlooks the whole place.
4. Barron Falls
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Barron Falls, one of the largest waterfalls near Cairns, is also part of the Wet Tropics and is a popular tourist spot. While you can’t swim in the falls, you can enjoy a marvelous view of the cascades, the gorge area, and rainforest canopies from the Din Din Barron Falls lookouts.
Much like Tully Falls, Barron Falls is in full action during the wet months. If you visit during the dry season, you can watch the falls trickle down spectacular water-sculpted rock walls of the narrow gorge. Alternatively, you can hop on the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns to get a fantastic view of Barron Falls. The train makes a stop by this lovely waterfall for a photo opportunity.
5. Malanda Falls
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Get ready to plunge into fun when you visit Malanda Falls in Malanda Village, an hour's drive away from Cairns. This cascading waterfall near Cairns is considered a triple treat to its visitors. In front is its man-made swimming pool, where fresh water from the four-meter high cascade tumbles down. Surrounding Malanda Falls are two rainforest trails, where you might spot the elusive Lumholtz's tree kangaroo, and a chill picnic spot. Malanda Falls is right by the car park, so you don't have to walk far.
Make your visit a day trip from Cairns by touring the rest of Malanda Village! This picturesque neighborhood is also home to the Australian Platypus Park at Tarzali Lakes, the vintage Majestic Theatre Malanda, the Malanda Story Museum, and the nearby Windin Falls.
6. Mena Creek Falls
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A spectacular sight awaits when you drive south of Cairns to the quaint Mena Creek Falls on the Cassowary Coast. This single-tier waterfall gushes off a seven-million-year-old basalt column and drops into a vast freshwater pool. Don't be tempted to swim, though — crocs are frequently seen here, so keep your distance.
To view Mena Creek Falls safely, head to Paronella Park on the north side and see the falls on different lookout bridges. This lovely tourist attraction was first opened to the public in 1935 by José Paronella, whose dream was to build his own castle. Today, it's a popular stop for those on their trip to the Cassowary Coast and a beloved wedding venue thanks to its picture-perfect scenery.
7. Crystal Cascades
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If you're looking for a waterfall in Cairns that bears the locals' stamp of approval, look no further and drive to the Crystal Cascades! Just 20 minutes from the CBD, Crystal Cascades is a series of water holes and waterfalls that locals frequent almost daily. You can easily spend half a day — just set up at their barbecue and picnic area and go for a swim. They even have toilet facilities so you can conveniently change into your swimsuit.
From the public car park, walk along the well-maintained pathway to the mighty Lake Morris, where the Crystal Cascades is linked.
8. Josephine Falls
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When it comes to having the clearest water for swimming, Josephine Falls in Wooroonooran National Park takes the crown! Fed by rains, this decent-sized waterfall in Cairns flows from the Bartle Frere Range into a round freshwater pool where visitors can wade around. The trail to Josephine Falls is a 700-meter uphill walk that winds beneath a verdant rainforest canopy and takes no more than 15 minutes.
From Cairns, this waterfall is 75 minutes away by car. Turn your trip into a whole day affair by visiting the Mena Creek Falls afterward or the nearby rural town of Innisfail, where colorful streets, historic landmarks, and ancient rainforests await you. You can drop by the jaw-dropping Johnstone Shire Hall, Etty Bay, the Innisfail Museum, and the Johnstone River.
Ready to splash in the fun while you're at Tropical Queensland? These waterfalls in Cairns are the perfect setting when you're looking to cool down from the heat or simply want a quick getaway from the city. What are you waiting for? Gas up and drive down all over Cairns' pristine waterfalls!
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