Why you should definitely chase waterfalls in the tropics
With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful hikes, waterfalls and swimming holes. It’s important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.
Tropical North Queensland is blessed with an abundance of waterfalls. The great news is that you can swim right up to many of these spectacular cascades – and even let the running water cascade over you.
Swimmable waterfalls are found from Cardwell to Cape York, with many concentrated around the Atherton Tablelands. Often punctuating the end of incredible hiking tracks or explored via a road trip, waterfalls really are the best way to cool down. The ultimate reward for the modern day adventurer.
Perhaps the most photographed waterfall in Australia is Millaa Millaa Falls – a heritage-listed plunge waterfall that’s also a great swimming spot. After enjoying the falls, keep your eyes peeled for the electric-blue Ulysses butterfly and the elusive platypus. One of the most accessible falls from Cairns is in Josephine Falls, less than an hours drive away. Sitting in the shadow of Mount Bartle Frere, Jo Falls (as it’s known to the locals) boasts its very own natural waterslide on the bottom pool. To really get off the beaten track, head to Cape York Peninsula’s remote north to find Fruit Bat Falls, where the clear, spring-fed waters of Eliot Creek tumble over a rift in the ancient sandstone landscape. The series of waterfalls in this national park provides respite to travellers tackilng a long and dusty drive along the Old Telegraph Track.

Josephine Falls on the Cassowary Coast is famous for its natural rock waterslide
Josephine Falls on the Cassowary Coast is famous for its natural rock waterslide

Fairy Falls is a local secret at Crystal Cascades near Cairns
Fairy Falls is a local secret at Crystal Cascades near Cairns

Keep your eyes peeled in the treetops around Malanda Falls for the elusive Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo
Keep your eyes peeled in the treetops around Malanda Falls for the elusive Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo
Chasing Waterfalls
Pop these spectacular waterfalls onto your TNQ wish list.

10 waterfalls to chase on the Atherton Tablelands
Hit the famous waterfall circuit, uncover those less known or stretch a little further and take a dip in Australia’s widest, single-drop waterfall on the Atherton Tablelands.

20 waterfalls near Cairns
Mighty mountain ranges and Wet Tropics Rainforest create the optimum environment for a myriad of extraordinary waterfalls. Fall in love with these 20 waterfall wonderlands only a short drive from Cairns.

How to shoot waterfalls like a pro
At the top of North Queensland’s ‘must-see’ natural attractions are undoubtedly it’s tropical waterfalls. You know the ones with the oh-so-silky water and the brilliant greens. Here are four tips from professional photographer, Andrew Watson, to help you capture your own slice of natural beauty.

12 other things to do when visiting the Cardwell Spa Pool
Whether you’re out to catch a barra, hike Australia’s largest island National Park or adventure your way through a scenic 4WD track, Cardwell is the perfect launch pad for an outdoorsy weekend with a friendly local twist.
Explore Swimmable Waterfalls
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atherton tablelands
Billy Tea Safaris
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cassowary spotting
Wallicher Falls
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cairns northern beaches
Fairy Falls
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hiking walking trails
Spring Creek Falls
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freshwater swimming
Josephine Falls walking track, Wooroonooran National Park
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atherton tablelands
Little Millstream Falls
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atherton tablelands
Davies Creek National Park and Dinden National Park
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cairns
Behana Gorge
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atherton tablelands
Emerald Creek Falls
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creeks rivers streams
Josephine Falls, Wooroonooran National Park
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atherton tablelands
Millaa Millaa Falls
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cairns
Windin Falls
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freshwater swimming
Ponytail Falls
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atherton tablelands
Uncle Brian’s Tours
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atherton tablelands
Ellinjaa Falls
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atherton tablelands
Emerald Creek, Dinden West Forest Reserve
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cairns northern beaches
Crystal Cascades
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atherton tablelands
Nandroya Falls
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