Waterfalls

Chasing waterfalls

There are many ways to get wet in Tropical North Queensland, but for sheer exhilaration, nothing beats basking in the spray of a thundering wall of water, and TNQ has more vertical waterways than just about anywhere else in the country.

Millstream Falls is Australia’s widest, single-drop waterfall. It’s on the outskirts of Queensland’s highest town, Ravenshoe, and it’s just one of several you’ll find in the Atherton Tablelands. In fact, the tablelands has its own Waterfall Circuit, which includes Millaa Millaa – a great swimming spot – Zillie and Ellinjaa falls. Further south, Blencoe Falls in Girringun National Park is truly majestic during the wet season.

A highlight of a ride through the rainforest on the spectacular Kuranda Scenic Railway is the photo stop on the bridge stretching over Stoney Creek Falls and no trip to the tip of Cape York is complete without a soak and a float in the plunge pools beneath Fruit Bat, Twin and Eliot falls. Josephine Falls, in the Wooroonooran National Park on the Cassowary Coast, is a lovely tiered cascade with its very own natural water-slide. Fairy Falls, just outside of Cairns, is tucked in the rainforest near the popular Crystal Cascades – but certainly worth the trek through lush greenery.

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 zones, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.