How wonderful can a waterfall be? Honestly, the sound of the cascade dropping a big amount of water into the pool underneath, and around only the music from Mother Nature. Picture this and imagine having 15 of them within a few minutes or hours apart.
What a dream isn’t it? Well, don’t worry you are awake and you are going to explore all the 15 best waterfalls near Cairns to cool off into these clear refreshing and relaxing waters. Atherton Tableland will become one of your favourite spots to keep always in your heart, also you will be far from Saltwater crocodiles (maybe), sharks and the deadly Irukandji jellyfish.
Lucky as I was, I lived for almost a year only 200 km south of Cairns, this gave me the chance to discover thousands of places to cool off during the months preceding the wet season and the wet season itself. For this reason, I consider myself an expert in this area and here I am sharing the most breathtaking waterfalls in Far North Queensland and the short 5 days itinerary that you might want to consider to relax into this stunning nature.
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Yes, that’s right, I’m an Italian living around the world. If you want to know how I ended up spending almost 3 years in Australia, come and check out my beautiful story! Maybe you would want to wander around this breathtaking country and don’t know where to start.
15 best waterfalls near Cairns
Tropical Queensland offers many beautiful things, especially through nature, is home to the Great Barrier Reef and the oldest Rainforest in the world. Unfortunately, this coast isn’t the safest to swim in; nevertheless, the prosperity of waterfalls and swimming holes surrounding Cairns and the Atherton Tableland will take you to paradise without the need for an endless journey to reach them.
Here you will find the 15 best waterfalls near Cairns, most of them where you can swim others just offer stunning lookouts to enjoy the mist created from the power of the falls.
Josephine Falls
Expect to have a lot of fun here. The big smooth granite boulders formed a natural slider, challenging to climb but so easy to slide down. You will love Josephine Falls. An hour’s drive from Cairns and very easy to reach as the falls are only a 1.2-kilometre return walk. There are few pools where you can soak up and others you are not allowed to swim in.
Windin Falls
This is my second favourite waterfall I have seen in this area. The majestic Windin Falls. The hike is approximately 11.5 km return and trust me you will love the walk, the landscape, the view and then the water. You will be above the waterfalls where you can have a full view of the Park’s mountains and you would never want to leave that almost private pool you are in.
Millaa Millaa Falls
Probably one of the most famous waterfalls in Australia, Millaa Millaa. In less than 100 km you can reach this spot and start the circuit loop of waterfalls in the Atherton Region. Cold water and mostly in the shade if you want to escape the heat is a good spot for a picnic. Quite crowded but if you want to escape it, you know what you need to do: wake up early and beat the mass!
Ellinjia Falls
In my opinion, the best of the Cairns Waterfall circuit is Ellinjia Falls. Despite the fewer people stopping here, this picturesque falls is in the dense lush Rainforest, surrounded by beauty and good energy. Swimm in the pool and reach behind the falls the rocks shelf where you can sit and just listen to the magic sound of the water. It is a very short walk from the car park and the path can be very slippery when wet.
Zillie Falls
Oddly even a loop can have an end, but only because Zillie Falls happens to be the last stop of the “Cairns Waterfall Circuit”. Only 5 minutes drive from Millaa Millaa, this waterfall can almost be your private spot – not everyone is keen to do the walk -. You can reach the main pool in as little as 35 minutes walk, make sure you have good hiking shoes as it can be muddy and very slippery. Enjoy the swim under the 30-meter cascade.
Big Millstream Falls
I know, I said 15 best waterfalls near Cairns; but I am giving you the best spot to see and often missed by travellers. Millstream Falls are 2 hours away from Cairns, but once you have finished your Atherton Tableland waterfalls loop why not drive extra kilometres to see even more breathtaking cascades? This waterfall is touted as “Australia’s Widest Single-Drop Waterfall” and trust me it is pretty impressive when you see it with your eyes. Sadly it is not safe to swim – as you have no access to the base of the pool – but the short walk from the parking will take you to a stunning lookout. Wanna swim? Don’t miss the next one!
Little Millstream Falls
Yes, that’s right the Big Millstream Falls and only a few kilometres away: the Little Millstream Falls. I fell in love with these waterfalls as soon as I parked my car. Might have helped the golden hours just before sunset. The scenery here is a bit different from the rest of the waterfalls near Cairns. This is because as we are more inland, eucalyptus trees, oaks and other vegetation give this area a feeling you are no longer in Far North Queensland. Yet you are, so make sure not to miss these waterfalls!
Tchupala Falls
Tchupala Falls and Wallicher Falls share the same walk trailhead, which split in a Y-junction near the beginning of the trail. Quite unpopular as waterfalls near Cairns but if you love the adventure and you are chasing every waterfalls, why would you miss this 2 in 1 opportunity? It will be a little tricky to find the exact spot to start the trail, but if you drive a few kilometres after the Mamu Tropical Skywalk on the right side of the road you will find a small pull-over space – it’s just 2.5 kilometres earlier than the next waterfalls on this list.
Nandroya Falls
Perfect place for swimming and taking good pictures. Nandroya Falls is one of the 15 best waterfalls near Cairns, you don’t want to miss it. Only within a 3-kilometre walk from the parking at, you will be facing the 50-meter cascade in the dense Tropical forest of North Queensland. Keep your eye out for a Platypus.
Serendipity Falls
Palmerston Highway is for sure home to a few waterfalls, Serendipity Falls, Nandroya and Tchupala are very close to each other and still part of the Cairns’s best waterfall. Serendipity Falls is for sure another hidden gem, I came across this fall just driving and spotting this fairy-tailed lushing tropical corner from the car. I pulled over and I could see just as little as 5 meters of the falls, it was just very easy to see.
Mungalli Falls
Atherton Tableland is just an unbelievable place, I couldn’t be convinced by how many waterfalls there can be in one area until I saw it with my eyes. The 15 best waterfalls near Cairns are mostly covering this region and Mungalli Falls has just a special story. It is the only privately owned World Heritage-listed waterfall in Queensland. Of course, you can visit for free but make sure to preserve the nature around you and stay on paths and platforms all the time. Also don’t forget to have brunch at Mungalli Creek Dairy Cafe.
Tully Falls
Tully Falls National Park is one of the wettest areas of Australia. Expect to drive around 2 hours 15 minutes from Cairns to reach this falls. Once here you will first come up against the lookout over the gorge and finally reach Tully Falls from the top, overlooking the Jurassic landscape. The top pool falls descend in the range of 180–210 metres into the 293-meter deep gorge. Unfortunately, most of the water has been diverted to the Hydro Power Station and dammed. As a result, the falls flow only during the wet season.
Murray Falls
Clear water, fresh air, big boulders and a gorgeous waterfall dropping into the main rockpool. The surroundings and the many Ulysses butterflies (the blue butterfly of North Queensland) feel like a dream come true. Murray Falls is another picturesque Waterfall near Cairns, southern of Atherton Tableland and one of my favourite spots for camping, or just to have a picnic during the day with friends.
The area is very well maintained and has all the basic amenities that you will need. Few walking trucks, easy and enjoyable at all times, will let you discover more about the Girramay National Park and get you to a viewing platform overlooking the falls via a rainforest walk. Make sure to swim only in designated areas as the currents are strong and dangerous.
Mena Creek Falls
Located within Paronella Park, Mena Creek waterfalls can be seen from the Park or the platform across the river. Paronella Park offers many experiences such as walking the bridge over the falls, guided day and night tours and camping facilities. Whichever experience you’d like to do – see the spot for free or join the Park fees – make sure not to swim in the water, crocodiles are active here.
Wallaman Falls
Last but not least, my favourite waterfall in all of Australia so far! The number one of these 15 waterfalls near Cairns is definitely my first love. I have visited three times and I can never say no to another visit at this stunning place. Not so near to Cairns, if you consider European distances, but 287 km from Cairns city you can reach Wallaman waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Australia. From the lookout and the bottom of the hiking track to reach the main pool there is a 268-meter height difference, it does take 3 hours return but it’s worth it.
Australia’s highest permanent single-drop waterfalls are surrounded by World Heritage rainforest and have a cool camping spot offered by Queensland National Park. Book at least a night here and wake up surrounded by wallabies, turkeys and much more wildlife.
Best time to visit the 15 waterfalls near Cairns?
You might be wondering, “What is the best time to visit waterfalls near Cairns?” Here are some more clues for you to understand better this area’s climate.
Northern Queensland is also called Tropical Queensland, for the simplest reason: it is situated between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. The Tropical climate of North Queensland is characterized by two distinct seasons, warm temperatures and low rainfall during the winter and higher temperatures and higher rainfall during the summer. These seasons are more commonly known as the “dry season”, extending from May to October and the “wet season” starting around November until April.
Both these seasons, give the magic feeling of being in this part of Australia. The 15 waterfalls near Cairns show themselves differently during the year.
During the wet season, the waterfalls will provide a more dramatic scene, as the rain can be heavy and so it will increase the amount of water raging over the falls. Also, the high temperature and the humidity between November to April mean refreshing water at the bottom of the waterfalls’s pool. Though I have to say, it can be a bit dangerous to swim in most of them as the current is much stronger due to the higher amount of water; not to underestimate the flooded roads that you might need to drive to reach them.
From May to November the area of Cairns – and the Tropical Queensland – is in the dry season offering lower temperatures and less(or none) rainfall and humidity. This doesn’t necessarily mean no water around the area. For sure the larger rain-fed waterfalls might have less water but most of the 15 waterfalls near Cairns will have great flow also during the drier months. Swimming and driving to arrive there will be easier and you can chill around the area without being worried when the next storm is gonna come.
I have visited these places both during the wet season and the dry, and I loved them the whole time. Some swimming pools at the bottom of the falls have less water but you still manage to take a dip and enjoy the surrounding evergreen landscape.
Maybe consider visiting North Queensland and these waterfalls around May or June, just after the wet season has finished or in November/ December just at the beginning of it.
BONUS: The best 15 waterfalls near Cairns 5 days itinerary
I can’t just drop this post of one of my best places in the whole world without a quick 5 day itinerary. Consider it as an extension of a “15 days road trip from Airlie Beach to Cape Tribulation” and make this journey unforgettable…
Day 1 – Drive to Wallaman Falls, situated in the vast Girringun National Park. Stop at the few lookouts on the road and the main one to observe the majestic falls 268 meters high. Take some water and snacks with you and start your hiking to be even more amazed by this beauty from the bottom. Camp in the beautiful area close to the waterfall and sit in silence to spot wallabies and a thousand stars above you.
Day 2 – Drive two hours to reach Murray Falls and enjoy a little swim in the designated area, the water temperature is amazing and there is just the perfect balance between sun and shade. Go for a walk or two to explore the area and learn more about it. Use the picnic area to have lunch and make your way to Mena Creek Falls. Enjoy the lookout without the Paronella Park fee, or make it your next camping spot and be delighted by the tour they offer. Another option is to drive a few more km and go to camp at Mena Creek Reserve a dedicated wildlife sanctuary and regeneration site.
Day 3 – A short drive of 30 minutes only, will take you to one of the areas that have a few waterfalls near Cairns one next to the other. The first stop is the beautiful Tchupala Falls, followed by Nandroya Falls only 3 minutes distance and Serendipity Falls 8 minutes away. This will take you the whole morning so pack your lunch and put some hiking shoes and swimsuit on. Just in time for an after-lunch (or lunch), make your way to Mungally Cafe and enjoy the landscape in this wonderful spot. Three minutes driving or 30 minutes by walk you are at the cute little Mungalli Falls.
Yes, I know busy day, but trust me drive 1 more hour to see the sunset at Tully Falls. Don’t worry I got you cover for the night too. Only 20 minutes driving a beautiful bush camping is waiting for you: Koombaloomba National Park. Enjoy it!
Day 4 – I know what you are thinking now. “You said the best waterfalls near Cairns and I am almost 200 km away from it.” Well, I am just slowly making your way up – or down. Wake up in this beautiful place and get ready to get closer to the Cairns waterfalls circuit. But first… 50 minutes of driving and you will see the vastity of big Millstream Falls together with little Millstream where you can have your morning swim. Short drive to Millaa Milla Falls and together enjoy the loop waterfalls: Ellinija and Zillie Falls. Sleep at Millaa Millaa caravan Park.
Day 5 – Getting very close to Cairns now and I guess you are not complaining at all after all the stunning 5 days itinerary of waterfalls near Cairns I just put up. Here you are going to see one of my favourites: Windin Falls, a morning walk is just the best thing to start the day, especially when you can encounter the gorgeous animal of this area, the Cassowary.
Love the surroundings, the view, the top pool and everything here. Maybe pack your lunch if you are keen to stay in this breathtaking Park. Our last stop of this quick 5 day itinerary of the waterfalls near Cairns is Josephine Falls where you can have some fun sliding over the rocks.
Remember this!
On the way, you will find thousands of more waterfalls, water holes, lakes, creeks and so much more. If you have time and you are not in a rush with your plan: Stop there!
