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.
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 lesser 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 Tropical 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.
Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast Waterfalls & Swimming Spots To Cool Off In
Mother Nature sees your backyard swimming pool and raised you her take on it with these waterfalls and swimming spots– each perfectly moulded and best explored with a sense of adventure.
10 things near Mareeba worth the drive from Cairns
If your ideal holiday involves roaming from providore to providore, seeing 400-million-year-old rock cave formations and exploring waterfalls in between, there’s a town on the Atherton Tablelands you’ll want to get to know.
7 great reasons to head to the Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands are the kind of place you want to take at your own pace. Jump in a car and head inland to tick off these must-do experiences.
Explore Swimmable Waterfalls
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atherton tablelands
Dinner Falls
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cape york
Fruit Bat Falls
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creeks rivers streams
Attie Creek Falls
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cape york
Trevathan Falls
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atherton tablelands
Nandroya Falls
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free
Spring Creek Falls
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free
Behana Gorge
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cairns northern beaches
Crystal Cascades
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cairns northern beaches
Fairy Falls
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free
Wallicher Falls
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atherton tablelands
Pepina Falls
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atherton tablelands
Malanda Falls
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free
Josephine Falls, Wooroonooran National Park
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atherton tablelands
Emerald Creek, Dinden West Forest Reserve
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atherton tablelands
Davies Creek National Park and Dinden National Park
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accessible
Millaa Millaa Falls
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atherton tablelands
Little Millstream Falls
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atherton tablelands
Emerald Creek Falls
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atherton tablelands
Ellinjaa Falls
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