Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) is renowned for its abundance of long drop waterfalls, and opportunities for exhilarating experiences and Cairns is no exception, with the region having more vertical waterways than about anywhere else in the country indicates the region’s diversity in terms of water features.
Waterfalls contribute to the natural beauty and diversity of the Cairns region, providing visitors with memorable experiences in the heart of tropical North Queensland. Whether it is a towering waterfall, a cascading river, or a dramatic gorge, there are several waterfalls that are worth exploring, as nothing beats the spray of a thundering wall of water. Feeling the mist on your skin as you stand near a waterfall is a unique and invigorating aspect of visiting these natural attractions.
Cairns boasts an abundance of impressive number of waterfalls, providing opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of cascading water. The region’s diverse landscapes contribute to the creation of these stunning vertical features. The sheer force and energy of these falls contribute to the thrill of being close to them. The surrounding vegetation, with lush rainforests in the gorges, as well as elevated landscapes contribute to the visual spectacle and overall ambiance of these natural wonders. The dramatic nature of the North Queensland waterfalls makes them excellent subjects for photography. The combination of lush surroundings, cascading water, and the potential for rainbows or unique lighting conditions helps contribute to getting that perfect shot.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Here are some great waterfalls to check out in the Cairns region:
Din Din (Barron Falls):
Located in Barron Gorge National Park, Barron Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls near Cairns, around a forty-minute drive north west from the Cairns CBD. The falls are easily accessible from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway, offering spectacular views of the cascading water, especially so after heavy rainfall.
Josephine Falls:
Situated in Wooroonooran National Park, Josephine Falls is a series of picturesque cascades surrounded by lush rainforest. Located seventy-five kilometres south of Cairns, an easy one-hour drive by car, the Noongyanbudda Ngadjon (noong-yan-budda-nud-jun) local Aboriginal people maintain a close spiritual connection with the Bartle Frere area and the falls. Josephine Falls are well known for their clear, cool pools, making them a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
Waterfall Circuit
Millaa Millaa Falls:
Millaa Millaa Falls is an iconic waterfall on the Atherton Tablelands, a ninety-minute drive from Cairns. The falls are renowned for their classic curtain shape, creating a beautiful backdrop for photography. The area around Millaa Millaa Falls is part of the Waterfall Circuit, featuring several other waterfalls.
Ellinjaa Falls:
Also part of the Waterfall Circuit, Ellinjaa Falls is located near Millaa Millaa Falls. It is known for its lush rainforest setting and is easily accessible from the road, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the Waterfall Circuit.
Nandroya Falls:
Nandroya Falls is also part of the Waterfall Circuit and is located near the town of Ravenshoe. The falls which feature a fifty-metre drop, are surrounded by dense rainforest, and reaching them involves a scenic hike through the lush greenery.
Mungalli Falls:
Mungalli Falls is another waterfall on the Atherton Tablelands, close to the town of Malanda. The falls are set within the Mungalli Creek Dairy property, offering visitors the chance to combine a waterfall visit with a dairy farm experience, along with the Waterfall Cafe and Farm Stay.
Crystal Cascades:
Crystal Cascades is a popular swimming spot with a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by granite boulders. It is located just a short twenty-minute drive from Cairns at Freshwater creek, which is part of the lamb range, and offers both natural pools for swimming and walking trails through the rainforest.
Davies Creek Falls:
Found in Dinden National Park, Davies Creek Falls is a set of impressive cascades over a sandstone substrate. The Buluwai people have a long-standing and continuous connection with this area, and the park provides opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding rainforest.
The vertical waterways around the Cairns region provide visitors and locals alike with visual delights as well as immersive and exhilarating encounters with nature. Whether it is the roar of a waterfall, the refreshing spray, or the sheer beauty of the surroundings, waterfalls offer a diverse range of experiences for those seeking to get wet in this tropical paradise.
When visiting these waterfalls, it is essential to check local conditions, follow safety guidelines, and be mindful of any seasonal variations in water flow. Cairns gets its fair share of rainfall which allows for stunning examples for someone who wants to chase waterfalls.
