The best waterfalls in Queensland

Cedar Creek Falls has fast-flowing water, which feels very refreshing.

Although it’s quite close by, this was my first time visiting. During the dry season, I’ve seen people jumping into the water here, but this time the flow was strong enough that I didn’t dare try.

Coming up from downstream, there are many sections where you need to wade through water or even swim across. The water quality is fairly good. I was also lucky that there were no leeches this time.

Checked in at the curtain-like giant strangler fig tree, one of the most famous sights on the Atherton Tablelands. Walking a full circle around it really lets you feel the beauty and vitality of life.

Not far away is Millaa Millaa Falls, a South American–style curtain waterfall that has been used as a filming location for many movies. We explored it by campervan, visiting Millaa Millaa Falls and the waterfall circuit, with so many stunning photo spots along the way.

One of the best tips: we arrived at Millaa Millaa Falls around 10 a.m. and instead of going to the car park, we took the turn down via Burs Park Road. Then we parked right opposite the waterfall. You can take photos from inside the car, and even sit there enjoying snacks and drinks while taking in the view—super relaxing and enjoyable.

This is the highest single-drop waterfall in Australia, with a vertical drop of about 268 meters. The scale of it is extremely impressive.

Wallaman Falls is located in Girringun National Park and is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

The area is not only known for the waterfall itself but also for its rich rainforest ecosystem. It is home to rare wildlife, including endangered species such as the Southern Cassowary.

Springbrook has a really nice hiking route.

The Purling Brook Falls Circuit is about 4 km in total, with a difficulty level of 3. If you don’t want to challenge yourself too much, it’s better to walk clockwise, so you get more downhill stairs and mostly gentle uphill slopes. We walked quite slowly and it took about 1.5 hours. This year there has been a lot of rain, so the waterfall looks great, but parts of the track can be muddy.

After visiting the waterfall, there is also Best of All Lookout nearby. After parking, it is about a 300 m walk through the national park. Along the way, you pass some ancient beech trees. The lookout has a very wide view, and it feels very peaceful once you arrive.

Cairns – Josephine Falls

Distance: 74.6 km Driving time: about 1 hour Address: LOT 1 Josephine Falls Walk, Bartle Frere QLD 4861

Josephine Falls is located in Wooroonooran National Park near Cairns. It is a three-tier waterfall with a total drop of about 192 meters.

This is a small tropical rainforest not far from the city, but you do need to drive to get there. There are very few tourists, only a handful of locals, and it feels completely undeveloped. It’s exactly the kind of rainforest walking environment and atmosphere I personally love.

There is a trail that is more of a naturally formed path from foot traffic. It is relatively easy, but since it had rained that day, the ground was quite slippery, so we only walked part of it before turning back. It was still unforgettable.

Crystal Falls is about a 20-minute drive from the city. It is also suitable for rock swimming. There is a car park with toilets and change rooms.

Weekend Hike: Standing at the Top of Morans Falls

📍 Lamington National Park

We finally got around to Morans Falls Track this weekend. Here's the breakdown, the way I'd want someone to lay it out for me before I went.

Twin Falls Circuit: The Rainforest an Hour Behind the Gold Coast

When you think the Gold Coast is all beach, there's a rainforest hiding about an hour's drive inland that says otherwise. Walk in through the trees, get to the waterfall, step behind the curtain of water, and the mist hits your face before you've had time to say anything about it.

This is Twin Falls Circuit in Springbrook National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage area.

Queen Mary Falls, about 2+ hours from Brisbane's southern suburbs.

This is somewhere I'd always wanted to go, but every time I thought about it I went "ugh, so far" and never actually went. Today I finally ended up there, kind of by accident.

Verdict first: