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: On the way there I was getting more and more desperate, but once I arrived I thought — yeah, worth it. Once you're in the mountains the road really isn't great, lots of potholes big and small, some sections so narrow only one car can pass. Some spots have a 90 speed limit sign and I genuinely could not imagine doing 90 there, drove the whole way carefully, terrified for my tyres. Also there's a long stretch in the mountains with zero signal — definitely load your navigation before you go in. Carr's Lookout You get here after a stretch of mountain road, and it really gives you that "small world from up here" feeling. Standing up high looking down, your mood instantly lifts. Also it's high elevation here, and the temperature difference is a lot more noticeable than you'd expect. I actually felt a bit cold today, so even with Brisbane warming up, I'd still say bring a jacket in the car. From here it's about another 15 minutes to Queen Mary Falls. The car park is huge, there's a café, a picnic area and BBQs, and you can even feed the birds at the entrance — super friendly. The lookout above the falls is just a few minutes' walk. We kept going down to the base of the falls too — we got really lucky today, the sun hit the mist just right and we caught a rainbow. Instantly forgave every bad road we'd been through. After seeing the falls you can just walk the loop back to the car park, no need to go back the way you came. The second half has more steps, but overall it's a pretty comfortable walk. And what actually surprised me was the drive back around 3pm. The road that felt far and hard to drive on the way there suddenly turned beautiful once the afternoon light changed — every frame looked like a painting. We even ran into a herd of cows slowly crossing the road. Tips: the mountain road really does have a lot of potholes big and small, drive slow; watch for oncoming cars on the narrow bits; load your navigation beforehand, no signal in the mountains — only one bar near the café. A place I'd put off for being "too far," finally ticked off, and it did not disappoint.
Queen Mary Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Queen Mary Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Queen Mary Falls famous?
Queen Mary Falls is one of the most accessible and photographed waterfalls in Queensland's Scenic Rim, named in honor of Queen Mary, wife of King George V. The 40-meter plunge cascade through lush subtropical rainforest makes it a popular day-trip destination and a highlight of Main Range National Park.
Can you swim at Queen Mary Falls?
No. Swimming is not permitted at Queen Mary Falls due to safety concerns and the protected nature of the site. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Queen Mary Falls?
Dogs and other pets are not permitted in Main Range National Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Queen Mary Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free entry to Main Range National Park at Queen Mary Falls. No permit required for day visits. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Queen Mary Falls?
There is a designated car park at Queen Mary Falls with space for approximately 20–30 vehicles. Parking is free. The walking track to the falls viewing platform begins directly from the car park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Queen Mary Falls?
About 800 meters return (0.5 miles) from the car park via the Rainforest Circuit. The main lookout is approximately 400 meters from the trailhead. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Queen Mary Falls hike difficulty
Moderate. The track includes steep sections, steps, and uneven surfaces through rainforest terrain with some elevation change to reach viewpoints. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Queen Mary Falls?
Late spring to early autumn (October–April) for warmer weather and good flow, though the falls run year-round. Winter can be very cold in this highland area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Queen Mary Falls
From the car park, follow the Rainforest Circuit Track which descends through subtropical rainforest. The track leads to a viewing platform that offers excellent views of the 40-meter cascade. The circuit continues through the forest and returns to the car park via a loop. The track is well-maintained with steps and handrails in steeper sections.
Queen Mary Falls official website
Attractions near Queen Mary Falls
- •Daggs Falls — another scenic waterfall in Main Range National Park, accessible via walking track
- •Carr's Lookout — panoramic views over the Condamine River valley and surrounding ranges
- •Spring Creek Mountain Café & Cottages — popular café and accommodation near the park entrance
- •Brown's Falls — picturesque cascade located further along Queen Mary Falls Road
- •Killarney — charming heritage town with cafes, shops, and gateway to the Scenic Rim
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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Australia's tallest permanent single-drop waterfall.
Springbrook Falls (Purling Brook)
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Springbrook National Park's most popular waterfall.