Must-see waterfalls in Queensland that will blow you away

Where: Bartle Frere, approx. 1 hour drive from Cairns

Nestled in the hulking shadow of Queensland’s highest mountain, Bartle Frere, Josephine Falls plummets down before cascading over huge rounded granite boulders.

The 1km walk from the car park isn’t really enough time to build up a sweat, but you’ll appreciate cooling off in the rock pools surrounded by the luscious greens of the steamy tropics – there’s even a natural waterslide if you want some extra fun.

If you’re one of the intrepid bushwalkers tackling the 1622-metre summit of Bartle Frere, this is a great spot to relax afterwards.

Where: Kuranda, 40-mins drive from Cairns

Raging yet beautiful, Barron Falls (Din Din) is captivating at any angle. Especially when summer rain brings the falls to its peak, and water roars off the side of the cliff, showering the valley below in mist and rainbows. Even when the weather is drier, it’s mesmerising to watch the falls curtain and plummet into Barron Gorge.

The very best way to see Barron Falls is to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway up the valley, soaring over the rainforest canopy before stopping to explore the national park along boardwalks (ranger-guided tours are available) and taking in the views from The Edge Lookout. For a different perspective, explore along the lookout track – a 1km elevated wheelchair-accessible walkway that leads to a viewing point on the opposite side of the gorge.

Mena Creek Falls, Innisfail

Where: Innisfail, 1 hr 20 min drive from Cairns

Mena Creek Falls is a truly unique waterfall in Queensland. No hike needed, it's tucked into the gardens beside award-winning attraction Paronella Park, an enchanting Spanish-inspired ruin that now feels like part of the rainforest itself.

Public access is via the south side of the falls with visitor facilities and a suspension bridge you can walk across to watch the waterfall roll over seven million-year-old basalt rock from above. For views from the lower gardens (as pictured) ,you’ll need a ticket to explore Paronella Park – but it’s well worth it.

Tip: It’s even more stunning at night when the falls are illuminated.

Millaa Millaa, Atherton Tablelands

Where: Atherton Tablelands, 1.5 hour drive from Cairns

It’s not called the Wet Tropics for nothing. A leisurely drive inland from Cairns takes you from dry coastal fringe to the juicy green Atherton Tablelands, home some of the best waterfalls in Queensland. So much so that you can follow an official Waterfall Circuit to experience them all.

The most visited waterfall is Millaa Millaa. Surrounded by lush vegetation, electric-blue Ulysses butterflies, and often a bus load of tourists, the falls provides the perfect photo moment – and a refreshing swim, too. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to find some peaceful moments here.

Zillie Falls, Atherton Tablelands

Where: Atherton Tablelands, 1.5 hour drive from Cairns

Just a short drive from Millaa Millaa is another magical spot among the wilds of the rainforest: Zillie Falls. A quick stroll from the carpark will lead you to a signed viewing platform – and the best place to take a picture. While not recommended for swimming (the current is powerful and its pool is rocky and shallow), Zillie Falls is a great spot to relax and enjoy the spoils of nature.

Close by you can also discover Ellinjaa, Pepina and Mungalli Falls – and if you have the time this road trip will lead you to endless waterfall adventures.

Where: Gold Coast Hinterland

Tucked among ancient Gondwana Rainforest just a short drive from the Gold Coast’s beaches lies awe-inspiring Springbrook National Park. Here, cliffs induce giddiness, ravines plunge deep, and tiny bubbling streams make your email inbox seem like a faraway dream.

While there are many waterfalls to discover in this national park, a visit to Natural Bridge is a must. Easily accessible from the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road car park, follow the easy one-kilometre circuit (best walked in a clockwise direction) and descend through the rainforest to the Natural Bridge rock arch. By day you’ll hear and spot the songs of native birds and frogs. By night, you can take a nocturnal tour to see the resident colony of protected glow-worms and microbats – which during summer nights are joined by luminous fungi and fireflies. This pristine environment is nothing short of ethereal – making it one of the best waterfalls in Queensland.

Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park

Where: Gold Coast Hinterland

While you’re in Springbrook National Park, be sure to take the opportunity to witness the beauty of Purling Brook Falls. Falling over 100-metres to the rainforest floor, this is one of the tallest waterfalls in the park and is best explored on the 4km Purling Brook Falls Circuit, a hiking trail that offers views from above and the base of the falls. Be prepared for 265 stairs and some steep sections.

Tip: Purling Brook Falls are even more magical after a little rain, however always check for Park Alerts in wet weather and stick to the marked track. Things get slippery!

Where: Close to Ingham, a town approx. 1.5 hour drive from Townsville

Staring down from a dramatic precipice, you can see why Stony Creek’s 268m descent gives Wallaman Falls the title of Australia’s highest permanent single-drop waterfall.

The jewel of Girringun National Park, Wallaman Falls flows all year round (although it’s strongest from November to April) and the 4km track that winds from the lookout through the steamy World Heritage-listed rainforest to the waterfall’s base is worth the trek. Find a safe spot to sit and take in the views while you’re cooled off by the spray. Remember to bring plenty of water as the return hike is steep and hot work. 

Blencoe Falls, Girringun National Park

Plunging 90m into a pool before cascading a further 230m to the bottom, the stunning Blencoe Falls (part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area) is a place of beauty. In the river and creeks below, check out the freshwater turtles, often seen basking on logs or peering through the surface of the water.

Where: Hinchinbrook Island, Townsville

Zoe Falls is for the serious waterfall chasers; those with a real sense of adventure and the fitness to complete the mighty Thorsborne Trail, a multi-day backpacking trek on one of Australia’s most spectacular islands.

Think Jurassic Park scenery with towering mountain peaks, rocky shorelines, long sandy beaches, dense rainforest – and throw in some crocodile action for good measure. Only 40 people are allowed on this uninhabited island at any time, so it’s just you and pure wilderness.

Towering above Zoe Bay is the multi-drop Zoe Falls. Access is via a fairly steep climb from the beach past a handful of swimming holes, but it’s absolutely worth the effort: once you get to the rock pools there’s a stunning panoramic reward. Not only is it one of the best waterfalls in Queensland, it offers one of the best views from the top.

Where: Buderim, Sunshine Coast

Need a soul cleanse? Buderim Forest Park is just a short drive from the centre of the Buderim Village, but visit and you’d swear this tranquil oasis was far from anywhere.

Serenity Falls – also known as Buderim Falls – is not only one of the best waterfalls in Queensland but one of the most accessible. The 600-metre walkway from Lindsay Road will take you on a picturesque forest ramble along the banks of Martins Creek’s cascading waters, with the route to the end of the boardwalk being wheelchair accessible. For direct access to the waterfall and the high arch bridge spanning the creek, start at Quorn Close – it’s an easy-to-moderate hike to the falls via a bush track (not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers). When conditions are right, it’s nice to take a relaxing soak in the rock pool. 

Where: Killarney, Southern Queensland Country

Think a big drop is what makes a waterfall? Then Queen Mary Falls will really blow your hair back, due to its 40-metre descent into the basalt gorge below. Surrounded by tangled rainforest, Queen Mary Falls is located in the Main Range National Park, around two hours drive south-west of Brisbane.

Park at the lookout where you can get a bird’s eye view of the falls plummeting to the valley floor, then embark on the 2km return walk which descends from the ridgeline to the base of the falls, where the misty spray is a welcome natural air conditioner on a summer’s day. Park rangers recommend walking the circuit in a clockwise direction – take your time and admire the UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest that surrounds you. There are around 180 million years of natural history right here. You can even turn your waterfall chasing into a day out (or weekend) with this road trip itinerary.