17 awe-inspiring waterfalls near Cairns for when you want to cool off

Close enough to the city but far enough away to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, Stoney Creek Falls is a quick 20 minute drive north of Cairns.

Cool off under a canopy of green within Barron Gorge National Park, dipping in and out of the crystal clear waters. While Stoney Creek Falls might not be one of the biggest waterfalls near Cairns, it's the perfect spot to relax - and fairly easy to access. Get the directions here. 

2. Josephine Falls

Josephine Falls is fed by rains trickling down Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest peak. Carpeted by smooth granite boulders, surrounded by lush World Heritage-listed rainforest, and boasting a natural waterslide, it’s a playground for both young and young at heart.

3. Millaa Millaa Falls

When it comes to awe-inspiring waterfalls near Cairns, Millaa Millaa Falls takes the crown. Considered one of Australia's most photographed waterfalls, it's easy to see why from first glance. 

Nestled in the rainforest of Atherton Tablelands, the tumbling falls meet a pristine rockpool where you can soak it all in. BYO swimmers, a picnic and savour the moment for as long as you can.

If you still have time in your day, Pepina Falls is only 15 minutes drive from Millaa Millaa. These smaller falls are great to escape the crowds, and are best viewed after recent rainfall. 

4. Zillie Falls

Zillie Falls is the quiet achiever of those along Atherton Tableland's waterfall circuit - but this means you're more likely to have its cascading falls and rock pools to yourself. Stay a while to lap up the serenity, and keep your eyes peeled for the flying foxes who live nearby.

Just 7km down the road from Millaa Millaa Falls, it's easy to visit both in the one day - along with our next waterfall. 

5. Ellinjaa Falls

Another 3km from Zillie Falls, Ellinjaa greets you with a dense rainforest staircase down to the picturesque falls that await. The last stop on your Waterfall Circuit route, Ellinjaa has some surprises of her own.

There’s a hidden ledge behind the falls that you can sit on and drink in the scenery from. Platypus are also often found playing and swimming at the base of the falls, so you’ll have some company while you cool off.

BBQs and picnic tables are provided for those ready for a lunch break. 

6. Malanda Falls Conservation Park

Malanda Falls is a member of the Queensland Heritage Register, so you know you’re getting something special when you visit.

One of the best waterfalls near Cairns for families or those who aren't able to navigate rainforest tracks, Malanda Falls is a very short distance from the carpark. Looking to strech your legs a little further? There are several short walks around the falls, where you might even spy a few of the locals going about their day, like platypus, Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos, birds, and butterflies. Be sure to stop by the visitor centre for deeper look into the falls’ history.

7. Millstream Falls National Park

A two-hour drive from Cairns will lead you to the widest single-drop waterfall in Australia, Millstream Falls. Over millenia, the rushing waters have carved into basalt lava rock, creating over 100 individual falls all dropping in harmony.

Drink in the sights by taking a stroll along the walking track to the viewing platform that overlooks the falls. While there's no trail to the base of this waterfall, those who want a closer look can tackle the steep trail to the base of Little Millsteam Falls instead. 

Note: a separate entrance to the park leads to Little Millstream Falls.

8. Emerald Creek Falls

Emerald Creek is a haven for unplugging and going off the grid, and one of the best waterfalls near Cairns for a swim thanks to its series of plunge-pools below the falls. 

Wander down the road into eucalypt woodland, bathe in the nearby creek and spot dragonflies and damselflies as you unwind. Picnic (with BBQ facilities) near the tall gum trees and then tackle the 1.9km walking track that ends with a lookout over the falls.

Tip: Dogs are allowed; just remember to keep them leashed.

9. Davies Creek Falls

Waterfall chasers who've made the trek to Emerald Creek should leave time to discover another nearby: Davies Creek Falls.

Tucked among the mountains behind Cairns, these falls read like something out of an island adventure novel. With an infinity pool that serves panoramic views of the lush green mountains, complete tranquility and plenty of spots to bask in the sun, it’s an awe-inspiring waterfall to recharge the body and mind.

Nearby camping areas allow you to extend your stay and explore the walking tracks Dinden National Park has to offer.

10. Barron Falls

There’s big, and then there’s Barron Falls. Especially when the summer rains arrive in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, and the falls thunder fiercely into the gorge below.

With a raging downpour enough to power a hydro-electric station, it’s best to pack hiking shoes and view this one from a distance. Walk along the suspended viewing walkway to get a good look, or take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway that carries you over the ancient Wet Tropics Rainforest for a bird's eye view of the wonder below.

During summer, the falls grow to an even more dramatic scale, with floodwaters often creating a spectacle that is best viewed from the Din Din Barron Falls lookout near Kuranda.

11. Crystal Cascades

One of the closest waterfalls near Cairns - around 20 minutes' drive from the city -  Crystal Cascades holds a lot of adventure, and has become a popular spot in recent years.

Those looking for a soak will find their spot among the many waterholes, rock pools and falls in this section of Freshwater Creek - simply take the short 1.5 km paved trail to find the falls. Shaded by rainforest canopy and surrounded by impressive granite boulders, the pools stay cool year-round.

Fairy Falls is also tucked away in the dense rainforest here. The track begins just to the left of Crystal Cascades car park.

Want to dial up the adventure? Jump on a tour with Cairns Canyoning and you'll be jumping off, ziplining, abseiling and sliding around nearby falls throughout Crystal Canyon. 

12. Nandroya Falls

One for the hikers: the 6km round-trip walk through the rainforest to Nandroya Falls is worth every bead of sweat it takes to get there. Especially when its cool waters are waiting for a dip on arrival. And especially when you realise the trail will lead you past the smaller Silver Falls, too. 

Its home is Wooroonooran National Park, part of the World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest - and this is one of the few places where you can find the world's largest fern, the King Fern.  

13. Windin Falls

Nestled into the northern end of Wooroonooran National Park, Windin Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls near Cairns. 

This is one special spot where you'll actually be soaking above the falls - not below it - so you'll have a front-row seat to sweeping views over the park and surrounding mountains. Don't forget to put your phone down for a while - the memories will last longer.

Hike to Windin Falls Lookout via the Old Cairns Track, which takes roughly 90 minutes each way. Always exercise extreme caution at the falls and stay away from edges.

14. Behana Gorge

Forty minutes out of Cairns lies refreshing oasis Behana Gorge. You'll trek 3.2 kilometers along a concrete path to find the specatcular Clamshell Falls. 

It's the perfect spot to stop for a picnic after you refresh in the cooling waters. The local's tip is to grab a pie from the bakery in nearby Gordonvale to fuel your adventures. 

15. Babinda Boulders

One of the most unique settings, Mena Creek Falls sits beside the enchanting Spanish ruins of Paronella Park. 

It might also be the only waterfall on this list which is even more awe-inspiring to visit by night, when the falls are illuminated. After taking it all in from the viewing platform, walk out over the suspension bridge that spans the falls for a different angle. 

While visiting the falls doesn't require an entry ticket to Paronella Park, it's well worth wandering around to see the fairy-tale landmark in all its glory. The park also offers many more sightings of the falls. You could easily spend a whole day here.

But be sure to look only - not swim - as the area around Mena Creek Falls is home to crocodiles.

Want to turn chasing waterfalls into a road trip? Spend a few days exploring the nooks, crannies and falls of Atherton Tablelands with this itinerary. Or, head further south to discover Australia's highest single drop waterfall, Wallaman Falls. 

Prefer a soak in calmer waters? Try these wild swimming holes around Cairns.