The most beautiful waterfalls near Cairns

From the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland to the scenic Atherton Tablelands, here are 15 Cairns waterfalls you need to chase right now.

Cairns might be best known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but there are countless stunning waterfalls (and swimming holes) to explore in its vast backyard.

Whether you’re searching for secluded cascades to bask under with your other half, or dramatic plunges to admire from afar, this guide to the most beautiful waterfalls near Cairns (including which falls are wheelchair and pram accessible) will get you started on where to look first.

1. Crystal Cascades

Distance from Cairns: 25 minutes
Where: Lamb Range
Parking: Yes, there’s a carpark
Difficulty: An easy 1.5-kilometre paved trail
Swimming: Yes

The closest waterfall to Cairns city centre, Crystal Cascades is something of a local’s secret. Comprised of a series of waterholes and waterfalls, some of which are harder to reach than others, this section of Freshwater Creek promises cool, crystalline waters, perfect for a swim, or just a sightseeing stroll. There’s a paved 1.5-kilometre trail that leads to the swimming holes and finishes at the cascades. Make a day out of it and bring some snags for the public barbecues.

Dip in the crystalline waters of Crystal Cascades. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Keep walking for a couple of minutes and you’ll come across Fairy Falls, a petite beauty tucked away behind dense greenery. It’s unlikely you’ll have to share this spot with many other souls if any at all. The track to the waterfall follows the creek (don’t head uphill), so expect a little bit of scrambling over slippery rocks.

It’s important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks, adhere to signage in the area, and never venture into out-of-bounds zones, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.

Float below Fairy Falls. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

2. Barron Falls (Din Din)

Distance from Cairns: 40 minutes
Where: Barron Gorge National Park
Parking: Yes, there’s a carpark
Difficulty: An easy 1.2-kilometre boardwalk (accessible)
Swimming: No

Super accessible, even if you have a pram or use a wheelchair, Barron Falls in Barron Gorge National Park is located at the end of an easy 1.2 kilometre return boardwalk at Din Din Barron Falls Lookout, suspended high above the forest floor.

See Barron Falls from the lookout. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

At most, it’s a 10-minute walk to the first viewing platform. Conveniently, the falls are also within walking distance of the mountain village Kuranda, so you can knock off two ‘must-dos’ in one day. If timing allows, plot your visit to coincide with the wet season, or drop by after heavy rains, when this steep, tiered cascade waterfall is at its most dramatic, and sometimes enshrouded in mist. Look down from the treetops into the gorge and watch as the falls tumble over the cliff face. For a different perspective, hop on board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as it soars directly over Barron Falls.

Barron Falls can be seen from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Also in Barron Gorge National Park is Old Weir Falls which you’ll find along the Stoney Creek Weir Track. With an uneven surface of rocks and twisted tree roots to tackle, the walk might be taxing for the less agile, but the effort is worth the reward.

Barron Falls is most dramatic after heavy rains. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

3. Josephine Falls

Distance from Cairns: One hour
Where: Wooroonooran National Park
Parking: Yes, there’s a carpark
Difficulty: An easy 1.2-kilometre walk (accessible to the viewing platform)
Swimming: Yes

Not just a scenic spot for Instagram or a picnic, this tiered cascade waterfall in Wooroonooran National Park is popular among those seeking a cooling dip in the heat of summer. When the creek is in full flow, you can even slide down the smooth cheeks of rock into the main pool. Sundappled light pours through the thick surrounding forest canopy, and there are plenty of granite boulders encircling the water to perch on and sunbake.

Josephine Falls is popular among those seeking a cooling dip in the heat of summer. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

A natural habitat for plenty of local wildlife, you may even spy brilliant blue Ulysses butterflies fluttering by, lace monitors scuttling along the riverbanks, or vivid red and green king parrots in the treetops. It’s a relatively easy 1.2-kilometre return walk from the carpark to the falls, with a viewing platform at the very top.

Take a relaxing dip at Josephine Falls. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

4. Davies Creek Falls

Distance from Cairns: One hour
Where: Dinden National Park
Parking: Yes, there’s a carpark
Difficulty: A moderate 1.1-kilometre circuit track (suitable for most ages and fitness levels)
Swimming: No

Fancy bathing in an infinity pool at the top of a waterfall? You’ve come to the right place. A cascade on Davies Creek in Dinden National Park, these falls plunge 75 metres into the valley below.

Watch the sunset from the infinity pool. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Head to the lookout point along a 1.1-kilometre return track for the best view of the waterfalls or venture up to the swimming hole at the falls’ source to gawp at sweeping views of the whole valley, drenched in foliage. It’s a short walk on marked trails to reach either point.

Davies Creek Falls is 75 metres tall. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

5. Emerald Creek Falls

Distance from Cairns: 1 hour 15 minutes
Where: Atherton Tablelands Area
Parking: Yes, there’s a carpark
Difficulty: A short 1k walk
Swimming: Yes

Rushing out of the rainforest-clad heights of the Lamb Range and down into open eucalypt woodland, Emerald Creek is a multi-level waterfall with a series of cascading chutes over granite boulders.

Swoon over the multi-tiered Emerald Creek Falls. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Take the walking track alongside the creek up to the lookout with views of the valley towards Mareeba. On the way, there are several small swimming holes – ideal for when you want to cool off and have a private swimming hole to yourself.

Cool off at Emerald Creek Falls. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

6. Malanda Falls

Distance from Cairns: One hour 20 minutes
Where: Atherton Tablelands Area
Parking: Yes, there’s a carpark
Difficulty: A quick stroll from the carpark
Swimming: Yes

At four metres high and 30 metres wide, the tumbling, fresh water of Malanda Falls is a sight to see. Surrounded by green rainforest, the falls are conveniently located a short distance from the carpark, so every member of the family can join in on the fun.

Stroll by Malanda Falls. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

In front of the falls is a man-made swimming pool and the area is safe for swimming (except after heavy rain). There’s even a beach and plenty of shallow spots for children to paddle.

Watch Malanda Falls from the footbridge above. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

7. Mena Creek Falls

Distance from Cairns: 90 minutes
Where: On Cassowary Coast beside Paronella Park
Parking: Park just around the corner at the Paronella Park ticket office
Difficulty: Easy walk over a suspension bridge
Swimming: No

Mena Creek Falls is a touch further from Cairns than the other waterfalls listed here, but they definitely merit mention for those interested in exploring. And unlike the other options, they are backlit in the dark so you can also visit these falls at night.

Mena Creek Falls is even more stunning at night. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

The views over this single-tier waterfall are arguably even more impressive after the sun has set and lights illuminate the water rushing over seven-million-year-old basalt rock. For a free view, mosey over the suspension bridge that spans the falls for a birds-eye look, or enter Paronella Park and park yourself on one of the benches near its base.

Mena Creek Falls is situated within Paronella Park. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

8. Nandroya Falls

Distance from Cairns: 90 minutes
Where: Wooroonooran National Park
Parking: Yes, at Henrietta Creek Campground
Difficulty: Choose between a moderate 1.7-kilometre or 3.5-kilometre route to reach the falls (suitable for most ages and fitness levels)
Swimming: Yes

Another waterfall in Wooroonooran National Park (around 45 minutes from Josephine Falls) is Nandroya Falls. From Henrietta Creek Campground, follow the Nandroya Falls Circuit Track where after a short distance, you can choose between two walking tracks to take you to the picturesque falls.

Gasp at the sight of Nandroya Falls. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

On arrival, watch in awe at how Douglas Creek drops in a narrow, uninterrupted, 50-metre-fall from a basalt parapet. It’s an excellent spot to relax and swim before the return journey.

Relax to the sound of swooshing water. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

9. The Waterfall Circuit: Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls

Distance from Cairns: One hour 40 minutes
Where: Atherton Tablelands Area
Parking: Yes, there’s a carpark at all three falls
Difficulty: A short (less than five minutes) and easy walk to all three falls. The only accessible waterfall for wheelchairs and prams is Millaa Millaa.
Swimming: Yes, at Millaa Millaa and Ellinjaa. No at Zillie

Heading up the Gillies Highway from Cairns into the Atherton Tablelands, you’ll find The Waterfall Circuit featuring three epic waterfalls – Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, and Ellinjaa Falls. This majestic trio, all within a 10-minute drive of one another, are great spots for a refreshing swim in the cool water.

Millaa Millaa Falls makes up one of the majestic trio. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

The Millaa Millaa Falls cascade beautifully into a gorgeous waterhole below and are one of the most photographed in Australia, so make sure you bring your camera.

Zillie Falls is a sight to behold. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

There’s a lovely viewing platform at the base of Zillie Falls so you can enjoy a picnic lunch, before setting off on the 200-metre walkway to Ellinjaa Falls where turtles and platypuses are often spotted.

Ellinjaa Falls is spectacular. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

10. Big and Little Millstream Falls

Distance from Cairns: Two hours
Where: Millstream Falls National Park
Parking: Yes, there’s a carpark
Difficulty: An easy 680 metre walking track
Swimming: No at Big Millstream Falls. Yes, at Little Millstream Falls.

Supposedly Australia’s widest single-drop waterfall, Big Millstream Falls plunges steeply down basalt lava columns into a freshwater pool. There’s no direct access to the base for swimming but there is a lookout point with great views of the waterfall. This walking track is sealed and it takes no more than a few minutes to reach the lookout.

Also just 500 metres away is Little Millstream Falls – yet to access it, you need to turn around and drive to another carpark 10 minutes away. However, it’s well worth it as you can take a dip in the deep and wide swimming hole here.

Millstream Falls is Australia’s widest single-drop waterfall. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Looking for more things to do? Discover some of the best day trips from Cairns.

The original article was written by Chloe Cann and has been updated by Jemma Fletcher.