Stunning Josephine Falls in Far North Queensland, home to crystal clear waters and pristine white beaches, is ranked one of the most beautiful areas in the Tropical North. Having featured in numerous television commercials, the spectacular tiered falls is enormously popular with visitors who enjoy swimming in the cool sparkling waters, relaxing on the beach and traversing the rainforest to any of three breathtaking lookouts.
Traditional country of the Ngadjon-Jii, Josephine Falls are situated at the base of Mount Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest mountain, in Wooroonooran National Park. Following the Bruce Highway approximately 70km south of Cairns, just past Mirriwinni, is the turn off to the falls, a bitumen road that extends for 8kms. Once arriving at the car park, it is a further 700m walk through lush rainforest before reaching Josephine Creek and the cold, refreshing waters that spill from the slopes of Mount Bartle Frere. Please note that there is no parking available for caravans or motor homes at the car park.
A tributary of the Russell River, Josephine Creek features a large rock over which the water flows, forming a natural waterslide. The highest tier of the falls descends from the Atherton Tableland, 192m (630 ft.) above sea level. Cascading in waves to the popular recreation site below, Josephine Falls is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but bountiful with natural flora and fauna.
Walks to the fall’s lookouts are rated easy and suitable for most walkers including some for those with a mobility impairment. Please note that the pathways are sealed, with boardwalks and some stairs. Wheelchair access is available to the viewing platform at the top pool, with stairs leading down to the bottom pool. The rainforest walk is also the beginning of the Mount Bartle Frere Walk and the Broken Nose hiking track.
Entry to the park is free and toilets and sheltered picnic tables are available. Please note that dogs are not allowed at the park and camping at the falls is prohibited.
WARNING
The area is susceptible to flash flooding.
During the wet season, caution and common sense needs to be exercised as flash flooding occurs without warning, with a sudden increase in water volume. This can also make the natural rock slide very slippery and dangerous.
Cairns Tours provides a whole range of Cairns based day tours and aims to help provide the best information about other things to do in Cairns.
