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There’s something about waterfalls that makes me feel as if I’m in a fairytale, I don’t know if it’s their intense power, beauty, or tropical setting? I love to chase waterfalls whenever I’m traveling, so in this article, I’m going to take you on a tour of the Cairns Waterfall Circuit. And, answer common questions about the area. You’ll need a full day to explore the waterfall circuit & even if the sun isn’t shining it’s still so worth the drive.
Where is Cairns?
Cairns is a large city located in far north Queensland in Australia. With warm weather all year round it’s an awesome holiday spot for a few days or a few weeks. Two of the main reasons you’d visit Cairns is because of what lies on either side of the city. The Great Barrier Reef on one side and tropical rain Forrests on the other (including the Daintree Rainforest which is one of the oldest in the world).
Swimming in Cairns (and why waterfalls can be the safest place to swim)
I need to specifically mention this because it’s actually a real disadvantage to visiting Cairns. Whenever you’re swimming in the ocean it’s important to be cautious, as there are saltwater crocodiles in the area. I couldn’t imagine seeing anything scarier swimming near me in the ocean!!! But some beaches do the lifeguards and netted-off areas for swimming. Also, from November to May it’s stinger season, so deadly jellyfish could also be enjoying the tropical climate. During these months it’s advised not to swim in the ocean & if you do wear a stinger suit.
You can swim in the waterfalls near Cairns year-round.
Cairns Transport, The Best Ways to Get Around
During my time in Cairns, I hired a car as I always find this to be the easiest option, but I know everyone is different so below I’ll list a few great options.
Airport Shuttle
You can be picked up from right outside the terminal and book a transfer to almost anywhere. From the airport to Cairns city it costs less than $20 and they also do free cancellation. Click here to book your Cairns airport shuttle.
Car Hire in Cairns
This is definitely my favorite option, having your own car gives you the most amount of flexibility and there’s a lot of free parking spaces around Cairns city.
To find the best rates for car hire, I recommend searching QEEQ.
Uber or Taxi
This is a great option for getting around town, especially if you’ve been drinking. Prices aren’t too high and there are plenty of cars around. Although, this would just get really pricey if you wanted to travel further than Cairns city.
Public Bus
Sunbus operates Cairns public bus service and they run throughout the city, northern beaches, and southern suburbs. Although, these buses won’t get you to any regional destinations.
Day Tours of the Cairns Waterfall Circuit
If getting shown around is more your style, there are many affordable day tours for exploring Cairns’s waterfalls. So click here to check out Get Your Guide.
Itinerary for Exploring Cairns Waterfall Circuit
The Cairns waterfall circuit is in the nearby Atherton Tablelands region. From Cairns city to the tablelands we drove for about an hour before we got to our first stop. And, I know that’s a bit of a drive but once you’re in the area each waterfall is pretty close by.
The Cairns waterfall circuit has 20 waterfalls in total. I wouldn’t recommend rushing around to visit every single one, instead, I’m going to give you a run down of the best ones to visit.
Millaa Millaa Falls
First on the list and definitely the most beautiful! Millaa Millaa Falls is Heritage-listed and absolutely stunning. Surrounded by lush rainforest and the perfect place for a swim. These falls are off Theresa Creek Road, and there are plenty of signs pointing you in the right direction. Then from the car park, Millaa Millaa Falls is only a couple of minutes walk.
Zillie Falls
Only a 10-minute drive from Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls is another awesome stop on the Cairns waterfall circuit. The falls are across the road from the car park and you’ll be at the top of the falls, where there’s a lookout platform. You can also follow a trail down to the bottom of the falls. Zillie Falls isn’t really ideal for swimming, I don’t think it looks very safe.
Ellinjaa Falls
Another one of my favorite waterfalls is Ellinjaa Falls. Easy & short walk down to the falls, and you could definitely swim here, although the swimming hole wasn’t overly big.
Nandroya Falls Circuit, Henrietta Creek
Visiting these falls will depend on how much time you have and if you’re up for a long walk. Starting at Henrietta Creek campground these falls can be seen along a loop track and the return is 6.6km. And, this trail is a part of the Wooroonooran National Park and is a beautiful, untouched area of tropical north Queensland.
Josephine Falls
I’d say this is the best stop along the waterfall circuit to go swimming. Josephine Falls has a natural rock waterslide and a big swimming hole. These falls are made up of a series of small waterfalls, there are walking trails and lookout platforms if you want to see it all and, then one main swimming area. Although, there are a lot of signs around advising where you can’t swim due to certain areas being very dangerous.
Babinda Boulders
The river and all the little waterfalls running through these boulders are surrounded by lush rainforests and are absolutely beautiful. To walk the path downstream takes about 30 minutes to return and there are lots of great lookout points. At the entrance, there are signs advising that swimming here is strictly prohibited and this creek has claimed many lives.
This area has great significance to the local aboriginal people and legend has it that the area is haunted by a young girl that died there.
Stoney Creek Falls
Stoney Creek falls isn’t technically a part of the Cairns waterfall circuit but they’re definitely still worth visiting. These falls are located only 20 mins from the city, we visited these falls on a different day to the waterfall circuit but you could manage them all in one day if you started early.
Stoney Creek Falls is located in Barron Gorge National Park and to get there drive to Kamerunga & turn off onto Stoney Creek Road from Cairns Western Arterial Road, just before the Barron River, Kamerunga bridge. And, then at the end of the road, there’s a car park.
Then from the car park walk across the footbridge and follow the path up to the left, this runs parallel to the creek. Along the trail there are heaps of little swimming holes and waterfalls, you’ll be spoilt for choice! We stopped for a swim at the largest waterfall, which was about a 25-minute walk up the trail.
While we’re on the topic of swimming in Cairns, I really wanted to mention Lake Eacham (even though it isn’t a waterfall)
Lake Eacham
When driving the Cairns waterfall circuit, you’re in the right area to visit Lake Eacham. This is a lake in a volcanic crater and definitely worth stopping for. The water in Lake Eacham is crystal clear & very calm. There are signs advising the lake is home to freshwater crocodiles but says that freshwater crocs are very timid & not life-threatening. 🤷🏼♀️
There’s also a 3km walking track around the lake and there’s a good chance you’ll see turtles swimming around the lake.
Lake Eacham is a 30-minute drive to Millaa Millaa Falls (we visited the lake on our way to the falls) and you turn off Lakes Drive. Don’t follow google maps because you’ll end up in the middle of nowhere.
This is such a fun day out and the perfect place to explore the outdoors & even though the water can be pretty cold, it’s still very refreshing. I hope you find this information helpful and when you visit the cairns waterfall circuit, comment below and tell me which waterfall you loved the most.
For more ideas on holidays in North Queensland, check out these articles;
Guide To Beautiful Magnetic Island
How To Have A Fun & Relaxing Holiday In Townsville
Or, Click here to find all articles related to destinations in Queensland
Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
Cairns looks absolutely breathtaking! You have included so many great things to do. I like how you mentioned swimming in the waterfall area is actually safe!
Thanks so much
Wow! Looks like some amazing waterfalls! I would love to be able to visit one day!
A walk that’s full of waterfalls?! Sign me up! I love coming across waterfalls when I’m hiking, so this looks like the perfect area for me to visit!
Yes you’d love it Krista, they’re like a little reward when hiking haha
What a fantastic itinerary! The waterfalls look stunning and a great way to cool off.
So many waterfalls — I’m amazed! I’d love to cool off under one of these!
all these waterfalls look gorgeous! i’d love to see them all & also swim in Lake Eacham (with the non-threatening crocs lol)
haha that sign did make me laugh 😆
Oh my gosh! This is one of the most exciting things to do I have seen in a while! Waterfall chasing is my jam whenever we go anywhere. I’m adding this waterfall circuit to my Australia bucket list! Thank you so much for sharing this!