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Clamshell Falls on the Behana Gorge Waterfall Track – Cairns Hiking Guide
Clamshell Falls is a waterfall at the end of the Behana Gorge Waterfall Track in Wooroonooran National Park near Innisfail & Cairns. Here's a complete guide to hiking Behana Gorge and what to expect at Clamshell Falls. Looking for an easy rainforest hike with plenty of freshwater swimming opportunities and a waterfall at the end? I have you covered with this Clamshell Falls and Behana Gorge waterfall guide. Behana Gorge is an epic place to spend a day exploring, swimming and enjoying the tranquility of the amazing rainforests of the tropical far north. She …
Clamshell Falls on the Behana Gorge Waterfall Track – Cairns Hiking Guide
Clamshell Falls is a waterfall at the end of the Behana Gorge Waterfall Track in Wooroonooran National Park near Innisfail & Cairns. Here's a complete guide to hiking Behana Gorge and what to expect at Clamshell Falls.
Looking for an easy rainforest hike with plenty of freshwater swimming opportunities and a waterfall at the end? I have you covered with this Clamshell Falls and Behana Gorge waterfall guide.
Behana Gorge is an epic place to spend a day exploring, swimming and enjoying the tranquility of the amazing rainforests of the tropical far north. You'll also have the opportunity to spot local wildlife, including the elusive southern cassowary that lives in Wooroonooran National Park.
Don't miss: How to Spend 5 Days in Cairns
Canyoning in the Behana Gorge
While you can visit Behana Gorge on your own, by far the best way to experience this place is on an epic canyoning tour!
The Behana Gorge canyoning tour is the best rated canyoning tour in Cairns. It is really affordable compared to some other water activities in the area and is operated by a professional and sustainable local adventure tour operator.
The trip includes:
- Wasserfall und Schlucht Abseilen
- Wanderführer
- Snacks
- Die ganze Ausrüstung
Check Price: Behana Gorge Adventure Canyoning Tour
Where is Clamshell Falls?
Clamshell Falls is located in Behana Gorge in Wooroonooran National Park, about 35 minutes south of Cairns. Wooroonooran National Park is quite large, but the gorge starts at the northern tip near Gordonvale, just off the highway, making access quick and easy from Cairns.
How to get to the Behana Gorge Waterfall Walking Track
To get to the Behana Gorge hiking trail to Clamshell Falls, you will need your own car or transportation.
The easiest way is to paste the Google Maps pin above to guide you before you leave as the pin is accurate. However, phone reception is very spotty once you get close to the gorge, so it's best to get it charged beforehand.
From Cairns, head south on the Bruce Highway for just over 30 kilometers. Shortly after passing the striking Walsh Pyramid opposite Gordonvale, you will see a sign directing you right onto Behana Gorge Road.
Follow Behana Gorge Road for approximately 4.5 kilometers or to the end of the road. If you're on the Behana Gorge hiking trail, you'll know it when you notice the large parking lot with water supply fences and a large pipe.
Heading back to the highway offers some of the best views of the south face of the Walsh Pyramid, framed by the sugar cane fields on Behana Gorge Road.
alt=“WALSH PYRAMID FROM BEHANA GORGE NEAR CAIRNS”>Walsh’s Pyramid from Behana Gorge Road
Featured in: Great things to do in the Atherton Tablelands
Behana Gorge Waterfall Track: Hiking Guide
Once you get to the top of the pin, behind a steel gate next to a fenced waterfront property at Behana Gorge, you'll find the Clamshell Falls trailhead. The route follows the backwater pipeline for 3.3 km on a fully paved route.
While it's technically a road rather than a bushwalk, the rainforest backdrop combined with the scenic views of the rushing waters of the gorge make it an enjoyable hike.
alt=“BEHANA GORGE CREEK BUSWALK”>
You really won't have any trouble navigating to Clamshell Falls on this hike. Simply follow the sealed path next to the pipe as it dips and rises along Behana Gorge on an overall rising profile.
alt=“BEHANA GORGE HIKING TRAIL, WATERFALL HIKE TO CLAMSHELL FALLS”>
On the way there are great swimming opportunities in gentle forest waterholes along the stream. Although I was only there in the winter, I would assume that in the hot summer months they are quite busy with locals from Cairns and Innisfail.
alt=“BEHANA CREEK, CLAMSHELL FALLS HIKE, CAIRNS”>Behana Gorge Cairns
RELATED POST: Cairns Hikes: 36 Best Hikes
alt="Grayl Bottle">
Want to know my secret to fresh drinking water anywhere in the world?
Enter the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle! I take this bottle with me on every hike and use it as my go-to for filtering water around the world. I even used it to drink tap water in India!
- Spart Tausende von Plastikflaschen vor der Mülldeponie
- Entfernt über 99,99 % der Viren, Bakterien, Protozoen, Partikel, Chemikalien und sogar Schwermetalle
- Der einfachste und bequemste Wasserfilter auf dem Markt
What to Expect at Clamshell Falls
As you reach the end of the Behana Gorge trail, you will notice a small signpost and a large fence blocking the path. This signifies the entrance to the Cairns Behana Gorge watershed.
To get to Clamshell Falls, you need to backtrack a few hundred meters on the trail, where you will find a well-trodden path that leads to the rocks along the creek.
From here it is obvious where the waterfall can be seen.
Clamshell Falls is a series of waterfalls that flow down the steep upper reaches of the gorge. Its source is a flowing stream that gathers on the western slopes of Mount Bellenden Ker, Queensland's second highest mountain. The main pool under the waterfall is very deep and perfect for swimming on a calm day.
Keep in mind that water levels can change quickly at Behana Creek and Clamshell Falls. The last thing I want to do is swim in any part of Behana Gorge after a heavy downpour.
alt=“CLAMSHELL FALLS CAIRNS”>Clamshell Falls – The Cascading Behana Gorge waterfall
MORE IN THE WOOROONOORAN: Mount Bartle Frere | Kahlpahlim Rock | Nandroya Falls
Swimming at Clamshell Falls
The best swimming spot at Clamshell Falls is the wide and deep natural pool directly below the main waterfall. I can't tell you exactly how deep the pool is, but I would say it's at least 3-4 meters. This makes it perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day, especially after the hike up.
If you continue further downstream along the banks of the creek you will also find some crystal clear swimming holes and natural spa pools.
alt=“BEHANA GORGE SWIMMING HOLES”>
alt=“BEHANA GORGEOUS SWIMMING HOLE”>
Related: Epic White Water Rafting Tour from Cairns
The Behana Gorge watershed
The large water pipe that follows the Behana Gorge trail to Clamshell Falls comes from the fenced watershed.
The Behana Gorge Water Catchment is part of the Cairns Regional Council and supplies fresh water to the entire Greater Cairns area.
Cairns Accommodation Guide – Where to Stay
Are you planning a trip to Cairns and wondering where to base yourself? Below I have listed some of the best options near Cairns Esplanade. I have also written a comprehensive accommodation guide for Cairns as well as a comprehensive accommodation guide for Port Douglas.
Crystalbrook Riley – If you’re looking for luxury and location, Crystalrbook Riley can’t be beat. This is the best 5 star resort in Cairns and offers absolutely everything you would expect from a Crystalbrook resort.
Tip: Be sure to head to Rocco’s Bar at the top of Crystalbrook Riley for great views over Cairns!
alt=”Girls sunbathing at Crystalbrook Riley Resort in Cairns”>
Rydges Resort – This hotel offers great value for an epic stay at a decent price! The location is perfect, close to the Esplanade and has three swimming pools, two tennis courts, a hot tub, a fitness center and even an award-winning restaurant.
alt=“RYDGES ESPLANADE RESORT IN CAIRNS, WHERE TO STAY”>
Fitzroy Island Resort – If you prefer to stay on one of the picturesque islands of the Great Barrier Reef, look no further than Fitzroy Island Resort. While you can do a day trip here, I highly recommend spending the night so you have more time to explore the reef, coral beaches, and rainforest hiking trails.
alt="FITZROY ISLAND RESORT">
Gilligan’s Backpackers – The best backpacker option for a great atmosphere in Cairns is Gilligan’s Backpackers. That's because this one has a swimming pool, air conditioning, a full kitchen and a great common area to meet other travelers.
alt=“GILLIGAN’S BACKPACKER RESORT”>
alt=“BEHANA CREEK, CLAMSHELL FALLS HIKE, CAIRNS”>
alt=“CLAMSHELL FALLS WOOROONOORAN NATIONAL PARK, QUEENSLAND”>
alt="BEHANA GORGEOUS HIKING TRAIL">
More waterfalls, hikes and adventures in Cairns
If you enjoyed hiking Behana Gorge to Clamshell Falls in one of Queensland's best national parks; The Wooroonooran, then be sure to check out some of my other travel guides and articles.
I have spent a long time exploring some of the best waterfalls, hikes and activities around Cairns. So if you're looking for adventure inspiration, take a look!
MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT
- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
- Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
- Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
- Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
- Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
- Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
- Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip
For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.
If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
alt="CLAMSHELL CASES">
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