Isabella Falls Cairns – Complete Guide

Isabella Falls Cairns – Complete Guide

Tucked away in the back of a local suburb is one of the best hidden waterfall gems near Cairns; Here is the complete guide to visiting Isabella Falls Cairns, just 20 minutes from the CBD.

Isabella Falls has long been a local secret, known to few as an excellent waterfall and swimming hole located just a stone's throw from Cairns.

Isabella Falls may not be as impressive as other Cairns waterfalls such as Nandroya Falls or Barron Falls. However, the fact that you will most likely have everything to yourself is a huge advantage for those who want to get off the beaten path.

There is also a steep rope climb to reach the upper waterfall level, making it a great micro-adventure close to town.

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alt="ISABELLA WATERFALL IN CAIRNS">
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Where is Isabella Falls?

Isabella Falls is located at the back of Edmonton, approximately 19km or 20-25 minutes drive from Cairns.

I have marked the exact location of the waterfall on the map below so you can easily find it.

Directions to Isabella Falls from Cairns

From Cairns, head south on the A1 Bruce Highway and follow signs to Edmonton. Your first right is Mill Road, which you must follow through the two roundabouts before turning left onto Walker Road. Follow this road around the bend until it becomes Rainforest Road and then Waterfall Cl.

Park anywhere on Waterfall Cl. You will find the Isabella Falls trailhead on the right side of the dead-end road, indicated by a sign reading “Pathway.”

If you don't have your own vehicle, this is a bit difficult to reach. I would recommend renting a cheap car in Cairns or taking a full day waterfall tour instead.

RELATED: Crystal Cascades Cairns – Swimming Hole and Waterfalls Guide

Isabella Falls Track and the waterfall plains

The trail is a clear, worn track that follows the stream flow from the upper levels of the waterfall. Expect about 20 minutes of walking and root-crawling to reach the top level.

There are multiple levels at Isabella Falls, each offering a relatively small waterfall and shallow pools for swimming.

The first swimming hole is just under three feet deep, but it's a great place to hang out and shower under the refreshing flow of the waterfall.
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Just around the corner is a second waterfall trickling down a vertical wall. There is no deep swimming hole here, so I would recommend climbing the eroded slope on the left that leads to the upper level of Isabella Falls.
alt=“ISABELLA FALLS”>Isabella Falls Level 2
This route is very steep and requires a bit of root crawling. Some local legends have secured some ropes to help you on the way to the waterfall.
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Be careful if you bring children, this section is steep and it looks like the outer sections have been collapsing for some time.

RELATED: Stoney Creek Falls Cairns – Waterfall and swimming hole

Upper waterfall level

The upper level of Isabella Falls Cairns is a three tiered waterfall that I would say is almost 50 meters high. The current was gentle when I visited, but I could imagine that this waterfall would be pumping after a heavy downpour, making the climb really dangerous.

Once you reach the upper level, you can hang out and enjoy the views under the waterfall or climb up on the right side to find a shallow pool in the middle section.
alt=“ISABELLA FALLS CAIRNS QLD”>Highest level at Isabella Falls
The upper section is more exposed as it sits above most of the tree cover below.

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!
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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.
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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.
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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.

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More Cairns waterfall guides

I hope you found this guide for visiting Isabella Falls Cairns useful. For more Cairns blogs, check out this complete list of things to do in Cairns or this comprehensive Cairns waterfalls guide.

You can also find other Cairns waterfall blogs in the list below. Enjoy!

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.
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