Josephine Falls Waterfall & Swimming Hole: Complete Guide (Cairns)
Josephine Falls Waterfall & Swimming Hole: Complete Guide (Cairns)
A complete waterfall leader for visiting the Josephine Falls, one of the most untouched bathing spots near Cairns in the far north of Queensland. Find out how to come here, what to expect and how to make the best of your trip to this epic jewel in the Wooroonooran National Park.
Josephine Falls is a picturesque rainforest water case that flows in a beautiful rainforest stream in the WooroOnooran National Park. This beautiful waterfall and seaside resort is a local favorite and definitely one that everyone should visit during their visit in the tropical north of Queensland.
In this short waterfall leader, I would like to answer all your questions about visiting the Josephine Falls from Cairns and the surrounding region. I will explain how to come here, what to expect and add photos from which I hope you will inspire your trip!
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Where is Josephine Falls?
Josephine Falls is located in the WooroOnooran National Park, about 1 hour (75 kilometers) south of Cairns. Below you will find the correct Google Maps PIN for the parking lot, which enables access to the waterfalls.
The waterfall is fed by the rain, which is captured by Queensland's highest mountain, the Mount Bartle Frere, which rises 1622 meters above the waterfall. In fact, the Josephine if the same parking space is shared as the starting point to this rainforest summit!
Google Maps Pin: "Josephine Falls Parkplatz"
also take a look at some of my other adventure leaders, including guides on the best waterfalls in Cairns, the best hikes, the best activities and activities where you should spend the night and what you should pack!
An organized trip: Josephine Falls from Cairns
Unfortunately there is no public transport to get from Cairns to the Josephine Falls. However, there are some high -quality and serious tours that include a stop here.
For those who have little time, but want to see some of the best waterfalls in Cairns and in the tropical north, I strongly recommend that you look at the following options.
Both are among the top rated waterfall trips that they will find, and both offer a stop at the Josephine Falls and other highlights of the rainforest waterfalls, including Millaa Millaa and Dinner Falls.
All -day waterfall tour: Check the price here
cheap waterfall swimming tour: check the price here
How to get to the Josephine Falls (option for self-drivers)
The trip to the Josephine Falls takes place 75 kilometers southwest of Cairns on the Bruce Highway. To get here, drive towards "Bartle Frere" and turn from the Bartle Frere Road. On the Bartle Frere Road there are signs that show the direction to the Josephine Falls.
Follow this road to the end and continue when you go to the left (now Price Road).
Next, continue on this street that leads through the sugar cane plantations, and turn right when you see the signs to the waterfall car park (Josephine Falls Road).
It should take about an hour to reach from Cairns from the parking lot to the Josephine Falls.
The parking lot is very large and offers space for about 25 vehicles. Since this waterfall is one of the most popular bathing spots south of Cairns, you can assume that it is quite full.
You will also find several facilities in the parking lot, including a shelter, toilets, picnic tables and coin -powered grills. Alt = "Josephine Falls, Cairns, Australia">
Nearby: Windin Falls | Walshs Pyramid | Millaa Millaa Falls
The Josephine Falls Track
Hiking route: 1.2 km back and forth
Duration: 25 minutes
Höhe: N/A
Difficulty level: very simple
As soon as you have reached the parking lot, it is just a short 600-meter walk on a sealed rainforest path that separates you from the waterfall.
The route follows the sealed bitumen to the main waterfall, with branches to the Middle Creek viewing platform and the lower pool. Below is a card that shows the Josephine Falls Track to get a better idea of the swimming holes and viewing platforms.
You don't need this to get to the waterfall. I only accepted it because it is useful to get an understanding of the different places that you can visit at Josephine Falls.
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Similar: 22 great things that you can do in the Atherton Tablelands
Josephine falls
Josephine Falls is a number of cascading waterfalls with 3 main drops. The largest waterfall at Josephine Falls is at the end of the path and visitors can admire it from a wide wooden platform called "Top Viewing Platform".
Although it is not the highest waterfall in the area, the main waterfall is still an impressive sight. It falls 25 meters into a sharp gutter before it flows over a large, wide boulder.
Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited on the largest waterfall because this entire pool area is classified as limited. But don't worry, there are many great swimming holes on the Josephine Falls, only a little earlier on the route (closer to the parking lot).
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Related Post: Nandroya Falls-Hiking and waterfall leader
Swimming holes and the waterfall-rock slide
Shortly before the main waterfall there is a sign that shows access to the river. This is known as Big Pool and here you will find the best Josephine Falls swimming holes and even a stone slide!
The main pool has a dreamy water green tone and is deep enough to swim in it (about 1.5 meters). There is also a natural rock slide here, which is a funny little bonus for this waterfall in Far North Queensland, which you absolutely have to visit.
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There are also several smaller bathing areas along the stream. So if the main pool and the rock slide are too full for you, go down the river a little to find a few remote and remote rainforest baths!
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Deaths in the dangerous river
In the rainy season, the current can be very unpredictable. Unfortunately there were several deaths on this waterfall due to the submerged rocks and dangerous currents.
There are several warning signs and river depth alarms, so it is best to be careful. If you are concerned, you can check the current warnings for all parks here. I have now visited the Josephine Falls countless times while traveling south of Cairns, and I have not yet seen them in full force. But even in the dry season, the waterfall, especially the top level, generally has a properly strong flow. I would only swim here if the conditions allow it.
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Frequently asked questions about Josephine Falls
Can you swim here? Yes, Josephine Falls is one of the most popular bathing spots south of Cairns. As mentioned above, however, you must follow the signs and monitor the conditions.
Can you park a caravan to the Josephine Falls? Yes, the parking lot next to the short hiking trail is very large and offers space for motorhomes and caravans.
Are there crocodiles on the Josephine Falls? No, there are no crocodiles in the fresh water of the Josephine Falls and the adjacent swimming holes. However, crocodiles often hike inland and can be spotted closer to the sea in the brackish water.
Are there toilets?: Yes, there are toilets in the parking lot next to the waterfall.
Cairn's accommodation guide-where to spend the night
Are you planning a trip to Cairns and wonder where you should settle? Below I listed some of the best options near Cairn's Esplanade. I also wrote a comprehensive accommodation guide for Cairns and a comprehensive accommodation leader for Port Douglas.
Crystalbrook Riley - if you are looking for luxury and location, the Crystallrbook Riley is unbeatable. This is the best 5-star resort in Cairns and offers absolutely everything you expect from a Crystalbrook resort.
TIP: Definitely go to Rocco’s Bar on the top of the Crystalbrook Riley to enjoy a great view over Cairns!
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Rydges Resort-This hotel offers an excellent price-performance ratio for an epic stay at a decent price! The location is perfect, near the Esplanade and has three swimming pools, two tennis courts, a whirlpool, a fitness center and even a 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, you are exactly right in the Fitzroy Island Resort. While you can take a day trip here, I strongly recommend spending the night so that you have more time to explore the reef, the coral beaches and the hiking trails in the rainforest.
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Gilligan’s backpackers-the best backpacker option for a great atmosphere in Cairns is Gilligan’s Backpackers. This is because this has a swimming pool, air conditioning, a complete kitchen and a great common area to meet other travelers.
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Further adventure leaders for the far north of Queensland
Do you find this short travel guide useful for visiting the Josephine Falls from Cairns? I spent a long time to treat many of the epic activities around Cairns. In my blog you will find many other waterfalls, hikes, viewpoints and more. Below are a couple with whom you can start!
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