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Josephine Falls Waterfall & Swimming Hole: Complete Guide (Cairns)
A complete waterfall guide to visiting Josephine Falls, one of the most pristine swimming spots near Cairns in Far North Queensland. Find out how to get here, what to expect and how to make the most of your trip to this epic gem in Wooroonooran National Park. Josephine Falls is a scenic rainforest waterfall flowing in a beautiful rainforest stream in Wooroonooran National Park. This beautiful waterfall and seaside resort is a local favorite and definitely one that everyone should visit during their visit to tropical north Queensland. In this short waterfall guide I would like to answer all your questions about visiting Josephine Falls...
Josephine Falls Waterfall & Swimming Hole: Complete Guide (Cairns)
A complete waterfall guide to visiting Josephine Falls, one of the most pristine swimming spots near Cairns in Far North Queensland. Find out how to get here, what to expect and how to make the most of your trip to this epic gem in Wooroonooran National Park.
Josephine Falls is a scenic rainforest waterfall flowing in a beautiful rainforest stream in Wooroonooran National Park. This beautiful waterfall and seaside resort is a local favorite and definitely one that everyone should visit during their visit to tropical north Queensland.
In this short waterfall guide I would like to answer all your questions about visiting Josephine Falls from Cairns and the surrounding region. I'll explain how to get here, what to expect, and add photos that I hope will inspire your trip!
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Where is Josephine Falls?
Josephine Falls is located in Wooroonooran National Park, approximately 1 hour (75 kilometers) south of Cairns. Below you will find the correct Google Maps pin for the parking lot that allows access to the falls.
The waterfall is fed by rain captured by Queensland's highest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere, which rises 1622 meters above the waterfall. In fact, Josephine Falls shares the same parking lot as the trailhead to this rainforest peak!
Be sure to check out some of my other adventure guides, including guides to the best waterfalls in Cairns, the best hikes, the best activities and things to do, where to stay and what to pack!
An organized trip: Josephine Falls from Cairns
Unfortunately there is no public transport to get to Josephine Falls from Cairns. However, there are some quality and reputable tours that include a stop here.
For those who are short on time but want to see some of the best waterfalls in Cairns and the tropical north, I highly recommend checking out the options below.
Both are among the top-rated waterfall excursions you'll find, and both feature a stop at Josephine Falls as well as other rainforest waterfall highlights including Millaa Millaa and Dinner Falls.
Full Day Waterfall Tour: Check price here
Cheap Waterfall Swimming Tour: Check price here
How to Get to Josephine Falls (Self-Drive Option)
The drive to Josephine Falls is 75 kilometers southwest of Cairns on the Bruce Highway. To get here, head towards “Bartle Frere” and turn off Bartle Frere Road. There are signs on Bartle Frere Road indicating the direction to Josephine Falls.
Follow this road to the end and continue when it forks left (now Price Road).
Next, continue on this road that runs through the sugar cane plantations and turn right when you see the signs for the waterfalls parking lot (Josephine Falls Road).
It should take about an hour to reach the car park to Josephine Falls from Cairns.
The parking lot is very large and can accommodate about 25 vehicles. As this waterfall is one of the most popular swimming spots south of Cairns, you can expect it to be quite busy.
You will also find several amenities in the parking lot, including a shelter, restrooms, picnic tables, and coin-operated grills.
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NEARBY: Windin Falls | Walsh's Pyramid | Millaa Millaa Falls
The Josephine Falls Track
Once you reach the parking lot, it's just a short 600-meter walk along 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 map showing the Josephine Falls Track to get a better idea of the swimming holes and viewing platforms.
You definitely don't need this to get to the waterfall. I only included it because it is useful for getting an understanding of the different places you can visit at Josephine Falls.
alt=““>Source: QLD Parks
Related: 22 great things to do in the Atherton Tablelands
Josephine falls
Josephine Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls with 3 main drops. The largest waterfall at Josephine Falls is at the end of the trail and visitors can admire it from a wide wooden platform called the 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 gully before flowing over a large, wide boulder.
Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited at the largest waterfall as this entire pool area is classified as restricted. But don't worry, there are plenty of great swimming holes at Josephine Falls, just a little earlier on the route (closer to the parking lot).
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RELATED POST: Nandroya Falls – Hiking and Waterfall Guide
Swimming holes and the waterfall rock slide
Just before the main waterfall there is a sign indicating access to the river. This is known as the Big Pool and is where you'll find the best Josephine Falls swimming holes and even a rock slide!
The main pool is a dreamy shade of aquatic green and is deep enough to swim in (approximately 1.5 meters). There's also a natural rock slide here, which is a fun little bonus to this must-visit waterfall in Far North Queensland.
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There are also several smaller swimming areas along the stream. So if the main pool and rock slide are too crowded for you, head a little downstream to find some remote and secluded rainforest swimming holes!
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Deaths in the dangerous river
During the rainy season the current can become very unpredictable. Unfortunately, there have been several deaths at this waterfall due to submerged rocks and dangerous currents.
There are several warning signs and river depth alarms, so it's best to be careful. If you're concerned, you can check the current warnings for all parks here. I have visited Josephine Falls countless times now while traveling south of Cairns and I have yet to see it in full force. But even in the dry season, the waterfall, especially the top level, generally has a decently strong flow. I would only swim here if conditions permitted.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Josephine Falls
Can you swim here? Yes, Josephine Falls is one of the most popular swimming spots south of Cairns. However, as mentioned above, you must follow signs and monitor conditions.
Can you park a caravan at Josephine Falls? Yes, the parking lot next to the short hiking trail is very large and can accommodate RVs and caravans.
Are there crocodiles at Josephine Falls? No, there are no crocodiles in the fresh water of Josephine Falls and the adjacent swimming holes. However, crocodiles often migrate inland and can be spotted in brackish water closer to the sea.
Are there toilets?: Yes, there are toilets in the parking lot next to the waterfall ride.
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 adventure guides for Far North Queensland
Did you find this short guide to visiting Josephine Falls from Cairns useful? I've spent a long time covering many of the epic things to do around Cairns. In my blog you will find many more waterfalls, hikes, viewpoints and more. Below are a few to get you started!
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