Emerald Creek Falls – waterfall and swimming hole near Cairns

Emerald Creek Falls – waterfall and swimming hole near Cairns

A complete guide to visiting Emerald Creek Falls, an idyllic waterfall and seaside resort near Mareeba, easily accessible from Cairns.

Want to visit a remote waterfall near Cairns and the Tablelands? You have found yourself in the right place. Emerald Creek Falls is a great little waterfall and swimming spot that is very popular with locals.

The waterfall features a larger, cascading plain and deep swimming holes in a drier eucalyptus pool. This makes it a perfect place to cool off all year round and is quite a unique waterfall compared to the others around Cairns.

In this quick guide, I want to share with you everything you need to know about visiting this waterfall. I'll include how to get here, what to expect, and I'll throw in some photos that I hope will inspire your visit.
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If this is your first time reading my blog, be sure to check out my list of epic things to see and do in Cairns. After visiting this waterfall, explore other epic Cairns waterfalls or hiking trails or check out this list for where to stay.

Where is Emerald Creek Falls?

Emerald Creek Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall in the Dinden West Forest Reserve, near the township of Mareeba, about 30 kilometers from Cairns. I have pinned the exact location of the waterfall below. However, Google is notorious for leading people down the wrong path in search of this waterfall.

Therefore, I suggest you read on for exact directions to Emerald Creek Falls from Cairns or Mareeba.

Google Maps Pin: “Emerald Creek Falls” – Mareeba

How to get here from Cairns

Since this location is a little off the beaten path, you will need to have your own car or transportation to get to Emerald Creek Falls.

The drive here itself should take around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Cairns.

To get here, take the Captain Cook Highway north toward Kuranda. Then continue onto Kennedy Highway. There are some signposts along the road to Emerald Creek Falls. The turnoff to Davies Creek is called Tinaroo Creek Road, about 10 kilometers past the Davies Creek turnoff.

Nearby is the small community of Mareeba where you can stop and have a bite to eat or refill your water bottles.

You need to follow this road for about 5 minutes until you reach Cobra Road, where you turn left. This is a steep, unpaved gravel road that winds down into the valley. There are signs indicating that the road is not suitable for trailers and caravans.

Don't make the mistake of letting Google Maps guide you to Emerald Creek Falls. We took a wrong turn and ended up on private property. When you come to a dead end around banana plantations with a sign to turn back, then you know you've made the same mistake I did.
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Alternative Option: Cairns Waterfalls Tour

If you don't have your own car but still want to experience some epic waterfalls near Cairns, you can book a tour that will take you to some of the best. The following link is the top rated waterfall tour in Cairns which offers free hotel pickup and visits to Millaa Millaa Falls and Josephine Falls to name a few.

Book the best price for: Cairns Waterfall Tour

Emerald Creek Falls hiking trail

From the Emerald Creek Falls parking lot, it's just a short 1-kilometer walk to the waterfall overlook and swimming holes.

Along the way you will notice that the landscape is drier than the surrounding rainforest. You will see eucalyptus trees and small bushes as well as huge anthills along the side of the track.

There are several small swimming holes along the way, fed by the stream and waterfall above. If you want to cool off and have a private swimming hole for yourself, just take a short detour to the left of the track and follow the stream.
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alt=“EMERALD CREEK FALLS WALKING TRAIL”>The start of the Emerald Creek Falls trail

Featured in: Great things to do in the Atherton Tablelands

What to Expect at Emerald Creek Falls

The upper level has the largest waterfall, but is less impressive than the lower level in my opinion. This is due to the fact that although it is larger, it tumbles down large granite boulders rather than freely plunging into a pool.

Height of Emerald Creek Falls: The main waterfall of Emerald Creek Falls is approximately 30 meters high. Cumulatively between all levels I would say it is about 50 meters.
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Don't miss: Kahlpahlim Rock Hike (very close)

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Upper waterfall viewpoint

About 10-15 minutes after leaving the parking lot there will be a signposted fork in the road. The right path leads to the upper waterfall viewing platform, the left winds down to the swimming areas.

If you want a good view of the upper part, it's worth the quick 10-minute walk up.
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Swimming holes at Emerald Creek Falls

At the fork you can turn left and continue downward, crossing some boulders and a stream before reaching the lower waterfall level. Here the waterfall pours through three narrow channels and plunges into a deep swimming hole.

The water is deep enough for swimming and a perfect place to relax and cool off.

A little further below the waterfall pool there are some smaller rock pools and lagoons that are also great for swimming.
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ALSO NEARBY: Turtle Rock Hike, Davies Creek National Park

Looking for the private tropical oasis

My favorite spot at Emerald Creek Falls was a small sheltered rainforest oasis at one of the creek crossings. It looked like something out of a movie set, with soft sandy edges leading into crystal clear freshwater swimming holes.

To top it off, there's even a perfectly positioned palm tree and overhanging tropical plants and vines for shade.
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A dog-friendly waterfall near Cairns

Dogs are allowed at Emerald Creek Falls. Because it is a national forest and not a national park, there are less strict rules about bringing pets.

That means if you're a Cairns local or traveling around Australia with your dog, they can also enjoy the refreshing waterfalls at Emerald Creek. Bright Camping is a great resource for enjoying a camping trip or adventure with your dog.

Related: Wallaman Falls (highest in Australia)

Don't miss Davies Creek Falls nearby

If you're coming from Cairns, it's worth stopping at another waterfall nearby. Davies Creek Falls is a much taller waterfall that also has its own swimming holes and lagoons.

From Emerald Creek and Mareeba it only takes about 25 minutes and is on the way back to Cairns. So why not take a waterfall day trip and check out the other epic waterfalls near Cairns?

Read more: Davies Creek Falls

alt=“DAVIES CREEK FALLS VIEWPOINT”>Davies Creek Falls
alt=“DAVIES CREEK FALLS SWIMMING AREA”>Swimming area near Davies Creek

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.
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.
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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 epic Cairns adventure ideas

I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to visiting Emerald Creek Falls near Mareeba in Far North Queensland. For more epic waterfalls, hikes and adventures in the area, check out my other articles. I'm sure you'll find something new!

Below are also a few photos from our first trip to Emerald Creek Falls. Enjoy your visit!

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