Our top tips for visiting Josephine Falls
Issued: 19 Jan 2024

Sooo, our paths have crossed because you’re looking to spend some magic moments on park around Cairns this summer chasing waterfalls. Park on.

Issued
19 January 2024
Region

If you’re headed to Cairns, chances are Josephine Falls is on your must-see list.

It’s probably one of our most Insta-gramable locations in all of Queensland and it’s pretty easy to get to between Innisfail and Cairns which means you’d probably recognise this spot from many-a-day-tripper in your Instagram feed.

Instagram, sadly though, doesn’t always match reality.

Here’s what they don’t tell you:

It’s not a ‘hidden gem’

  • It’s almost always packed.
  • Be prepared to share this spot with other waterfall wanderers.
Graphic reading 'Instagram: beautiful, calm, peaceful, serene, quiet. & Reality: 'safety barriers & viewing platforms with queues to get the perfect picture'.

It can be really dangerous and sections are restricted

  • People have died here. Take our signs as signs to stay safe on your visit.
Graphic reading 'restricted access area sign in place due to previous deaths and injuries' next to a polaroid photo of a Danger sign on park.

Picture perfect can change in a flash

  • Weather high in the mountains can make conditions in this park change very suddenly without the weather changing above your head.
  • Check weather and park alerts before you leave to make sure you’ll have the best conditions for your adventure.
A graphic with two polaroid images of police and SES and QFES staff at Josephine Falls for a training operation.

There’s more to see than just the swimming holes at this iconic spot

  • If you’re day tripping, you may as well make a day of it, right?
  • Indulge in a spot of quiet croc or birdwatching at Eubenangee Swamp National Park.
  • Have some fun on two wheels and mountain bike part of the Goldfield trail in Wooroonooran National Park.
  • You may even like to stay a little longer and enjoy a remote camp on the beach at Russell River National Park.
  • Or choose your own adventure by searching our available parks and activities.
Graphic reading 'plenty to see and do on park in SEQ. Search parks.des.qld.gov.au for adventure inspo from the people who run the parks. Yep that's a thing.' Next to a polaroid of a lake scene.

Time in nature makes space for life’s best moments, so get out there, be safe and enjoy them.

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