Josephine Falls
Josephine Falls is one of the many scenic waterfalls located near Cairns, Australia. The natural attraction boasts a natural cascading waterslide that flows best after rainfall on Queensland’s highest peak, Bartle Frere. Located 75 km south of Cairns in Wooroonooran National Park, Josephine Falls is one of the best day trips from the city! Here are some helpful tips for visiting Josephine Falls during your visit to Cairns.
Where Is Josephine Falls?
Josephine Falls is nestled in the lush rainforest landscapes of Wooroonooran National Park, just 75km south of Cairns. This is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Queensland, meaning the natural beauty is protected as a national park. This means there are vast rainforests, towering mountains, and stunning waterfalls that remain pristine and ready to be explored by responsible travellers! Other highlights of the area near Josephine Falls include Walshs Pyramid, Windin Falls, and Babinda Boulders.
Josephine Falls and the Bartle Frere region beholds generations-old knowledge and management from the traditional custodians the Noongyanbudda Ngadjon Aboriginal people, who maintain a close continuing spiritual connection to the area today.
Can you drive to Josephine Falls?
You can easily drive to Josephine Falls from Cairns, and it's only a short 1 hour and a 15-minute journey. You can get to the falls by either driving yourself or booking a guided tour from Cairns! There are some reputable places to rent a car in Cairns if you don't already have one. If you’re situated in Cairns and searching for the best car rental deals in the area, be sure to live chat with our friendly team for all you need to know.
How to drive to Josephine Falls from Cairns
Josephine Falls is located in the small town named Mirriwinni, in the Mount Bartle Frere region south of Cairns. A quick day trip from the city, to get to Josephine Falls from Cairns visitors should drive out to the Bruce Highway and continue for 75 kilometres south until they reach Miriwinni. From here, take the Mount Bartle Frere turnoff and continue following the Josephine Falls signposts for another 8 kilometres. There is plenty of public access parking once you arrive at Josephine Falls!
Atherton Tableland Tours that visit Josephine Falls
A guided tour is another amazing way to visit Josephine Falls from Cairns. Guided tours take care of all the transport for you, and they give you the added benefit of interesting facts and local knowledge from an experienced guide. If you're a solo traveller, group tours also make it easy to meet new people!
If you’re situated in the lively coastal town of Cairns and are seeking a day of sun-soaked adventure a Atherton Tablelands and Rainforest day tour is the best way to see the enchanting waterfalls of the Cairns region and share a laugh with friends new and old.
Explore our popular day tours below, or live chat with our team of Cairns experts to find your perfect waterfall-filled itinerary!
- Barefoot Atherton Day Tour
- Uncle Brian’s Cairns Day Tour
- Waterfall Wanderers Splash and Slide Half Day Tour
- Waterfall Wanderers Full Day Tour
Check out the best waterfall day trips from Cairns!
How long does it take to walk to Josephine Falls?
Once you arrive at Josephine Falls, it's just a 700-metre walk from the carpark to the falls which takes roughly 10-15 minutes to complete. The pathway is paved and easy for travellers of all ages. Plus, it's an incredibly scenic walk! You get to stroll through lush rainforest vegetation and admire the dense greenery of the tropical rainforest. It's an easy walk to Josephine Falls and it will most likely be uncrowded in the early morning or lake afternoon. Josephine Falls is a popular swimming spot near Cairns, but it's not as famous as other nearby cascades like Millaa Millaa Falls so it doesn't get overly busy.
Is it safe to swim at Josephine Falls?
It is safe to swim in Josephine Falls, and it's actually considered one of the best freshwater swimming spots near Cairns! With clear, refreshing water that is free from crocodiles or stingers, it's a gorgeous spot to cool off in Queensland year-round. Visitors can even make their way up the rocks and try their hand at the natural granite waterslide. The smooth rock and crisp pool below make for a fun ride that will have you going back for more!
Aside from the natural waterslide at Josephine Falls, there are numerous calm pools surrounded by greenery and boulders that make for a peaceful swim. Before visiting please be aware that some areas of the falls are restricted as there are slippery rocks that make for dangerous footing. Always abide by the signs and stay in the allowed areas to ensure you stay safe at Josephine Falls!
Other reasons to visit Josephine Falls
Besides the freshwater swimming opportunities, Josephine Falls is a tranquil place to go for a hike or have a picnic out in nature. Providing visitors with the ideal spot to spread out the picnic rug, refresh from the humid Cairns weather, and relax with friends and family, Josephine Falls is the perfect day trip from Cairns during the wet season or if a freshwater escape is in mind! With crystal-clear waters and postcard-perfect scenery, a road trip to Josephine Falls is a must-add to your Cairns itinerary!
For the avid hikers or those simply eager for a leisurely rainforest stroll, there are several walks that twist through the Josephine Falls landscape! From the 1.2-kilometre walk to the top of Josephine Falls or the 10-kilometre hike to Broken Nose, there is something for everyone.
