Wooroonooran National Park Travel Guide
Wooroonooran National Park is an oasis of natural beauty in the rainforests of Tropical North Queensland! Home to iconic waterfalls like Josephine Falls and Millaa Millaa Falls, and epic hikes like Walshs Pyramid and Windin Falls, this national park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
In this Wooroonooran National Park travel guide, we'll cover basic tips for visiting this enchanting, lush corner of northern Queensland. Whether you're venturing out here on a day trip from Cairns, or you've got a campervan and you're slow travelling around the area, here is all you need to know about visiting Wooroonooran National Park!
Where Is Wooroonooran National Park?
Wooroonooran National Park is about an hour south of Cairns in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Queensland. The exact driving time and distance from Cairns will depend on where in the park you are headed. Wooroonooran National Park is just shy of 800 square kilometres in size, so it's a vast area of wilderness!
How to get around Wooroonooran National Park
Because Wooroonooran Park is so big, the best way to get around is with your own car or campervan. There isn't much public transport in the area, so the only other option for getting around without a car is booking a tour. But if you want to fully explore the park for a few days and see more, having your own car is essential! You can rent one in Cairns, or rent a campervan and camp in the park.
Most of the roads are well-marked and paved. You don't need a 4WD to explore Wooroonooran National Park, though it may be handy to have a 4WD in especially wet, muddy weather for some of the more rugged rainforest tracks. It is the tropics, so sometimes roads can flood during rainy season. But usually a regular car will be fine to explore the Wooroonooran National Park!
Tours To Wooroonooran National Park From Cairns
If you don't have a car or don't want to rent one, you can explore the highlights of Wooroonooran National Park on a guided tour from Cairns! Guided tours are a great option for solo travellers and backpackers who want to meet people, or for those who are keen to learn about the area from your local guide. Your tour guide will share their knowledge about the flora, fauna, history, and culture of this gorgeous national park throughout the day.
Also, guided tours will take you to the hotspots of Wooroonooran National Park, so they are great for those who don't like planning and researching trips for themselves. Many tours visit Josephine Falls, Babinda Boulders, or Millaa Millaa Falls for swims. But if you want to venture somewhere more remote, or take on a challenging hike like Walshs Pyramid, there might not be a tour and you'll have to drive yourself.
Check out our most popular Cairns waterfall tours!
Wooroonooran National Park Things To Do
There are so many incredible things to do in Wooroonooran National Park, from hiking mountains to swimming waterfalls and more! These natural wonders are the main draws for the national park. Travellers and adventure seekers from Cairns, Port Douglas, and around flock to the area to immerse themselves in the lush rainforest landscapes and beauty. Add these Wooroonooran National Park attractions to your Tropical North Queensland bucket list!
Josephine Falls
Josephine Falls is one of the most popular cascades in Wooroonooran National Park. The pristine waters invite visitors to take a refreshing plunge into its crystal-clear pools, providing respite from the tropical heat. With a tranquil energy and the dense forest surroundings, Josephine Falls is the perfect place for a swim, a picnic, and a relaxing day out in nature near Cairns.
Babinda Boulders
Another gorgeous swimming spot in Wooroonooran National Park, Babinda Boulders is a magical oasis of nature and serenity. Comprised of cool, flowing water, crystal clear pools, and huge granite boulders, this location is as beautiful as it is peaceful.
Walshs Pyramid
Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or an epic photo opportunity, Walshs Pyramid is an iconic mountain in Wooroonooran National Park. Rising steeply from the earth, this ancient volcanic remnant showcases the region's geological history. Take on the steep hike to the summit, or just drive around the nearby roads and take some amazing photos of this natural pyramid.
Windin Falls
Another one of the coolest photo spots near Cairns, Windin Falls is a stunning plunge waterfall with a natural infinity pool at the top. It's only accessible via a challenging yet enjoyable hike through the rainforest. The rocky stream at the top has a wide swimming hole that overlooks the distant mountains and valleys, and it's a truly breathtaking sight!
Mount Bartle Frere
Mount Bartle Frere is the highest peak in Queensland, making it a top destination in Wooroonooran National Park for hikers. Embarking on the ascent, trekkers can explore ancient rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and tropical flora and fauna. From the summit, you can admire the rich green landscapes and see all the way out to the azure waters of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef.
Millaa Millaa Falls
Queensland is packed with gorgeous waterfalls, and Millaa Millaa Falls is one of the most famous. This majestic waterfall plunges into a wide swimming pool that makes for a refreshing swim and stunning photos. Millaa Millaa Falls is located along the Waterfall Circuit, a scenic drive through Wooroonooran National Park that also includes Zillie Falls and Elijnaa Falls.
