Josephine Falls
Queensland
At a Glance
About Josephine Falls
Josephine Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall in Wooroonooran National Park at the base of Queensland's highest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere. The falls tumble over smooth granite slabs into a series of natural rock slides and swimming holes, creating one of the most popular natural water slides in Queensland. Set within Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest, the site offers short forest walks, excellent swimming, and is the starting point for the challenging multi-day hike to the summit of Mount Bartle Frere.
Josephine Falls Safety & Warnings
["flash_flooding_risk","slippery_granite","current_can_be_strong_after_rain","leech_awareness"]
Getting to Josephine Falls
Drive south from Cairns approximately 60 km on the Bruce Highway to Babinda, then 8 km west on the Josephine Falls Road to the car park.
Josephine Falls Highlights
Activities at Josephine Falls
History of Josephine Falls
Josephine Falls sits at the base of Mount Bartle Frere (1,622 m), Queensland's highest mountain, within Wooroonooran National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest. The falls have become regionally significant as a natural attraction due to their unique granite rock slides and swimming holes. The site is a major starting point for the challenging multi-day summit trek to Mount Bartle Frere, attracting both day visitors and serious hikers.
Tips for visiting Josephine Falls
The natural rock slide is safe in low-to-medium water flow — avoid after heavy rain when currents are dangerous. The track to the upper falls continues for 1 km beyond the main swimming area. The Bartle Frere summit track is for experienced hikers only (12 km, 2 days).