Tropical Northern Queensland is famous for its waterfalls. When visiting your area, you really are spoilt for choice. However, we have narrowed this list down to seven must-see waterfalls to visit when in Cairns. Whether you like swimming, hiking, photographing or just going for a look, there will be a waterfall for you here!

Seven- Josephine Falls

As a popular fixture on many tour operator’s itineraries, Josephine Falls is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. This means it is absolutely bursting with tourists on a sunny day. However, we happened to visit here during torrential rain (which was a theme during our stay in Cairns). Although we couldn’t swim, we had the place to ourselves and the waterfall, river and surrounding woodland were still breathtaking.

Six- Barron Falls

Only accessible by train (on the stunning Kuranda Scenic Railway) or on foot from Kuranda Village, Barron Falls is definitely worth the trip. Best seen in the wet season, Barron Falls is a dramatic cascade waterfall fed by rainwater flowing down from the Atherton tablelands. We would very much recommend visiting via the railway for a chance to learn more about the culture and history of the area surrounding Kuranda and the Barron Gorge.

Five- Millaa Millaa

Waterfall enthusiasts will already know about Millaa Milla falls- the picture perfect cascade starred in Peter Andre’s “Mysterious Girl” and is world famous. The pool underneath the waterfall is also perfect for swimming, and is a great place for a photo. The downside of its fame and beauty is that Millaa Millaa is often jam-packed with tourists. Our advice is go on a rainy day to avoid the crowds!

Four- Behana Gorge

The walk to this viewpoint is fairly steep, but is full concreted for service vehicles and so is very accessible. The 3.5km hike takes you through the forest past indigenous flora and fauna, swimming holes, and dramatic views, to Clamshell Falls. Make sure you take plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear for this trek, and bring a good camera for the money shot of Clamshell Falls!

Three- Nandroya Falls

Located near the Cairns Waterfall Circuit, reaching Nandroya Falls requires an hour of trekking into the dense forest of the Wooroonooran National Park. Although the path is well marked, this feels like a wild part of the world, and is virtually untouched rainforest. The hike is well worth it to see the awesome 50m free-fall waterfall at the end. Remember to be careful of the wildlife- especially snakes- and watch out for leeches!

Two- Crystal Cascades

This waterfall is located only 20 minutes from Cairns, and is reached by a short walk up a steep, concreted track. The waterfall itself is very scenic, and the path has several viewpoints jutting out over the gorge which are great for photos. The pool under the waterfall is also perfect for swimming, which attracts crowds of tourists and locals in the summer months. There are also a few less obvious footpaths leading away from the carpark which lead to smaller (but still lovely) streams and waterfalls.

One- Ellinjaa Falls

This was our favourite waterfall for three reasons- it is absolutely breathtaking, you can swim underneath it, and it was totally deserted except for the two of us. Ellinjaa Falls is located on the Cairns Waterfall Circuit, and is accessed by a short but steep down-hill path, which appears to deter the bulk of the tourists. We stayed here for over two hours swimming and relaxing, and only left because we were getting hungry, and had other waterfalls to see before nightfall.

Although these were our favourites, there are dozens of other waterfalls, hikes and excursions around Cairns to choose from. We would highly recommend spending a significant chunk of time exploring the area around this wonderful and unique city. Which waterfalls around Cairns are your favourites? Let us know in the comments!