Josephine Falls
Josephine Falls
4.5
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- Nick M10 contributionsCool slide!This is soooo cool. Sliding down the natural waterfall is just awesome. This a must do stop on the Athertons Waterfall circuit and it was my favourite one. Beautiful scenery too! It is pretty slippery on the rocks trying to get out of the water after each slide so be careful.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 July 2024
- Claire n Andrew ADarwin, Australia264 contributionsBeautiful swimming spotWe visited here on our trip to Cairns. It is easy to find, with plenty of signs and sealed roads. It is a bit of a walk to get to the falls - 700metres. Quite steep on the way up, obviously better on the way back as its more downhill. So be prepared if your fitness is not so great. The pathway is smooth, but steep and long. The walk to the falls is beautiful, through the rainforest, totally surrounded by it. Steep-ish metal steps down to the main bottom rock hole and falls with the natural rock slide. Navigating into the water is something you need to be careful with - not a lot of flat, good standing ground. Lots of round slippery rocks. Crawl over them if you have to! Just be aware and pick the best way in for you. This time of the year, the water was very fresh and cold, but was lovely once you're in it. Strong current coming from the waterfall, a bit better when youre out in the middles, crossing over to climb up to the rock slide. If you are a weak swimmer, be extra careful as the current is quite fast and if your balance and mobility isn't so great maybe give the swimming a miss here. Again, can be a bit challenging get out of the water to climb onto this to get to the rock slide, so be careful and do within your limitations. Easy to go down the rock slide, a bit of a bump at the end, but well worth it. It was fairly busy when we were there, however you aren't on top of people and there is still plenty of room for everyone. You can just soak in the water if you don't want to do the slide. Well worth a visit. Even if you just want to look and not go in the water.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 September 2024
- Ben KingLondon, United Kingdom344 contributionsCool swim spotVery cool swim spot for a couple hours. The waterfall is easily accessible with lots of parking and only a 700 metre walk. Waterfall is huge and there are lots of rocks for sitting, eating, and sunbathing. You can slide down part of the waterfall! But beware the water is COLD. Come and park up here on a sunny afternoon, it’s gets pretty busy!Visited October 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 October 2024
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4.5
548 reviews
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Very good
112
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20
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Terrible
4
Paul F
10 contributions
Dec 2022
Absolutely amazing. Would go back again in a heartbeat. We went during a torrential downpour so the water was much higher and murkier than the photos but it was still amazing. You can still go down the slide. We did not because we have gotten our backs hurt smacking boulders underwater in the past, but at one point another guy joined us and he did just fine. If you go in the rain you will likely have the place to yourself or 1-2 people. If you can only pick one of the Tabelands waterfalls, choose this one.
Caveat of this is, the water can be very dangerous during a storm. They have a meter indications on how much skill you need to get in. We are both swimmers so we were fine but the water was rising so fast at some point the automatic red lights that flash when swimming is prohibited went off so we quickly got out and glad we did because it was a much stronger current. Heed the signs and warning. They have a white, yellow, and red level, White is safe for anyone, yellow is for non-children and above average swimmers, and red is no one allowed.
Personally I wouldn't go here with a tour group if you have a car. This, and most waterfalls (all of them?) in the area are free and do not cost anything. We saw buses coming up as we left (none could go in as at that point the level was red) and I think it'd have been pretty miserable to bus an hour from Cairns for a visit that could have been free.
Caveat of this is, the water can be very dangerous during a storm. They have a meter indications on how much skill you need to get in. We are both swimmers so we were fine but the water was rising so fast at some point the automatic red lights that flash when swimming is prohibited went off so we quickly got out and glad we did because it was a much stronger current. Heed the signs and warning. They have a white, yellow, and red level, White is safe for anyone, yellow is for non-children and above average swimmers, and red is no one allowed.
Personally I wouldn't go here with a tour group if you have a car. This, and most waterfalls (all of them?) in the area are free and do not cost anything. We saw buses coming up as we left (none could go in as at that point the level was red) and I think it'd have been pretty miserable to bus an hour from Cairns for a visit that could have been free.
Written 18 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefan H
55 contributions
Aug 2022
For me this is the pick of the Falls near Cairns. Located between Cairns and Innesfail its an easy drive in and quite scenic. July August is harvesting time for the sugar cane, there is lots of activity with cane harvesting and cane transport by dedicated trains, really unique to North Queensland.
Josephine Falls will not disappoint, there are good toilet amenities there at the car park, with ample spaces. The walk to the fall through the forest is lovely. When you get to the falls, the left turns will take you to a few look out point, which are just beautiful, the right turn takes you to the base base, here you can relax and have a swim. Be mindful that the water is very Cool!! You get used to it pretty quickly. This Falls also has the natural rock slide, which is quite unique and very popular.
Note though the weather conditions in Cairn can change rapidly and the area can become unsafe, usually the local council will close of the swimming section when there is excessive rain causing flooding. If you are not sure there is a water level sign at the base of the water hole which is depicted with Green (Safe), Yellow (Caution) and Red (No Go) typical in the winter this waterfall is accessible unless there are unseasonable rains around.
Josephine Falls will not disappoint, there are good toilet amenities there at the car park, with ample spaces. The walk to the fall through the forest is lovely. When you get to the falls, the left turns will take you to a few look out point, which are just beautiful, the right turn takes you to the base base, here you can relax and have a swim. Be mindful that the water is very Cool!! You get used to it pretty quickly. This Falls also has the natural rock slide, which is quite unique and very popular.
Note though the weather conditions in Cairn can change rapidly and the area can become unsafe, usually the local council will close of the swimming section when there is excessive rain causing flooding. If you are not sure there is a water level sign at the base of the water hole which is depicted with Green (Safe), Yellow (Caution) and Red (No Go) typical in the winter this waterfall is accessible unless there are unseasonable rains around.
Written 1 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate
Gawler, Australia31 contributions
May 2021
We attended around 4pm mid week one afternoon in May. The roads there are good as is the parking area. There are toilets at the parking area too. The walk isn't very far at all through the beautiful rain Forrest. I'd go as far to say its an 'easy walk'. It was beautiful and well signed. The water was cold, but that expected during that time of year. Swimming wasn't too difficult, but if your not a strong swimmer, don't venture out to far as you'll get swept up. It wasn't very busy when we went, which is what made it that much nicer, unlike other waterfalls we visited. A great experience for anyone who doesn't get to see/visit rain forests or waterfalls normally.
Written 2 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jebskulker
Sydney, NSW2,017 contributions
May 2021
I came here as part of a day tour from Cairns, but it could easily be reached by car as it's free entrty. We arrived around 10am & there were only 10 or so people at the falls itself, it's a short walk from the car park and it's all paved if people want to wear thongs instead of shoes.
The water is cold but once you get in you do get used to it after a few seconds, just move around a bit, and there's enough room to have a leisurely swim.
A lot of people were going over to the natural water side, that's what this place is famous for in the area, and everyone was having a great time. A must visit while in Cairns.
The water is cold but once you get in you do get used to it after a few seconds, just move around a bit, and there's enough room to have a leisurely swim.
A lot of people were going over to the natural water side, that's what this place is famous for in the area, and everyone was having a great time. A must visit while in Cairns.
Written 3 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonyer D
6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Breathtakingly beautiful cascading water fall that ends in rocky pools. We managed to swim and also enjoyed a natural slide into the water. Lots of climbing over slippery surfaces needed to enjoy the water, however there are viewpoints for those who can't get into the water. Stay safe and follow the signs.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LisaD
Coppabella, Australia1,080 contributions
Aug 2022
Lots of parking space. But this also means lots of people. Yes there's toilets.
Easy walk (see pic for tracks) not sure why someone wrote it was hard.
Signs up everywhere warning you of the dangers, not sure why someone said there's not. They are there for a reason, just look at the death stats on the google.
Wheelchair friendly. In fact there was a man in a wheelchair there the same time as me. Viewing decks as well as pool fence gates & stairs down to the water if you decide to have a swim.
WARNING NOTE!:- The top pool is CLOSED to the public for swimming. Signs up, gate is padlocked shut.
YES idiots with their new born baby swam there and then climbed back over the padlocked fence. Teenage fools jumped off the rocks and swam across it. 1 male was struggling against the current & suction pulling him down. And a family sat there taking pics then had a swim. Can guarantee they'd be the first people to sue and complain when something goes wrong. Made me and others angry.
Falls & pools are absolutely beautiful, water was icy, too cold for me. Plenty of spots to sit or paddle in the water along the creek.
Easy walk (see pic for tracks) not sure why someone wrote it was hard.
Signs up everywhere warning you of the dangers, not sure why someone said there's not. They are there for a reason, just look at the death stats on the google.
Wheelchair friendly. In fact there was a man in a wheelchair there the same time as me. Viewing decks as well as pool fence gates & stairs down to the water if you decide to have a swim.
WARNING NOTE!:- The top pool is CLOSED to the public for swimming. Signs up, gate is padlocked shut.
YES idiots with their new born baby swam there and then climbed back over the padlocked fence. Teenage fools jumped off the rocks and swam across it. 1 male was struggling against the current & suction pulling him down. And a family sat there taking pics then had a swim. Can guarantee they'd be the first people to sue and complain when something goes wrong. Made me and others angry.
Falls & pools are absolutely beautiful, water was icy, too cold for me. Plenty of spots to sit or paddle in the water along the creek.
Written 30 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tea&Toast
Sydney, Australia72 contributions
Jul 2020
We really enjoyed our visit to this beautiful spot. The water was nice and deep for swimming and there were a few fish at the bottom. Our 6 year old, who was wearing reef shoes and is quite agile and a confident swimmer, was fine to navigate the rocks with in order to slide into the water. However, other kids were too scared, and it would be easy to slip or go with the current and be bashed against the rocks. On a 24 degree day, once we were in and moving, the water felt very fresh but not too cold. Nearby toilets very clean and well maintained.
Written 18 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dms1999
Harlow, UK129 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This is one of my favourite places in the world. It is Bea and exiting. I’ve been a few time before but this time it had been raining and it was a bit more of a challenge to swim across and probably not recommended for all the rock are slippery and a lot of people do fall. There is a big rock slide which is a lot of fun for all ages. The walk to/ from isn’t too hard and parking/toilets are available(there may b a few 8 legged friends in there !
Written 4 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FamAdventure
Melbourne, Australia25 contributions
Jul 2021
A stopover here is highly recommended... actually, it is worth the drive if you are staying in Cairns!
We visited on a very wet day, no swimming was allowed and the water was flowing really fast. I wouldn't have liked to see anyone swim in these conditions, but it was spectacle viewing those rapids.
A short walk from the car park is required.
We visited on a very wet day, no swimming was allowed and the water was flowing really fast. I wouldn't have liked to see anyone swim in these conditions, but it was spectacle viewing those rapids.
A short walk from the car park is required.
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott B
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
What a magnificent place. Defintely worth stopping by. I am still yet to visit the Golden hole around the corner but I have heard that the Golden pool is no longer ok for swimming.
Josephine falls is defintely safe to swim as long as it hasn't been raining upstream.
Josephine falls is defintely safe to swim as long as it hasn't been raining upstream.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far is Josephine Falls from central Cairns and what is the easiest way to get there? Thanks
Written 24 October 2018
It is near Babinda about an hour out of Cairns then a good 1/2 hour walk
Written 25 October 2018
Josephine Falls is in our plans, I was just wondering how long people recommend you need to spend there includign the walks and happy snaps?
Written 11 May 2018
We spent a good part of half a day. The walk itself is short but we spent a lot of time sliding down the rocks and swimming around. While crocs arent usually spotted in such fast moving water, keep your wits about you.
Written 11 May 2018
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