Josephine Falls
Josephine Falls
4.5
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- Scott B7 contributionsA must seeWhat 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.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten November 7, 2023
- Sonyer D6 contributionsSimply Stunning WaterfallBreathtakingly 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.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 8, 2023
- Alix VSydney, Australia232 contributionsCrystal clean beautyAn absolute highlight of one of our days chasing waterfalls. Josephine Falls is crystal clear, so unbelievably clean and has a safe and bigger swimming spot at the bottom. Set yourself up on the rocks and you can stay for hours in the shade. There is a fun natural rock slide into the pool as well as a rope swing.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten January 10, 2024
- 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 July 27, 2024
- Claire n Andrew ADarwin, Australia266 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 September 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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jebskulker
Sydney, NSW2,035 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 July 3, 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.
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 September 1, 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.
FamAdventure
Melbourne, Australia24 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 July 16, 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.
missyAustralia
australia342 contributions
Aug 2020
We thoroughly enjoyed our time here,meandering down to the different levels of the waterfall (easy walk) is well worthwhile. People were swimming & sliding down the rocks to a pooled area ,but be careful the signs give warnings to be very cautious. The sun was glistening off the rocks.... as the water flowed ,simply peaceful & beautiful. Highly recommended.
Written August 6, 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.
Jove99
Brisbane, Australia325 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Absolutely worth visiting. It’s a very beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. The walk-in access from the carpark is very good.
Access into the very cold water over slippery rocks was a little more challenging than I thought it would be but you get the hang of it. I could see how a pair of reef shoes might be handy.
Take as minimal amount of gear that you need for the day in one very small light bag or just take a towel - you don’t want to man handling armfuls of stuff when you arrive at the swimming hole, you’ll regret it.
Definitely recommend going early in the day. We arrived around 0900 on a Saturday and it was pretty quiet but by the time we left around 1130 it was getting quite busy.
Will definitely return.
Access into the very cold water over slippery rocks was a little more challenging than I thought it would be but you get the hang of it. I could see how a pair of reef shoes might be handy.
Take as minimal amount of gear that you need for the day in one very small light bag or just take a towel - you don’t want to man handling armfuls of stuff when you arrive at the swimming hole, you’ll regret it.
Definitely recommend going early in the day. We arrived around 0900 on a Saturday and it was pretty quiet but by the time we left around 1130 it was getting quite busy.
Will definitely return.
Written January 17, 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.
Angiopteris
Sydney, Australia230 contributions
Feb 2021
Cascading waterfalls and rainforest, what more could you want. Well maintained track and steps to pools, QPS really did a great job providing access for visitors. Take care, the rocks can be slippery and some sandals are recommended. Even on the hot day the water was cool. Warming signs are everywhere about the currents so we kept to protected pools. Walked out at dusk to a chorus of mountain frogs.
Written February 20, 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.
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 August 30, 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.
CodyMav
Gold Coast, Australia27,270 contributions
Jul 2020
The signboard said 700m to the falls from the carpark, but it didn't feel that far, albeit a slight incline up to start.
There are a couple of vantage spots to view or get down to the waters, all felt quite safe.
Carpark was a decent size, with amenities to one side
A very appealing area worth spending time at.
There are a couple of vantage spots to view or get down to the waters, all felt quite safe.
Carpark was a decent size, with amenities to one side
A very appealing area worth spending time at.
Written August 13, 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.
Claire n Andrew A
Darwin, Australia266 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We 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.
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.
Written September 19, 2024
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.
Ellie M
Exeter, UK18 contributions
Dec 2019
Josephine falls was my favourite! Beautiful and was great for hanging out with friends. Do not be silly and jump off the rocks though as you'll break your neck, only walk on the dry spots of the rock. Would recommend and will be back one day!
Written January 21, 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.
How far is Josephine Falls from central Cairns and what is the easiest way to get there? Thanks
Written October 24, 2018
It is near Babinda about an hour out of Cairns then a good 1/2 hour walk
Written October 25, 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 May 11, 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 May 11, 2018
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