Josephine Falls, QLD: Location, walking, swimming & crocodiles
It’s an easy walk to Josephine Falls near Babinda, Queensland. Swimming at the bottom is dangerous – not because of crocodiles, however.
Josephine Falls is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in far north Queensland. Unlike other waterfalls, the impressiveness of this Queensland waterfall comes from cumulative effect rather than height or power.
To visit Josephine Falls on an Atherton Tableland day tour from Cairns, book here.
Realistically, Josephine Falls is a cascade rather than a waterfall. It is the result of Josephine Creek tumbling over a series of big granite boulders. The water in Josephine Creek collects on Mount Bartle Frere – Queensland’s highest mountain – and eventually makes its way into the Russell River.
Where is Josephine Falls?
Josephine Falls is in the Wooroonooran National Park in far north Queensland. It’s about 7.5km from Mount Bartle Frere. The turn-off from the Bruce Highway for the Josephine Falls car park is between the towns of Innisfail and Babinda. The Cairns to Josephine Falls drive takes just over an hour.
Can I swim at Josephine Falls?
It is possible to swim in Josephine Creek at the bottom of Josephine Falls, but the Parks and Forests department strongly advises against it. The creek is prone to flash flooding, currents can be much stronger than they look and submerged objects pose serious hazards.
People have died at Josephine Falls, as the website spells out in big, bold letters.
Josephine Falls walks
You’re better off, therefore, sticking to walking. It’s a 1.2km walk from the car park to the Josephine Falls viewing platforms. This is pretty easy going and should take half an hour return. However, if you want to go the whole hog, you can make Josephine Falls a staging post on the hike to the summit of Mount Bartle Frere.
This is a serious, steep 30km return undertaking. It is best tackled over two days, camping out overnight.
Far north Queensland waterfalls
Other far north Queensland waterfalls include Nandroya Falls, Barron Falls, Tchupala Falls, and Windin Falls. Along the Palmerston Highway, you can combine Millaa Millaa Falls, Ellinjaa Falls and Zillie Falls in a handy 17km circuit.
Near Mareeba, meanwhile, you can walk to Emerald Creek Falls and Davies Creek Falls.
More Queensland travel
How long is the drive from Maryborough to Hervey Bay?
Stop at Roma and Longreach on the Brisbane to Winton drive.
Visit the Blackdown Tablelands National Park on the Rockhampton to Emerald drive.
Learn about ginger at the Ginger Factory in Yandina.
Stop for photos at the Rex Lookout on the Palm Cove to Port Douglas drive.