Murray Falls in Girrimay National Park, Queensland

Murray Falls in Girrimay National Park, Queensland, offers crocodile-free swimming holes, a boardwalk to the base and a rainforest walk with viewing platform.

Where is Murray Falls, Queensland?

Murray Falls is located in Girramay National Park in the foothills of the Kirrama Range, roughly halfway between Townsville and Cairns and a short drive from Mission Beach.

Murray Falls is easily accessible from both Cardwell and Tully. Visitors can travel 21km north from Cardwell to Bilyana, then turn west for 20km. Alternatively, from Tully, drive south along the Bruce Highway for 16km and turn off at Murrigal. Continue for 20km, following the signposts, until you reach Murray Falls. Access roads are partly sealed and suitable for conventional vehicles unless there has been extremely heavy rain.

5 great Mission Beach experiences to book in advance

Small group Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise – with pristine snorkelling on the Outer Reef, barbecue lunch and snorkelling equipment provided.
Hull River National Park eco cruise – spotting wildlife in the mangroves.
Full day sports rafting on the Tully River – tackle the rapids while rafting through the rainforest.
Skydive from 15,000ft – and land on the beach.
Dunk Island day trip – with plenty of time for rainforest hikes.

Murray Falls walks

Murray Falls makes for a decent journey-breaker on the drive from Townsville to Cairns. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Queensland, and it is famed for its water-sculpted rocks and crystal clear pools.

It is possible to see the falls from the bottom via a boardwalk and viewing platform. You can also take the rainforest walk to see the falls from the upper viewing platform.

Is it safe to swim at Murray Falls? Are there crocodiles?

It is not safe to swim in the pool beneath Murray Falls. Access beyond the end of the boardwalk is prohibited, as the rocks can be very slippery. There is a risk of significant injury or death.

However, it is possible to swim in one of several smaller swimming holes near the Murray Falls day use area.

There are no crocodiles at Murray Falls as it is too high up and inland for them.

For more information, visit the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Best Cardwell accommodation choices

The best places to stay in Cardwell are:

For a holiday park with an outdoor pool and children’s playground: Cardwell Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park.
For prime location: Cardwell Beachfront Motel.
If those two are fully booked: Kookaburra Holiday Park.