Nandroya Falls, Queensland: Height, walk & croc-free swimming

Nandroya Falls, Queensland, is accessible via a 6km walk through the Wooroonooran National Park. It’s possible to swim crocodile-free in the pool at the bottom of this 50 metre waterfall.

Nandroya Falls, Queensland, is in the Palmerston section of the Wooroonooran National Park. It is one of the highlights of the drive along the Palmerston Highway from Innisfail to Millaa Millaa in far north Queensland.

To see Nandroya Falls, however, you are going to have to get out of the car and walk. This Queensland waterfall is the focal point of a 6km walk from the Henrietta Creek camping area.

Nandroya Falls walk

The Nandroya Falls walk starts off by crossing the bridge over Henrietta Creek, then divides into two tracks shortly afterwards. The left branch is shortest – it’s 1.7km from the fork to Nandroya Falls. The right branch is longer, stretching for 3.5km before reaching the falls. The two branches can be turned into a looping circuit walk, however.

However, the shorter left branch also stops by Silver Creek Falls, a 10m high waterfall that serves as an appetiser for the main dish.

Nandroya Falls sees the relatively placid Douglas Creek switch into action mode, plunging 50 metres over a basalt ledge.

Nandroya Falls near Innisfail, Queensland — Nandroya Falls is a short drive along the Palmerston Highway from Innisfail, Queensland. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

Can I swim at Nandroya Falls, Queensland?

The pool created by Nandroya Falls is deep enough to swim in and crocodile-free. The Parks and Forests department makes no mention of swimming here – probably because it doesn’t want to be seen as offering encouragement should there be an accident. But people do swim at Nandroya Falls, and whether to get in the water is a matter of personal judgement. There are no crocodiles at Nandroya Falls as it is too high up.

Queensland waterfalls

This is by no means the only waterfall worth seeing in far north Queensland. Other delightful options include Josephine Falls, Barron Falls, Tchupala Falls, and Windin Falls.

Further along the Palmerston Highway, it’s also possible to combine Millaa Millaa Falls, Ellinjaa Falls and Zillie Falls in a handy 17km circuit. Meanwhile, near Mareeba, you can walk to Emerald Creek Falls and Davies Creek Falls.