Queensland’s Best Waterfalls for Ultimate Serenity

Nestled in the stunning Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Kondalilla Falls is a favourite among locals and travellers. Kondalilla means ‘rushing waters’ in the local Indigenous Australian language, which makes sense when you set your eyes on this cascading 90-metre waterfall. Reaching Kondalilla Falls takes some leg work – the 4.8-kilometre return Kondalilla Falls Circuit is 90 minutes to complete including 300 stairs. Reward yourself with a soothing swim in the waters. Stay in the beautiful Sunshine Coast with My Queensland to explore these spectacular falls.

Springbrook National Park is a natural paradise, tucked away in the breathtaking Gold Coast Hinterland. This national park is home to one of the best waterfalls in Queensland, Natural Bridge, which is a picturesque rock arch, formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. Natural Bridge is easily accessible, with a one-kilometre circuit that takes you above, below and around the waterfall. This is the perfect walk to get kids out and about in nature. Plus, visit at night to join a guided nocturnal tour to view the resident colony of protected glow worms light up the cave!

If you want to visit the most impressive waterfall in Queensland, head to Barron Falls near Kuranda. This thundering waterfall is best visited during the wetter months of summer when the flow rate of water can reach almost 265,000 megalitres; a sight to behold. You can easily witness the glorious Barron Falls during a visit to the popular Kuranda Village. Take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway up the valley, stopping at the Din Din Barron Falls Lookout for views from one side of the gorge. For a different perspective, catch the Kuranda Scenic Railway back down. Stay in Cairns for easy access.

If you’re holidaying in Cairns, don’t miss a visit to Crystal Cascades, a series of water holes and cascading waterfalls just 20 minutes from the city centre. To reach the main waterfall, simply follow a short 1.5-kilometer trail, which will lead you past numerous swimming holes. Better yet, Crystal Cascades is shaded by a rainforest canopy and surrounded by granite boulders, meaning that the pools stay cool year-round, even in the thick of Queensland summer. For those seeking extra adventure, join a tour with Cairns Canyoning, which will see you jumping, ziplining, abseiling and sliding down this freshwater creek system.

Millaa Millaa Falls, located in the verdant Atherton Tablelands, is known to be one of the most photographed waterfalls in all of Australia, and it’s easy to understand why. Surrounded by lush rainforest, Millaa Millaa Falls cascades perfectly to a pristine waterhole, perfect for a refreshing swim. Platypus are known to frequent the waters of Millaa Millaa Falls, so be sure to keep your eye out! After exploring Millaa Millaa Falls, continue through the Atherton Tablelands’ famed Waterfalls Circuit to the nearby Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls. Stay in Cairns and make the day trip to Millaa Millaa Falls.