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Tucked into the Lamb Range, just a short drive from Mareeba, Davies Creek Falls is one of the Mareeba Shire’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Here, the creek flows through open woodland before plunging 75 metres into the valley below, creating a dramatic waterfall framed by granite outcrops and eucalypt forest. It’s a place where adventure meets tranquillity, with lookouts, walking tracks, and wildlife all waiting to be discovered.
The Davies Creek Falls Circuit is a short 1.1 km track (around 20 minutes return) that meanders through woodland and leads to viewing platforms with spectacular vistas over the waterfall and valley. The trail is moderately graded, with some steps and uneven surfaces, but offers rewarding views throughout. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife along the way—this area is home to endangered northern bettongs and other rare species that thrive in this special ecosystem.
After your walk, there are shaded picnic areas near the creek where you can enjoy a peaceful break surrounded by the sounds of flowing water and native birdlife.
Location: About 38 km from Mareeba, within Dinden National Park
Walking Track: 1.1 km circuit, allow 20–30 minutes
Facilities: Day-use areas with picnic tables; camping available at nearby Davies Creek camping areas (bookings required)
Best For: Short walks, photography, wildlife spotting, and taking in sweeping Tablelands views
For a mix of natural beauty, cultural significance, and wildlife encounters, Davies Creek Falls is an unmissable stop in the Mareeba Shire.
The Davies Creek area is not only rich in natural beauty—it also holds deep cultural significance. This land is part of Bulwai Country, home to the Bulwai people, a group within the Djabugay clan. While the Djabugay are known as rainforest people around Kuranda, the Bulwai lived in the open forests to the west, including the Clohesy River, Emerald Creek, and Davies Creek.
One of the most remarkable sites is the Bare Hill Rock Art site, where paintings created by the Bulwai people have been dated at over 3,500 years old—as ancient as the pyramids of Egypt. These artworks tell stories of connection to land, culture, and survival, offering visitors a rare opportunity to reflect on one of the oldest living cultures in the world.
Access the site via Davies Creek Road, halfway between Mareeba and Kuranda along the Kennedy Highway. The road soon becomes gravel and may be corrugated, so care is needed. Follow signs to the Davies Creek Trail Network (Mountain Bike Park), then turn onto Bridle Creek Road for around 9 km until you reach the car park. From here, it’s an easy 30-minute return walk along a well-maintained trail, with seating and viewing areas near the galleries.
Visiting the Bulwai Rock Art Trail is a chance to experience both the natural and cultural heritage of the Mareeba Shire—an unforgettable blend of history, story, and landscape.
