MAREEBA WATERFALL DRIVE

We start our wonderful waterfall adventure at Kuranda, the Village in the Rainforest. This charming place is surrounded by World Heritage protected rainforest and is famous for its vibrant markets, eclectic cafes, wildlife attractions and laid-back atmosphere. Make the time to explore the artisan stalls, boutiques and galleries – and for a guaranteed sighting of an elusive southern cassowary – Birdworld Kuranda is a must! Fuel your tanks with locally grown and brewed coffee, grab a snack to go and then head out to the Barron Falls, our first official destination for the day.

Barron Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Far North Queensland. This is where the Barron River tumbles down the mountainside, before reaching the gorge floor and winding its way out to the Coral Sea. Stunning at all times of the year, the Falls is particularly powerful between December and March, when the region receives most of its rainfall. Access is easy via a boardwalk through the rainforest, which provides a few different vantage points and lookouts over the falls. The walk is shaded by large towering trees and there’s interesting signage and public art along the way. It’s an awe-inspiring introduction to the natural wonders of the region.

Hidden deep within the Clohesy River section of Dinden National Park, the Clohesy River Fig Tree is a true natural wonder, and while it’s not a waterfall – it’s worthy of your time and attention. Standing tall amongst the surrounding rainforest, this ancient green giant has a maze of twisting roots and a jaw dropping trunk that shows the twists and turns of time. There’s a walking trail and boardwalk that takes you around the fig tree and allows you to explore the rainforest – and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries, which are sometimes spotted here. Access to the Clohesy River Fig Tree National Park is via a 4WD track, sometimes with water crossings, pending the time of year.

Davies Creek Falls is a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall that cascades down over granite boulders into a series of clear rock pools, and you can soak it all in from a strategically placed lookout. For those keen to explore further, walking tracks wind along the creek, offering access to shady swimming spots perfect for cooling off. Davies Creek Falls is surrounded by open eucalypt forest and rugged scenery, representing the wild and untamed beauty of Mareeba Shire. It’s popular with locals and visitors for adventure and relaxation and there’s lots of camping sites should you choose to linger longer.

While Emerald Creek Falls is also located in the Dinden National Park, the landscape here feels different – more open, sun-drenched and rugged – it’s removed from the rainforest and is surrounded by open eucalypt woodlands. Follow the easy walking track from the car park to the lower pools, which are the perfect place for another refreshing swim in clear, cool waters, before taking the steeper trail to a lookout offering panoramic views over the falls and surrounding terrain. Top tip – the locally famous Emerald Creek Ice Creamery is nearby and is a must stop for locally made ice-creams and sorbets.

Take a break from waterfall chasing with a relaxed lunch at the Mareeba Heritage Coffee House, located inside the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre. This is the perfect place to refuel the tanks and discover the rich heritage that shaped this dynamic region. Enjoy country fare, freshly prepared meals and locally roasted coffee, before exploring the museum’s fascinating collection. There are over 6,000 items on display, each providing a window to Mareeba’s diverse and multi-cultural past, including Indigenous culture and early settlers, wartime stories and agriculture. Then it’s back on the road, with a side trip out to Granite Gorge Nature Park.

Stop for a selfie with the cutest little rock wallabies you ever will see at Granite Gorge Nature Park. This is one of the local ‘secret spots’ where massive boulders, freshwater creeks and Mareeba rock wallabies – endemic to this region – create a one-of-a-kind experience. From hand-feeding the wallabies, to exploring the scenic walking tracks which take you up and over the rocks, to shady swimming holes of cool water, this place ticks a lot of boxes. Granite Gorge is family-friendly and packed with wildlife encounters and nature adventures. You can come for the day or stay longer and camp under the stars, with powered and unpowered sites available in this peaceful bush setting.