Ten stunning waterfalls to chase in north Queensland

‘Don’t go chasing waterfalls’ was the advice of TLC, but it’s doubtful the 1990s pop icons ever visited the beautiful falls of Townsville, north Queensland.

The region is home to a spectacular variety: Long sheer drops to short cascades, loud and showy with lots of spray to meditative trickles.

Pull on your sensible walking shoes, get your cameras ready, and let’s take a look at the Townsville region’s most stunning waterfalls.

Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest permanent single-drop waterfall. Photo: Lauren Bullen

Wallaman Falls

Perhaps the most impressive waterfall in the region, Wallaman Falls is Australia’s highest permanent single-drop waterfall.

Found in Girringun National Park, west of Ingham, the falls is created by Stony Creek plunging 268 metres off a sheer cliff face.

Better yet, the falls create a fine mist of spray that often catches the light to make a haze of rainbows.

Jourama Falls, Paluma Range National Park. Photo: Townsville Enterprise

Jourama Falls

Located in the Paluma Range National Park, one hour north of Townsville, the Jourama Falls are a series of waterfalls along a 600-metre track that leads to a lookout.

It’s an uphill climb, but the falls of the cascades and rapids along the way are well worth the trek.

Zoe Falls. Photo: Townsville Enterprise

Zoe Falls

Possibly one of the most Instagrammed locations in the region, Zoe Falls on Hinchinbrook Island is unmissable.

It has a natural infinity edge pool at the top of the falls filled with crystal-clear water and with views over Zoe Bay too.

Endeavour Falls. Photo: Townsville Enterprise

Endeavour Falls

Magnetic Island’s most accessible, and most popular, waterfall is Endeavour Falls.

Located in Arcadia, the falls can be seen via a bush track about 50 metres off the road.

Along the way you’ll see rockpools and hear the flow of water.

Best viewed following the seasonal rains (between November and April), this is truly a serene way to spend the day. 

Alligator Creek Falls

This one is for the serious hikers. Alligator Creek Falls is found in the Mount Elliot section of Bowling Green Bay National Park with a one-way, 8.5-kilometre track to a camping area.

Along the way, Alligator Creek flows through the landscape in a series of cascades, deep pools and waterfalls.

Bring your hiking gear because walkers must cross the creek at four different spots.

Little Crystal Creek, Townsville. Photo: Townsville Enterprise

Crystal Creek (Little Crystal Creek cascades)

Little Crystal Creek is a popular waterfall destination in the Paluma Range National Park.

Surrounded by lush rainforest, the cascading waterfalls feed into one of the best freshwater swimming holes in the north.

And the historic stone arch bridge built in the 1930s makes for an equally impressive photo opportunity.

Ethel Creek Falls

Tucked away in the middle of Paluma Range National Park, the Ethel Creek Falls is a hidden beauty. It’s a 15-kilometre to 22-kilometre round trip, depending on the route you take, so get started nice and early.

The reward is Ethel Creek, where you’ll find yourself at the top of the falls.

Triple Falls

It’s a 3.5-kilometre return walk to Triple Falls, found via the Bluegum Creek Circuit that starts on the south side of Paluma village.

Follow the H Track through a variety of rainforest, including blue gum forest, she-oaks and ecotone areas until you reach the 400-metre descent.

Burdekin Falls Dam. Photo: Townsville Enterprise

Burdekin Falls Dam (Ayr) and Burdekin Weir Park (Charters Towers)

For something a little different and genuinely awesome, head to the Burdekin Falls Dam or Burdekin Weir Park.

It’s the largest dam in Queensland and at full capacity holds 1,860,000 megalitres, which is four times the capacity of Sydney Harbour.

Boating, picnic and barbecue facilities are available for a great day out.

Birthday Creek Falls

This 20-metre waterfall cascades over rock slabs and is easily accessed by a 500-metre walk from the car park.

Located in the Paluma Range National Park, Birthday Creek Falls is a short walking detour off the Paluma Dam Road, and an easy graded walk to some stunning aquatic outlooks.

The Townsville region’s diversity is its distinction. Up for Unexpected – Townsville North Queensland.