| ← Back | Next Falls → |
Josephine Falls, Bartle Frere QLDWaterfall Seasons - The Waterfall Guide
See this multi-tiered waterfall from several viewing platforms, as the water slides over wide granite sheets with turbulent white and tranquil turquoise in between.
Above: Josephine Falls after heavy rainfall
(Order this image)
The falls are divided into three sections: the top pool and waterfall (which actually consists of two pools and two waterfalls in series), the bottom pool and rockslide, and middle creek which connects the two areas. Walking from the car park along the bitumen path through the rainforest, smaller paths branch off to each viewing area.
The top platform, which overlooks the main falls and the top pool, is a wide, wheelchair accessible viewing area, with clear views up and down the river. The falls at the top pool are noisy and
powerful after rainfall.
Above: The main viewing platform at Josephine Falls
(Order this image)
If you want to get closer to the water, head down one of the other paths, which all have steps down to the river. The bottom pool has a gate through which you can hop into the water for a swim at the main attraction: the natural rock slide at Josephine Falls.
The river is prone to flash flooding, and my visit was no exception, when the flood warning system was activated to warn everyone to get out of the water and return to the safety of the viewing
platforms. It was a day that was very wet, with persistent heavy rain, which is not uncommon for this region. The river rose quickly, and the protective natural rock barrier at the outlet of the
bottom pool became fairly quickly submerged.
Above: The flood warning system in action at Josephine Falls
(Order this image)
There are some picnic facilities here but they are remote from the falls, with a sheltered picnic table and a few unsheltered tables on a small patch of grass on the hill next to the car park, and a single sheltered picnic table in the rainforest at the start of the walk to the falls.
View Larger Map
How high is the waterfall at Josephine Falls? It is hard to estimate, because it is in three sections, but I estimate it at about 20-30 metres high in total.
Are there toilets at Josephine Falls? Yes, at the car park.
Can I bring my dog to Josephine Falls? No, dogs are not permitted at Josephine Falls.
Will I fall over here if my name is Josephine? With smooth bitumen paths, it is unlikely, but take care, just in case.
If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.
Above: Josephine Falls after heavy rainfall
(Order this image)
The falls are divided into three sections: the top pool and waterfall (which actually consists of two pools and two waterfalls in series), the bottom pool and rockslide, and middle creek which connects the two areas. Walking from the car park along the bitumen path through the rainforest, smaller paths branch off to each viewing area.
Above: The main viewing platform at Josephine Falls
(Order this image)
If you want to get closer to the water, head down one of the other paths, which all have steps down to the river. The bottom pool has a gate through which you can hop into the water for a swim at the main attraction: the natural rock slide at Josephine Falls.
Above: The flood warning system in action at Josephine Falls
(Order this image)
There are some picnic facilities here but they are remote from the falls, with a sheltered picnic table and a few unsheltered tables on a small patch of grass on the hill next to the car park, and a single sheltered picnic table in the rainforest at the start of the walk to the falls.
Your Seasonal Guide:
| Best Time of Year to Visit: | Best Time of Day to Visit: |
|---|---|
| You can see the falls at any time of year, but avoid days of heavy rainfall if you want to get into the water | Visit any time except around midday, when you can be looking straight into the sun from the viewing platform |
Other Information Before You Go:
Location:Josephine Falls, Wooroonooran National Park, Josephine Falls Road, Bartle Frere, 28 km (approx. 25 minute drive) north-west of Innisfail.
Latitude:-17.438110 Longitude:145.859240
Getting there: From Innisfail, head north along the Bruce Hwy (A1) for approximately 20 km, then head inland at Bartle Frere Road. At Bartle Frere, head west along Price Road / Biggs Road to Josephine Falls Road and follow it to the car park at the end. The route was well signposted from the highway to the falls.
Water source: Josephine Creek
Approx. height: 20-30 metres in total, divided into three tiers
Approx. width: The falls are quite wide, particularly at the rock slide, which is around 15 metres across
Approx. length: 150 metres with flat sections in between each drop
Swimming available at the falls: Yes. Here is more info about the swim
Facilities: Car park, emergency telephone, information boards, public toilets, sheltered public bbqs, sheltered picnic tables, viewing platforms, flood warning system.
Entrance fee: None
Opening times: Always open
Sun shade: Shade available along the track to the falls and at the falls.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible toilets, wheelchair accessible paths. Some of the viewing platforms are wheelchair accessible, but access to the water for swimming is via steps.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No camping, no dogs, no domestic animals, no bicycles, no glass containers, no feeding wildlife, no littering, no disturbing native plants and animals, no smoking within ten metres of public facilities such as toilets, picnic tables, and viewing platforms. Access to the water at the falls and the top pool is prohibited.
Managing authority: Queensland Department of Environment and Science
Nearby attractions: Golden Hole picnic ground, 2 km by road to the south-west.
Before you head out, make sure you read the
waterfall safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.
Specific to this site, the managing authority advises that there are slippery rocks, submerged objects, and unpredictable water conditions. People have been seriously injured and died here. During and after heavy rain, creek
conditions can change and become dangerous. Water levels rise rapidly without warning, creating swift currents and making swimming unsafe. The managing authority also advises to
not jump or dive into the creek, and to supervise children at all times.
Latitude:-17.438110 Longitude:145.859240
Getting there: From Innisfail, head north along the Bruce Hwy (A1) for approximately 20 km, then head inland at Bartle Frere Road. At Bartle Frere, head west along Price Road / Biggs Road to Josephine Falls Road and follow it to the car park at the end. The route was well signposted from the highway to the falls.
Water source: Josephine Creek
Approx. height: 20-30 metres in total, divided into three tiers
Approx. width: The falls are quite wide, particularly at the rock slide, which is around 15 metres across
Approx. length: 150 metres with flat sections in between each drop
Swimming available at the falls: Yes. Here is more info about the swim
Facilities: Car park, emergency telephone, information boards, public toilets, sheltered public bbqs, sheltered picnic tables, viewing platforms, flood warning system.
Entrance fee: None
Opening times: Always open
Sun shade: Shade available along the track to the falls and at the falls.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible toilets, wheelchair accessible paths. Some of the viewing platforms are wheelchair accessible, but access to the water for swimming is via steps.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No camping, no dogs, no domestic animals, no bicycles, no glass containers, no feeding wildlife, no littering, no disturbing native plants and animals, no smoking within ten metres of public facilities such as toilets, picnic tables, and viewing platforms. Access to the water at the falls and the top pool is prohibited.
Managing authority: Queensland Department of Environment and Science
Nearby attractions: Golden Hole picnic ground, 2 km by road to the south-west.
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of the parking area. If the map is not zoomed in locally,
as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long is the walk to Josephine Falls? It is about a 700 metre walk from the car park to the falls.
How high is the waterfall at Josephine Falls? It is hard to estimate, because it is in three sections, but I estimate it at about 20-30 metres high in total.
Are there toilets at Josephine Falls? Yes, at the car park.
Can I bring my dog to Josephine Falls? No, dogs are not permitted at Josephine Falls.
Will I fall over here if my name is Josephine? With smooth bitumen paths, it is unlikely, but take care, just in case.
If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.
Comments:
If you would like to leave a comment about this waterfall, please fill in the comment box below.
I'm particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc.
All fields are required if you would like to see your comments appear on this website.
| ← Back | Next Falls → |
| Australia | Queensland |
| Safety Info | Map |
| List of Lists | Your Support |
| Feedback | Media |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
© Brad Neal 2024. All rights reserved. Here are my
affiliate links and cookies policy and opportunities to provide support to Waterfall Seasons.