Starting with the highest single-drop waterfall in Australia, Wallaman Falls are Australia’s biggest with a massive 268 meters of cascading water.

There are two ways of getting to Wallaman Falls; the easy-grade Banggurru route (800m return) or the medium grade Djyinda trek (3.2km return). It includes viewing platforms at the top, so bring a picnic rug and some lunch to enjoy the breathtaking view. The water plummets off the cliff face of the gorge and falls straight down, overlooking the lush green rainforest. Located north of Townsville, Wallaman Falls is a must-visit on the drive between Brisbane and Cairns.  

The Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit is a trio of epic rainforest waterfalls located in the Atherton Tablelands Region just behind Cairns, Queensland. There is an incredible swimming hole in front of the 18m high falls, and we recommended to go on a warm summer’s day to make the most of your time there. The scenic views surrounding the dense rainforest and waterhole are certainly not to miss.

By far a personal favourite of ours, Windin Falls has a unique feature that isn’t for the faint-hearted. There is a natural infinity pool at the top of the falls that drops deep into the valley below; make sure to bring your bathers as you are allowed to swim amongst this insane waterfall.

Located in Wooroonooran National Park just south of Cairns, Windin Falls has incredible views over the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. It is a 90-minute hike each way, so pack some lunch and set foot to see some of the most spectacular views in Far North Queensland.

Morans Falls located in the south east region of Queensland, and is a remarkable plunging waterfall, falling 80 metres to the valley floor.

Encapsulating spectacular sunsets over nearby mountains, visiting in the late afternoon is extraordinary, but make sure to bring a torch as you will be walking back in the dark. The waterfall changes depending on the weather, from a thunderous roar after a downpour to a light trickle in the drier months.

Located in the Lamington National Park, you’ll end up walking the same path there and back through subtropical rain rainforest to visit one of Gold Coast’s best waterfalls.

Image: Instagram/nic_blake_85

Larapinta Falls is a hidden gem within the Lamington National Park 1 hour east of Coolangatta, perfect for thrill-seekers as it is only accessible via a challenging off-track trail involving creek crossings, rock hopping, scrambling, while attempting to follow effectively non-existent paths.

Swimming under the falling water, which is over 30 meters high, is magical; the secluded waterfall is surrounded by nature and native animals and is well-worth the 5–6-hour hike. To get to the falls drive to the end of Christmas Creek Road and follow the creek for approximately 90 minutes before starting rockhop upstream.

Josephine Falls is a local’s favourite as there is swimming hole at the bottom of the waterfall.

Adding to the popularity of Josephine Falls is a natural waterslide formed by smooth rocks; the water flowing over rocks for around 10m, making it a whole load of fun to slide down. There are public facilities at the waterfall ensuring it’s an enjoyable trip for families, including a barbeque and picnic set up, allowing you to relax in the beautiful environment.

The crystal-clear waters and sandy beach overlooking the rainforest and falls certainly lives up to its reputation for one of the best waterfalls in North Queensland.  

This spectacular waterfall flows all year round and is undoubtedly worth the 4km trek surrounded by lush green tree ferns and wildlife. It’s often framed by rainbows through the spray from the falls, and is a magical place to sit and watch the beauty the waterfall has to offer. Located in the beautiful World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest of Springbrook National Park only 50 minutes from the Gold Coast, we highly recommend a visit to Purling Brook Falls.

This small swimming hole located just behind the Sunshine Coast, is surrounded by nature with water from Kondalillia Falls flowing in. Well suited to families, it’s an easy walk to the Falls with public facilities and a picnic area for use. The surrounding national park is an important refuge for many animals and plants including the pouched frog and the bopple nut, which are vulnerable to extinction. So, make sure to clean up around you once you’ve finished visiting this beautiful location.

Barron Falls is famously known in North Queensland as a mighty waterfall; visiting after days of heavy rain is remarkable, when you get to truly experience the gushing water down the falls.

In the wet months, you will be enveloped in a cloud of mist as the falls thunder spectacularly down the gorge. In drier times, enjoy the scenic falls as they tumble endlessly over water-sculpted rocks of the narrow gorge walls.

While standing looking at Barron Falls you can also enjoy watching the gondolas of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway glide above the far-side of the gorge.

Elabana Falls is Lamington National Park's iconic waterfall, it's part of the Box Forest circuit, that includes other spectacular waterfalls.

Located approximately 1.5 hours out of Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, or 2 hours from Brisbane, Elabana falls is the perfect activity to complete on cooler days. Visitors suggest getting the best view of the stunning cascade waterfall is to carefully climb over rocks across the creek, however for the less adventurous, you still get a magnificent view of Elabana Falls from the track.

Natural Bridge is in the western part of Springbrook National Park, located in South-East Queensland. The unique waterfall features a picturesque rock formation formed by the waterfall force over the basalt cave.

Many native animals surround natural Bridge, also rare, threatened species like the cascade tree frog, tusked frog, sooty owl, and koala. Not only a beautiful walk surrounded by the beauty of nature to reach the falls, but once you arrive at Natural Bridge, you will be blown away; ensure to bring a camera as you will want to capture the extraordinary falls.

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Knights. Famous for the Pro Bodyboarding competition and loved by locals for the good quality breaks and huge swells, Knights conditions are second to very, very few.

Knights is known for larger swell and deep barrels, so is perfect for more experienced surfers. The water in the area is so clear that you can see the bottom most of the times all year. The best part - camping is super close by, so you can stay the week.

Surf season: year-round.