Millaa Millaa Falls, Millaa Millaa, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Amazing waterfalls in Australia
Experience Australia’s unforgettable waterfalls, formed over millions of years.
The wilderness destination of Tasmania has over 200 known waterfalls to explore. The island’s most-photographed waterfall is Russell Falls, just over an hour west of Hobart, and it’s not hard to see why. By day, you’ll see the white water flow down the tiered rocks amid lush greenery. At night, spot the glow worms that call the moss home. If you're eager for more, it's just a ten-minute walk to the fairytale-like Horseshoe Falls.
A 45-minute drive outside of Cairns, Millaa Millaa Falls are surrounded by vibrant green rainforest, pouring perfectly into the pristine waterhole below. Take a dip beneath the falls, which are so beautiful that they’ve even been used as the backdrop for advertisements and music videos. Try your luck at spotting an elusive platypus in the clear waters, and visit nearby Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls.
If you’re headed to Grampians National Park, located just over three hours from Melbourne, don’t miss Mackenzie Falls. One of the largest waterfalls in the state, Mackenzie Falls flows year-round, sending its water cascading down the cliffs into a deep pool. Check out the viewing platform before navigating the steeper trail down to the base for unmatched views. You can organise a chartered tour with Ambush Tours to combine the falls with other Grampians hot spots.
In the Royal National Park, about 50 minutes by car from Sydney, you’ll find Wattamolla Beach and waterfall. Wattamolla is an Aboriginal word meaning “place near running water,” and the name certainly suits the splendid cascade, which pours from a sheer rock face into the lagoon below. The tranquil waters of Wattamolla Lagoon are calm and safe for swimming, separated from the beach’s rolling waves by a slender sand bank.
It doesn’t take long to come across a picturesque waterfall in Tropical North Queensland, but Instagrammers are especially delighted when they arrive at Josephine Falls. This granite boulder formation is home to waters that are an unusual shade of turquoise beneath the dappled sun. Like a natural water park, the tiered cascade creates the perfect chance for swimmers to gently slip and slide their way over smooth rock faces from pool to pool. There are restricted swimming areas here, so be sure to abide by the safety signs.
One hour from Kununurra along the iconic Gibb River Road, you’ll find El Questro. This sweeping outback station is home to a brilliant diversity of natural sites. One highlight of this special place is Emma Gorge, a trickling waterfall that drops into a magnificent freshwater pool. Embark on a one-hour walk from El Questro Emma Gorge Resort to reach the pristine oasis, shaded by towering cliffs coated in greenery. Wade into the clear waters and swim around the rocks to find the warmth of a thermal spring that feeds into the waterhole.
Litchfield National Park, just under an hour and a half from Darwin, is dotted with remote rock pools and waterfalls just waiting to be explored. Florence Falls is one of the park’s best-kept secrets. The picturesque plunge pool is open almost all year round for swimming, and plenty of nearby walks offer unique vantage points. Paddle right up to the falls, stretch out on a shaded rock or wander to the top of the cascade for a swim in Florence Creek.
One of Australia’s most unusual natural attractions is Horizontal Falls, where powerful currents squeeze through two narrow gorges to produce a waterfall tipped on its side. Located in the far north of Western Australia, the only way to reach these aquatic anomalies is by boat or plane. Luckily, there are plenty of cruises and flight tours to suit every budget and schedule. The likes of KAS Helicopters and Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures will let you take in the spectacle from the sky on an unforgettable scenic flight.
Set within Kakadu National Park, the magnificent Jim Jim Falls – along with nearby Twin Falls – are perhaps the region’s most famous cascades. You can admire them via helicopter or plane all year round with Kakadu Air, or visit via 4WD in the dry season (April to October) when the pool at the waterfall’s base is open for swimming. On a three-day tour with Kakadu Tours and Travel, you’ll get to see all the park's main attractions, including Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls and an Aboriginal rock art site at Ubirr Rock.
Western Australia's Kimberley region is home to some of the world's most isolated stretches of wilderness. Among its most impressive sights are the cliff faces of the twin King George Falls, carved out by a billion years of rushing water. There's only one way to easily access this spectacular site, and it’s via the water. You can embark on an expedition cruise from Broome with one of the area's tour companies such as True North, who offer a 10-day adventure complete with a joy ride above the falls in the vessel’s onboard helicopter.
