Waterfalls
There are several scenic waterfalls in the Cooktown vicinity which make lovely picnic and day trip destinations. Several offer safe swimming in idyllic swimming holes but always check the latest information from local sources before swimming.
Endeavour Falls
- Endeavour Falls
32 kms north of Cooktown, on mostly bitumen road, this relaxing spot is on the Endeavour River and is accessed at the Endeavour Falls Tourist Park. The owners of the store and caravan park welcome visitors to view the Falls but please drop in to the shop and let them know you are visiting. 2WD accessible. No swimming.
Isabella Falls
Continue past the Endeavour Falls Tourist Park towards Hope Vale, turning left into Battlecamp Road. The road crosses at Isabella Falls several kilometres down this road. 4wd is recommended if you are planning to make the water crossing. There is a safe swimming hole.
Mungumby Hidden Falls
Guided walks through this pristine rainforest area can be arranged at Mungumby Lodge, Helenvale. The 15 metre falls can be reached via a beautiful trek and you can swim in a refreshing natural pool.
- Trevethan Falls
Trevethan Falls
These impressive cascading falls plunge into an idyllic swimming hole and the stream continues down to a succession of private swimming pools closer to the parking area. Take the Amos Bay turn off the Mulligan Highway, 13.5 kms south of Cooktown. You will need 4WD.
Collect full directions from the Visitor Information Centre.
Home Rule Falls
- Home Rule Falls
Heading south towards Bloomfield, turn off to the left at Rossville and take the pretty drive to Home Rule, the home of the Annual Wallaby Creek Festival. Visitors are welcomed to the beautiful camp ground, and invited to walk to the spectacular falls and swim in the river.
Bloomfield Falls
Visitors can experience the magnificent Bloomfield Falls on a guided tour with one of the local clans who share their Yalanji culture as they walk over their ancestral lands. The waterfalls and river are the lifeblood of the local people and their stories tell how man and nature connect at this sacred site.
Cape York Waterfalls
When travelling north don't miss the chance to swim at Fruit Bat Falls and Eliott Falls in Jardine National Park and Heathlands Resources Reserve.
BEFORE SWIMMING ANYWHERE, BE SURE TO GET UP-TO-THE-MINUTE LOCAL INFORMATION.
Crocodiles can be found around many rivers, freshwater creeks and waterholes and along coastal beaches.
Don’t swim after dusk or early in the morning.
