• The famous Zoe Falls is only a 15 minute walk from South Zoe Bay day-use area. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland
• You can walk from South Zoe Bay day-use area to the top of Zoe Falls. Photo credit: © Steven Nowakowski

If you only get the chance to visit one place on Hinchinbrook Island, then this is the place.

The day-use area sits on golden sand right where tranquil South Zoe Creek gently flows into the southern part of Zoe Bay.

Follow the creek upstream to spectacular Zoe Falls. From the rock face high above, water cascades over cliff and ledges, gathering in pools and eddying around obstacles, before the final plunge into the impossibly blue pool below.

Slip into the cool water and gaze up at the sparkling wall and arching canopy. Watch as curious jungle perch of all sizes gather around and tiny yabbies nibble at your toes.

This island park is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, famed for its superlative natural beauty, outstanding examples of reef ecosystem development, evolutionary history and amazing diversity.

Getting there and getting around

South Zoe Bay day-use area is in Hinchinbrook Island National Park, off the Queensland coast between Cardwell and Lucinda.

• The day-use area is on the eastern coast of Hinchinbrook Island and can be accessed by private vessel launched from Cardwell or Lucinda, or by sea kayak.

Private vessel

• Visitors accessing the island by private vessel should obtain a copy of the Hinchinbrook plan of management 2004 (PDF, 1.74MB) for information on transit lanes and boat speeds to aid dugong and turtle conservation.
• Access to some areas of Hinchinbrook Island is weather and tide dependent and a good knowledge of the waters and potential hazards is essential.
• Check local tide tables and weather conditions at the Bureau of Meteorology before you set out.
• Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks. Zoning restrictions apply.

Sea kayak

• Commercial sea kayak tours of Hinchinbrook Island are available.
• For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

South Zoe Bay day-use area is open 24 hours a day

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Hinchinbrook Island safely.