Things to do
Josephine Falls.
Photo credit: © Tourism Queensland
Water cascades down the falls with powerful, sometimes deadly, force.
Photo credit: Rob Ashdown © Queensland Government
Access to Bottom pool.
Photo credit: Leigh Willis © Queensland Government
Camping and accommodation
Camping
Camping is not permitted at Josephine Falls.
Camping is available nearby at Henrietta Creek in Palmerston, at Goldsborough Valley and at Russell River National Park. Facilities differ at each site. Camping permits are required and fees apply.
If you prefer to rough it, then limited bush camping opportunities exist as part of the Bartle Frere trail. These are ‘hike-in’ sites and the camper needs to be totally self-sufficient. Here too, camping permits are required and fees apply.
Other accommodation
There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around the towns between Townsville and Cairns. These include hotels, motels, bed and breakfast, hostels, farm stays, eco-lodges, caravan parks and commercial camping areas.
For more information see the tourism information links.
Walking
A short walk from the car park enables visitors to view Josephine Falls. For the more adventurous, Josephine Falls provides a gateway to the Bartle Frere trail.
Josephine Falls walking track
Distance: 1.2km return
Time: Allow about 30min walking time
Details: From the car park the track leads you through lush tropical rainforest, to viewing decks overlooking Josephine Creek and falls. Viewing platforms offer excellent views and opportunities for photography. Wheelchair access is available to the viewing platform at the top area. Do not enter the restricted access area around the top of the falls. Serious injuries and deaths have occurred here. Penalties apply.
Bartle Frere trail to Broken Nose
Distance: 10km return
Time: Allow about 8hr walking time
Details: The Broken Nose trail is a section of the Bartle Frere trail, departing from Josephine Falls. It is very steep. Read more about the Bartle Frere trail.
Bartle Frere trail—Josephine Falls to Atherton Tablelands (Grade: difficult)
Distance: 15km one way
Time: Allow about 2 days walking time
Details: This very steep, strenuous walk, the Bartle Frere trail, ascends the summit of Bartle Frere and descends onto the Atherton Tableland. Only very fit and experienced bushwalkers can complete this walk in one day (10–12hr). Read more about the Bartle Frere trail.
Picnic and day-use areas
Picnic tables, a shelter shed, a coin-operated electric barbecue and toilets are provided in the day-use area adjacent to the carpark.