Nandroya Falls, Queensland, is in the Palmerston section of Wooroonooran National Park. It is one of the highlights of the drive along the Palmerston Highway from Innisfail to Millaa Millaa in far north Queensland.
To see Nandroya Falls, however, you are going to have to get out of the car and walk. Nandroya Falls is the focal point of a 6km walk from the Henrietta Creek camping area.
Nandroya Falls walk
The Nandroya Falls walk starts off by crossing the bridge over Henrietta Creek, then divides into two tracks shortly afterwards. The left branch is shortest – it’s 1.7km from the fork to Nandroya Falls. The right branch is longer, stretching for 3.5km before reaching the falls. The two branches can be turned into a looping circuit walk, however.
The shorter left branch also stops by Silver Creek Falls, a 10-metre high waterfall that serves as an appetiser for the main dish.
Nandroya Falls sees the relatively placid Douglas Creek switch into action mode, plunging 50 metres over a basalt ledge.
Can you swim at Nandroya Falls, Queensland?
The pool created by Nandroya Falls is deep enough to swim in and crocodile-free. The Parks and Forests department makes no mention of swimming at this Australian waterfall – probably because it doesn’t want to be seen as offering encouragement should there be an accident.
But people do swim at Nandroya Falls, and whether to get in the water is a matter of personal judgement.
Other Queensland waterfalls worth visiting
This is by no means the only waterfall worth seeing in far north Queensland. Other delightful options include Josephine Falls, Barron Falls, Tchupala Falls and Windin Falls.
Further along the Palmerston Highway, it’s also possible to combine Millaa Millaa Falls, Ellinjaa Falls and Zillie Falls in a handy 17km circuit. Meanwhile, near Mareeba, you can walk to Emerald Creek Falls and Davies Creek Falls.
Nandroya Falls and Henrietta Creek camping: key visitor information
Watch out for leeches, stinging trees and march flies on the walk. There is no mobile coverage at Henrietta Creek — inform someone of your plans before heading out.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| How much does it cost to visit Nandroya Falls? | Entry to the national park is free. Camping at Henrietta Creek costs $7.75 per person per night (last checked in July 2026). |
| How do I book the Henrietta Creek camping area? | Book online through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service at book.parks.qld.gov.au. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak season. |
| Where is the Nandroya Falls walk trailhead? | The trailhead is a short distance west of the Henrietta Creek camping area. Cross the bridge over Henrietta Creek to reach it. |
| How long is the Nandroya Falls walk? | The full circuit is approximately 6–6.6km. The shorter left branch from the fork to the falls is 1.7km one way. Allow around two to three hours for the full circuit. |
| How difficult is the Nandroya Falls walk? | Moderate. The track is well-formed with gentle grades but involves creek crossings and some uneven sections. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended. |
| What facilities are at Henrietta Creek camping area? | Composting toilets, picnic tables and gas barbecues. There are no showers and no drinking water is available — bring your own. |
| Is there parking at Henrietta Creek? | Yes. A car park is located at the Henrietta Creek camping area on the Palmerston Highway. |
| Is there mobile phone coverage at Nandroya Falls? | No. Mobile coverage is not available at Henrietta Creek or on the walk to the falls. |
| Are dogs allowed on the Nandroya Falls walk? | No. Pets are not permitted in Queensland national parks. |
| How far is Henrietta Creek from Millaa Millaa? | Approximately 25km east along the Palmerston Highway. |
| How far is Henrietta Creek from Innisfail? | Approximately 32km west from the Palmerston Highway–Bruce Highway junction. |
Things to do near Nandroya Falls, Wooroonooran National Park
Tchupala Falls – A relatively easy walk from the Tchupala Falls car park on the Palmerston Highway, this waterfall is wider than Nandroya and just as impressive, with a short, well-formed walking track.
Millaa Millaa Falls – One of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia, this circular falls with a natural pool is one of three waterfalls on the Millaa Millaa Falls circuit, which also takes in Ellinjaa Falls and Zillie Falls.
Crawford’s Lookout – A short stop on the Palmerston Highway near Innisfail, this lookout offers sweeping views over the North Johnstone River gorge and the rainforest-clad Bellenden Ker Range.
Josephine Falls – Around an hour’s drive north of the Palmerston Highway near Babinda, this popular waterfall and swimming hole lies at the foot of Queensland’s highest mountains and is a firm favourite with locals.
Millaa Millaa Lookout – A short drive from Millaa Millaa township on the Atherton Tablelands, this lookout offers panoramic views over the surrounding dairy farmland and, on a clear day, towards the coast.
More Far North Queensland travel
Other Far North Queensland travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- When to visit Mamu Tropical Skywalk and what you’ll see there.
- Admire the magnificent Curtain Tree Fig in Yungaburra.
- Kuranda attraction guides: Barron Falls, Birdworld Kuranda, Kuranda Koala Gardens, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Rainforestation Nature Park.
- A guide to Cairns for first-time visitors – including the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns Aquarium and Cairns Night Markets.
- Planning a visit to the Jindalba Boardwalk, Myall Beach and Noah Beach near Cape Tribulation.
