The wet season is the best time to see waterfalls near Port Douglas. After heavy rains, the falls can be dramatic. But you can see waterfalls at any time of year. This post tells you about the best, most beautiful waterfalls to see, waterfall tours to book, plus a rundown on waterfalls for swimming near Port Douglas.
Waterfalls to visit from Port Douglas
The biggest waterfalls near Port Douglas are Barron River Falls (photo below). These falls are closer to Cairns and are part of your Kuranda day trip, this takes you up to the viewing platform on the Skyrail (Rainforest gondola ride) and back down on the scenic train. It’s a full day out and Kuranda is a cute town with markets and wildlife attractions. You can book this waterfall tour here.
There are loads more waterfalls for you to see from Port Douglas, we’ll list them all here, with photos.
More Waterfalls Near Port Douglas
In the wet season, you’ll encounter plenty of small waterfalls in the Daintree Rainforest and on the Cape, find these north of the Daintree River. You can self-drive into the Daintree or take a tour. You’re more likely to see waterfalls on a tour because the guides know where they are!
Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it – Lao Tzu
Probably the most famous waterfall near Port Douglas is Millaa Millaa Falls. These are part of the “waterfall circuit” south of Cairns. To get there, head south from Port Douglas to Cairns, and then head inland. Millaa Milla Falls are a famous beauty spot where visitors can swim beneath the falls. It’s a pretty spectacular spot and rightly popular. There is a car park and changing rooms at Millaa Millaa.
Paronella Park is Australia’s version of a stately home and is a folly built by a Spaniard, deep in the rainforest. Paronella Park has stunning gardens, old buildings, and a waterfall. This pool used to be used for swimming and the old changing rooms still stand, but nobody swims today for fear of crocodiles.
Davies Creek Falls is between Mareeba and Kuranda on the Tablelands. Closer to Cairns than Port Douglas, it has incredible views, swimming holes, a short walking track, mountain biking, and camping. The 100m drop is quite impressive, from the high point of the range, down to the Tablelands. The road to the falls was quite corrugated and uneven when we last visited in August 2025.
There are numerous freshwater swimming holes in the Port Douglas area, one you may like to take a look at is the Shannonvale swimming hole.
If you'd like to hire a car during your stay, use this car rental comparison tool to find the best deal!
We also suggest you take a look at this company to get a quote for all kinds of the more tricky adventure or extended travel insurance.
Try Stayz / VRBO for an alternative way to find rentals on homes/apartments/condos in any country!
