JoelWhere and How to Get There
From Malanda, follow Topaz Road South West until you veer off to the left onto the Old Cairns Track for a short time until you veer right onto Gourka Road. You will need to travel down a gravel road for approximately 6kms. It can be accessed by 2WD, but just take it easy with the occasional pothole and ditches along the way. The carpark is quite large with space for many cars. The track begins here and is 5.6km each way.
What to Expect
Epic views, waterfall, hiking, swimming (if safe). We recommend going for sunrise if you feel comfortable.
Where to Stay
For those with a 4WD, you can camp roughly 1km further along at Junction Camp. Be sure to book via the National Park Camping website. It provides a good base if you plan on doing a sunrise hike.
30 minutes away is Malanda and you will have an option of Malanda Falls Caravan Park or multiple lodges.
Ultimate Aussie Bucketlist Experience
Who hasn’t seen the famous photos of Windin Falls in all it’s Instagram “glory.” The famous infinity edge that drops into the unknown with the stunning views over the tree-covered gorge. “Influencers” and young backpackers, hikers and photgraphers alike flood the track, striking poses and perhaps pushing the limits by getting as close as they can to the edge of the falls. If you can find an opportunity to get this place to yourself, you’re doing well. Regardless of all of this, don’t miss it because if you take the opportunity to soak in all the beauty (it might mean putting down the phone for a while), this place will blow your socks off.
We had put Windin Falls high on our list of places to seee, but it kept escaping our grasp as we travelled around the Atherton Tablelands. Finally, an opportunity presented itself and we took off one afternoon to camp at the nearby Junction Campsite. This is usually the base point at which hikers leave for the summit of Mount Bartle Frere (highest peak in Queensland). On this track, there is also a side track of 50m or so that will lead to Bobbin Bobbin Falls. We did this before sunset as it was only approximately a 2.5km return walk (fairly easy).
As we prepared for our trip to Windin Falls, two hikers returned from the Bartle Frere track – one a very nice American man who owned the the make and model vehicle as us (always an exciting meeting) and a younger man from the Netherlands. We all began chatting and shared stories of our travels. They had also spotted Cassowaries that walked through the campsite. Unfortunately we missed it on both occassions. As we chatted, the darkness crept in to the deafening sound of cicadas. What happened next just added to the magic of camping in such a secluded location (you need a 4WD to access this campsite). As it became dark, dozens and dozens of fireflies filled the air and rainforest around us. With an epic view of the stars and these fireflies, it really took my breathaway at is was such a special moment. During the night we heard many animals in the rainforest around us, and some sounded very close to our van.
Our alarm went off the next morning at 3:30am, we excitedly prepared for the day ahead, then started the drive back to the Windin Falls Trailhead carpark. It was still very dark at this point, and at around 4:00am, we set off on our 12km return hike.
Per usual, we weren’t as prepared as we should have been and were a little confused on the walk. The trail pointed in the right direction, but we were using the AllTrails application on our phone, and for some reason the track was in a completely different location. So after about 10 minutes, we turned around until we were near the carpark.. but again we seen the sign point back the other way that we were going. Trying to keep spirits high at 4:15am, we turned around again – this time back in the right direction haha.
Toads littered the trail and the sounds of the rainforest had us on edge. At a few points, we heard a rather large animal in the forest edge. Scaring the living daylights out of us – at one point, a wild pig came tearing out of the tree line, across the path in front of us, and then back into the forest on the other side. Talk about a fright! I couln’t help but laugh at what had just happened, but my wife wasn’t really seeing the funny side of things (she is the mature one in our marriage haha).
Thankfully the track was pretty easy going the whole 5.6km to the waterfall. It is really only the last 50m or so that is steep. When we reached the top plateau, we noticed a tent that was set up and a recent fire that was made. We weren’t too sure on the regaulations of camping up there – but were pretty sure that having a fire there wasn’t a good idea.
Making the final descent, we could hear the rushing waters of the falls and could see a glimpse of the valley below. Next thing – the gap opened up – WOW! The view is breathtaking! As we rock-hopped over the flowing water, we dropped our bags and then stood in awe as the sun peeked over the mountains in the distance. It was truly a breathtaking moment. As we stood near the edge. a wave of emotions poured over me and the sheer scale and magnitude of what I was witnessing soaked in.
The whole experience was quite surreal. The stream that fed the waterfall was very narrow (you can jump from one side to the other), but it seemed like there was a lot of water disappearing over the infitnity edge. Right near the edge is a little shallow pool that you can sit in – IF IT IS SAFE TO DO. Use your own judgment – but if it was flowing any more than it was, I would not have gone in. But on this ocassion it felt safe, so I spent some time sitting in the water enjoying the view. What a magical place.
My wife and I made a coffee while we were there and had a snack. What a special moment. After some photos and a few shots with the drone, we sat around a bit longer just soaking in the views and experience.
At one point while we there, a lady arrived from the track and sat on the rock with a great view. She literally took a selfie and then left again… I couldn’t believe it! I understand she might have needed to get back to work… but spending 15 seconds there to take a selfie just doesn’t seem enough. Not long after, another guy arrived and we chatted to him. He said it was his favourite place ro visit and the best view he’s ever seen.
All up, we spent about 90 minutes there – but then it was time to hit the track again. It was nice coming back when it is light as it gave us a chance to see the landscape and scenery. It was quite surprising to see the variety that the trail provided – enough to keep it interesting.
If you haven’t been to Windin Falls – put it on your Ultimate Aussie Bucketlist. If you’ve been, but haven’t had it to yourself or haven’t seen a beautiful sunrise – put in on the list. This place is a stunning example of the beauty that Queensland and Australia has to offer. Be safe there, soak in the views and really just take the time to enjoy such an amazing waterfall and view. Windin Falls will always be one of our favourites for so many reasons.
