Hartleys Creek Falls is a cascading waterfall positioned on the finish of a delicate strolling monitor close to Wangetti, north of Cairns.
Are you in search of a fast waterfall hike and journey close to the Northern Seashores of Cairns? Hartleys Creek Falls is perhaps exactly what you’re after.
This waterfall is considerably of a “native secret”, hidden behind Wangetti close to the well-known Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Don’t fear although; there aren’t any crocs lurking at Hartleys Creek Falls, so that you’re free to swim and funky off on the waterfall after the quick however rewarding hike.
The place is the Hartleys Creek Falls Observe?
Hartleys Creek Falls is positioned in Wangetti, simply off the Captain Cook dinner Freeway, solely 15 KM from Palm Cove or 43 KM from Cairns. Hartley’s Creek Falls is accessible by a broad and straightforward strolling monitor discovered simply off the freeway.
The right way to Get Right here
To get to the Hartleys Creek Falls trailhead from Cairns, you’ll merely want to go north on the Captain Cook dinner Freeway in the direction of Wangetti. In case you’re driving from Cairns, anticipate a minimum of a 40-minute drive.
The Hartleys Creek Falls trailhead entry is positioned simply 500 metres previous Hartleys Crocodile Adventures, close to the “Hartleys Creek Retreat”. In case you’re utilizing google maps, simply sort in “Hartleys Creek Retreat”, and also you’ll arrive simply subsequent to the trailhead.
There’s a giant clearing in entrance of the retreat the place you possibly can park your automotive. The trailhead entry is simply to the left of the entrance gate to the retreat and is signposted.

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The Hartleys Creek Falls Observe
When you’ve discovered the trailhead utilizing the knowledge above, the remainder is pretty simple. Start by passing the fenced-off retreat and start on a delicate climb for roughly 1.5 KM. The monitor is extensive and straightforward to observe, undulating sporadically via the native scrub. The size of the path follows the banks of Hartleys Creek all the best way to the waterfall while not having to make any turns.
Whereas there are some dips and steep sections, total, the Hartleys Creek Falls monitor may be very mild and might be accomplished by anybody with a median stage of health.
At roughly the midway level, you’ll arrive at a clearing with entry to a waterhole part of Hartleys Creek. Though it seems like an awesome tenting spot, it’s sadly not permitted. Nevertheless, for those who’d like a fast dip, then this spot is ideal and makes for a really scenic relaxation cease.

After roughly 3.5 KM, you’ll arrive on the rocky banks resulting in the waterfall. Flip left right here and observe the signal to reach at Hartleys Creek Falls.

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What to Anticipate at Hartleys Creek Waterfall and Swimming Gap
As quickly as you arrive at Hartleys Creek Falls, you possibly can see why it’s such a local-favourite. It’s simply accessible, the hike is satisfying and rewarding with out being too troublesome, and the swimming gap is ideal!
The waterfall itself cascades gently down the steep rock face for roughly 16 metres (my estimate) into an enormous freshwater basin. The pool beneath the falls makes for the proper swimming gap on a scalding, tropical summer season day. It’s attainable to climb up the decrease boulder beneath the waterfall and soar into the deep pool under. It’s troublesome to inform how deep it’s, however I couldn’t attain the underside after leaping off across the fringe of the waterfall.
After passing the crocodile attraction simply up the highway, it’s troublesome to the considered crocs to the again of your thoughts. Nevertheless, relaxation assured there aren’t any crocs right here (a minimum of there hasn’t ever been a sighting).


ALSO NEARBY: Spring Creek Falls
Cairns Lodging Information – The place to Keep
Planning a visit to Cairns and questioning the place to base your self? Under I’ve listed a few of the finest choices close to Cairns Esplanade. I’ve additionally written a complete lodging information to Cairns, in addition to a complete Port Douglas Lodging information too.
Crystalbrook Riley – If luxurious and placement are what you’re after, you possibly can’t beat the Crystalrbook Riley. That is the most effective 5-star resort in Cairns and options completely every little thing you’d anticipate from a Crystalbrook resort.
Tip: Be certain that to go as much as Rocco’s Bar on the high of the Crystalbrook Riley for nice views over Cairns!

Rydges Resort – This lodge presents glorious bang-for-buck when it comes to an epic keep for a good value! The placement is ideal, near the esplanade and options embrace three swimming swimming pools, two tennis courts, a jacuzzi, a health centre and even an award-winning restaurant.

Fitzroy Island Resort – In case you’d reasonably sleep out on one of many picturesque Nice Barrier Reef Islands, look no additional than the Fitzroy Island Resort. Whereas you will get out right here on a day journey, I extremely advocate spending the night time so that you get extra time to discover the reef, coral seashores and rainforest strolling trails.

Gilligan’s Backpackers – The very best backpacker choice for an awesome vibe in Cairns is Gilligan’s Backpackers. That’s as a result of this one has a swimming pool, AC, an entire kitchen and an awesome widespread space to satisfy different travellers.

Extra Cairns Waterfalls and Hikes
I hope that this fast information to visiting Hartleys Creek Falls in Cairns has proved helpful in planning your waterfall adventures! For extra must-do waterfalls and hikes close to Cairns, take a choose from my record under. In any other case, why not begin with this information to the most effective waterfalls in Cairns and surrounds, finest mountaineering trails or this information to the most effective issues to do in Cairns.
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