Visiting Cairns and have already seen the incredible viral photos of Barron Falls in flood? One of the most phenomenal waterfalls to view in full flood, Barron Falls attracts hundreds of visitors when the waterfall turns from a trickle to an incredible torrent of water.
Set within Barron Gorge in Barron Gorge National Park, the landscape surrounding the falls is impressive enough. A view that can only be described as prehistoric, the surrounding rock gorge was formed over tens of thousands of decades, millions of years in the making. Known as Din Din Falls to the local Indigenous people, this waterfall is mostly a trickle throughout the year; however, truly comes into its own, you just have to be there to catch it when it does.
Best time to see Barron Falls in Flood
The best time to see Barron Falls in flood is between December to March each year. This is Cairns’ summer season (otherwise known as their wet and rainy season) and not only is this the best time of the year to see all of the incredible waterfalls in Cairns (suggested read: The Best Cairns Waterfalls), your chances of viewing Barron Falls in flood are significantly higher.
For this waterfall to be truly in full flood though, a considerable amount of rainfall is required. If your holiday to Cairns is marked by periods of heavy rainfall, you may be one of the lucky few who get to witness this powerful sight.
Suggested read: Wet weather activities in Cairns
Where to see Barron Falls in Flood
Barron Falls is found less than a 10 minute drive from Kuranda Village (suggested read: Things to do in Kuranda), within Barron Gorge National Park in the Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Lucky for you there are four main ways you can view Barron Falls in flood:
1. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway by Gondola
An iconic Cairns attraction, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a 7.5km gondola cableway that soars above the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area rainforest in Cairns. Reaching between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda Village, you get an incredible birds eye peak at Barron Falls from the gondola as you approach or leave the rainforest stop at Barron Falls.
Skyrail is an incredible rainy day experience.
2. The Edge Lookout at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
While you’re on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, be sure to disembark at Barron Falls. One of the two rainforest stops (the other one being Red Peak) where you can immerse yourself more into the rainforest’s incredible story.
Wander through the rainforest path before arriving at The Edge Lookout. With sweeping views across Barron Gorge, this lookout (complete with a glass floor by the way) juts out over the edge of the cliff and provides an up close and personal perspective of Barron Falls.
The Edge Lookout at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is the best way to view Barron Falls in flood up close.
3. Drive to Barron Falls Lookout
While The Edge Lookout at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway can only be accessed via Skyrail (and is well worth it due to the additional rainforest experience and sweeping views you gain from the experience), you can view Barron Falls in flood from the other side of the gorge at the Barron Falls public lookout.
An easy 45 minute drive from Cairns city, up the Kuranda Range, this lookout is found only 10 minutes away from Kuranda Village. There is ample parking, and after a short 10 or so minute stroll along a mostly elevated rainforest boardwalk, you’ll get your first glimpse of the falls.
Barron Falls Public Lookout is a great spot to view the sheer size and enormity of the falls; however, if the waterfall is truly in full flood, this will be a very popular and busy spot.
This lookout is included in a Cairns to Mareeba road trip itinerary (suggested read: Things to do near Mareeba: Cairns to Mareeba Road Trip Must Do’s).
4. Drop by on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
If you’ve booked yourself on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, you’ve also included a stop at the above Barron Falls lookout in your trip! After winding your way through the rugged mountain escarpment, the Kuranda Scenic Railway pulls into Barron Falls Lookout for about 5-10 minutes, giving those on board the opportunity to hop off and snap a few photos while they’re there.
This is a great option for those wanting to include a trip on the famous railway in their Cairns itinerary.
How Long Does Barron Falls Stay in Flood?
Unlike other waterfalls that once Cairns is in the wetter months tend to stay larger until the rain subsides, Barron Falls does not stay in flood for long. Without sounding dramatic, Barron Falls can go from full flood back to a trickle overnight and therefore if you have the opportunity to view the waterfall as a torrent, take it as it could shut off almost like a tap overnight.
Enjoy viewing one of the most incredible waterfalls you’ll find in Australia.
If you are interested in this, you may also be interested in
Kuranda
- Things to do in Kuranda
- Visiting the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda
- Why you need to experience the Kuranda Wildlife Experience
- #TheAncientRainforest with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway on a Rainy Day
- Things to do near Mareeba: Cairns to Mareeba Road Trip Must Do’s
Waterfalls
- Atherton Tablelands waterfalls you probably haven’t heard of
- How to get to Windin Falls
- How to get to Emerald Creek Falls
- How to get to Tully Gorge
- How to get to Fairy Falls
- The Best Cairns Waterfalls
Cairns
