Murray Falls
Waterfall Scenic waterfalls within rainforests of Queensland
Located in Girringun National Park near Cardwell, Murray Falls features cascading pools, rainforest trails and picnic facilities; visitors hike, swim in designated pools and photograph the falls.
Murray Falls is a waterfall site within Girringun National Park in Queensland. It is part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area.
The falls form a scenic cascade set in tropical rainforest with accessible viewing platforms and short walking tracks that lead to picnic areas. The site is maintained for day visitors and nature viewing rather than overnight stays.
The falls and surrounding rainforest are managed as part of Girringun National Park and contribute to the conservation values of the Wet Tropics World Heritage listing.
Murray Falls sits in north Queensland near the coastal range and is reached from nearby coastal towns in the Cassowary Coast/Cardwell region. The site lies within the tropical lowland rainforest belt of northeastern Australia.
- Visitor facilities: Located inside Girringun National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, it has short walking tracks, picnic facilities and a dedicated viewing platform for the falls.
How to Get to Murray Falls #
From Ingham and Cardwell, follow the Bruce Highway (A1) and take the local turnoffs to Girramay National Park and the Murray Falls picnic area. The falls are roughly 30-40 minutes’ drive from Cardwell and about 90 minutes from Townsville. There is no regular public transport to the picnic area; a private vehicle is recommended.
Tips for Visiting Murray Falls #
- Go early in the day - the falls are in Girramay National Park and mornings have softer light and fewer flies.
- The main viewing platform is short walk from the car park (a few hundred metres); the paths can be muddy after rain so avoid the heavy wet season.
- Combine a trip to Murray Falls with the wider Wet Tropics drives - nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre at CCRC is worth a stop.
Best Time to Visit Murray Falls #
The dry season (May-October) is generally the most comfortable time to visit for walking and viewing; wet season brings dramatic water volumes but also access issues.
Weather & Climate near Murray Falls #
Murray Falls's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 13°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2367 mm/year), wettest in March with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (294 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (540 mm).
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March
March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (558 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (241 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm).
