Peet's Falls

Explore FNQ

Oct 1

Everything about Peet's Falls spells Tropical North Queensland…

The drive through the canefields to the start of the track, the walk through tropical rainforest and the plunge into the cool refreshing waters at the bottom of Peet’s Falls. Expect to see only a handful of people around or if you’re lucky, no one but yourself.

PLEASE NOTE: The farmer has put up a PRIVATE PROPERTY sign blocking the road that leads to the start of the track. According to Cairns City Council it is a public road for access to the National Park and the farmer can’t stop you. However - according to the DNRME specifically on this access road in question, there's currently a temporary road closure where the road leads to the National Park. This has been in place since 2011 and means the farmer is well within their rights to close the road to the public.
I suggest that everyone that is blocked from using this road puts a complaint in - it only takes a couple of minutes on the council web site. This may make a difference to the sign being up.
As a gesture of good will to the farmer (if the private property sign does come down after CoVid-19) it would be good if people could be mindful as they drive along the road and into the canefield. Also (obviously) make sure you bring out everything you bring into the area.

The track itself is half anhour south of Cairns, located in the Goldsborough Valley. Turn off the GillesHighway when you get to Peet’s Bridge and head towards the Goldsborough ValleyCampgrounds. Turn left 400m after crossing Peet’s Bridge at Downing Road andthen continue along this road over two causeways and onto a gravel road thatskirts a cane paddock. This seems to be private property so be respectful.

**The track starts at the edge of a canefield**

The rocks that mark the beginning of the track are a little difficult to find but keep your eyes peeled for a gap in the rainforest and a big pink rock at the entrance. The rainforest track meanders through thick jungle and there’s a small metal water pipe that crosses your path at times. Most of the way you can hear the sound of cascading water from the creek nearby.

Small Waterfall

The Track

About 20-minutes in you start following the creek and rock hopping upwards to the first set of falls which have a decent waterhole in which to swim.

To the right of these falls is a track leading up to the top with a rope to help with the climb. Follow this is you want to get to some bigger falls and a bigger waterhole.

Once at the top falls youcan then climb again for views out to Goldsborough Valley and beyond apparentlybut we didn’t go that far. We were content to play in the falls below….

Distance: Approx 2km of rainforesttrack.

Time: ½ hour to complete one way.

Difficulty: Easy - Moderate.

Good Things to Know:

The best time to do any hiking in Cairns is during the winter months (April – September)
During the wet season it is preferable to do any of the above activities early in the morning or early evening – ie. the cooler parts of the day.
Water and sensible walking shoes are recommended for any climb in the tropics.
Don’t forget to bring the insect repellent – March Flies, Mosquitoes and leeches LOVE the Tropics.

Are you keen to hike Peet’s Falls? Would you like to also discover some Cairns walks with some great vistas?

If you’re keen to do some climbs near Cairns with some great views then check out my 4 Big Climbs around Cairns post.

For more waterfall walks around Cairns click HERE.