Jourama Falls in Paluma Range National Park: Everything you need to know
This post was updated on: November 1, 2024
Jourama Falls is a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the Paluma Range National Park in North Queensland, Australia.
The Nywaigi Aboriginal people are the Traditional Owners of Paluma Range National Park and extend a warm welcome to all visitors. They cherish this land and ask that you please respect and enjoy this place. In their language, the traditional name for the Paluma Range is Munan Gumburu, which means ‘misty mountain’.
This hidden gem is only a 1-hour drive from Townsville, making it the perfect day trip for those looking to escape the city and explore the great outdoors.
The falls are accessible by a short hike from the carpark and are a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
Read on to find out how to get to Jourama Falls, the best time to visit, and what to expect when you get there.
Key points
- Jourama Falls is a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the Paluma Range National Park in North Queensland, Australia.
- The falls are accessible by a short hike from the carpark and are a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
- Jourama Falls is located approximately 95 km north of Townsville in the Paluma Range National Park.
- To get there, follow the Bruce Highway north from Townsville for about 80km until you reach the turnoff for the unsealed Jourama Rd. From there, follow signs to Jourama Falls Road for another 10 minutes until you reach
How to get to Jourama Falls?
Jourama Falls is located approximately 95 km north of Townsville in the Paluma Range National Park.
The best way to get there is by car; however, please note that the last 6km of the journey is unsealed road. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can hire one here.
To get there, follow the Bruce Highway north from Townsville for about 80km until you reach the turnoff for the unsealed Jourama Rd. From there, follow signs to Jourama Falls Road for another 10 minutes until you reach the carpark. The total journey should take about 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Paluma Range National Park makes it easy to enjoy a day out, with plenty of shady spots to picnic or barbecue, plus campsites for those who want to stay overnight.
Once you reach Jourama falls carpark, it’s a short 15-minute walk to the viewing platform. The car park is quite primitive, but the campground 400m away from it has all sorts of amenities like showers, toilets, a BBQ and picnic tables.
The best time to visit Jourama Falls
Jourama Falls is beautiful and open all year round. The best time to visit is during the wet season from November to April when the falls are at their fullest flow. However, the falls are still beautiful during the dry season and are worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Please be aware that during the wet season, access roads may sometimes be closed due to flooding so it is always best to check local road conditions before setting off on your journey.
What to expect at Jourama Falls?
Jourama Falls consists of many picturesque cascades that flow over rocks into large rock pools. In this section of the Paluma Range National Park, Waterview Creek tumbles down many rapids and picturesque cascades, making it a perfect spot for camping, hiking, taking a pleasant walk and enjoy watching birds. You’re sure to see plenty of butterflies and other native wildlife here!
Jourama Falls track starts at the car park, and the initial section, approximately 500m long, is a pleasant walk in a paved pathway through the bushes near Waterview Creek. This walk leads you down to a creek crossing, and 100m after that you will have two options: visit the lookout or the base of the waterfall.
Jourama Falls lookout
The lookout is located at the top of a 600m uphill climb, but you’ll be rewarded with full views of the gorgeous falls and surrounding rainforest.
The return walk is via the same route. This will be the perfect time to explore the base of the waterfall, the rock pools and go for a swim to cool off after your little workout.
Jourama Falls base
If you choose to visit the base of Jourama Falls you will find that the largest pool at the base of the falls is deep enough to swim in and is a popular spot for cooling off on hot days.
There are also several smaller pools along the creek that are perfect for paddling in with young children.
You can also keep following the rocks and find your own way to a less visited pool area. We did just that and found the most perfect spot for us to relax and enjoy a sunny day.
Camping at Jourama Falls
If you’re planning on camping at Jourama Falls, there is one camping area, with facilities, located in Paluma Range National Park.
This paid campground offers toilets, showers, drinking water and swimming. Dogs are not permitted.
It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed and you must book in advance.
Prices are currently at $7 per night per person and you can book online here or by telephoning 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
