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Hartley’s Creek Falls are a series of waterfalls and swimming holes off the coast road north of Cairns and Palm Cove, and south of Port Douglas at Wangetti. You will need to park just off the highway and hike to the falls, through the bush. The path is good and not very difficult, it’s an enjoyable walk.
While Hartley’s Creek Falls is very close to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, there are no reported sightings of crocodiles at the falls, that we know of. Most of the swimming holes and waterfalls in the area are too cold for crocs, in theory. But you should always be crocsmart in FNQ!
Hartley’s Creek Falls Walk
The hike from where you’ll park on the road is roughly 7.5 km return trip. The walk will take you about 2 hours.
You could easily pack a picnic and spend half or a full day here. Camping overnight is not allowed, and there is no access for vehicles.
You will be walking on a dirt track through the bush. Towards the end of the hike, the terrain becomes rocky and you will be climbing over boulders to the falls. This part may be impassable after heavy rain.
Wildlife you encounter along the way may include snakes, cassowaries and wild pigs. Be aware of the potential dangers. Hopefully you’ll just see birds and maybe a wallaby.
The start of the hike is on the Captain Cook Highway, the coastal road that takes you north from Cairns to Port Douglas, the parking spot is near Wangetti Beach, just before the Wangetti Cape York Girl Academy.
If you’re heading north, the parking spot for the trailhead is on the left.
Hartley’s Creek Falls Location on the Map
We’ve marked the location of Hartley’s Creek Falls on the map below.
Hiking To Hartley’s Creek Falls
The hike starts in scrubby bushland and there is a gentle uphill climb for a kilometer or so.
This part of the hike should be easy for anyone with a basic level of fitness and mobility. It’s suitable for kids with supervision.
You may be able to take a baby in a stroller some of the way, maybe to the first waterhole at about the halfway mark.
This swimming hole is called Birthing Pools on the map – that’s something I need to find out more about.
You can stop here for a swim or carry on to the falls, or both!
As you keep walking, you will be following the bed of the creek as in the photo below.
There is a fair bit of shade on the last part of the hike, which is very welcome.
Eventually the trees part to reveal the falls themselves and the fresh-water swimming hole at the base of the waterfall.
Best Time to Visit Hartley’s Creek Falls
As for most outdoor activities in Far North Queensland, the cooler, drier winter months are the best time to do anything. The wet season (summer) can bring heavy rain, heat, humidity and mosquitoes.
The drier months, May to early October would be the best months to visit Hartey’s Creek Falls, but obviously, weather varies.
Keep in mind that the water will be very cold if you plan on swimming in winter. The water is coming down from the Tablelands, where you can even get a frost from time to time.
The September/October school holidays would be a good time to visit, as would Easter holidays. You may be able to visit over Christmas (summer), but keep a close eye on the weather.
I personally wouldn’t attempt this hike if there had been heavy rain recently or any danger of heavy rain or storms. Certainly not if there was a cyclone in the area.
We took the photos on this page in May when the water flow was fairly low. Heavy rain will make the falls far more impressive, but that may also bring danger.
That said, you can visit Hartley’s Creek Falls, year-round.
