Queen Mary Falls cascades 40 metres down a rocky, fern-covered gorge and into a pool surrounded by lush rainforest. The falls are one of the main attractions in Main Range National Park, which is part of the ancient Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. At the base of the falls is a picnic area that's great for enjoying lunch with a view.
A walking trail starts at the picnic area and winds up to a eucalypt-lined ridge. At the top is a spectacular lookout with fantastic views of Spring Creek and Queen Mary Falls. Look for rainbows shimmering in the mist. The two-kilometre trip should take just under an hour to complete.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot kangaroos and wallabies grazing in the rainforest as well as bearded dragon lizards basking on the rocks. There's also a good chance to see native birdlife at Queen Mary Falls, including kookaburras, cockatoos and rosellas. Kids love hand-feeding the colourful parrots.
Getting there
Queen Mary Falls is located within Main Range National Park, a two-hour drive from Brisbane and 2.5 hours from the Gold Coast. The township of Killarney is a 15-minute drive away. Parking is available 300 metres from the falls and Brisbane Airport is a two-hour drive away.