Queen Mary Falls

Plummeting 40 metres into a lush, fern-clad gorge, Queen Mary Falls is one of the Scenic Rim’s most rewarding short walks. The roar of water and the cool mist on your face greet you as you descend the well-maintained track to the base of the falls, where you can feel the raw power of the cascade. This is a place for quiet contemplation, picnicking, and connecting with the ancient Gondwana rainforest that surrounds it.

Highlights & What to See

• Queen Mary Falls Lookout – An easy 20-minute return walk from the car park leads to a platform with breathtaking views of the falls plunging into the gorge below. Arrive early for the best light and fewer crowds.
• Base Circuit Track – Continue down the 1.2 km loop to the base of the falls, where you can feel the spray and admire the delicate maidenhair ferns and mosses clinging to the cliffs. The track is steep in sections but well-stepped.
• Daggs Lookout – A short detour off the main track offers panoramic views over the McPherson Range and the vast, forested expanse of Main Range National Park.
• Picnic Area & Creek – The grassy picnic area by the creek is perfect for a packed lunch. Listen for the whipcrack call of the eastern whipbird and keep an eye out for satin bowerbirds.
• Seasonal Wildflowers – Spring brings a carpet of wildflowers, including orchids and wattles, adding splashes of colour to the green gorge.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed visit that includes both the lookout walk and the base circuit. If you’re keen on photography or birdwatching, budget an extra hour. The falls are best visited after rain when the water flow is strongest, but the track can be slippery then – wear sturdy shoes.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Killarney – A charming historic town just 10 km away, with heritage buildings, a pub, and the lovely Killarney Glen waterfall.
• Brown Falls & Dagg Falls – Both within a short drive of Queen Mary Falls; combine them for a waterfall-hopping day.
• Main Range National Park – Explore the park’s extensive walking trails, including the challenging Mount Superbus summit track.
• The Head – A dramatic cliff-top lookout offering sweeping views over the Condamine River valley and the Great Dividing Range.
• Boonah – A scenic 30-minute drive north, with a vibrant food scene, antique shops, and the spectacular Scenic Rim Trail.

Please check official sources for current details.