Fairy Falls Cairns – Hidden Waterfall at Crystal Cascades

Fairy Falls Cairns is a small hidden gem just a short 15-minute walk from the popular swimming spot at Crystal Cascades.

Sometimes, it pays to wander off the beaten path. This is definitely true when it comes to the Fairy Falls since most people who visit the Crystal Cascades wouldn’t even know it existed!

In my opinion, it’s a more beautiful waterfall, nestled in a small rainforest nook, complete with drooping vines and a crystal clear waterfall pool.

In this guide, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about visiting Fairy Falls including how to get here and what to expect once you arrive.

How to Get to Fairy Falls Cairns

In order to get to Fairy Falls, you'll need to drive to the Crystal Cascades, located approximately 25 minutes from Cairns city.

Unfortunately, there aren't any public transport options to the Cascades, so you'll need your own transport.

Finding the Hidden Trail to Fairy Falls

The trail to the Fairy Falls is located on the far left side of the car park (as you enter the car park, looking toward the Crystal Cascades walking trail).

There are no signs or markings indicating the path, but you'll see the clearing next to a warning sign for stinging plants.

Continue down this trail through the dense tropical rainforest for no more than 10 minutes until you reach the creek, where the trail bends left. Don't take the deceiving path that leads nearly vertically up a hill. Instead, stay near the creek and continue along until you reach a small clearing.

Here, there is a shallow pool and just above it, is the hidden waterfall.

Fairy Falls Cairns - What to Expect

It's true, Fairy Falls isn't the most impressive waterfall in Cairns in terms of size or power. However, it's a very scenic waterfall carved into the cliff which flows into a narrow but deep blue pool.

There is also a large, thick log that seems to have torn down the rapids and wedged itself perfectly into the waterfall. Locals have carved some steps into the slippery bark to help you climb a little higher and admire the waterfall.

Fairy Falls is one of my favourite spots in Cairns to come and unwind away from crowds. The walk is very short and easy, making it one of the best spots in town to cool off in the hot tropical heat.

More Cairns Waterfalls, Hikes & Adventures

I hope that this quick guide to visiting Fairy Falls in Cairns, Queensland has been useful for you. If you liked this spot, make sure to check out some of my other articles for the Far North. I've spent loads of time documenting the best adventures to share with you.

So, go on, I'm sure you'll find something new!

• 60+ Things to do in Cairns - my ultimate Cairns and FNQ travel resource covering the best activities, hidden gems, and unmissable experiences.
• Cairns Hiking Guide - a huge list of epic rainforest, waterfall, and lookout hikes in Cairns.
• Cairns Waterfalls - a huge list of epic waterfalls that I've visited in Cairns and the surrounding tropics.
• Cairns Islands - discover my favorite Great Barrier Reef islands near Cairns and Port Douglas.
• Cairns Tours - my roundup of the best tours you can book in Cairns and FNQ, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest.
• Cairns Packing List - tips on what to pack for a trip to Far North Queensland.
• Top Things to Do in Port Douglas - a comprehensive guide to the sleepy Far North Queensland town of Port Douglas.
• Epic 5-Day Cairns Itinerary - my suggested adventure itinerary if you only have 5 days to spend in Cairns.
• Cape Tribulation Travel Guide - discover where the rainforest meets the reef at one of my favourite places in Australia.
• Best Things to do in the Atherton Tablelands - my guide to one of Far North Queensland's most underrated adventure destinations.
• Accommodation Resources: Discover where to stay in Cairns, the best hotels in Port Douglas and my Cape Tribulation accommodation guide.