Finch Hatton Gorge and Araluen Cascades

The Araluen Cascades walk is 2.8 kilometres return and suitable for most fitness levels, winding through dense subtropical rainforest alongside a clear creek before arriving at the falls and a sheltered swimming hole. For those wanting more, a further 1.4 kilometres leads to the Wheel of Fire Cascades, a taller waterfall with a large pool perfect for a cool swim after the climb.

The gorge sits high enough in the Clarke Range that the water stays cool even in summer, and there are no crocodiles, an unusual luxury in tropical Queensland. The car park has toilet facilities. A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the final stretch of Gorge Road, especially after rain.

For an added dimension, a zip-line canopy tour operates through the rainforest near the gorge entrance, while the tiny town of Finch Hatton itself has a pub, a general store, and accommodation options.