Emerald Creek Falls

Waterfalls that welcome dogs are rare in Far North Queensland, which is what makes Emerald Creek Falls near Mareeba worth the drive. The falls sit in Dinden West Forest Reserve, where dogs may walk the track on lead.

Lead rules

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service requires dogs to be on a lead and under control at all times here. Don't carry the habit over to nearby Davies Creek, where dogs are banned in the national park sections.

The track

The return walk is about 1.9 km on a natural earth track with rock steps and uneven granite. It moves from rainforest into open eucalypt woodland beside a creek bed of huge boulders and tiered cascades.

Water and shade

The creek has shallow pools close to the car park, so dogs can cool off even if you skip the full walk. Canopy shades much of the track, though the granite sections are open to the sun.

Max: There are no bins at the falls, so every poo bag leaves with you. Keep the lead short where the track turns to rock steps and granite.

Getting there

Free parking is at a gravel day-use car park near the base of the falls. The last few kilometres of access road are unsealed and can be corrugated.

Go in the cooler months or early in the day, when the exposed rock is kinder to paws. It suits fit, sure-footed dogs more than elderly ones.