Part of the council's water catchment near Aloomba. Bring all your water and snacks.
Directions in Google MapsA steep climb, then the best pools near Cairns
Behana Gorge is part of the Cairns Regional Council water catchment, about 30 minutes south of the city near Aloomba. It supplies Cairns with fresh water, and it looks it.
The walk is roughly 6.6 kilometres return on a sealed track through rainforest, with several steep climbs. Allow about 45 minutes each way to Clamshell Falls.
At the end: granite boulders, cascades and freshwater swimming holes. There are no facilities, so carry everything you need.
The walk to Clamshell Falls
- Distance: about 6.6 km return.
- Time: about 45 minutes each way.
- Surface: a sealed track, but with several steep inclines.
It's a workout more than a nature trail, and the gorge at the end makes up for it.
Swimming at Behana Gorge
At the top you'll find freshwater swimming holes among smooth granite boulders and cascades. Start early or come later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day, and don't swim during or after heavy rain, when creek levels and currents can change quickly.
Canyoning in Behana Gorge
Want more than a swim? Our Behana Gorge canyoning tour takes you into the gorge with a guide to abseil, jump and slide through it, from $279 per adult.
Behana Gorge: good to know
No facilities
No toilets, water or shop. Bring water, snacks and sun protection.
Timing
Early morning or later afternoon. Avoid the midday heat.
After rain
Stay out of the water when the creek is up.
Drinking water catchment
This creek supplies Cairns. Leave no trace.
Behana Gorge in pictures
Swipe or use the arrows. Tap a photo to see it bigger.
Behana Gorge: the route on a map
Near Aloomba, south of Gordonvale
About 30 kilometres from Cairns, 30 to 40 minutes by car, then the walk.
Route line from OpenStreetMap. On the day, follow the signs and markers on the track.
Open in Google MapsMake it a south-side day
Walsh's Pyramid is down the road for the very fit, Babinda Boulders is further south for an easier swim.
Walsh's Pyramid
A 922 m granite peak near Gordonvale. Steep, shadeless and unforgettable at the top.
See the guide →Babinda Boulders
Clear water, giant granite boulders and a strict line on where you can swim.
See the guide →Crystal Cascades
Cairns' own rainforest swimming holes, 20 minutes from the city.
See the guide →Behana Gorge Canyoning
Abseil, jump and slide your way down the gorge with a guide.
Behana Gorge FAQs
How long is the Behana Gorge walk?
About 6.6 kilometres return on a sealed track, roughly 45 minutes each way to Clamshell Falls.
Is the Behana Gorge walk hard?
It's moderate, on a sealed track with several steep inclines. Go early or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
Can you swim at Behana Gorge?
Yes, in the freshwater pools at the end. Don't swim during or after heavy rain.
Are there toilets at Behana Gorge?
No. There are no facilities, so bring water, snacks and sun protection.
Can you go canyoning at Behana Gorge?
Yes. Our Behana Gorge canyoning tour abseils, jumps and slides through the gorge with a guide, from $279 per adult.