Zoe Bay Falls

The Bay

Zoe Bay is the jewel of the crown on Hinchinbrook Island a stunning and remote beach on the east coast of Hinchinbrook Island,  It is famous for its pristine sandy shores, and thick rainforest backdrop, the easy 20 min  walk takes you to the breathtaking Zoe Falls  which is  often considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Queensland.

                                                              The Falls

It's truly spectacular-if you love tropical waterfalls, remote adventures, and stunning views, Zoe Falls is a must-visit. The combination of swimming, hiking, and scenery makes it one of the most rewarding spots on Hinchinbrook Island. It's a true tropical paradise, offering a mix of lush rainforest, crystal-clear water, the falls cascade down a rocky cliff into a clear, freshwater pool, at the base  Zoe Falls is calm, clear, and perfect for swimming, surrounded by large boulders and tropical rainforest, creating a secluded and serene atmosphere.

                                                             The Lookout

For the the adventurous there’s also a steep but rewarding 15-20 minute hike that leads to the top of the falls, Zoe Falls Lookout is absolutely breathtaking and one of the most stunning viewpoints on Hinchinbrook Island. From the top, you get a wide, uninterrupted panoramic  views of Zoe Bay's golden sands, turquoise waters, and lush green rainforest, creating a postcard-perfect scene making the short but steep hike totally worth it. It's one of the best views on Hinchinbrook Island.

 This is also where you'll find the  Natural Infinity Pools, at the edge of the lookout, crystal-clear rock pools sit atop the waterfall, allowing you to relax in the water while enjoying the view. It's one of the best infinity-pool experiences anywhere in the wild.

The area is also part of the world famous Thorsborne Trail, Zoe Bay is a key stop along this famous multi-day hiking track, which traverses the rugged wilderness of Hinchinbrook Island. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including cassowaries, goannas, and marine life, as well as unique flora in the rainforest and mangroves.

                                                    Getting there

Departure Point: Lucinda

Destination: Zoe Bay, Hinchinbrook Island

Duration: ~30 to 45 minutes (depending on boat speed, tide, and weather conditions)

Access: Only accessible by private boat, fishing charter, or Hinchinbrook Eco Tours

We depart from Dungeness Boat Ramp, then get up close to the famous Lucinda Sugar Jetty (one of the longest jetties in the world, stretching over 5.7 km)

The Hinchinbrook Channel is a sheltered waterway, making the first part of the journey relatively calm this part of the trip offers stunning views of the island's towering peaks, rainforests, and extensive mangrove systems.

Wildlife spotting is common-expect to see dugongs, sea turtles, dolphins, and birdlife, Watch out for crocodiles, especially near river mouths and mangrove creeks. Rounding the Northern End of Hinchinbrook Island past Georges Point, the journey enters open water along the eastern coastline of the island.

 The scenery here is spectacular, with the  rugged vertical cliffs that rise from the water of Hillcock point, remote beaches, and rainforest-covered mountains.

Approaching Zoe Bay, our Amphibious  boat lands on the beach, There is no dock, so normally visitors must wade through shallow water to reach the beach, fortunately our Amphibious boat drops you on the beach.

The golden sandy beach, backed by lush rainforest, is one of Hinchinbrook's most iconic locations. A short walk inland leads to Zoe Falls, where you can swim in a crystal-clear natural pool and enjoy the famous lookout at the top of the falls.

           Girramay Dreamtime Story - The Spirit of the Falls

Deep in the rainforest, where the rivers carve through the ancient land, there lived a powerful water spirit named Jindarra. She was the guardian of the waterfalls, keeping the waters pure and ensuring that life thrived in the rivers, creeks, and lagoons.

One day, a group of hunters came to the falls. They were not from the Girramay people; they were strangers who did not know the laws of the land. They laughed and shouted, throwing their spears into the water, scaring away the fish, and trampling the sacred ground without showing respect.

Jindarra, watching from beneath the water, became angered by their disrespect. She called upon the power of the land, and the sky darkened. The wind howled, and the water began to rise. The men realized their mistake and tried to flee, but the water surged over the falls, washing them away.

When the storm ended, the rainforest was quiet again. The Girramay people, who had always respected Jindarra, understood her warning: the land and water must always be treated with care and respect, or the spirits will take back what is theirs.

Even today, it is said that if someone disrespects the sacred places of the waterfalls, Jindarra's spirit can still be felt in the rushing water and the mist that rises from the falls.  Those who visit must always walk gently and honor the spirits, or they may feel the power of Jindarra watching over them.