Princess Hills - Herbert River — David Taylor - Master Jeweller

updated 28th October 2025

The night before heading out to Princess Hills I camped out near Irvinebank. You need to book a campsite at Princess Hills and there were none available until the next day. Don’t forget to book a campsite well ahead if you need specific dates!

Campsite #2

There are two compsites at Princess Hills. #1 has a walk down to a sandy section of the river. #2 is right on the river. I prefer #2 but if you have children #1 will offer more places for them to explore and play.

The first photo of my tent is camping up near the fire pit under the trees. The second time I visited I pitched the tent right down on the water. Only downside was that during the day there is no shade.

The short ride from my camp site #2 to the trail head to Herbert River Falls.

As soon as I arrived at Princess Hills I unloaded the bike and set up camp in order to start the hike to Herbert River Falls. It was a short motorbike ride from the camp site #2 to the trail head where I parked my bike and set off on foot to the Falls.

This is a photo of the Gorge that the falls flow into. The spot circled on the left is where the top of the falls are and the one on the right is where I took the next photo from.

I did the walk in wearing motocross boots and it took me about 40 to 50 minutes. I am guessing you could do it in much less with proper hiking boots.

Herbert River Falls is about a 70 metre plunge waterfall.

On my first trip in I stuck mainly to the river edge. On the way out I walked along the ridge line above the river. The best way to make your way to the falls IMO is to walk in the middle of the river. Let me explain :)

From the trail head to the Falls

The river section below the trail head has a lovely little cascade section. During the dry season the centre of the river has rocky sections and also some vegetated areas that you can walk on.

Walking through that vegetation in the middle of the river will give you some shade form the sun on a clear day as it did for me. It is also a far easier walk IMO compared to the edge of the river.

Out onto the rocks

As you get closer to the falls the vegetation in the middle of the river will start to thin out and you will now be rock hopping.

There are some stunning little waterfalls that you can view on the way to Herbert River Falls. If you are the more adventurous type like me then you can stray from the rock edges.

When we are in the middle of the wet season access is closed to the Princess Hills Campsites so more than likely you will be visiting in the drier months. The rivers flow may at that time allow you access to areas usually under water during the wet. That can enable you to set up for photos is some great spots.

This was the view I got of a waterfall from the setting my tripod up pretty much in the middle of the river.

During the wet season this little waterfall would probably be gone under a mass of water as would the spot I set up my tripod to take the photo.

You are not allowed to camp at the Falls so make sure you leave enough time to get back to the trail head before dark. As always ensure you have at least two torches just incase you run late.

Mornings

On my first visit to Princess Hills in early September I got beautiful early morning fog. On my next visit in early October the fog was gone.

The fog clearing rapidly down at the river.

When I say early morning fog I do mean early. If you are slow to rise then more than likey the fog will have gone ……..and to you will have never existed.

Exploring - other things to see

By the time of my second visit in early October the skies were clear and the landscape was very dry. Make sure you drink lots of water and take sunscreen as you roam.

There was one little plant growing in the river sand that seemed to not be bothered by the heat in October. It added a welcome splash of colour to the landscape. I find this little plant very interesting…..such a pretty flower from a harsh looking thing. Very Australian, a land of contrast.

Upstream from the trail head moving away form campsite #2 and towards campsite #1 the river opens up. I enjoyed some time sitting on a huge fallen tree stuck in the river one morning.

I was however not brave enough to walk al the way across it. Maybe next time whilst wearing clothes more suitable for swimming :)

If you enjoy looking at patterns in dead trees as I do then you will find an abundance of subject matter along the river.

If you are into birds then I did see the odd Kingfisher but failed to get any photos. There seems to be a lot of Australasian Darters around who I assume are responsible for the white paint on many of the rocks in the river :)

Of course as always in FNQ there is an abundance of insect life to view if that is your thing. It always amazes me how many different types of dragonfly there are. They also have this habit of returning the same spot quite often. They fly away an then shortly come right back to the same spot.

Summary

This spot is well worth the effort to visit. Definitely 4WD only, don’t even think about it in a normal car. There are a couple of creek crossings into the campsite and large sections of the track in are red ice when wet. For that very reason they call that final 12 klm stretch in the “Greasy Track”. It is closed during the wet season and after heavy rain.

The total cost of my first trip there was as follows:

$7.50 camp site fee (first night wild camped)
$28 fuel
$12 6 rice pack meals ( I bulk buy them when they are half price :)
$1.50 instant noodles
$7.80 6 mixed tins of chicken/tuna
$5 extra for things like milo, tea, oats, toothpaste etc
$61.60 total

About $20 a day for one of the best trips I have had :)

What you see at this spot will very much be determined what you decide to focus on. Great place to visit..