Cairns woman dies at Windin Falls waterfall in Far North Queensland
Windin Falls' natural 'infinity pool' that overlooks the lush rainforest has made it popular with thrill seekers and photographers. Photo: ABC/Kathryn Cowan
A 58-year-old Cairns woman has died after plunging more than 40 metres from the top of a remote Far North Queensland waterfall.
Queensland police said the woman slipped and fell from the pools, at the top of the Windin Falls trail about 60 kilometres south of Cairns, just before 1pm on Sunday.
A land and air search was launched with the assistance of the Cairns-based Rescue 510 helicopter.
The woman’s body was found by helicopter crews about 4pm.
State Emergency Service area controller Peter Rinauldo said it was a tragic death.
“We activated members from our Atherton and Malanda crews and actually took an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) in through the walking track that leads to Windin Falls,” Mr Rinauldo said.
“Unfortunately by the time we got there, it was determined that there was nothing that we could do to assist.”
‘Very, very pretty place’ can be dangerous
Windin Falls has become a popular site for thrill-seekers and photographers because of a natural “infinity pool” at the top of the falls that overlooks a lush rainforest valley.
“There’s a couple of small pools that come from a nearby creek that then plummet straight over the side of a cliff face,” Mr Rinauldo said.
“So if you are in the water in the creek it’s just like an infinity pool and you can look down the gorges down towards Palmerston National Park.
“It’s a very, very pretty place but one that can at times be quite dangerous as well.”
Queensland Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
