Melbourne grandfather dies at Queensland waterfall

A Melbourne grandfather on a road trip with his family has died at a waterfall in Queensland.

A Melbourne grandfather has died at a waterfall in Queensland while holidaying with his family.

The 70-year-old was on a walking track to view Trevathan Falls, south of Cooktown, on Friday afternoon when he fell down an embankment.

Cooktown officer in charge, Senior Sergeant John McArthur, told local media the short but steep walk to the falls was no more than 100 metres and the tourist probably fell 40 or 50 metres.

“He was walking along the track to the falls and, for some reason, lost balance and fell down a steep gully,” he told Cape York Weekly.

A tourist has died at Trevathan Falls near Cooktown. Picture: Tropical North Queensland

Snr Sgt McArthur said the man’s son used a satellite phone to call triple-0.

He was reported to be holidaying with his wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandchild.

“His son has made it down to him and he was still alive, but he had died before paramedics arrived on scene,” Snr Sgt McArthur said.

The man fell on the short walk to view the falls. Picture: Tropical North Queensland

The man’s body was retrieved the next day by helicopter, according to the publication.

Queensland Police confirmed to news.com.au the tourist in his 70s was walking to view the falls at about 4pm on Friday when he fell.

A spokeswoman said police would prepare a report for the coroner.

Tourism and Events Queensland describe Trevathan Falls as a “must visit on any four wheel drive trip” to that part of Australia.

A 4WD is required for access and the waterfall is a short walk from the end of the road.

Snr Sgt McArthur told Cape York Weekly he believed the victim had been “on the road for six or seven weeks”.