A MOSSMAN base jumper who fell 260m off one of Australia's highest waterfalls was miraculously still alive after his parachute failed to open.

The 32-year-old man was in a critical condition in Townsville Hospital last night with suspected spinal and pelvic injuries and
hypothermia.

It was understood the man, who was at Wallaman Falls, 51km southwest of Ingham, with two friends yesterday, jumped first and failed to pull his rip-cord in time for it to open properly.

He hit the freezing water at the base of the falls but incredibly managed to crawl on to a rock until his two mates, who were also jumping off the waterfall, landed and gave him first aid until paramedics arrived.

A spokesman for Emergency Management Queensland rescue helicopter said the man’s parachute only half opened.

Paramedics said the water would have felt like concrete when the man landed.

EMQ helicopter winch operator Garry Wybenga said the man was on top of a rock with his friends when the helicopter arrived about 11.50am.

"His parachute didn’t open and he landed in some water," Mr Wybenga said.

"He was conscious on the way back but in a bit of pain."

Mr Wybenga said paramedics were winched down to the base of the falls and then went to treat the man.

"It’s always difficult getting in to Wallaman Falls," he said.

"There’s lots of hills about which causes a little bit of turbulence."

The helicopter arrived at Townsville Hospital about 2pm.

Police are investigating the incident as base-jumping is an offence in Queensland under the Summary Offences Act (2005).

Wallaman Falls is the highest sheer drop waterfall in Australia at a height of 305m.

It is a popular spot for base jumpers, who leap off the falls in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the general public.

There have been two base jumpers seriously injured at Wallaman Falls since 2004.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Pino Giandomenico said local authorities could do no more to warn the "adrenaline junkies" of the risks.

He said base jumpers should make a donation to the emergency services if they insisted on chasing an "adrenalin rush".

"If they are risking their lives and they are getting a helicopter they should (donate)," Cr Giandomenico said.

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