A FAR North Queensland man drowned yesterday while visiting Behana Gorge, south of Cairns.

It was a day trip that turned to tragedy after the 39-year-old was found floating face down in the water by his friends.

Cairns police district duty officer Senior Sergeant Damian Meadows said the man and two others had gone for a walk and swim together.

Sen-Sgt Meadows said they were sitting on a rock when the two friends noticed their companion face down in the water.

They initially thought it was just a matter of their friend joking, but the reality of the situation became clear.

Sen-Sgt Meadows said the friends performed CPR while they waited for emergency services to arrive.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the incident had occurred close to 12.30pm.

Paramedics rushed to the scene and took over administering CPR but were not able to revive the man.

He was pronounce dead at the scene.

Police said their initial investigations suggested a head injury had occurred and that the man might have knocked his head while swimming.

A rescue chopper was called to the area, about 30 minutes drive south of Cairns, to retrieve the body and fly the victim to Cairns Base Hospital.

Paramedics, police and park and wildlife officers were on scene yesterday.

Sen-Sgt Meadows said it had been a tragic ending to a Sunday outing.

“His friends and family will certainly be devastated,” he said.

It was believed that the man had lived in the region for a while.

Sen-Sgt Meadows urged anyone visiting waterways to be aware there could be hidden dangers under the water.

“Particularly with the recent rain … if it’s fast-flowing water, it should be avoided,” he said.