If you
are passionate about waterfalls, a visit to the Atherton Tablelands, in the
Cairns hinterland, will leave you spoilt for choice. There are several waterfalls,
some are wide rivers flowing over low falls, while others cascade from vast
heights surrounded by rainforest foliage. Many are tucked away and feel like well kept secrets, while others are in
bright open locations and even have facilities. You could say there’s a waterfall for everyone!
One
of my favourite things about Far North Queensland is the fact that it is a
place where the rainforest meets the reef. Generally I'm all about the reef, but I love the rainforest too. It is a great place to observe local wildlife in its natural habitat (tree kangaroos are seriously cute). These two contrasting environments provide a magical backdrop to some great adventures. It is also beautifully cool beneath the tree canopy, which can be a welcome break from the heat down on the coast.
Atherton
Tablelands
High
above Cairns and the reef, but only a short drive away, the Cairns hinterland offers
other contrasts. The volcanic rolling hills provide fertile land for
agriculture, but in the valleys and gulleys between the hills, patches of
rainforest thrive. The waterfalls are the ultimate enhancement of such a lush
tropical environment.
Waterfall
Circuit
The
clever tourism folk in the region have embraced the appeal of waterfalls and
have branded one area as a ‘Waterfall Circuit’. This loop of road is just
outside Millaa Millaa.
The
Waterfall Circuit begins about 2 kilometres east of the small settlement of
Millaa Millaa, along the Palmerstone Highway (Highway 25), when you turn onto
Theresa Creek Road.
This
17 kilometre circuit features three waterfalls, and can be completed in roughly
an hour, depending how long you stay at each waterfall.
Millaa
Millaa Falls
The
first of the three falls is Millaa Millaa Falls, and it is one of the most
photographed waterfalls in Australia. When you arrive you can see why. The
falls are very pretty, with a narrow stream plunging 18 metres into a swimmable
pool, and a beautiful grassy bank to enjoy the view from. It is also very
accessible, being only a few steps from the car park. There are information
panels about the local wildlife (it is possible to see Ulysses butterflies,
dragonflies and platypus) and toilet facilities. If the area looks familiar,
that may be because a Herbal Essences shampoo advert was filmed there.
 |
| Millaa Millaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, QLD, Australia |
Zillie
Falls
The next waterfall is seven kilometres along the same road. Zillie Falls is
magnificent with a strong rush of water plummeting out of sight, over a high
edge. From the viewing platform at the top level of the falls you can see the
water falling away dramatically (pictured at the start of this post), and also look back along the river rushing
towards the falls.
Ellinjaa
Falls
After
another three kilometres you arrive at Ellinjaa Falls, which is one of the more hidden waterfalls. A zigzagging footpath leads steeply down a hill from the car
park, through the rainforest, and towards the bottom of the falls. Approaching
the waterfall you feel like an intrepid explorer discovering a secret place.
The falls plunge 15 metres into a small pool surrounded by lush green tree
ferns. Keep an eye out for platypus in the pool.
 |
| Ellinjaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, QLD, Australia |
Other waterfalls
The
Waterfall Circuit waterfalls are only three of the many falls in the
surrounding area. Depending which way you go when you leave the circuit, you
can easily fit in another waterfall on the way home.
Malanda
Falls on the North Johnstone River just outside Malanda is easily visited if
you’re taking the Gillies Highway (Highway 52) to Cairns. The pool is great for swimming and
rainforest walks provide the opportunity to look for tree kangaroos nearby.
Other
options include Mungali Falls on the Palmerston Highway on the way to
Innisfail and Pepina Falls on the Old Palmerston Highway on the way to
Ravenhoe.
Have
you visited the waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands? Please share your experiences
in the comments below (especially if your favourite is not on this list!)
