There are many pretty waterfalls in the southern region of the Atherton Tablelands in the rainforests beyond the rolling green meadows of cleared farmland. Three of these - Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls, can be viewed by travelling this relatively short drive not far from the township. Pepina, Mungalli and Bridal Veil Falls are other waterfalls in the region.
Millaa Millaa Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia, being located in a delightful setting. Here you can swim, look for the Ulysses butterfly and platypus in the late afternoon. The falls has a picnic/barbecue area, toilets and change rooms. Located five minutes drive North of the lovely Atherton Tablelands township of Millaa Millaa, beholds Millaa Millaa Falls. Altough just one of the waterfalls of many from the stunning circuit that surrounds the township, Millaa Millaa Falls are truly of exceptional beauty.
At Zillie Falls (above) there is only a basic viewing platform with no access to the waterfalls. Do note that the walking path to the falls is not very clearly marked (which was made worst by the rain when I were there).. BBQ and Shelter in car park. Theresa Creek Bridge also shows the rainforest to advantage.
Ellinjaa Falls (above) cascades over a series of lava columns. The car park has BBQ and picnic tables. Walk down the zig zag track to the stream and a swim - great tree ferns and vines on the descent. Near the base of the falls, there's a viewing platform that provides a clear view for photo opportunities of the 15 metres waterfall. Platypus and turtles are known to frequent the plunge pool of the falls.
The Josephine waterfalls and swimming hole are ranked amongst some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Tropical North Queensland Australia, and as such have been used in many television commercials. Enjoy a short rainforest walk taking us deep into Josephine Falls where our experienced guide can interpret the wet ropical rainforest and the natural flora and fauna. Josephine Falls is an ideal place to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch in this dense tropical rainforest. If you wish, enjoy a swim in the beautiful tiered waterfalls which drops into several very deep pools over a natural waterslide.
How to get to Josephine Falls: Departing from Cairns city heading west on the Mulgrave Road and driving south towards Townsville, the Mulgrave Road soon changes its name to become the Bruce Highway. The Bruce Highway is part of the National Highway and is also known as Highway 1 on some road maps or car navigations systems. From the falls' spacious car park, there is a really beautiful 700-metre rainforest walk to the waterfalls, viewing decks and swimming area via a bitumen paved track that can also cater for prams or wheelchairs.
Barron Gorge National Park extends from the coastal lowlands to the elevated regions of the Atherton Tableland and features rugged mountain scenery, tropical rainforests, diverse wildlife and a fascinating history. The park lies within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The Barron River dominates the park. Rising from the rainforests of Mount Hypipamee National Park, the river winds 60 km across the Atherton Tableland through one of Australia's highest rainforest belts. The river then enters the deeply-incised Barron Gorge, which forms a rugged, twisting trough between the Macalister and Lamb ranges. The river falls 250 m onto the narrow coastal lowlands and flows to the Coral Sea, just north of the Cairns Airport. During the wetter months, floodwaters regularly create a spectacular sight at Barron Falls. During the dry season, the view is less dramatic.
Photo: Barefoot Tours
A visit to the Mount Hypipamee National Park takes in Dinner Falls, which lies with the Park. Dinner Falls circuit is alternative route back to the car park from the crater, leading to Dinner Falls, a series of cascades in the headwaters of the Barron River. The track surface is uneven with exposed rocks and roots and can be slippery when wet. Some sections are reasonably steep. This circuit can be walked in either direction.
Reputedly Australia's widest single-drop waterfall. The park is an open forest of towering bloodwoods and stringybark trees, and is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Toilets, a shelter shed, picnic tables, wood barbecues and tank water are provided.
Located in a little seen area off the Old Palmerston Highway (the scenic route between Millaa Millaa and Ravenshoe) on Maalan Road they certainly provide a photographic opportunity. Pepina Falls are best viewed in the time just after the wet season, which runs from January to the end of April most years.
Mungalli Falls was one of the prettier and taller waterfalls we had seen amongst the plethora of waterfalls found amidst the Atherton Tablelands near Millaa Millaa. The falls drop in three tiers with the middle drop was the longest one. At Mungalli Falls you can scale down the cliff face at the side of the waterfall with our qualified instructors. This is a fantastic learning experience with a great adventure element. Mungalli is one of very few places in North Queensland that offers this activity and without a doubt this is likely to be the most spectacular location for it. For the really adventurous we also offer the same experience in the actual waterfall. Numerous other activities and facilities are available.
Tchupala Falls is only about 600 metres from the K Tree entrance on the Palmerston Highway. The Track East to Crawfords Lookout along Henrietta Creek is closed. This track leads fist to Wallacher Falls which, though relatively small, are spectacular. Access to the bottom of the falls can be gained alter crossing Henrietta Creek The track then climbs a little before following the contours above Henrietta Creek through some very tall and dense-canopied rainforest. The 1.7 km return to K-Tree via the highway takes approximately 45 minutes.
The Wallicher Falls trail leaves Henrietta Creek campground, passing Gooligans picnic area. It s an easy 2.5 km walk (5 km return). Keep going another 1.2 km and you will reach Tchapala Falls. The walk to both falls will be just over 7 km return.
The walk to Nandroya Falls starts at the Henrietta Creek campground and is about 5.2km return. The track was pretty good for the most part but very wet in some places, as you would expect from a rainforest area. You might catch a glimpse of a turtle in one of the creeks, lots of birds and fungi as it is very moist in the area. Silver Falls is passed on the way to Nandroya. The main section of falls is about 50m high. There is a set of twin falls just downstream which were also quite beautiful. This circuit track initially follows Douglas Creek left bank passing some excellent swimming holes. It then skins a steep hillside before rejoining the main track 1 km from the camping area.
Recreating the famous hair flick at Nandroya Falls where some of the Herbal Essences advertisements were filmed. Photo: ExploreWanderland.com
