Millaa Millaa Falls is arguably the most beautiful and picturesque waterfall in all of Australia!
This stunning waterfall is located on the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit in Tropical North Queensland.
I put together this complete visitor’s guide which includes how to get there, the best time to visit, and what to expect when you’re there!
WHERE IS MILLAA MILLAA FALLS?
These stunning falls can be found in the southern area of the Atherton Tablelands in Wooroonooran National Park, about 60km west of Innisfail and 98km southwest of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland.
It is administered by the Tablelands Regional Council and is part of the famous Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit which is a circular 17km sealed route on Theresa Creek Road.
The circuit begins at Teresa Creek Road, just south of the township of Millaa Millaa encompassing Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, and Ellinjaa Falls.
Together, these falls are said to be the most photographed waterfalls in Australia.
The entrance of the waterfall is clearly signposted to direct visitors to the right place and you can also search for the exact pin location on Google Maps.
FULL BLOG POST → WATERFALL CIRCUIT CAIRNS
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HOW TO GET TO MILLAA MILLAA WATERFALL
There are a couple of options when searching for how to get to Millaa Millaa Falls Cairns and they are DIY or with a tour.
OPTION 1 – DIY
By far the best way to get to these falls is to DIY with your own vehicle.
Due to the limited public transport within the area, it would take an extra 3-4 hours to get to the falls if you chose to take this mode of transportation.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, I would definitely recommend hiring a car in Cairns to make the drive out.
Hiring a car creates more flexibility in your day as you can stop where you like, take in the scenery, and have the opportunity to explore Wooroonooran National Park.
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If you’re staying in Cairns, Atherton Tablelands and the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit has a lot to offer and it’s worthwhile spending a whole day out there checking out all the sights.
The journey from Cairns to Millaa Millaa Falls is pretty easy and most of the drive will be on Bruce Highway before you will eventually turn off onto Riverstone Road and then Gillies Range Road.
Continue until turning onto Lake Barrine Road in Yungaburra, then onto Anderson Road, then Lake Barrine Road.
You will then head towards Malanda Millaa Millaa Road until you eventually turn onto Theresa Creek Road which will lead you directly to the falls.
There are very detailed signposts to each waterfall on this road and Millaa Millaa is the first set of falls on the Waterfall Circuit – you can’t miss it.
There is plenty of free parking spaces at the falls so you’ll have somewhere safe to park your car for an hour or so while you’re off exploring this incredible location.
OPTION 2 – MILLAA MILLAA FALLS TOUR
If you decide to take a tour, there isn’t one specific to these falls but there is a tour that you can book on Get Your Guide which is a full-day tour from Cairns to Atherton Tablelands.
This guided tour includes return transfers from your accommodation in Cairns and a visit to a number of awesome locations such as Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Waterfall, and more.
You will get a comprehensive tour of Atherton Tablelands and time to swim at the waterfalls, explore the beautiful rainforest, and get a taste of what Tropical North Queensland has to offer!
BOOK NOW: CAIRNS TO ATHERTON TABLELANDS TOUR
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BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit is during the transition period between the wet season, December – February (summer), and the dry season, June – August (winter).
If you can’t time your trip that well, be sure to visit after a rainy day for the best experience, otherwise, the falls tend to turn more into a water trickle than a waterfall during a drought.
To get the best lighting for a spectacular picture of the falls, I recommend visiting between early morning and noon.
These falls are a very popular tourist attraction, and it can get quite busy, especially on the weekends.
If you can time your visit for a weekday, you will most likely be able to enjoy it with fewer people.
And remember, the early bird catches the worm, or in this case, the perfect picture, without loads of tourists.
ARRIVING AT THE FALLS
Once you reach the car park, the waterfall is right around the corner at the bottom of a few stone steps.
It’s really impossible to miss it and only a two-minute, easy walk down to the waterfall.
The trail down to the falls is not too steep or strenuous, making it an easy place to visit with kids as well.
When you arrive at the falls, you will immediately realize why it is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia.
These falls boast an 18-meter drop into a beautiful pool below. While it’s not allowed nor recommended to jump in from the top of the falls, you can still hop in the water for a refreshing swim.
Make sure to take your quick-dry travel towel to dry off after a refreshing dip.
To be able to safely go for a swim at Millaa Millaa Waterfall is a huge advantage, as natural waterholes without crocodiles are a rarity in North Queensland.
The area around the waterfall is great for spotting wildlife. You can look for the Ulysses butterfly, and if you are really lucky you might be able to spot a platypus.
RELATED ARTICLE → JOSEPHINE FALLS QUEENSLAND
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT MILLAA MILLAA FALLS
This waterfall is low-key, very well-known, and popular, so you will likely have to share it with quite a few people, but it’s well worth the trip.
Millaa Millaa flows perfectly into a pristine pool below where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool water.
The idyllic grassy area around the waterhole makes for a perfect picnic spot and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot a platypus.
The waterfall itself is nestled in a lavish rainforest, fringed with broad ferns, colorful flowers, and a plunge pool perfectly suitable for swimming.
You’ll find a concrete slab on the edge of the water in a half-circle formation, making it easy to put your valuables somewhere safe and dry while you enjoy the cool water.
It’s also possible to follow a trail around the outside of the natural pool on the left-hand side, which emerges behind the falls.
Take your camera with you as this is another cool perspective to capture.
Do note that there has been a fair bit of development around the falls, perhaps to make it a more attractive destination for weddings and events.
The facilities at the bottom include picnic tables, BBQs, shelters, public toilets, and change rooms, making it an awesome place to comfortably spend a good amount of time.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
Once you’ve finished exploring Millaa Millaa, I highly recommend allowing yourself enough time to visit the other two waterfalls on the Waterfall Circuit road which are:
Ellinjaa Falls
MILLAA MILLAA FALLS MAP
WHERE TO STAY IN CAIRNS
There are hundreds of accommodation options to choose from in Cairns, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of Cairns accommodations below that I personally recommend:
LUXURY: PULLMAN REEF HOTEL CASINO
MID-RANGE: CAIRNS RAINBOW RESORT
BUDGET: MAD MONKEYS BACKPACKERS
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN CAIRNS, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
WHAT TO PACK FOR QUEENSLAND
When visiting Queensland, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
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FINAL THOUGHTS – MILLAA MILLAA FALLS CAIRNS
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
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THANKS FOR READING
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