Millaa Millaa Waterfall, North Queensland
Nestled 90 minutes inland from Cairns, in the lush Atherton Tablelands, lies the charming town of Millaa Millaa. Surrounded by verdant rainforest, this Heritage-listed gem is internationally renowned, having graced TV ads, movies, documentaries, and music videos across the globe.
Millaa Millaa Falls takes center stage within the Atherton Tablelands waterfall circuit, forming part of the spectacular Millaa Millaa waterfall circuit. This circuit boasts several nearby waterfalls, including Ellinjaa Falls, Mungali Falls, Zillie Falls, and Pepina Falls.
When you venture into the Wet Tropics region to explore the Atherton Tablelands waterfalls from Cairns, you’ll encounter Mother Nature’s jaw-dropping wonders. Millaa Millaa Falls, with its 18-meter (60-foot) cascade over an impressive rock formation, is a sight to behold. Beneath the waterfall lies a tranquil plunge pool, ensconced by vibrant rainforest and a grassy picnic area. Swimming beneath the falls or standing behind the curtain of water is a favorite pastime for many Millaa Millaa Falls visitors.
For the fortunate few, spotting platypus in the creek, along with small turtles and fish, adds an extra layer of enchantment to the experience. Don’t forget to have your camera ready; this is a bucket list-worthy adventure!
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Absolutely, you can take a refreshing swim in the serenity of Millaa Millaa Falls. Rest assured, there are no crocodiles in sight.
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The drive takes approximately an hour and a half, but why not opt for a day trip or tour instead? Join like-minded travellers, and Barefoot Tours can introduce you to their favourite Cairns Waterfalls spots in the Tablelands.
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In the Aboriginal language, to express “plenty of” or “many,” they often repeat the word. “Millaa Millaa” was initially believed to mean “plenty of water,” but its true meaning is rooted in the local Mamu Aboriginal language. The term “Malay, Malay” references the Rainforest Vine (Elaeagnus triflora), which produced seasonal food in the area.
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Millaa Millaa Falls offers a range of amenities, including a car park, bus parking, a viewing platform with a bottom view of the falls, toilet facilities, changing rooms, and a grassy area with tables.
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The story of Millaa Millaa began in the 1880s when Alexander Douglas and Christie Palmerston initiated path-clearing efforts to connect the Herberton mining fields with the Queensland coast, known today as the Palmerston Highway.
Over the years, a diverse array of parties found value in Millaa Millaa Falls. The Mamu Aboriginal people utilized it as a seasonal food source, while European settlers frequented it as a rest stop. It served land surveyors, railway construction workers, and briefly housed a quarry for road-building materials. This area played a significant role in Queensland’s history and development.
In the late 1950s, an upgrade saw the development of Millaa Millaa Falls, featuring an improved road, a small car park, toilet facilities, a BBQ area, and a shelter shed. Subsequently, the private property housing Rawson’s Pool was closed off to the public.
