Set off on a chasing waterfalls road trip during your stay in Cairns. Escape to the lushness and greenery of the Atherton Tablelands and the cooling waterfalls that are in abundance in this region.
So pack your camera, your swimmers and a picnic lunch, the chasing waterfalls itinerary is a 267km circuit that commences in Cairns and heads southwards towards the first of many breathtaking waterfalls.
Stop 1. Josephine Falls
Just a one-hour drive south of Cairns, Josephine Falls is a great start to your day chasing waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands. Here the waters of Josephine Creek flow like a three-tiered champagne tower, offering triple the fun at the one location. It features a gentle rock slope, awash with crystal clear rainwater, running into a pool surrounded by lush green rainforest. Try sliding down the natural waterslide at Bottom Pool, or just spend your time lazing on smooth granite boulders.
Stop 2. Nandroya Falls
Drive through Innisfail and head west on the Palmerston Highway to the impressive Nandroya Falls, the perfect spot for a swim after a long hike. A dense winding rainforest trail will lead you past large buttress root trees, Silver Falls (just a taste of what’s to come), and finally Nandroya Falls. Ideal for the hikers who like to trudge through rainforest.
Stop 3. Mungalli Falls
Stop at Mungalli Falls in time for lunch and after capturing the beauty of this pretty cascade, continue onto Mungalli Creek Dairy (open daily 10am-4pm). Mungalli Falls is one of the prettier and taller waterfalls int he region with a cumulative drop of 75m over three apparent tiers.
Stop 4. Ellinjaa Falls
Continue on to Waterfall Circuit – a popular 17km loop road accessible off the Palmerston Highway featuring three stunning waterfalls in a row – Ellinjaa, Zillie and Millaa Millaa. Just a 15-minute walk from the carpark down a dense rainforest staircase surrounded by great tree ferns and vines on the descent. Ellinjaa is one of the best waterfalls for photos with the falls cascading over a series of lava columns. The car park has BBQ and picnic tables.
Stop 5. Millaa Millaa Falls
Also located along the Waterfall Circuit, Millaa Millaa Falls is very easy to access because you can drive right up to them. The 18m single drop waterfall lands in a generous pool surrounded by tree ferns. Swim out into the large pool and clamber onto the rocks under the falls for an invigorating freshwater experience. With a large lawn surrounded by rainforest ferns, Millaa Millaa Falls is also a great spot to take an afternoon break and stretch out with a picnic rug.
Once you've had your fill of waterfalls head northwards through the Tablelands, taking in the pretty towns of Malanda and Yungaburra, with its heritage-listed buildings, on your return trip to Cairns.
Head to Far North Queensland for your next holiday and explore all that this region has to offer. With a blend of tropical rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef and palm-fringed beaches, Trinity Beach just north of Cairns, is the perfect holiday destination. Book your Cairns Accommodation at Bellueve on Trinity Beach and indulge yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of the resort with fully self contained apartments, located on Trinity Beach. BOOK NOW
