What Are The Millaa Millaa Falls?
Millaa Millaa Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls along Australia’s East Coast, located in the enchanting Atherton Tablelands region in Northern Queensland. Nestled amongst lush tropical rainforests, Millaa Millaa Falls is part of a group of Atherton waterfalls, with the Zillie, Ellinjaa, Pepina, and Mungalli waterfalls in close proximity.
With a waterfall standing at 18.3 metres tall and a stunning natural amphitheatre it is no surprise that Millaa Millaa is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia, with hundreds of travellers visiting the bucket list destination every day. We recommend packing a swimsuit and picnic rug, the crisp gleaming waters are the perfect way to cool off in the balmy Cairns temperatures!
Is it safe to swim in Millaa Millaa Falls?
Yes, you can safely swim in Millaa Millaa Falls! It's actually one of the best freshwater swimming locations near Cairns. With a wide natural swimming hole that remains cool and refreshing even in the tropical heat, Millaa Millaa Falls is the perfect place to have a picnic, relax, and swim. Just always use a bit of caution when entering the water in case there is any rainforest debris such as rocks or sticks.
Best visited after rainfall when the creek is full of water rushing down from above, Millaa Millaa Falls in the Atherton Tablelands is the ideal road trip adventure during the wet season - and any time of the year. Once reaching the falls make sure to keep an eye out for turtles in the creek, platypus at dusk, and the vivid blue Ulysses butterfly above!
Getting to Millaa Millaa Falls from Cairns
Filled with captivating beauty around every corner, travellers can visit Millaa Millaa Falls during an Atherton Tablelands day tour or embark on a short road trip from Cairns. The Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit is located within the southern Atherton Tablelands region of North Queensland near the rural town of Millaa Millaa. Situated approximately 105 kilometres from the bustling hub of Cairns and 60 kilometres west of Innisfail, the waterfall circuit road is located on Theresa Creek Road.
A 1 hour and 40-minute drive from Cairns, Millaa Millaa is the perfect day trip, filled with rolling forest-clad hills and gullies of dense greenery. The Waterfall Circuit can be accessed by any vehicle type, yet note that the road can be narrow in some sections.
If you’re situated in Cairns and searching for the best car rental deals in the area, be sure to live chat with our friendly team for all you need to know.
Atherton Tableland tours that visit Millaa Millaa Falls
There are some excellent day trips to the waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands from Cairns. Tours are a great alternative for travellers who want to just relax, have fun, and have someone else take care of all the planning and transport. Tours are also perfect for solo travellers and backpackers who want to make friends in Cairns! Here are some of our top waterfall tours.
Check out our most popular Cairns waterfall tours!
1. Barefoot Atherton Day Tour
If you’re short on time, seeking a day filled with nature, and ready to explore the stunning sites of the Atherton Tablelands then the Barefoot Atherton Day Tour is made for you!
Barefoot Tours includes a day of adventure along the Waterfall Circuit, with visits to Dinner Falls, Josephine Falls (pictured!), and of course Millaa Millaa Falls. In addition to experiencing the famous world heritage rainforest, a Barefoot Tour day includes a visit and swim at Lake Eacham, an ancient volcanic crater lake!
2. Uncle Brian’s Cairns
For the fun-seekers and adventure-lovers alike, Uncle Brian’s Cairns day tours are filled with a brimming itinerary and laughing with friends new and old!
Uncle Brian’s departs from the Cairns and includes a day visiting the Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, Lake Eacham, and platypus spotting at Yungbarra. Not only will you enjoy the best sites in the Atherton Tablelands, but the steady and faithful Gus the Bus will have you smiling and laughing all day long!
3. Waterfall Wanderers
Waterfall Wanderers is another one of the best day trips from Cairns to Millaa Millaa Falls.
Have ample time to splash around in this gorgeous waterfall, plus see other highlights of the Atherton Tablelands such as Babinda Boulders and the Curtain Fig Tree. Enjoy a delicious country pub lunch at a local eatery and learn all about the area from your knowledgeable local guide.
Before we go, we’d like to share some fun facts about Millaa Millaa Falls!
Did you know the Millaa Millaa has a claim to pop-culture fame? Starring in the popular Herbal Essences commercial, which was filmed in the falls, make sure to try out the infamous water hair-flip during your visit!
Also, Millaa Millaa is an Aboriginal phrase that means "plenty of water". It's a fitting description for such a powerful and magnificent waterfall!
