What is the Best Way to See Wallaman Falls?
WALLAMAN FALLS
Image source: Queensland
Wallaman Falls is easily one of the most Insta-famous and photo-worthy waterfalls in Far North Queensland. Discover clouds of rainbow-mist that fringe the deep pool at Wallaman’s base, where the mammoth waterfall gathers after a steep, continuous plunge. Not only is it a spectacle to behold, but it’s also the longest single-drop waterfall in Australia: it boasts an unbroken fall of 268 metres (879 feet)!
Wallaman is tucked away in the depths of the incredibly diverse Girringun National Park; the traditional lands of the Warrgamaygan people spreading over an area of 1,500 square kilometres. The national park forms part of the UNESCO Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (WTWHA) of Far North Queensland, and is home to some of the oldest rainforests on earth and a vast diversity of flora, fauna and animal life.
Image source: ZooChat
As well as more familiar friends like bandicoots, brushtail possums, honeyeaters, water dragons and platypus, you could also catch a glimpse of golden whistlers flitting from branch to branch, red-legged pademelons foraging through the thickets, or saw-shelled turtles sunbathing on warm rocks.
There are two options to see Wallaman in all its splendour; one three-tiered viewing platform from above, and another along the Djyinda walking track below.
WALLAMAN FALLS LOOKOUT
Image source: Queensland Government Parks and Forests
The first way to see Wallaman is from the main lookout: a dedicated viewing platform on Lookout Road that stretches out over the canyon with safety railings. Visitors can score a fantastic birds-eye view of the falls which plunge only a few hundred metres away on the other side of the gorge.
THE DJYINDA TRACK
Image source: Queensland
The second way to view Wallaman is from below, on a lookout about 300 metres along the Djyina Track. We reckon this is the best way to see Wallaman Falls as visitors can get up close and personal with the natural wonders that surround it. This vantage point requires a little more legwork than the first, but you’ve already come all this way! You might as well enjoy Wallaman in its full glory.
Entry to the Djyinda Track can be found in the carpark of the Wallaman Falls Lookout. From there the trail descends steeply into the canyon, winding through thickets of dense rainforest. All up, it’s about a 1.6 kilometre walk (45 minutes) until you reach the viewing platform, where you’ll be enveloped by Wallaman’s roar and impressive clouds of rainbow-mist.
If you’ve worked up a sweat, refresh with a dip in the deep, wide pool — although be cautious on the slippery rocks and don’t get too close to the pounding waterfall.
Allow for 2 hours for a round trip, more if you plan on taking a dip. Djyidna’s descent is 270 metres steep, so we’d gauge this track as moderately difficult — anyone in relatively good health will be fine. Take it easy and stay hydrated.
HOW TO GET TO WALLAMAN FALLS FROM CAIRNS
Image source: Queensland
Cairns to Wallaman is a relatively lengthy drive, clocking in at about 3 hours and 40 minutes. Jump on the Bruce Highway and head south until you reach the township of Igham, where we highly recommend taking a pitstop. From Ingham you’ve got a 55 minute drive along meandering, well maintained and newly sealed roads. Stick to the signs and you’ll be at Wallaman in no time.
Make the most of the distance you’ve travelled to witness this natural wonder. Unwind with a picnic at the day use area at the Falls lookout, or if you’re travelling via campervan, consider staying longer with an overnight camp by Stony Creek.
CAIRNS WATERFALL SAFETY
Please heed the warning signs at entry and along the track. Queensland is prone to torrential rains during its wet season (summer) which can drastically impact walking tracks and water levels, as well as churn up underwater debris like rocks, branches and trees.
Always wade out into the water you plan on jumping into first to check for depth, rocks, branches and other underwater debris. Cairns Tours stands with the signage at Wallaman Falls and advise against any unsafe activities.
