Millaa Millaa Falls is the Luscious Jewel of Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands

Millaa Millaa Falls is an 18 metre high heritage-listed plunge waterfall on the Atherton Tableland of Queensland. This luscious waterfall is super accessible and a delight to swim in. C’mon! Dip your toe in!

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Mamu people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Millaa Millaa Falls is an 18m high waterfall, located on the Atherton Tableland in Queensland. Driving from Cairns, it should take around 1.5 hours to reach.

Quick Facts

Distance: 50m walk to the falls from the car park
Duration: Most people spend 30-60 minutes here

How to Get to Millaa Millaa Falls

The falls is located on the waterfall circuit on the Atherton Tablelands. From Innisfail it’s a 60km drive up the Palmerston Highway to Millaa Millaa before turning off onto the Waterfall Circuit.

From Cairns it’s a 101km leg up the Gillies Range, through Yungaburra, Malanda, and Tarzali before reaching Millaa Millaa. The road to the falls splits – to the left is the public car park and down to the right is for buses.

Skill Level

Easy peasy lemon squeezy

Essential Gear

• Swimmers
• Towel
• Camera
• Picnic lunch

What It’s Like to Visit Millaa Millaa Falls

Hit the Road

As I lived in Innisfail, just down the road from the waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands for a few years, I’ve visited the falls plenty of times before. But when my girlfriend suggested a day trip, I didn’t hesitate to load up the Troopy and hit the road.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Millaa Millaa Lookout

On the way there, we couldn’t miss a pit stop at Millaa Millaa Lookout – partly for the view, partly to rest the Troopy that struggles up the long uphill straights. After a quick stop for a snack and a suss of the views, we headed to the waterfall.

Millaa Millaa Falls

We rolled into the car park to unusual quietness. We’d reached the falls before the bulk of the tourists and other weekenders and had the whole place to ourselves. Normally I don’t go in for a swim, but the opportunity with no crowds was too good to pass up! 

I swam straight out to the falls. The power was unreal but I wanted to get closer! We doubled around the back, slipping and sliding over the wet, mossy boulders. We got as close as we possibly could without being sucked under the raging torrent, and just sat to enjoy the thundering roar of the mighty falls.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

I’ve visited Millaa Millaa Falls many times before but have never appreciated it so much. I guess I just had to get in there and get my feet wet.

Tips for Visiting Millaa Millaa Falls

• Visit early in the morning or out of the peak season to avoid crowds
• The plunge pool is quite accessible so everyone is able to enjoy it. Bring a picnic and spend the day enjoying the scenery and the picnic area
• While you’re there, take a drive to Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls nearby

Millaa Millaa Falls FAQs

Do you have to hike to Millaa Millaa Falls?

Nope! The waterfall and plunge pool is a 50m walk from the car park.

Is it safe to swim at Millaa Millaa Falls?

Yes, most of the time it’s safe to swim at the waterfall although it can be slippery around the edges, so take care.

What is Millaa Millaa Falls famous for?

The waterfall is famous for its tropical plunge pool that’s super accessible for swimming.

What was filmed at Millaa Millaa Falls?

There have been multiple commercials filmed at the waterfall, including a XXXX Gold ad and a Herbal Essence shampoo ad.

Is the road to Millaa Millaa Falls sealed?

Yes, the road to the waterfall is sealed and accessible for all types of vehicles.

Are there toilets at Millaa Millaa Falls?

Yep, there are plenty of facilities at the waterfall including toilets, a picnic area, car and coach parking, and a short trail to the falls.

What time of year is best to visit Millaa Millaa Falls?

The best time of year to visit the waterfall is after the wet season around April and May when there’s plenty of water flowing but the temperature is a little cooler.

What does millaa millaa mean?

There’s a bit of confusion around the meaning of millaa millaa. Some people believe it’s a Mamu word for ‘waterfall’ or ‘plenty of water’. However, the waterfall is actually named after the town of Millaa Millaa, which derives its name from ‘malay malay’, the Mamu word for a locally growing rainforest vine, Elaeagnus triflora, which provides seasonal fruit.

Table of contents photo by Delila Bevan Zavadsky