Queensland’s Heritage Listed Wet Tropics Rainforest are famous for the abundance of waterfalls that tumble through tropical rainforest. The high country of the Atherton Tablelands, approx. one hour west of Cairns, have some of the best waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible via a short walk from the carpark. The walk to Windin Falls takes about one hour with the Windin Waterfall a spectacular reward! Take a Cairns waterfall self-drive roadtrip by heading west from Cairns on the Gillies Highway to reach the Atherton Tablelands and Wet Tropics parks. Then it’s a tough decision which waterfall to visit first – but we suggest you read our guide on how to find Windin Falls first up!
Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit
The Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit is one of the best known, with three waterfalls within a circle route of approx. 20km on Theresa Creek Rd which starts just out of the town of Millaa Millaa. The waterfalls are Milla Milla Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls. All falls are easily accessed via walking tracks from the car park with picnic tables, grassy area near the swimming hole, toilets and change rooms at Millaa Millaa.
Windin Falls Cairns – one of north Queensland’s most Instagrammable waterfalls
Possibly the most Instagrammable waterfall in north Queensland, Windin Falls near Cairns is one of our favourite waterfalls. We love it firstly because of the scenic and slightly strenuous hike from the trail head to the spectacular infinity pool at the top of the falls. It takes approx one hour to hike the 4km trail along the ridge. Read our Guide to Windin Falls to find out how to get there on a road trip from Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands.
Other Waterfalls of north Queensland worth a visit
Wooroonooran National Park is waterfall headquarters on the Atherton Tablelands, but there are plenty of others, particularly during the wet season which usually runs from December to April. Put these waterfalls on your ‘must visit’ list.
Caribou Falls are accessible via an unmarked trail and are therefore quite a challenge to find unless you go with someone who knows the way. The best way to describe the route is to follow the Guide to Hiking to Windin Falls which goes via the Old Cairns Track. But instead of taking a right hand route off the main trail to Windin, you keep walking a little ways then take a left turn and scramble down a steep embankment. There used to be a trail but it’s not really visible last time we went there. We do not recommend you try and find this waterfall without someone who has been there before!
Nandroya Falls and Silver Falls – on the Palmerston Highway and accessed via a 6km round trip walk from Henrietta Creek Campground.
Tchupala Falls (pronounced chew-par-la) are not far from Nandroya Falls have multiple cascades falling into a waterhole perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Wallicher Falls are also nearby, just about 500m walk, and offer a wide expanse of water tumbling freeform into the pool below.
Millstream Falls claim to fame is as the widest single drop waterfall in Australia. Though that record is subjective, given that waterfalls are subject to the amount of rain that falls! No matter, Millstream Falls are definitely worth a visit.
Dinner Falls lie at the head stream of the might Barron River high up in the Atherton Tablelands near Mt Hypipamee Crater with a cascade of gentle falls. The Barron River’s most famous section is the mighty Barron Falls which tumble down to sea level near Cairns in a dramatic display of nature’s mighty power.
