Guide to Mungalli Falls - Atherton Tablelands/Cairns

Guide to Mungalli Falls - Atherton Tablelands/Cairns

Complete waterfall guide to visiting Mungalli Falls in the Atherton Tablelands above Cairns in Far North Queensland. Includes everything you need to know to visit this little-known waterfall at the Outdoor Education Center.

Mungalli Falls is a large waterfall in the Atherton Tablelands, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Cairns. There are multiple levels to explore, with the highest having a cumulative drop of 75 meters. This makes it one of the largest in the area!

However, this one is a little different to the other waterfalls near Cairns as it is located in a Wilderness Retreat Complex. But don't worry, the owners of the land allow visitors to view the waterfall for free!
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How to get to Mungalli Falls?

To get to Mungalli Falls you will need your own car or transportation. If you're coming from Cairns it's quite a long 100 kilometer drive through the Atherton Tablelands. You can point your GPS at the pin below.

On the Palmerston Highway you must turn right onto Junction Road. This is a dirt road that continues for about 2 kilometers before reaching the Mungalli Falls Outdoor Education Centre.

You can leave your car in the parking lot and walk through the cafe with a wooden deck to the road that leads to the falls. Immediately on your right you will see the first waterfall cascade.

Continue walking this road for 15 minutes, passing some balance obstacles until you reach a dead end. Here you will see a sign indicating the direction to the main level of Mungalli Falls.

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What to Expect at Mungalli Falls

By far the most impressive level at Mungalli Falls is the lowest level. Although it is not a vertical drop, the current can create a powerful scene, especially during heavy rain.

It is said that the cumulative fall of this section is 75 meters. However, it looked a little shorter, maybe 60 meters would be a little more accurate. Regardless, it is an impressive waterfall and definitely worth a visit if you are traveling to Millaa Millaa anyway.

Unfortunately, there isn't much opportunity for swimming at this waterfall as access to the bottom is blocked.

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RELATED: Crystal Cascades | Windin falls

Spot platypuses and fireflies at Mungalli Falls

We were also told that you can see fireflies at the base of the waterfall. However, if they were there, it was too light to see them when we were there.

Locals have also mentioned that wild platypuses live in the rivers in and around the waterfall. If you manage to spot one, you're a lucky visitor.

If there was a gold standard for observing Australian wildlife, then a wild platypus would definitely take the cake. If you didn't manage to spot one in Mungalli, a quick tip is to head to Yungaburra, also in the Tablelands. There is a small overlook here over Petersons Creek where you can often see a wild platypus!

Mungalli Falls Weather and Climate

Mungalli Falls and the general Millaa Millaa area lie at an elevation of over 800 meters in the wet tropics of North Queensland. This creates a unique climate that is sometimes up to 10 degrees cooler than on the coast.

The high surrounding peaks of Wooroonooran National Park, including Queensland's highest mountain; Mt Bartle Frere, produce dense rain clouds that cause constant downpours throughout the year. As a result, the waterfalls in the area always have decent power and flow.
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Featured in: 22 Great Things to Do in the Atherton Tablelands

Cairns Accommodation Guide – Where to Stay

Are you planning a trip to Cairns and wondering where to base yourself? Below I have listed some of the best options near Cairns Esplanade. I have also written a comprehensive accommodation guide for Cairns as well as a comprehensive accommodation guide for Port Douglas.

Crystalbrook Riley – If you’re looking for luxury and location, Crystalrbook Riley can’t be beat. This is the best 5 star resort in Cairns and offers absolutely everything you would expect from a Crystalbrook resort.

Tip: Be sure to head to Rocco’s Bar at the top of Crystalbrook Riley for great views over Cairns!
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Rydges Resort – This hotel offers great value for an epic stay at a decent price! The location is perfect, close to the Esplanade and has three swimming pools, two tennis courts, a hot tub, a fitness center and even an award-winning restaurant.
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Fitzroy Island Resort – If you prefer to stay on one of the picturesque islands of the Great Barrier Reef, look no further than Fitzroy Island Resort. While you can do a day trip here, I highly recommend spending the night so you have more time to explore the reef, coral beaches, and rainforest hiking trails.
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Gilligan’s Backpackers – The best backpacker option for a great atmosphere in Cairns is Gilligan’s Backpackers. That's because this one has a swimming pool, air conditioning, a full kitchen and a great common area to meet other travelers.

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Don't miss the surrounding waterfalls

Looking for more waterfalls near Cairns? Don't miss Australia's most photographed waterfall; Millaa Millaa, or my two personal favorites; Nandroya Falls and Tchupala Falls.

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READ THE FULL CAIRNS WATERFALL GUIDE: THE BEST WATERFALLS NEAR CAIRNS

More articles on waterfalls and adventures in Cairns

If you enjoyed this quick guide to visiting Mungalli Falls, be sure to check out some of my other guides. I've written extensively about travel and adventures in and around Cairns, so I'm sure you'll find something new!

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