Millstream Falls & Little Millstream Falls – Complete Waterfall Guide

Millstream Falls & Little Millstream Falls – Complete Waterfall Guide

A complete guide to visiting Millstream Falls and Little Millstream Falls - two separate and very underrated national park waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands region near Ravenshoe, Queensland.

Millstream Falls National Park has to be one of the most underrated places near Cairns and Tropical North Queensland. This is especially true if you are a waterfall fan.

Big Millstream Falls and Little Millstream Falls are two different waterfalls located just 500 m apart along the Millstream watercourse. Although they are close, the two access parking lots for each waterfall are in different locations. This was initially the most confusing part of visiting these falls for me.

In this quick guide, I'll outline how to get to both waterfalls, what to expect, and I'll also include a few photos that I hope will inspire you to get going!

• alt=“GROSSE MILLSTREAM-FÄLLE“>Große Millstream-Fälle
• alt=“KLEINE MILLSTREAM-FÄLLE“>Kleine Millstream-Fälle

About Millstream Falls National Park

Millstream Falls National Park lies on the western edge of the World Heritage Site. You can find it near the township of Ravenshoe in the Tablelands region.

“The Millstream,” as the watercourse and source of both waterfalls is called, was formed more than three million years ago by the erosion of 300 million-year-old rhyolites and granites. This created the rugged, hilly landscapes and valleys in Millstream Falls National Park.

This national park is very different from the nearby wet tropical parks and the vegetation is much drier and dominated by eucalyptus trees.

The Jirrbal people are the traditional owners of this land and both Millstream Falls are rich in indigenous cultural history and storytelling.

Here you can read more about the nature, culture and history of Millstream Falls National Park.

Featured in: 22 Great Things to Do in the Atherton Tablelands

Travel from Cairns to Millstream Falls National Park

Millstream Falls National Park is approximately 121 kilometers (approximately 2 hours' drive) from Cairns. The easiest way to find your way around is to include “Ravenshoe” in Google Maps.

If you prefer directions, you should take the Bruce Highway south of Cairns towards Gordonvale. From here, near Walsh’s Pyramid, turn right onto the steep and winding Gillies Range Road.

Follow this road all the way up to the Tablelands, past Yungaburra and follow signs for the Kennedy Highway near Atherton. Next, drive south on the Kennedy Highway past Dinner Falls and Mount Hypipamee until you reach the small town of Ravenshoe.

Once you arrive in Ravenshoe you are just minutes from both waterfall parking areas. I've pinned the parking spaces for both below.

The best way to get to Millstream Falls National Park and freely explore this region is by car. If you're in town and looking for a cheap car rental, check out RentalCars.com, which works a bit like Skyscanner to find the best deals on car rentals in Queensland.

Although the drive is a bit long, I highly recommend taking at least one big day trip to this region. In my opinion the Tablelands are one of the harshest and most underrated regions of Far North Queensland. There are so many waterfalls, hikes, viewpoints and adventures to experience here that it would be a shame to miss them. If you're traveling in Cairns, be sure to add the Tablelands and Millstream Falls to your itinerary.

NEARBY: Windin Falls – Waterfall and Hiking Guide

Great Millstream Falls

Big Millstream Falls is said to be Australia's widest single-fall waterfall and is a Tablelands attraction that is definitely worth a visit. The waterfall plunges steeply over basalt lava columns into a wide freshwater pool.
alt="LARGE MILLSTREAM WATERFALL TABLES">
Unfortunately there is no direct access to the base for swimming. However, there is a short 680 meter (2,200 ft) hiking trail (out and back) that leads to a lookout point with good views of the waterfall.

This trail is paved and it takes no more than a few minutes to reach the viewpoint.
alt=“BIG MILLSTREAM IF VIEW, RAVENSHOE QUEENLAND”>

Big Millstream Falls lookout

At the lookout point you will get the best possible view of the waterfall. If you look to the right you will notice that there is a second rushing river hiding behind the rocks.
alt=“BIG MILLSTREAM FALLS FROM LOOKOUG”>View from the lookout point
There is also a short 1km trail from the Big Millstream Falls car park that winds through an area covered by the 2nd/28th. Battalions of the Australian Army were used during the Second World War.

How do I get here?

From Ravenshoe, continue on Kennedy Highway for just over 3 miles until you see a sign that says “Big Millstream Falls” to your right on Millstream Falls Road. The parking lot is at the end of this short road, which can be used by any type of vehicle.

Google Maps Pin: “Big Millstream Falls”

Small Millstream Falls

Although Little Millstream Falls is obviously smaller than its larger, downstream sibling, it is still an impressive waterfall and, in my opinion, a better waterfall to visit if you only have time for one.

I say this because this waterfall trail winds up to a wide, deep pool at the base of the falls. The waterfall itself is also a trio of cascading streams that create a picturesque little oasis amidst the dry eucalyptus and red earth landscape.
alt="SMALL MILLSTREAM CASES">

How do I get here?

The path to Little Millstream Falls is initially a little more confusing than the previous waterfall. I'm sure I'm not alone when I initially assumed both waterfalls were accessible from here. the same parking lot. However, this is not the case.

Although it is only 500m upstream from Big Millstream, you will need to head back to Ravenshoe and turn right onto Tully Falls Road. Next, take the first right onto Wooroora Road and continue past the motorcycle club on the right. You will soon see a sign for “Little Millstream Falls” on your right. It's not a big detour at all and only takes about 10 minutes if that.

This short road to the parking lot is unpaved with some bumps. But don't worry, you'll even be able to do it in your average 2WD sedan or hatchback. There is plenty of space to park your car at the end of this short street. If you want to hike, there are even some trails from here that lead into the Misty Mountains.

The permanent path down to the waterfall is signposted and easy to spot. It's only about 700m back to the bottom of the pond and you'll have plenty of viewing opportunities along the short trail.

Google Maps pin: “Little Millstream Falls Car Park” (do not navigate to the “Little Millstream Falls” pin).

Swimming at Little Millstream Falls

After taking a few photos and enjoying the view, we decided to have a quick swim at the end of the track. This large catchment area is deep and very wide, making it a perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.

• alt=“KLEINE MILLSTREAM-FÄLLE“>
• alt=“WENIG MILLSTREAM SCHWIMMEN“>
• alt=“LITTLE MILLSTREAM FALLS, MILLSTREAM FALLS NATIONALPARK, ATHERTON TABLELANDS“>

Be sure to remain calm and keep an eye out for platypuses that live in the river.

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!
alt=”Girls sunbathing at Crystalbrook Riley Resort in Cairns”>
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.
alt=“RYDGES ESPLANADE RESORT IN CAIRNS, WHERE TO STAY”>
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.
alt="FITZROY ISLAND RESORT">
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.

alt=“GILLIGAN’S BACKPACKER RESORT”>

More waterfalls near Cairns and the Tablelands

I hope this guide to visiting Big Millstream Falls and Little Millstream Falls has inspired you to explore this hidden gem in the Queensland Tablelands. For more adventure activities around Cairns, check out this complete guide to things to do in Cairns and surrounding areas.

If you're a fan of waterfalls, I've written several more guides to some of the best in the region, which you can find below. Otherwise, check out this guide to the best waterfalls in Cairns and surrounding areas.

If you have any news or questions, don't forget to leave a comment below. Enjoy!

MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT

• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
• Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
• Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
• Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
• Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.

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alt=“MILLSTREAM FALLS & LITTLE MILLSTREAM FALLS – COMPLETE WATERFALL GUIDE”>

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