Zillie Falls, Millaa Millaa, Queensland - what to expect
Zillie Falls, Millaa Millaa, Queensland - what to expect
Zillie Falls is another impressive and very easily accessible waterfall on the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit in the Tablelands region behind Cairns, Queensland. Find out how to come here, what awaits you and more.
Although not nearly as popular as the famous Millaa Millaa Falls, the Zillie, if in my opinion, are one of the most picturesque waterfalls on the Theresa Creek Road Circuit.
The zillie waterfall, which immerses steeply into the dense rainforest roof underneath, is an ideal waterfall for those who want to experience a piece of the incredible old forests of Cairns and Atherton Tableland on an easily accessible path. This waterfall offers a nailed viewing platform over the waterfalls and a "unofficial" dirt road down to the foot of the waterfalls.
Where is Zillie Falls?
Zillie Falls is located on the 17 -Kilometer Waterfall Circuit along the Theresa Creek Road in the Atherton Tablelands region in Queensland near Millaa Millaa. This is the "medium" waterfall, so depending on the direction of travel, it is usually visited according to the Millaa Millaa Falls or the Ellinjaa Falls.
You will find this waterfall hidden in a dense rainforest bag near the WooroOnooran national park, right next to cleared arable land. There are signs and even a large parking lot next to the short path to the viewing platform. This can be overlooked quite easily, so pay attention to the small sign on the side of the road.
How do you get to Zillie Falls Queensland?
I assume that most people who read this guide are located somewhere near Cairns. The Zillie Falls and the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit are about 107 km (1 hour 40 minutes) drive from Cairns CBD. There are two ways to get here, either drive yourself or book a waterfall tour to Millaa Millaa.
Alt = "Zillie cases Millaa Millaa Queensland"
Option 1: drive out of Cairns
I said that a few times, but I am sure that I share the same opinion with many; The best way to travel the tropical north is a car or motorhome.
You can use Google Maps for a simple directions to the Zillie if you can refer you to the pin above. The directions are well marked and precise.
From Cairns you have to drive south on the Bruce Highway towards Gordonvale. As soon as you approach the obvious Walsh’s Pyramid, keep an eye out for signs for the Atherton of Tableland over the Gillies Range Road.
Follow this winding road to the Tablelands, pass the crater lakes and follow the signs south to "Millaa Millaa", just behind Malanda. The Theresa Creek Road (Waterfall Circuit Road) is only about a minute away from the small community.
There are very detailed signs for every waterfall on this street, so that you should have no problems finding the Zillie waterfall as long as you keep your eyes open.
There is a large parking lot on the right side of the street (clockwise on the Millaa Millaa Falls). The access route to the Zillie Falls is located on the other side of the street.
If you would like to rent a car in Queensland, be sure to visit Rentalcars.com. This is a "car rental search engine" that works similar to Skyscanner, but for cars instead of flights.
Option 2: waterfall tour from Cairns
Since Millaa Millaa seems to steal the show in the Atherton Tablelands, there are unfortunately not many tours that actually stop at Zillie.
However, I was able to find a tour that also includes a stop at the Ellinjaa Falls and the Zillie Falls. However, this tour is booked in a group, which is perfect for families or friends.
For solely travelers and couples, you must either rent a car or consider some of these alternative waterfall tours that include stops on the equally impressive dinner Falls, Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and more (see below).
| tour | What is included |
| Waterfall, wildlife and rainwald tour | Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa, Dinner Falls, Schlabtier at Yungaburra, Lake Eacham |
| Cheapest Atherton Tableland's waterfall tour | Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa, Dinner Falls, Curtainpower Tree |
| Atherton Tableland's waterfalls and day tour through the rainforest from Cairns | Crystal cascade, Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa, Babinda Boulders, Lake Eacham, |
Don't miss nearby: Tchupala and Wallicher cases
What to expect from the Zillie if if
The Zillie Falls are a falling waterfall that plunges into the dense tropical rainforest on the edge of an eroded basalt column. I would say that the height is about 15 meters, but that's just my best estimate, since not much information about the exact amount is available.
The falling water plunges into large boulders below the waterfall. Therefore, Zillie is not the best place for swimming. However, it is possible to walk behind the waterfall and navigate over and to navigate the slippery rocks.
alt = "Zillieftalen QLD"
Also near: Nandroya Falls & Windin Falls
Zillie if viewing platform over the waterfalls
As soon as you have reached the parking lot of Zillie Fall, leave your car and cross the street by following the small, weathered sign for a short way in front of you.
After less than a minute walk, you can already reach the viewing platform above the Zillie Fall.
Unfortunately, this platform is only really good to check the source flow and the tip of the waterfall. If you want a better view and a better understanding of the scales, you have to take the short but steep, slippery path down to the foot.
Alt = “Zillie falls from above” View from the observation platform
On foot to the foot of the waterfall
I am pretty sure that this track is not an official QLD Parks track because there are no signposts or even ligaments in the tree. It is also difficult to find and I am sure that the majority of people miss it.
This track is located on the bush side of the viewing platform, approximately in the middle. You will see a light clearing that releases a wider track after passing.
There are a few eroded traces to the base, so it can become a little confusing. But in any case you can reach the foot of the waterfall in about 5-10 minutes.
My best advice is to just keep right when you see a fork or another eroded trace. You will know whether you are on the right path to the foot of the Zillie if you reach a section with old, carved stone levels.
Alt = "Zillie Falls Heading Track"
This route is not well maintained at all and can be very slippery and even steep in some sections. It is also important to take the recent rains into account and avoid them in the event of floods.
More Zillie Falls photos
As soon as I arrived at the foot of the stream, I maneuvered around a few large, slippery boulders to get some good viewpoints on the zillie waterfall from below. Here are a few more photos that I hope that you will inspire your adventure.
alt = "Zillie Falls waterfall from below"
Alt = "Zillie Falls Waterfall Queensland"
The Millaa Millaa waterfall tour
Zillie Fall is part of the Millaa Milla Waterfall Circuit Trios. With regard to waterfalls in Cairns, the Tablelands or maybe Queensland in general, this route offers some of the best price-performance conditions that you will find.
What I mean by that is that these three waterfalls are all really breathtaking and very easily accessible. If you want to visit the rest of the waterfalls on the racetrack, I can only warmly recommend that they are all so close and easy to reach!
Click here to get a summary and short guide for the entire racetrack. I also wrote individual blog posts about what can be expected from the other two waterfalls. You can find this below.
Millaa Millaa Falls
Ellinjaa cases
Alt = “Ellinjaa Falls Waterfall Cairns“ Ellinjaa Falls
Alt = “Millaa Millaa falls long exposure“ Millaa Millaa Falls
Cairn's accommodation leader - where to spend the night
Are you planning a trip to Cairns and wonder where you should settle? Below I listed some of the best options near Cairn's Esplanade. I also wrote a comprehensive accommodation leader for Cairns and a comprehensive accommodation leader for Port Douglas.
Crystalbrook Riley - If you are looking for luxury and location, the Crystallrbook Riley is unbeatable. This is the best 5-star resort in Cairns and offers absolutely everything you expect from a Crystalbrook resort.
Tip: Definitely go to Rocco’s Bar on the top of the Crystalbrook Riley to enjoy a great view over Cairns!
Alt = "Girls while sunbathing in the Crystalbrook Riley Resort in Cairns"
Rydges Resort-This hotel offers an excellent price-performance ratio for an epic stay at a decent price! The location is perfect, near the Esplanade and has three swimming pools, two tennis courts, a whirlpool, a fitness center and even a award -winning restaurant.
Alt = "Rydges Esplanade Resort in Cairns, where to stay accommodation"
Fitzroy Island Resort - if you prefer to stay on one of the picturesque islands of the Great Barrier Reef, you are exactly right in the Fitzroy Island Resort. While you can take a day trip here, I strongly recommend spending the night so that you have more time to explore the reef, the coral beaches and the hiking trails in the rainforest.
Alt = "Fitzroy Island Resort"
Gilligan’s backpackers-the best backpacker option for a great atmosphere in Cairns is Gilligan’s Backpackers. This is because this has a swimming pool, air conditioning, a complete kitchen and a great common area to meet other travelers.
Alt = "Gilligans Backpacker Resort"
More waterfalls and adventures in Cairns
Enjoy Zillie Falls Queensland and are you looking for further epic waterfall adventures near Cairns? Do not miss this ultimate guide to the best waterfalls from Cairns.
Alternatively, you can also watch the lower left to find separate posts that I wrote about 20 waterfalls in the area! Or if you prefer reef adventure, epic viewpoint hikes and other hidden treasures, don't miss: Best Things to do in Cairns, The Ultimate Guide.
My camera and photo equipment
- Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
- Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
- Landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
- All-round lens: Canon RF 24-105 mm f/4L
- Tele lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
- Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bulletime)
- Landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- Camerarucksack: F-STOP Tilopa
- Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip
A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.
If you want to use one of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my print store or contact me directly for customs deductions from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
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