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 get here, what to expect and more.

Although not nearly as popular as the famous Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls is, in my opinion, one of the most scenic waterfalls on the Theresa Creek Road Circuit.

Plunging steeply into the dense rainforest canopy below, Zillie Waterfall is an ideal waterfall for those wanting to experience a slice of Cairns and Atherton Tableland's incredible ancient forests on an easily accessible path. This waterfall offers a boarded-up viewing platform above the falls as well as an “unofficial” dirt path down to the base of the falls.

Where is Zillie Falls?

Zillie Falls is located on the 17 kilometer long Waterfall Circuit along Theresa Creek Road in the Atherton Tablelands region of Queensland near Millaa Millaa. This is the “middle” waterfall, so it is usually visited after Millaa Millaa Falls or Ellinjaa Falls, depending on the direction of travel.

You'll find this waterfall hidden in a dense pocket of rainforest near Wooroonooran National Park, right next to cleared farmland. There are signs and even a large parking lot next to the short path to the observation deck. This one can be pretty easy to miss, so look out for the little sign on the side of the road.

How to get to Zillie Falls Queensland?

I assume most people reading this guide are based somewhere near Cairns. Zillie Falls and Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit are approximately 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.
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Option 1: Drive from Cairns

I've said this a few times, but I'm sure I share the same opinion with many; The best way to travel the tropical north is by car or motorhome.

For easy directions to Zillie Falls, you can use Google Maps to point you to the pin above. The directions are well marked and accurate.

From Cairns you need to head south on the Bruce Highway towards Gordonvale. As you approach the obvious Walsh’s Pyramid, look out for signs to the Atherton Tablelands above Gillies Range Road.

Follow this winding road to the Tablelands, pass the crater lakes and continue following the signs south to “Millaa Millaa”, just past Malanda. Theresa Creek Road (the Waterfall Circuit Road) is only about a minute from the small community.

There are very detailed signs for each waterfall on this road, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding Zillie Waterfall as long as you keep your eyes peeled.

There is a large parking lot on the right side of the road (clockwise on the route from Millaa Millaa Falls). The access trail to Zillie Falls is across 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 similarly to Skyscanner, but for cars instead of flights.

Option 2: Waterfall tour from Cairns

Unfortunately, as Millaa Millaa seems to steal the show in the Atherton Tablelands, there aren't many tours that actually stop at Zillie Falls.

However, I was able to find a tour that also included a stop at Ellinjaa Falls and Zillie Falls. However, this tour is booked in a group, which is perfect for families or friends.

For solo travelers and couples, you'll either need to rent a car or consider some of these alternative waterfall tours, which include stops at the equally impressive Dinner Falls, Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, and more (see below).

DON'T MISS NEARBY: TCHUPALA AND WALlicher FALLS

What to Expect at Zillie Falls

Zillie Falls Height: Approximately 15 meters
Access: observation deck and path to the base of the falls

Zillie Falls is a plunging waterfall that plunges into the dense tropical rainforest from the edge of an eroded basalt column. I would say the height is around 15 meters, but that is just my best estimate as there is not much information available about the exact height.

The falling water crashes onto large boulders below the waterfall. Therefore, Zillie Falls is not the best place for swimming. However, it is possible to go behind the waterfall and navigate over and around the slippery rocks.
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ALSO NEARBY: NANDROYA FALLS & WINDIN FALLS

Zillie Falls viewing platform above the falls

Once you reach the Zillie Falls parking lot, leave your car and cross the road, following the small, weathered sign to the short trail ahead.

After less than a minute's walk you will reach the viewing platform above Zillie Falls.

Unfortunately this platform is only really good for checking out the headwaters and the top of the waterfall. If you want a better view and understanding of the scale, you must take the short but steep, slippery path down to the base.
alt=“ZILLIE FALLS FROM ABOVE”>View from the viewing platform

Walk to the base of the waterfall

I'm pretty sure this track is not an official QLD Parks track as there are no signposts or even ribbons in the tree. It's also hard to find and I'm sure the majority of people miss it.

This trail is located on the bush side of the viewing platform, approximately in the middle. You will see a slight clearing which, once passed, reveals a wider track.

There are a few eroded tracks up to the base, so it can get a little confusing. But in any case you will reach the base of the waterfall in about 5-10 minutes.

My best advice is to just stay to the right if you see a fork or other eroded track. You'll know if you're on the right path to the base of Zillie Falls when you reach a section of ancient, carved stone steps.
alt=“ZILLIE FALLS WALKING TRACE”>
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 recent rains into account and avoid them during floods.

More Zillie Falls photos

Once I got to the bottom of the creek, I maneuvered around some large, slippery boulders to get some good vantage points of ZIllie Waterfall from below. Here are a few more photos that I hope will inspire your adventures.
alt=“ZILLIE FALLS WATERFALL FROM BELOW”>
alt=“ZILLIE FALLS WATERFALL QUEENSLAND”>

The Millaa Millaa waterfall tour

Zillie Falls is part of the Millaa Milla Waterfall Circuit Trio. In terms of waterfalls in Cairns, the Tablelands or perhaps Queensland in general, this route offers some of the best value for money you'll find.

What I mean by that is that these three waterfalls are really all pretty stunning and very easy to access. If you want to visit the rest of the waterfalls on the circuit I highly recommend it, they are all so close and easy to get to!

Click here for a summary and quick guide for the entire circuit. I have also written individual blog posts about what to expect at the other two waterfalls. You can find these below.

Millaa Millaa Falls

Ellinjaa Falls
alt=“ELLINJAA FALLS WATERFALL CAIRNS”>Ellinjaa Falls
alt=“MILLAA MILLAA FALLS LONG EXPOSURE”>Millaa Millaa Falls

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.
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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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More waterfalls and adventures in Cairns

Enjoying Zillie Falls Queensland and looking for more epic waterfall adventures near Cairns? Don't miss this ultimate guide to Cairns' best waterfalls.

Alternatively, check out the links below to find separate posts I've written on over 20 waterfalls in the area! Or, if you prefer reef adventures, epic viewpoint hikes and other hidden gems, don't miss: Best Things to do in Cairns, the Ultimate Guide.

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.

If you would like to use any 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 of images on We Seek Travel.
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