Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit – Complete guide with photos

Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit – Complete guide with photos

The Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit is a trio of epic rainforest waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands region just beyond Cairns, Queensland. Here's a quick guide to checking out the circuit for independent adventurers.

I've said it a few times but the Tablelands is easily one of the most underrated adventure destinations in Queensland and probably Australia! From epic waterfalls and ancient rainforest hikes to unique native animals, this region is truly a hidden gem.

In this guide I will detail what to expect if you plan a trip to Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit on Theresa Creek Road near Millaa Millaa. I'll provide tips on how to get here, what to expect, and some photos that I hope will inspire you to check out the full trio.

I also wrote independent blog posts for each waterfall on the circuit; Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls. So if you want more detailed information or more photos of each, you can find the links to them under each section below.

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

Where is Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit?

The Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit is located in the Atherton Tablelands region of Queensland near the small community of Millaa Millaa. The waterfall loop road is called Theresa Creek Road, a 15-kilometer route that offers scenic views of rolling hills and dense rainforest.

The circuit is approximately 105km from Cairns, so expect a drive time of at least 1 hour and 40 minutes. However, don't let this discourage you. There is so much to see and do in this region and I am sure you will definitely not regret the trip.

Theresa Creek Road on the Waterfall Circuit is paved and can be used by any type of vehicle. However, the road can get narrow in some sections as it winds around neighboring farmland.

Waterfall wiring diagram

The best organized trip to Millaa Millaa from Cairns

As there is no public transport to the Tablelands from Cairns, it's best to book an Atherton Tablelands waterfalls tour if you don't have your own car.

I highly recommend this tour for the value for money. It's also one of the top-rated waterfall tours from Cairns. Unfortunately it doesn't visit all of Millaa Millaa Falls, but it does include Millaa Millaa Falls and one of my favorites: Josephine Falls.

Check best price: Best waterfall tour from Cairns
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Featured in: 22 Great Things to Do in the Atherton Tablelands

How to get here from Cairns (self-drive)

Google Maps Pin: “Millaa Millaa”

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

Follow this winding road all the way to the Tablelands, passing the crater lakes and continuing to follow the signs south to “Millaa Millaa” having just passed Malanda.

Theresa Creek Road (the Waterfall Circuit Road) is only about a minute from the small community where you will find a few small shops, a trailer park and a gas station.

ALSO NEARBY: WINDFALLS | NANDROYA CASES | MUNGALLI FALLS

The waterfalls on the Milla Milla Circuit

Once you've made it to Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit, it's time to start exploring! Here are the three waterfalls on the road. Each is located at different points along the road, with parking and signs indicating where to stop (see map above).

In terms of access, each waterfall on this Millaa Millaa circuit is very easy to reach, requiring only a very short walk.

Again, I have written more detailed posts for each waterfall. You can find the links under each section below.

Millaa Millaa Falls

Height: 18.3 meters
Known for: Most photographed waterfall in Australia, great swimming spot.

Millaa Millaa Falls is undeniably the star of the show. As I mentioned above, most tours towards the Atherton Tablelands stop at Millaa Milla, so it can understandably be a bit busy.

Tip: come by early

This 18.3 meter high cascading waterfall is indeed one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Australia. As a result, it has earned the title of “Australia’s most photographed waterfall.”

The waterfall is right next to a large parking lot that is well signposted so it really is impossible to miss. Unfortunately, I think a good amount of rainforest has been cleared and some structures have been developed around the edge of the waterfall. This creates a less “natural” atmosphere, but understandably makes it a more attractive venue for weddings and events.

At the base of the waterfall there is a deep and very wide swimming pool, perfect for a swim.
alt=“MILLAA MILLAA FALLS, CAIRNS WATERFALLS, THINGS TO DO”>

FULL POST: MILLAA MILLAA FALLS GUIDE

Zillie Falls

Height: ~15 meters
Known for: Viewing platform over the falls, slippery path

Next on the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit is Zillie Falls, a 15 meter high waterfall that cascades over the edge of the eroded basalt column and crashes hard onto a pile of large boulders below.

There is a signpost and a large parking lot, but it's actually not that hard to miss if you're not careful.

Once you arrive, head to a viewing platform located above and next to the waterfall. There is a slippery "unofficial" worn path that also leads to the base, but is easy to miss. You can find it by looking for a small clearing in the forest next to the lookout point.

Unfortunately, many people skip Zillie Falls. Don't be one of them! Zillie Waterfall is, in my opinion, a more enjoyable experience due to the lack of crowds, so be sure to stop by.

Honestly, “Zillie” couldn’t be expected to do that.
alt=“ZILLIE FALLS WATERFALL QUEENSLAND”>Zillie Falls

READ MORE: ZILLIE FALLS WATERFALL GUIDE

Ellinjaa Falls

Height: 12 meters
Known for: Less crowds, large swimming hole, rocky outcropping behind the waterfall

Now you're probably wondering how another waterfall could impress you. I bet you will be pleasantly surprised when you reach the last waterfall; Ellinjaa Falls.

This waterfall requires the longest walk to reach out of the three. Saying that, it will probably take you less than 5 minutes on a paved route through the rainforest.

Once you get to the base, you'll know why tourism in tropical north Queensland makes so much use of this waterfall to promote the region. Although smaller, this wide, cascading waterfall creates an otherworldly scene in a small rainforest clearing.

Ellinjaa Falls is my personal favorite waterfall on the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit because of its wide pool, fantastic edge and the chance to see a wild platypus!
alt=“ELLINJAA FALLS WATERFALL CAIRNS”>Ellinjaa Falls

MORE: ELLINJAA FALLS WATERFALL GUIDE

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 Cairns waterfalls and adventure attractions

Does the legendary Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit sound like it might be for you? Or do you prefer a few more remote waterfalls at the end of epic hikes? Check out the list below for more waterfalls and adventure attractions near Cairns.

Alternatively, here's a round-up of the best waterfalls near Cairns, as well as a complete guide to things to do in Cairns and the tropical north.

Stay adventurous!

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
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• 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=“MILLAA MILLAA WATERFALL”>

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