Planning a visit to Ellinjaa Falls in far north Queensland? This guide explains how to get to Ellinjaa Falls, whether you can swim there, and how to combine it with the Atherton Tableland waterfall circuit.
Ellinjaa Falls is a waterfall in the Atherton Tablelands, far north Queensland. It’s one of several in the area, and can be combined as part of a circuit with Millaa Millaa Falls and Zillie Falls.
Ellinjaa Falls is by no means the most spectacular waterfall in the world, but it is undoubtedly pretty. Ellinjaa Creek tumbles about 15 metres over a group of ancient lava columns into a pool at the bottom.
Five great things to do in Cairns
- 🐠 See marine wonders at two Outer Reef hotspots – on a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise.
- 🌿 On a day trip – explore Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest.
- 🚞 Combine the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway – on a day trip to Kuranda.
- 🚣 On a full day rafting adventure – tackle the white water of the Tully River.
- 🌄 See giant trees, rainforest waterfalls and crater lakes – on an Atherton Tablelands day tour.
Swimming at Ellinjaa Falls, Queensland
The pool at the bottom of Ellinjaa Falls tends to play host to turtles. There’s also a decent chance of seeing the elusive platypus there as well.
The pool makes for a lovely swimming spot, although be careful of crashing your feet onto rocks.
The other little highlight of Ellinjaa Falls is the small ledge tucked in behind the falls. It’s possible to sit there and take in the scene from behind the cascading water.
How to get to Ellinjaa Falls from Cairns and Millaa Millaa
Getting to this Queensland waterfall is fairly easy. From the town of Millaa Millaa, head north along the Palmerston Highway. There are two turn-offs on the Theresa Creek Road. The first goes towards Millaa Millaa Falls, and you want the second one. There’s a brown signpost for Ellinjaa Falls, with a small parking area just off the Theresa Creek Road.
From the parking area, it’s an easy 200 metre walk to the falls.
From Cairns, Ellinjaa Falls is a 104km drive, which takes about one hour and 35 minutes. If coming north from Townsville to Cairns, branch off at Innisfail – the waterfall is about 46 minutes’ drive away.
Atherton Tableland waterfall circuit and nearby waterfalls
Coming along the Palmerston Highway, you can make it a waterfall-themed drive. The road passes Tchupala Falls and Nandroya Falls on the climb through the Tableland.
Things to do near Ellinjaa Falls: Waterfalls and rainforest attractions
- Millaa Millaa Falls: The best-known waterfall in the region and part of the classic waterfall circuit.
- Zillie Falls: A more rugged waterfall surrounded by dense rainforest vegetation.
- Nandroya Falls: A scenic multi-tiered waterfall reached via a rainforest walking track.
- Tchupala Falls: A quieter waterfall stop along the Palmerston Highway.
- Millaa Millaa: A small Tablelands town that works well as a base for waterfall exploring.
Ellinjaa Falls visitor information: Parking, swimming and access
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where is Ellinjaa Falls located? | In the Atherton Tableland region of far north Queensland |
| How do you get to Ellinjaa Falls? | Via Theresa Creek Road off the Palmerston Highway near Millaa Millaa |
| Is there parking at Ellinjaa Falls? | Yes, there is a small parking area near the walking track |
| How far is the walk to Ellinjaa Falls? | Approximately 200 metres |
| Can you swim at Ellinjaa Falls? | Yes, swimming is possible in the pool below the falls |
| What wildlife can you see at Ellinjaa Falls? | Turtles and occasionally platypus |
| How far is Ellinjaa Falls from Cairns? | Approximately 104km or 1 hour and 35 minutes by car |
More Far North Queensland travel
Other Far North Queensland travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Kuranda attraction guides: Barron Falls, Birdworld Kuranda, Kuranda Koala Gardens, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Rainforestation Nature Park.
- Exploring the Great Barrier Reef: Best islands and tours.
- A guide to Cairns for first-time visitors – including the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns Aquarium and Cairns Night Markets.
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway visitor guide: Plan your trip on Australia’s longest cable car ride.
- What to expect on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
