Ellinjaa Falls Queensland is an easily accessible and spectacular waterfall located on the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit, on the edge of Wooroonooran National Park.
Looking for some epic waterfalls near Cairns and the Queensland Tablelands? Ellinjaa Waterfall requires only a very short walk and offers arguably one of the most impressive falls around Cairns and the Tropical North.
If you’re planning on heading to Millaa Millaa, I’d highly suggest not skipping Ellinjaa Falls.
In many ways, I believe that Ellinjaa Falls is a more impressive waterfall than the more popular Millaa Millaa. For those of you who prefer more of a natural vibe when exploring waterfalls, you’ll probably also enjoy Ellinjaa Falls more.
In this guide, I’ll detail how to get to Ellinjaa Falls, even if you’re not already on the Waterfall Circuit. You’ll also find some useful tips and recommendations, as well as some photos of Ellinjaa Falls to inspire your visit.
Where is Ellinjaa Falls?
Ellinjaa Falls is located on the 17-kilometre Waterfall Circuit along Theresa Creek Road in the Atherton Tablelands region of Queensland.
You'll find Ellinjaa Falls in a dense pocket of rainforest neighbouring the Wooroonooran National Park. There are signs and even a large car park next to the short waterfall track.
Nearby: Windin Falls & Nandroya Falls
How to Get to Ellinja Falls
Ellinjaa Falls and the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit are located approximately 104 km (1 hour 40 minutes) drive from Cairns CBD. There are two options to get here, either by driving yourself or booking a waterfall tour to Millaa Millaa.
Millaa Millaa on a Waterfall Day Trip
Travelers looking to visit the absolute best waterfalls in the region surrounding Cairns, including Millaa Millaa, will want to check out this epic Atherton Tablelands waterfall tour.
This is great value for money and includes a stop at Josephine Falls & the Crater Lakes as well!
Millaa Millaa Drive From Cairns
In my opinion, the best way to experience Cairns and the Tropical Far North is to have your own car and explore. For easy directions, plug in "Ellinjaa Falls" or "Theresa Creek Road" to Google Maps.
From Cairns, you'll need to head south on the Bruce Highway towards Gordonvale. Once you approach the obvious Walsh's Pyramid, look out for signs to Atherton Tablelands over Gillies Range Road.
Follow this winding road all the way up to the Tablelands, pass the Crater Lakes and continue following signs south to "Millaa Millaa", just passed Malanda. Theresa Creek Road (the Waterfall Circuit Road) is just a minute or so from the small township.
There are very detailed signs for each waterfall on this road, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding Ellinjaa Falls, unlike Zillie.
There is a large car park that you pull into. This is free and accommodates over 20 vehicles and has a couple of picnic tables near the start of the path. There are no toilets or changerooms.
Car Rentals in Far North Queensland
Cairns is one of the most popular travel destinations in Australia and car rentals quickly book out!
I've missed out on cars before & recommend booking well in advance. I always use DiscoverCars as they compare the widest range of rentals across dealerships in the Far North.
What to Expect at Ellinjaa Falls Queensland
Ellinjaa Falls waterfall is an approximately 12-metre cascading waterfall that tumbles down a wide, vertical face at the base of a dense rainforest valley.
Below the waterfall is a blue-tinted pool that is deep enough to swim in, but don't expect to be fully submerged.
The freshwater creeks that flow from the waterfall are home to one of Australia's most iconic animals; the platypus. So, make sure to keep quiet as you approach and see if you can spot any swimming or sitting on the banks.
There is also a small ledge that you can crawl up on behind the waterfall to get some of the best vantage points.
I've visited this waterfall three times now and always find myself spending at least an hour here enjoying the much more relaxed atmosphere than nearby Millaa Millaa.
Keep an eye out for the wandering roosters and chickens that roam around the Ellinjaa Falls car park begging for food.
Ellinjaa Waterfall Walk
The walk down to Ellinjaa Falls from the car park is only about 200 m long and will only take a few minutes of downhill walking. The path is sealed the entire way, making it really accessible and easy to get to.
I'd recommend visiting Ellinjaa Falls early in the morning to avoid the inevitable crowds on this popular and easily accessible waterfall circuit. If you're planning to visit Millaa Millaa, I would go there first before the crowds (early), and then this one, followed by Zillie Falls as it is the least popular of the three in my experience.
The Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit
Ellinjaa Falls is part of the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit. The other two waterfalls are Millaa Millaa and Zillie Falls.
I've written separate guides for each waterfall with photos so you know what to expect at each. Alternatively, check out my guide to the entire Millaa Millaa waterfall circuit instead.
Best Time to Visit Ellinjaa Falls
The best time to visit Ellinjaa Falls is during the cooler, drier months from May to September (dry season).
This period offers comfortable temperatures, clearer skies, and less humidity, making it ideal for hiking and checking out waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands.
I've visited Ellinjaa Falls in both seasons and you can visit all year round as it is a permanent waterfall. Visiting in July was the best time for me. In the wet season, this waterfall can flow very hard, which makes it dangerous for swimming.
FAQ About Visiting Ellinjaa Falls
How to get to the waterfall?
A 1-hour 40-minute drive from Cairns, part of the Waterfall Circuit including Millaa Millaa and Zillie Falls.
Can you swim at Ellinjaa Falls?
Swimming is allowed in the natural pool at the base, but check current conditions for safety.
What should I bring?
Water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimmers (optional for swimming) and I always recommend a Grayl bottle if you want to filter clean rainforest water for drinking.
Where to Stay In Cairns
Visiting Cairns? The best places to stay are near the Cairns Esplanade or on the sunny Northern Beaches. Below are the top 4 options for varying budgets.
Alternatively, check out my Port Douglas accommodation guide for more ideas on where to stay in Far North Queensland.
1. Crystalbrook Riley Luxury
If luxury and location are what you're after, you can't beat this 5-star resort right in the heart of Cairns Esplanade.
2. Fitzroy Island Resort Mid-Range
Sleep out on one of the picturesque Great Barrier Reef Islands! Staying at Fitzroy often works out cheaper than staying in town & means you get more time to explore the reef, beaches, and rainforest walking trails.
3. Gilligan's Backpackers Budget
The best backpacker option for a great vibe in Cairns. Great place to meet like-minded travelers & features a pool, air-con rooms, a huge shared kitchen, & a great common area.
4. Pepper's Beach Club Palm Cove
Stay at the best beach resort in the heart of Palm Cove on Cairns's Northern Beaches!
More Cairns and Tropical Queensland Waterfalls
That wraps up this quick guide to visiting Ellinjaa Falls on the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit. For more waterfalls and adventure inspiration for your trip to Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, make sure to read my guides below.
- 60+ Things to do in Cairns - my ultimate Cairns and FNQ travel resource covering the best activities, hidden gems, and unmissable experiences.
- Cairns Hiking Guide - a huge list of epic rainforest, waterfall, and lookout hikes in Cairns.
- Cairns Waterfalls - a huge list of epic waterfalls that I've visited in Cairns and the surrounding tropics.
- Cairns Islands - discover my favorite Great Barrier Reef islands near Cairns and Port Douglas.
- Cairns Tours - my roundup of the best tours you can book in Cairns and FNQ, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest.
- Cairns Packing List - tips on what to pack for a trip to Far North Queensland.
- Top Things to Do in Port Douglas - a comprehensive guide to the sleepy Far North Queensland town of Port Douglas.
- Epic 5-Day Cairns Itinerary - my suggested adventure itinerary if you only have 5 days to spend in Cairns.
- Cape Tribulation Travel Guide - discover where the rainforest meets the reef at one of my favourite places in Australia.
- Best Things to do in the Atherton Tablelands - my guide to one of Far North Queensland's most underrated adventure destinations.
- Accommodation Resources: Discover where to stay in Cairns, the best hotels in Port Douglas and my Cape Tribulation accommodation guide.
