Ellinjaa Falls Queensland is an easily accessible and spectacular waterfall located on the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit, on the edge of Wooroonooran National Park. This waterfall requires only a very short walk and offers arguably one of the most impressive falls around Cairns and the Tropical North.
Looking for some epic waterfalls near Cairns and the Queensland Tablelands? If you’re planning on heading to Millaa Millaa, I’d highly suggest not skipping Ellinjaa Falls.
In many ways, Ellinjaa Falls is a more impressive waterfall than the more popular Millaa Millaa. For those of you that 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.
Tip: Visit Millaa Millaa on a Waterfall Day Trip From Cairns
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 and the Crater Lakes as well!
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.
ALSO NEARBY: WINDIN FALLS (INFINITY POOL WATERFALL) & NANDROYA FALLS
How to Get to Ellinja Falls
Ellinjaa Falls and the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit is 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 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 to each waterfall on this road, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding Ellinjaa Waterfall.
Car Rentals in Far North Queensland
Cairns is one of the most popular travel destinations in Australia and car rentals quickly book out! I recommend booking well in advance. I always use RentalCars.com as they compare the widest range of rentals across dealerships in the Far North.
Car Rentals in Far North Queensland
Cairns is one of the most popular travel destinations in Australia and car rentals quickly book out! I recommend booking well in advance. I always use RentalCars.com 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 is 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.
Keep an eye out for the wandering roosters and chickens that roam around the car park begging for food.
Ellinjaa Waterfall Walk
The walk down to Ellinjaa Falls from the car park is only about 200M 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.
50+ More Cairns Bucketlist Items
- Visit the Cairns Islands
- Kuranda Railway & Skyrail
- Rusty's Markets
- Day trip to Cape Tribulation
- ... +51 more things to do in Cairns!
50+ More Cairns Bucketlist Items
- Visit the Cairns Islands
- Kuranda Railway & Skyrail
- Rusty's Markets
- Day trip to Cape Tribulation
- ... +51 more things to do in Cairns!
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.
Cairns Accommodation Guide – Where to Stay
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.
- Crystalbrook Riley - If luxury and location are what you're after, you can't beat the Crystalbrook Riley. This is the best 5-star resort in Cairns and features absolutely everything you'd expect from a Crystalbrook resort.
- Fitzroy Island Resort - Sleep out on one of the picturesque Great Barrier Reef Islands at Fitzroy Island Resort. Spending the night on the island can work out cheaper than staying in town and means you get more time to explore the reef, coral beaches and rainforest walking trails.
- Gilligan's Backpackers - The best backpacker option for a great vibe in Cairns. Great place to meet like-minded travelers and has facilities including a pool. air-con, a huge shared kitchen, and a great common area!
- Pepper's Beach Club - stay at the best beach resort in the heart of Palm Cove on the Cairns Northern Beaches!
For a bigger list, don't miss my Cairns accommodation guide or as an alternative stay in FNQ, read my Port Douglas Accommodation guide too.
Cairns Accommodation Guide – Where to Stay
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.
- Crystalbrook Riley - If luxury and location are what you're after, you can't beat the Crystalbrook Riley. This is the best 5-star resort in Cairns and features absolutely everything you'd expect from a Crystalbrook resort.
- Fitzroy Island Resort - Sleep out on one of the picturesque Great Barrier Reef Islands at Fitzroy Island Resort. Spending the night on the island can work out cheaper than staying in town and means you get more time to explore the reef, coral beaches and rainforest walking trails.
- Gilligan's Backpackers - The best backpacker option for a great vibe in Cairns. Great place to meet like-minded travelers and has facilities including a pool. air-con, a huge shared kitchen, and a great common area!
- Pepper's Beach Club - stay at the best beach resort in the heart of Palm Cove on the Cairns Northern Beaches!
For a bigger list, don't miss my Cairns accommodation guide or as an alternative stay in FNQ, read my Port Douglas Accommodation guide too.
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 around Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, make sure to read my Cairns waterfall guide.
Otherwise, check out the individual blog posts for some nearby waterfalls in the list below.
Furthermore, if you're looking for more things to do in Cairns and the surrounding area, check out this travel guide to the best tours in Cairns.
