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.
Enjoy!
Cairns: Essential Travel Resources
Find Cheap Flights
Still in the planning stage of your trip? Currently, the best and easiest way to find cheap flights are to use Skyscanner. This works by comparing all of the available fares across every airline to help you compare flights in one place.
Finding the Best Deals On Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels, hotels, guest houses, or resorts between Booking.com and Agoda, you’ll always get the best deals. I always search using the map feature to find accommodation in the best locations. Sometimes, if I want to stay in a place a little longer, I’ll use Airbnb.
TIP: For the best hostels, I usually compare reviews on Hostelworld, then check other booking sites to compare prices and deals.
Book Tours and Transport Online To Save Money
You already know that I prefer independent travel. In saying that, sometimes the best and cheapest way to get things done is to just book a tour or package. For Australia, I always use Klook, Viator and Get Your Guide.
Finding a Car in Australia
Having a car or camper is the best way to travel Australia. You can compare rental car deals on RentalCars.com, or use Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace and CarSales to purchase a car for longer trips.
Don’t Forget Adventure Travel Insurance
If you’re reading this blog then you’re more likely to be seeking epic cairns adventures over poolside sips. By far, my two favorite companies for the most comprehensive adventure travel insurance is World Nomads and SafetyWing. If you’re on the fence, you can read the comparison article.
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 (EPIC WATERFALL HIKE)
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.
Option 1: 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.
If you’re looking for a cheap car rental deal in Cairns or anywhere else in Queensland, I’d recommend checking out 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
I understand that many people would prefer to jump on a tour bus and meet some people rather than driving yourself. Unfortunately, there is only one tour that I could find in the entire region that stops by Ellinjaa Falls – and it’s a set price for groups of up to 10.
This might be a good idea if you can gather some friends at the hostel or if you’re visiting Cairns with family or in a group.
For solo travelers and couples, you’ll either need to rent a car or consider some of these alternative waterfall tours that include stops at the equally impressive Dinner Falls, Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and more (listed below).
| Tour | Price | What’s Included |
| Most-booked waterfall tour from Cairns | $115 | Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa, Dinner Falls, Crater Lakes |
| Cheapest Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Tour | $107 | Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa, Dinner Falls, Curtain Fig Tree |
| 2D1N Waterfall and Atherton Camping | $251 | Barron Falls, Lake Eacham, Overnight Camping, Peterson Creek (platypus viewing), Curtain Fig Tree, Josephine Falls |
What to Expect at Ellinjaa Falls Queensland
Ellinjaa Falls waterfall is an approximately 12 metre cascading waterfall which 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.
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 waterfall circuit instead.
Zillie Falls Millaa Millaa Falls
Cairns Accommodation Guide – Where to Stay
BRAND NEW HOTEL WITH A VIEW – OAKS HOTEL
This brand new hotel opened in September 2020 and is already rated as one of the best places to stay in Cairns! The location is right on the esplanade and features balcony rooms with a rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar.
BEST 5-STAR LUXURY HOTEL: PULLMAN REEF HOTEL CASINO
If luxury and location is what you’re after, you can’t beat the Pullman. It’s rated Cairns’ best hotel and features restaurants, a pool, live music gigs and even a casino!
BEST BUDGET HOSTEL WITH A POOL – MAD MONKEY BACKPACKERS
The best budget backpacker option in Cairns is Mad Monkey Backpackers. This one has a swimming pool, AC, a complete kitchen and even free bike hire to take you around Cairns. There are also three locations, but we thought that the village was the best. They also organise plenty of things to do in Cairns straight form the hostel.
BEST VALUE HOTEL – RYDGES ESPLANADE RESORT
This hotel offers the best bang-for-buck. In terms of an epic stay for a decent price! Location is perfect, close to the esplanade and the reviews are excellent.
CHECK OUT THE FULL LIST OF BEST HOSTEL AND HOTEL DEALS IN CAIRNS
More Cairns and Tropical North 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 comprehensive 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 Things to Do in Cairns.
MY CAMERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT
For a list of all my camera, hiking, and backpacking gear and where to find them at the best prices, visit my shop.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means We Seek Travel may be compensated if you click on them. However, I value my readers and only recommend products, tours, or experiences that I personally recommend.
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