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!
Book Your Trip To Cairns
Book Cheap Flights
Still in the planning stage of your trip? Currently, the best and easiest way to find cheap flights are to use Momondo and Skyscanner. Between the two, you’ll be guaranteed to always find the cheapest flight, anywhere in the world.
Book Your 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
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.
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links, which if you click, adds absolutely no extra cost to you. These links allow We Seek Travel to continue providing you with free guides and travel content.
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
BEST BUDGET HOSTEL WITH A POOL FOR $19 A NIGHT – 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.
BUDGET HOSTEL CLOSEST TO THE ESPLANADE FOR $26 A NIGHT –YHA CAIRNS CENTRAL HOSTEL
If you’re looking to stay close to Cairns center, then you can’t beat YHA Central. It’s only a 5-minute walk to the esplanade and situated right near pubs and supermarkets. There’s also a pool and two spas, with a free breakfast included.
SLEEP ON A BOAT IN CAIRNS HARBOUR – BOATEL CAIRNS
If you’re looking for a unique stay in Cairns, then you can’t get much more unusual than staying at a “boatel”. It’s located 1 KM from Cairns and only a 6-minute walk from Cairns Rainforest Dome. The boat has free WiFi, AC, a bar and even a TV in the room.
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.
On Pinterest?
Why not save this guide to Ellinjaa Falls for later? While you’re at it, if you follow We Seek Travel on Pinterest, then you’ll be able to stay in the loop with all the new travel guides and blogs.