Skip to Content
Souita Falls – Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Guide

Souita Falls – Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Guide

Olly Gaspar

By Olly Gaspar, full-time traveler for 6 years. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

Souita Falls is an off-the-beaten-path, multi-tiered waterfall within a pocket of rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands above Cairns.

Souita Falls is one of the more “lesser-known” waterfalls in the Tropical Far North. Located behind rural properties in the hinterlands of the Atherton Tablelands plateau, this multi-tiered cascading waterfall is a worthwhile stop if you’re up for a quick walk.

Since it seems that not many people visit Souita Falls, there isn’t a lot of information about it online. In this quick guide, I’ll share my experience and give you a bit of insight into what to expect and how to get here.

Souita falls waterfall

Where is Souita Falls?

Souita Falls is located in the hinterlands just off the Palmerston Highway near the township of Middlebrook near Millaa Millaa. The waterfall is approximately 111 km or 1-hour 40-minute drive from Cairns.

You'll find the access track to Souita Falls just off of "Middlebrook Road", which is a narrow, winding road that connects to the Old Palmerston Highway. This road is sealed and can be accessed by any vehicle type.

Map of souita falls in atherton tablelands, qld

How to Get to Souita Falls

Getting to Souita Falls requires a car since there is no public transport or any tours that visit this waterfall.

Depending on your plans, from Cairns, you'll need to either take the Kennedy Highway over Kuranda and into the Tablelands or take the more direct but very winding Gillies Range Road instead.

  • Google Maps Pin: "SOUITA FALLS"

The first option is great if you plan to check out highlights such as Kuranda, Barron Falls, Kahlpahlim Rock or Davies Creek Falls on the way.

Alternatively, the quicker and more direct route on the Gillies Range Road also passes some other epic waterfalls and hikes such as; Millaa Millaa Falls, Windin Falls and the Crater Lakes.

Whichever route you take to the Tablelands, you'll need to head towards "Millaa Millaa". Next, take the Old Palmerston Highway South and turn left on Middlebrook Road. Continue on this road until you cross a cattle grid. There is a small local sign with adequate space to pull over once you reach the track.

Car in the rainforest near cairns

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 Souita Falls

The Souita Falls walking track is only 220 metres and passes two cascading waterfalls. It's very accessible with a clear track the entire way, although it's a little steep on the way back up.

I recommend trying to keep the noise down as you make your way to the waterfall lookouts as there is a chance of spotting a wild platypus here.

Souita falls scenic walking track
Souita Falls walking track

After just 110 M, you'll descend onto a blocked-off lookout that overlooks the first waterfall flow. Unfortunately, you can't get a great view here, with most of the flow blocked from sight. There also don't seem like many good options to get down to the base either.

Souita falls river
Souita falls cairns

If you continue, you'll eventually reach the last waterfall, which is a little smaller but you'll get a better view. Again, access to any swimming spots is blocked, but you could probably use your imagination here to continue around to find a good spot to swim.

Souita falls
The bottom drop of Souita Falls

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.

Girl sunbathing at crystalbrook riley resort in cairns

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.

Fitzroy island wharf

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.

Gilligans backpacker resort

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.

Peppers beach club four mile beach port douglas

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 Atherton Tablelands Travel Blogs

Enjoy Souita Falls and looking for more waterfalls and adventures in Cairns and the Tablelands?

Take a pick from the links below for more adventures in Far North Queensland!

Souita falls
Thanks for Reading

I'm Olly Gaspar, adventure traveler from Australia. I’ve spent the last six years traveling the world full-time, sharing my first-hand experiences & photography in over 700 travel guides on We Seek Travel. I visit every destination I write about to bring you unique travel itineraries, epic hiking routes, fun tour ideas, travel & photography gear ideas, & interesting places to stay.

I only make genuine, worthwhile recommendations based on my experience, expertise, & research. If you buy through my links, I may get a commission, supporting this website at no extra cost to you. Read my Publishing Ethics Statement.