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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
- 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.