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Malanda Falls, Malanda QLDWaterfall Seasons - The Waterfall Guide
Malanda Falls blends the natural and constructed environment to create an experience quite different to other waterfalls in the region.
This wide, basalt column waterfall spans around 15 metres across the North Johnstone River, with a municipal waterfall pool built directly below it.
Above: The waterfall drop at Malanda Falls
(Order this image)
After a very short walk through a patch of rainforest, the elevated view from the top of the steps reveals a wide, cleared area of terraced lawns and a concrete concourse that runs along each side of the waterfall pool.
Ordinarily you would think you were at the local baths, if not for the waterfall crashing in at the top end, the murky water, and
the towering bank of rainforest on the opposite side. There is a good balance between the natural and built environment, with the exception of the busy
Malanda-Atherton Road that runs across the North Johnstone River just behind the falls, which can be a distraction at times.
Above: The pool and lawn area at Malanda Falls
(Order this image)
The concourse provides easy access to all viewing angles below the falls. This includes being able to walk right up to the edge of the falls on both sides, with a footbridge at the downstream end of the pool to cross to the other side.
There is no access to the top of the falls.
Above: The visitor centre at Malanda Falls
(Order this image)
The flat, terraced lawns, mostly in full sun, are a great spot for a picnic overlooking the waterfall pool with a clear view of the falls. Just bring a waterproof blanket or tarp if it has been raining, as it often has in this area, for any wet ground.
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How high is the waterfall at Malanda Falls? The falls are not that high, at around 5-6 metres, but they are quite wide.
Are there toilets at Malanda Falls? Yes, there are older style toilets at the falls, as well as more comfortable toilets at the visitor centre when open.
Can I bring my dog to Malanda Falls? No, dogs are not permitted at Malanda Falls.
Can I have a picnic at Malanda Falls? Yes, Malanda Falls is a great spot for picnic with terraced lawns overlooking the water.
If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.
Above: The waterfall drop at Malanda Falls
(Order this image)
After a very short walk through a patch of rainforest, the elevated view from the top of the steps reveals a wide, cleared area of terraced lawns and a concrete concourse that runs along each side of the waterfall pool.
Above: The pool and lawn area at Malanda Falls
(Order this image)
The concourse provides easy access to all viewing angles below the falls. This includes being able to walk right up to the edge of the falls on both sides, with a footbridge at the downstream end of the pool to cross to the other side.
Above: The visitor centre at Malanda Falls
(Order this image)
The flat, terraced lawns, mostly in full sun, are a great spot for a picnic overlooking the waterfall pool with a clear view of the falls. Just bring a waterproof blanket or tarp if it has been raining, as it often has in this area, for any wet ground.
Your Seasonal Guide:
| Best Time of Year to Visit: | Best Time of Day to Visit: |
|---|---|
| You can see the falls at any time of year, but avoid days of heavy rainfall if you want to get into the water | With so many different viewing angles, visit at any time of the day and you will still get a great view |
Other Information Before You Go:
Location:Malanda-Atherton Road (aka Park Ave), Malanda, 80 km (approx. 1 hour 20 minute drive) south west of Cairns.
Latitude:-17.355379 Longitude:145.585755
Getting there: From Cairns, head south along the Bruce Hwy (A1) to Gordonvale, then up over the Great Dividing Range via the Gillies Range Road (route 52) towards Atherton. Before reaching Yungaburra, turn left at the Lake Barrine Road to Malanda. At Malanda, drive through to the western end of town along James St (route 25). The car park for the falls is on the outskirts of town on the right hand side. The falls are a 2-3 minute walk from the car park.
Water source: North Johnstone River
Approx. height: 5-6 metres
Approx. width: 15 metres
Approx. length: 2 metres
Swimming available at the falls: Yes. Here is more info about the swim
Facilities: Car park, lawn, park bench, picnic tables, information centre, rubbish bins, public toilets, information boards, pool concourse, steps and ladders into the water
Entrance fee: None
Opening times: Always open. The visitor centre is open 9-4 weekdays and 10-2 on weekends.
Sun shade: Shade available at the falls.
Wheelchair access: The steps down to the waterfall are not wheelchair accessible.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No fishing, no camping, no dogs.
Managing authority: Tablelands Regional Council
Nearby attractions: Millaa Millaa Falls, 25 km by road to the south.
Before you head out, make sure you read the
waterfall safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.
Specific to this site, the managing authority warns that there are strong currents and whirlpools may be present, and to only swim if conditions are safe.
Latitude:-17.355379 Longitude:145.585755
Getting there: From Cairns, head south along the Bruce Hwy (A1) to Gordonvale, then up over the Great Dividing Range via the Gillies Range Road (route 52) towards Atherton. Before reaching Yungaburra, turn left at the Lake Barrine Road to Malanda. At Malanda, drive through to the western end of town along James St (route 25). The car park for the falls is on the outskirts of town on the right hand side. The falls are a 2-3 minute walk from the car park.
Water source: North Johnstone River
Approx. height: 5-6 metres
Approx. width: 15 metres
Approx. length: 2 metres
Swimming available at the falls: Yes. Here is more info about the swim
Facilities: Car park, lawn, park bench, picnic tables, information centre, rubbish bins, public toilets, information boards, pool concourse, steps and ladders into the water
Entrance fee: None
Opening times: Always open. The visitor centre is open 9-4 weekdays and 10-2 on weekends.
Sun shade: Shade available at the falls.
Wheelchair access: The steps down to the waterfall are not wheelchair accessible.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No fishing, no camping, no dogs.
Managing authority: Tablelands Regional Council
Nearby attractions: Millaa Millaa Falls, 25 km by road to the south.
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of the car park at Malanda Falls. If the map is not zoomed in locally,
as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long is the walk to Malanda Falls? It is only about a 50 metre walk from the car park, but there are some steps.
How high is the waterfall at Malanda Falls? The falls are not that high, at around 5-6 metres, but they are quite wide.
Are there toilets at Malanda Falls? Yes, there are older style toilets at the falls, as well as more comfortable toilets at the visitor centre when open.
Can I bring my dog to Malanda Falls? No, dogs are not permitted at Malanda Falls.
Can I have a picnic at Malanda Falls? Yes, Malanda Falls is a great spot for picnic with terraced lawns overlooking the water.
If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.
Comments:
If you would like to leave a comment about this waterfall, please fill in the comment box below.
I'm particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc.
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