Ellinjaa Falls, Queensland: Can I swim and how to get there?
In the Atherton Tableland, Ellinjaa Falls is a pretty waterfall with a crocodile-free swimmable pool at the bottom. This far north Queensland waterfall is near the town of Millaa Millaa.
Ellinjaa Falls is a waterfall in the Atherton Tableland, far north Queensland. It’s one of several in the area, and can be combined as part of a circuit with Millaa Millaa Falls and Zillie Falls.
Ellinjaa Falls is by no means the most spectacular waterfall in the world, but it is undoubtedly pretty. Ellinjaa Creek tumbles about 15 metres over a group of ancient lava columns into a pool at the bottom.
Swimming at Ellinjaa Falls, Queensland: Turtles, platypus… and crocodiles?
The pool at the bottom of Ellinjaa Falls tends to play host to turtles. There’s also a decent chance of seeing the elusive platypus there as well.
The pool makes for a lovely swimming spot, although be careful of crashing your feet onto rocks. There a no crocodiles at Ellinjaa Falls.
The other little highlight of Ellinjaa Falls is the small ledge tucked in behind the falls. It’s possible to sit there and take in the scene from behind the cascading water.
How to get to Ellinjaa Falls
Getting to this Queensland waterfall is fairly easy. From the town of Millaa Millaa, head north along the Palmerston Highway. There are two turn-offs on the Theresa Creek Road. The first goes towards Millaa Millaa Falls, and you want the second one. There’s a brown signpost for Ellinjaa Falls, with a small parking area just off the Theresa Creek Road.
From the parking area, it’s an easy 200 metre walk to the falls.
From Cairns, Ellinjaa Falls is a 104km drive, which takes about one hour and 35 minutes. If coming north from Townsville to Cairns, branch off at Innisfail – the waterfall is about 46 minutes’ drive away.
Top experiences near Innisfail to book in advance
- Get superlative rainforest views – on the Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
- Enjoy the strange Spanish castle surrounded by jungle – at Paronella Park.
- Save money with a Mamu Tropical Skywalk and Paronella Park combo ticket.
Coming along the Palmerston Highway, you can make it a waterfall-themed drive. The road passes Tchupala Falls and Nandroya Falls on the climb through the Tableland.
More Queensland travel
Stop at the Babinda Boulders on the drive from Cairns to Mission Beach.
Take a three cave tour of the Chillagoe Caves.
Visit the Capricorn Caves on the Gladstone to Mackay drive.
Indulge in seafood at the North Burleigh Surf Club on the Gold Coast.
Detour to Turkey Beach on the drive from Bundaberg to Rockhampton.