Palmerston Highway, QLD: Location, length, waterfalls & attractions
The Palmerston Highway runs for 54.6km between Innisfail and Millaa Millaa. Attractions along the drive include the Mamu Tropical Skywalk, Tchupala Falls and Nandroya Falls.
In a country with long, epic highways, the Palmerston Highway in Australia is relatively tiny. It is, however, one of the most enjoyable highways to drive.
The Palmerston Highway is in far north Queensland. It connects Queensland’s coastal plain to the Atherton Tableland, and gains a fair bit of elevation along the way. Due to the nature of the terrain, the Palmerston Highway is a winding affair, with plenty of twists and turns as it passes through the rainforest.
Where is the Palmerston Highway in Australia?
The Palmerston Highway begins at the junction with the Bruce Highway, just to the north of Innisfail. It ends in the Atherton Tableland town of Millaa Millaa, covering a total length of 54.6km.
The drive from Innisfail to Millaa Millaa should take about 46 minutes. But there are plenty of road trip attractions on the way.
Palmerston Highway attractions: Wooroonooran National Park
The Palmerston Highway passes through Wooroonooran National Park, and several of the park’s best walks and waterfalls are close to the highway. First up is the relatively minor Cowley Falls, which is closely followed by the Mamu Tropical Skywalk and Crawford’s Lookout. There are marvellous views from both.
Palmerston Highway waterfalls: Tchupala Falls, Wallicher Falls and Nandroya Falls
Next up are the walking trails to Tchupala Falls and Wallicher Falls before you reach the Henrietta Creek Camping Area. This is pretty close to one of the highlights of the route – Nandroya Falls.
Once thoroughly in the Atherton Tableland and just out of Wooroonooran National Park, Serendipity Falls is just by the roadside and Mungalli Falls is a short detour away, near the Mungalli Creek Dairy.
Atherton Tableland waterfalls circuit
Just before reaching Millaa Millaa, you can branch off the Palmerston Highway for a 17km waterfalls circuit taking in three of the Atherton Tableland’s most impressive waterfalls. Ellinjaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Millaa Millaa Falls form a handy loop.
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