A waterfall that’s Word Heritage Listed? Count me in. Prepare to be staring like a stunned mullet down a two-hundred-and-something metre cliff face, watching as the water above turns to mist down below. This waterfall can be visited as a day trip from Townsville, or you could turn it into an overnight journey by camping near the falls.
Contents
Where Is Wallaman Falls and Why Should I Go?
What’s all the hype about a super-tall waterfall, and why on earth would I want to see it, you ask? Well, I’m here to tell you that Wallaman Falls should be on your hit list when visiting Far North Queensland
Wallaman Falls is Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall and is located in the Girringun National Park between Cairns and Townsville. It’s up in the hinterland and it’s a bit of a sideways adventure to get there, but you’ll be duly rewarded for your efforts.
It lies within the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wet Tropics site that covers rainforests across much of Far North Queensland. You can read about the significance of the Wet Tropics here.
Read on to find out exactly why you should add this spectacular waterfall to your Cairns road trip itinerary.
Best Time To Visit
The best time of year to visit Wallaman Falls (and hike to the pool at its base) is during the dry season, which typically occurs between May and November each year. Not to say that you couldn’t visit and view the falls from the top in the wet season – it would probably be even more magnificent – but to get the most out of your trip I’d suggest sticking to the dry season.
I always recommend doing a quick weather check before venturing out on any day, particularly when it comes to driving up into the hinterland of tropical north Queensland. The roads can be extremely dangerous, and trails just as slippery, when it’s pouring with rain. Choose a rain-free day if you can, and if the weather looks awful don’t be afraid to cancel your plans and do something else.
Just like rain on the day, rain before the day can have the same effect on the outcome of your trip. Wet soil leads to muddy and slippery ground, so think carefully about camping or hiking after significant rainfalls. Consider your own experience and how comfortable you will be to deal with the conditions on the day.
Rain shouldn’t stop you from a great adventure, but you should always check local weather and road reports before you head off. You can check the road conditions here.
How To Get There
The falls are more or less halfway to nowhere! Once you’ve committed to going, there’s not a lot between the last big town and the falls. It is about a 3 hr 45 minute drive from Cairns, and 2 hr 15 minute drive from Townsville.
Once you hit the town of Ingham, you will head west to start making your way up the range. The drive takes you through local farmland where you’ll see sugar cane for days and majestic Brahman cows, and you’ll probably start to wonder if Google Maps has taken you the wrong way. Eventually the farms will disappear and the mountain range will greet you. Before the road starts narrowing and ascending, you will find a sign that warns drivers that the road is unsuitable for large caravans and trailers. This is because it’s a switchback road with very tight turns and steep drop-offs – there’s no room for error.
The road is sealed all the way to the falls which means it’s suitable for most vehicles. You can calm your nervous mountain-driving energy by stopping at the Lannercost Lookout before jumping back in the car to finish your ascent. The switchback eventually gives way to gently undulating and winding roads that take you through lush forest, leading finally to the falls. Turn right onto Lookout Road to get to the top of the falls, or continue slightly further along Wallaman Falls Road to get to the camping area.
Other Transport Options
Unfortunately, driving is really the only way to get to Wallaman Falls, with no public transport available. You could hire a driver, but I shudder to imagine the cost! If you are a solo traveller or not confident driving yourself, you could find a tour to join.
Views From The Top
Once you’ve got yourself a parking spot and stretched your legs, you can wander straight over to the viewing platform to see the Falls in all their glory. From here you can see all the way down to the pool at the bottom. You can also contemplate how badly you really want to see it from the bottom …looks like a long way.
You could have a snack on the lawn while you mull over that question, and get your hiking shoes on ready to face the adventure! There’s a long-drop toilet at the top, as well as some basic picnic tables and a few lawn areas.
Hike to the Bottom of the Falls (Djyinda Walk Trail)
Once you’re ready to hit the trail, follow the signs to the Djyinda Walk Trail. Before the trail gets serious you’ll walk along the paved footpath down some steps to the gully lookout. There’s a spectacular view across the valley from here, where you can pause to admire the vastness and serenity. This is also the point when you make your final decision about going all the way to the bottom.
There are some warning signs here to remind visitors that the trail can be dangerous, especially in hot or wet conditions. It is a 3.2km return trip with about 260 metres of elevation, and takes about 90 minutes to walk down and back up. Add on some extra time to enjoy the waterfall at the bottom. You can check out the walk on AllTrails here.
If you’re up for the challenge and have come on a clear day, it’s time to go!
A paved walkway soon gives way to the bare ground, constructed steps turning into stone boulders and compacted earth. The trail gets steeper and terrain more challenging every step you take. It winds steeply across the side of the valley, taking you deeper into the forest. The eucalypts at the top give way to a variety of tropical species, and you can feel the moisture in the air rise.
After about 45 minutes of careful footing and an intense quad workout, you’ll start to feel mist hitting your face – the waterfall is near! At this point you’ll notice how muddy and slippery the ground has become, being constantly covered in the mist off the falls. If you stop for a second you’ll be able to find a few little gaps in the trees, allowing you to peek through at the towering cascade.
Push on a little bit more to finally reach the falls. There’s a wooden lookout platform from which you can view the falls… marvel, gawk, take some photos, whatever you are compelled to do. If you’re there at the right time of the day, the sun reflecting off the fine mist will give rise to a huge rainbow.
Please note that there are signs asking you not to climb over or go past the wooden lookout platform. This is because the rocks below are extremely slippery, and you are a VERY long way from help if you get injured.
You should anticipate taking about the same (or less) time to get back to the top of the trail once you’ve had enough time down below. You will be surprised how long it takes to ensure careful footing when you’re heading down.
Swimming
Safety warnings in mind, I would not recommend swimming here. At the time I visited, there were a few people who had clambered over the rocks to the stream on the down-valley side (not directly to the main pool) to go for a swim. It looked like an absolute mission to climb all the way out there. If you must swim, don’t go in the main pool below the falls, and absolutely do not attempt to swim any time during the wet season. Never attempt to swim if you are alone, and ensure that you have an emergency device (such as the GME PLB which you can get from Anaconda Stores) in case of life-threatening emergencies.
Camping Nearby
If you just can’t get enough of the tranquillity and wilderness out here, you could book in to camp the night at the Wallaman Falls camping area. It is a Queensland National Parks campsite and is about a 2 minute drive from the falls. It’s got basic facilities and no phone reception. It’ll cost you $7 per person per night, with deals available for families. Always book ahead when you’re planning to camp, especially in this area given that there is limited phone reception along the way (and once you arrive).
Another budget camping option is the Bilyana Rest Area. I was travelling down from Cairns and camped the night here before heading to Wallaman Falls. Nothing fancy, but as far as free roadside camps go this wasn’t too bad. The toilets were clean enough, and there was some nice grass and a few picnic tables. The drive from here to the Falls was a little under 2 hours. On the other side, Townsville is a little over 2 hours drive from the falls and has a huge number of accommodation options.
Safety Tips
There are a few things to consider before you go on your Wallaman adventure:
- There is no phone reception most of the way to the falls, and zero once you arrive
- You cannot tow large caravans up the range due to tight switchbacks, hairpin bends and steep roads
- Hiking to the bottom of the falls is not recommended in the wet season, it becomes extremely dangerous during this time
- The road is sealed all the way to the falls and is suitable for most vehicles
I recommend a few key safety measures so that you are prepared in an emergency situation. This is particularly important if you are hiking, or you are travelling alone.
- Plan your trip in advance and tell a trusted friend or family member your plans. If something goes wrong they will be able to send for help
- Always check the weather forecast before you go
- Check the local road conditions before you go
- Be prepared with enough food and water to get you by for a day longer than you plan to be there
- Carry and wear appropriate clothing for the conditions you expect (ie. hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, sturdy enclosed footwear)
- Carry a basic first aid kit
- Carry an emergency locator beacon which can be deployed in life-threatening emergencies
- Even if you have done everything above but the conditions on the day aren’t quite right, don’t be afraid to cancel the trip.
What Are You Waiting For – Plan Your Trip!
If you’re looking for a misty rainforest adventure high in the hinterlands, look no further than Wallaman Falls! You’ll find nature at its best here and your efforts to plan and execute this day-trip will be absolutely worth it.