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Malanda Falls
Far North Queensland

Like a municipal pool but with its own waterfall, Malanda Falls is an Olympic sized pool with step ladders and concrete edging leading down from lawn terraces, all surrounded by dense rainforest. According to information boards on site, the pool was home to a local swimming club from the 1920s.

Swimming at Malanda Falls

Above: The river pool and waterfall at Malanda Falls (Order this image)

Getting into the water is quite easy, with either gradual entry into shallow water via paved steps at the downstream end of the pool, or step ladders into deep water along the sides.

Swimming up to the waterfall, I was surprised that the pool actually gets shallow again as you get closer to the base of the falls, where there are submerged rocks to perch yourself on and hold a position against the current. The force of the water was quite strong when I visited. Once you have had enough of the noise and the spray, you can release yourself and float gently downstream to the end of the pool.

Swimming at Malanda Falls

Above: The river pool at Malanda Falls (Order this image)

The visibility in the water was quite poor on my visit, but it had been raining during the day, so the water was probably more turbid than it typically would be.

After getting out of the water, I found that I had received a few bites from duck lice in the water, which I had not experienced swimming elsewhere in the region. I did not feel the bites in the water, and the red marks settled down pretty quickly after getting out. Apparetly duck lice is seasonal, so it may not be present at other times of the year.

Swimming at Malanda Falls

Above: The picnic tables at the roadside car park at Malanda Falls (Order this image)

Adjacent to the falls there is a tourist information centre and some picnic tables in front of the car park, along a fairly busy road. If the ground is dry, the better option is to bring a blanket and spread out on the lawns overlooking the pool.

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 pool and the falls are a 2-3 minute walk from the car park.

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
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Murky
Under foot: Rock and gravel
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Experienced swimmers due to the current, variable depth and poor visibility in the water. Conditions might be more suitable for inexperienced swimmers around the downstream paved steps, when the river is not flowing as fierce.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No fishing, no camping, no dogs.
Sun shade: Shade available in and out of the water.
Opening times: Always open. The visitor centre is open 9-4 weekdays and 10-2 on weekends.
Wheelchair access: The steps down to the swimming area are not wheelchair accessible.
Managing authority: Tablelands Regional Council
Nearby attractions: Lake Eacham, 13 km to the north east.

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming 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.

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.
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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can kids swim at Malanda Falls? If kids were to swim here, it would need to be under strict supervision in the shallows at the downstream end, when the river is low. On my visit the visibility in the water was poor and the current was strong around the base of the falls.

How long does it take to walk to Malanda Falls? From the car park it is about a 2-3 minute walk to the swimming pool.

Can my dog swim at Malanda Falls? No, dogs are not permitted here.

Are there crocodiles at Malanda Falls? Crocodiles travel far and wide in far north Queensland. None had been reported here to my knowledge at the time of my swim, but always keep a lookout and heed any warning signs on site.

Can I see fish in the water at Malanda Falls? No, the water was too murky to see any fish.

Can I go fishing at Malanda Falls? No, fishing is not permitted.

Can I have a picnic at Malanda Falls? Yes, there are some picnic facilities close to the car park and lawn areas beside the pool.

If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.

Comments:

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