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Millaa Millaa Falls
Millaa Millaa, Far North Queensland

Of the three waterfalls along the Theresa Creek Road circuit, Millaa Millaa Falls is the best for swimming. Here you can swim in a large, cold water pool at the base of a tall and powerful waterfall that creates its own microclimate of misty wind.

Swimming at Millaa Millaa Falls

Above: The pool at the base of Millaa Millaa Falls (Order this image)

Like many basalt column waterfalls I have swum in elsewhere, the cool water temperature can take you by surprise. This is because the falls are a rock outcrop, where cold water that has been stored underground has been forced to the surface and into the stream, just above the falls.

Being in the tropics, I thought the water might be a little cooler here, but did not expect it to be cold, so be prepared and don't be shy about bringing a wetsuit if you want to spend extended time in the water.

Swimming at Millaa Millaa Falls

Above: The ramp that leads down into the water at Millaa Millaa Falls (Order this image)

It is quite easy to get into the water here, with a shallow entry point from beside or at the end of the little concrete ramp at the edge of the pool.

Under foot it can be a bit uneven due to the rocks, and most of the pool is shallow, so you will have to do a little bit of awkward walking before you can swim. Once in deeper water you can actually tread water and swim here, which is what makes this waterfall pool so attractive for swimmers. Combined with the light mist that sprays your face, the noisy crash of falling water, and the towering wall of rock and rainforest that looms overhead, this swim stimulates all of the senses.

On my visit, after heavy rainfall, the pool had turned brown from sediment in the water, so the visibility was not great, but apparently it is clearer at other times, so try and plan your visit to avoid days of heavy rain. The waterfall itself can be very powerful, so it is not possible to swim safely right under the base of the falls. You can wander in behind the falls because of a slight rock overhang, but take care, because the rocks are very slippery and uneven.

Swimming at Millaa Millaa Falls

Above: The toilet facilities at Millaa Millaa Falls (Order this image)

Out of the water, there is a small lawn area where you can have a rest and a picnic on days when the ground has dried out. Note however that the lower car park is reserved for tour buses and vehicles that provide wheelchair access, so any gear you bring will have to be carried down the few dozen steps from the top car park.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Theresa Creek Road (near lot 141), Millaa Millaa, 3 km (approx. 5 minute drive) north of Millaa Millaa town centre, and 45 km south-east of Atherton.
Latitude:-17.495595 Longitude:145.610613
Getting there: From Atherton head south along route 25 (Atherton-Malanda Road then Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road) to Millaa Millaa. 1 km past Millaa Millaa, head north into Theresa Creek Road for 1.5 km until you reach the access road to the car park. The top car park is for most visitors, with the bottom car park reserved for tour buses and disabled parking. Alternatively from the coast at Innisfail, head inland along the Palmerston Hwy (route 25) until reaching the second entrance to Theresa Creek Road, then follow the instructions above.

Facilities: Car park, rubbish bins, toilets, viewing platform, sheltered park benches (at the car park), information boards, lawn area.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Cool
Water clarity: Cloudy to turbid
Under foot: Rock and silt
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners can wade or swim near the shore. Experienced swimmers only, away from the shore, due to the currents, variable depth, and deeper water.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: I did not see any prohibitions specified on site, other than to tell vehicles where to park, so I cannot confirm whether dogs and camping are permitted.
Sun shade: Limited shade available in and out of the water.
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible toilets, priority car spaces, wheelchair access to the viewing platform, but there are steps down to the water.
Managing authority: Tablelands Regional Council
Nearby attractions: Ellinjah Falls and Zillie Falls, also located along Theresa Creek Road.

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the waterfall pool. 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:

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

Can kids swim at Millaa Millaa Falls? Yes, under supervision near the edge of the pool, noting the variable current and depth, strong currents at the base of the falls, and deep water.

Can I have a picnic at Millaa Millaa Falls? Yes, but you would need to bring your own picnic rug.

Can I take a tour to Millaa Millaa Falls? Yes, tour buses visiting the falls operate out of Cairns.

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

Comments:

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