Zillie Falls is a lovely waterfall which makes up part of the Atherton Tablelands waterfall circuit.
With the waterfall being right next to the car park area, it’s perfect for a quick pit stop. You can take quick views from the platform at the top or walk down the bottom for a closer look.
How to get to Zillie Falls
Address: Zillie Falls, Qld, Wooroonooran QLD 4886, Australia
Zillie Falls is located in tropical North Queensland, Australia.
It is viewed as part of the Atherton Tablelands waterfall circuit. Most people who do this self-drive from Cairns or as part of a tour.
The journey from Cairns will be around 1 hour 45 min.
If you are driving by yourself put the address from above in Google Maps and it will take you straight there. We did this and had no issues.
The fastest route from the centre of Cairns is via Bruce Highway/A1 before eventually reaching Lake Barrine Road in Yungaburra and then Theresa Creek Road.
There is free parking at Zillie Falls and there is no entry fee.
What to expect at Zillie Falls
The falls are right next to the car park, great for lazy people and for those on restricted time.
You can admire the falls from a viewing platform as you watch them crash down over the edge to the bottom. Zillie Falls are one of the most powerful waterfalls we saw in Atherton Tablelands; it had some sheer force behind it.
Although the view was ok, the vegetation from the platform can get in the way of the view. Not to worry though, there is a way of getting better views.
Now, luckily for us we had a drone and we flew it up top to see Zillie Falls in all its glory. What a sight it is from above. You will be able to see all the rainforest surrounding it and the sheer magnitude of the whole landscape.
For those who don’t have a drone, don’t sweat it. You can sweat whilst following the path down to the bottom. A word of caution though, it can be slippery especially on days it has been raining. The path isn’t constructed well and you’ll have to tread lightly. For children and the elderly maybe it’s something to pass up on.
Apparently though the views from the bottom are magnificent, so if you are not impressed with those from the platform make your way down.
Can you swim at Zillie Falls
Unfortunately, Zillie Falls isn’t a waterfall to get excited about with regards to swimming. The waterhole below can be quite shallow and it is covered in rocks.
Since you can’t swim at the bottom we wouldn’t recommend walking down if this is your only intention, unless you insist on getting a better angle of the falls or want some extra exercise.
Zillie Falls is close by to Millaa Millaa Waterfall and Ellinjaa Falls forming the Atherton Tablelands waterfall circuit. We would highly recommend you to do this as each one of them has its uniqueness and personality.
It doesn’t stop there though; make room for some extra time to check out Josephine Falls and Nandroya Falls.
Josephine Falls is the most fun to visit; you can swim and slide down the natural slide formed by the rocks.
Nandroya Falls are for those who want a bit of a hike, it takes 40 min to reach trailing through the beautiful rainforest with wildlife and weirdly formed trees and bushes.
TOP TIPS
- You can’t swim here so don’t walk to the bottom if that’s what you intend to do
- The viewing platform is literally 2 min away from the car park
- Check out nearby falls such as Millaa Millaa and Ellinjaa
FAQ
Can you swim at Zillie Falls?
Unfortunately, no, the bottom is shallow covered in rocks and water rapids.
Is Zillie Falls safe for children and the elderly?
The falls are fine to view from the viewing platform at the top. However, we wouldn’t recommend children or the elderly to take the hike to the bottom. The pathway can be tight and slippery.
How far is the walk to Zillie Falls?
It is only a 2 min walk from the car park.
