Wallaman Falls Trail

Marvel at the grandeur of Wallaman Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall in all of Australia that plunges 268 meters (879 ft) to the forest floor. The falls are located within Girringun National Park, one of the many national parks that comprise the Wet Tropics of Queensland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 8,960 square kilometers of ancient rainforest.

There are multiple ways to view the horsetail-shaped cascade of Wallaman Falls, fed by Stony Creek making its way over the Atherton Tableland. Stand at the precipice of the gorge to view this incredible natural wonder at the easily accessible Wallaman Falls lookout. To get up close to the massive falls, take the Djyinda Walk (3.2 km) that traverses the side of the cliff to the base of the falls. Listen to the roar of the torrents of water that fall into a 20-meter (60 ft) pool at the bottom of the gorge. If you’re lucky, a rainbow may appear in the mist when you stand at the bottom of the gorge and look up toward the sky!

The Djyinda (pronounced ‘Yin-da’) Walk is a moderate trail, not for its 3.4-kilometer length but for the rapid 228-meter descent (and ascent on return) from the top of the gorge to the base of Wallaman Falls. The track begins 300 meters away from the Wallaman Falls lookout and weaves through open forest on a paved path to a second lookout with expansive views of the Herbert River Valley. From here, continue on the path to descend into the gorge, where a vine-thicket forest abounds, and the trail becomes steeper, uneven, and more slippery as you move along. The sound of rushing water grows louder and louder until you exit the forest at the foot of the waterfall. The waterfall and the pools underneath are separated from the path by many slippery rocks, and trying to access this area can be incredibly dangerous, so don’t attempt it! Under the right conditions, a huge rainbow may appear in the mist spreading over the face of the falls. Returning up the steep path out of the gorge is definitely a demanding venture, but absolutely worth the climb after enjoying this incredible waterfall. For those in moderate fitness, allot about 2 hours for the hike and time to enjoy the falls at the bottom.

Expect Wallaman Falls to flow strongest during the wet season (Australian summer between December and March), but don’t fret if you visit during another season as Stony Creek is reported to flow year round. Don’t miss an opportunity to experience the tallest waterfall in all of Australia at such close range, then make sure to explore the other wonders in Girringun National Park. Check out the Wet Tropics Great Walk, Blencoe Falls, and keep an eye out for wildlife such as platypus, eastern water dragons, saw-shelled turtles, or even the endangered southern cassowary. There are also many great spots for having a picnic or camping overnight within the park.