Millstream Falls

Atherton Tableland / Far North, Queensland, Australia

About Millstream Falls

For Subscribers Only. See Membership Options.

Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Millstream Falls is said to be Australia’s widest single-drop waterfall, and it was this pre-trip notoriety that made us eager to see it for ourselves.

Contrary to the disappointment that inevitably accompanies places with hyperbole and superlatives attached to them, there actually might be some legitimacy to this claim of it being the widest falls on the continent.

Millstream_Falls_003_05172008 - Millstream Falls
Millstream Falls

The main reason why is that there appeared to be a hidden half of its overall width, especially since only one side was facing the sanctioned overlook.

Speaking of that overlook, there were some misleading signs and older photos suggesting that it was possible to witness this waterfall from its base.

However, as you can see from the photo above, such a view was not allowed though at least from this elevated vantage point, I was kind of able to make out that hidden second tier (even though it’s still hard to see it without a drone).

Like many waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands, this waterfall tumbled over an old basalt lava flow, which gave rise to its classic rectangular shape.

Millstream_Falls_006_iPhone_06302022 - This sign near the turnoff leading to Millstream Falls was very misleading because it suggested that you could witness the waterfall from the banks of the river.  I hate it when they create unrealistic expectations like that!
This sign near the turnoff leading to Millstream Falls was very misleading because it suggested that you could witness the waterfall from the banks of the river. I hate it when they create unrealistic expectations like that!

A sign here went further by illustrating the geologic process of how a lavaflow from a series of volcanos (including the Hypipamee Crater to the north) filled this valley and created a “tableland”.

Over time, the lava cooled and hardened, and the valley essentially acted as a drainage for precipitation.

This drainage eventually became the watercourse known as the Millstream (a tributary of the Herbert River), which in turn, plunged over the boundaries of this basalt flow resulting in the Millstream Falls.

As for the walk down to the lookout, it was a mere 340m from the car park (see directions below) to the lookout.

Millstream_Falls_020_05172008 - Upon closer examination, it seemed like Millstream Falls had more to its overall width than what we could see from the trail
Upon closer examination, it seemed like Millstream Falls had more to its overall width than what we could see from the trail

It was an upside down walk, but the entire path was paved and the descent (and subsequent ascent on the return) were pretty mild.

Therefore, this visit could easily take no more than 30 minutes.

Finally, you might notice there’s a WWII memorial walk just before the day use car park for Millstream Falls, but that other walk is optional (at least in my mind since there didn’t seem to be a significant waterfall worth checking out).

Authorities

Millstream Falls resides in the Atherton Tablelands Region near Millaa Millaa, Queensland. It is administered by the Tablelands Regional Council. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, visit their website or Facebook page.

Maps and Routing Content are for annual subscribers. See Membership Options.
Content is for subscribers. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: atherton, far north queensland, queensland, australia, waterfall, tablelands, millaa millaa, ravenshoe, basalt, millstream, herbert river



Visitor Comments:

Got something you'd like to share or say to keep the conversation going? Feel free to leave a comment below...

No users have replied to the content on this page


Share your thoughts about what you've read on this page

You must be logged in to submit content. Refresh this page after you have logged in.

Visitor Reviews of this Waterfall:

If you have a waterfall story or write-up that you'd like to share, feel free to click the button below and fill out the form...

No users have submitted a write-up/review of this waterfall


Have you been to a waterfall? Submit a write-up/review and share your experiences or impressions

Review A Waterfall

Nearest Waterfalls



How To Build A Profitable Travel Blog In 4 Steps

Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
Read More About Johnny | A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls.