Malanda Falls
Park Scenic rainforest waterfall and swimming pool on Tablelands
A waterfall on Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands with a picnic area and swimming hole; visitors come for short rainforest walks, birdwatching and nearby cafes in the town of Malanda.
Malanda Falls is a waterfall on the North Johnstone River at the town of Malanda in Queensland, Australia. It is a locally known natural attraction on the Atherton Tablelands.
A viewing platform, short rainforest boardwalk and picnic facilities provide access to rainforest close to the falls. The site is used for short walks, nature observation and photography rather than extended trekking.
The falls and surrounding rainforest have long been part of the local landscape and have been developed with visitor facilities to provide safe viewing and interpretation for tourists.
Situated in the town of Malanda on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, the falls are readily reached from the local township and form part of the region’s network of waterfall attractions.
- Visitor facilities: A short boardwalk and viewing platform allow close views of the falls and adjacent rainforest, making it accessible to most visitors.
How to Get to Malanda Falls #
The falls are near Malanda on the Atherton Tablelands, north of Cairns. The nearest regional center is Atherton; drivers follow the Malanda-Atherton roads and local signage to the picnic and lookout areas.
Tips for Visiting Malanda Falls #
- Visit the lookout platforms for the most dramatic views-early morning light emphasizes the falls' plunge pool.
- Combine a visit with the Malanda area's rainforest trails to make a half-day of exploration.
- During the wet season, inspect local signage-access paths can be slippery and creek levels higher.
Best Time to Visit Malanda Falls #
Dry season for safer walking and viewing; wet season for the most dramatic waterfall flows.
Weather & Climate near Malanda Falls #
Malanda Falls's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 11°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (2608 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (476 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (475 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (398 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (329 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (188 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (200 mm).
