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Millstream Falls

Home > Cairns > Outdoor | Nature | National Parks | Free
by Lisa Morgan (subscribe)
...living life as it is meant to be experienced - outside the rat race, barefooted and content in one's own skin.
Published March 19th 2013
Australia's widest waterfall
Big Millstream Falls
Australia's widest waterfall
One of the nicest parts of the Far North Queensland Tablelands is the Millstream area just outside the highest town in Queensland – Ravenshoe. The Millstream is a chilly mountain river (the Herberton River) sporting the famous Millstream Falls. We stopped first at the Big Millstream Falls which is Australia's widest single-drop waterfall.

Big Millstream Falls Track
An easy bitumen path

The trek down to the falls lookout is done on a fairly easy bitumen path (which can get hot in the middle of the day – wear flip flops). It is not far to walk – approximately 680m there and back. The cold Ravenshoe air was a delight to breath in and the children immediately commented on how lovely the area smelled. We went during a time where there had been recent rain, so everything was a lush green.

We spotted the Millstream as we hiked down the hill. There were a few nice deep swimming spots above the Big Millstream Falls, but care should be taken when swimming above falls.

After some exploring in the rock pools along the side of the river, we climbed back up to the path and continued on to the lookout for a photo of water crashing over basalt rock. The lookout is a ways from the falls, but despite that, we could feel the cool spray on our faces.

We decided to drive further south to the Little Millstream Falls as it was about 2 kilometres away. The path down to the Little Millstream Falls is a 700m round trip and goes all the way to the bottom. It was at this spot that we chose to go for a swim in the deep pool at the base of the falls. We looked for platypus to no avail. The only animals we saw during our time there were rainbow lorikeets and honeyeaters.
Little Millstream Falls
Swimming at Little Millstream Falls


There are also several hiking trails in the area showing off historic World War II campsites and old military sites for those interested in military history. In addition, there are various warning signs around the Millstream State Forest, warning visitors of possible live ordnance. Do not pick up any old ammunition.
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Why? To see Australia's widest waterfall
When: Anytime
Where: Millstream Falls State Forest, Far North Queensland
Cost: Free
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