Why you should drop everything and chase Wallaman Falls
Guide
By Chelsea Tromans
There’s something about waterfalls that soothe the soul. The steady flow of cascading water, the incredible rock formations that jut out from Mother Nature and that feeling of mist sprinkling your face as you get up close to these natural wonders. It’s hard not to feel at peace staring at a waterfall.
For the Holy Grail of Australian waterfalls, venture into the World Heritage Wet Tropics (which is reason alone to take the trip) and feast your eyes on Wallaman Falls - the highest single-drop waterfall in Australia.
Here’s why you should drop everything and chase Wallaman Falls.
It's hiding in a very special part of the world
Photo by @reubennutt
A scenic one-hour drive inland from the sugarcane town of Ingham, and about 2.5 hours north-west from Townsville, Wallaman Falls is nestled within the Girringun National Park. As you draw closer to your destination, keep an eye out for the endangered southern cassowaries that wander the sides of the road.
When you arrive at the falls, just take a moment to truly appreciate where you’re standing. Right now, you’re in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, surrounded by one of the world’s oldest rainforests. That’s over 130 million years of history all around you.
The Wallaman Falls are also part of the traditional lands of the Warrgamay People, who have a spiritual connection to this sacred place.
It's Australia's highest permanent single drop waterfall
Barely a few steps from the Wallaman Falls car park and you’ll find yourself at the lookout staring out across at this magnificent beast of tumbling water. A towering 268 metres tall, Wallaman Falls is Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall.
Want to capture this majestic waterfall on camera? Brush up on these pro photography tips before you go.
It flows all year round
Photo by @aero.aus
Fed by Stony Creek, a tributary of the Herbert River, there is no bad time of year to chase Wallaman Falls. However, while permanently flowing year-round, Wet Season (November to April) is when the Falls are at their strongest and loudest.
The hike to the bottom is an epic adventure in itself
Take the trail less travelled and journey along the Djyinda walk (pronounced 'Yin-da' and meaning falls) from the lookout to the base of Wallaman Falls. The hike down to the bottom is a little rugged, but well worth the 3.2 kilometre trek.
It’s not so much the distance that makes this trail a challenge, but rather the 228-metre descent (and more importantly, ascent back to the top!). But it’s worth every step. The track wanders through open forest, along the escarpment overlooking the Herbert River Valley, into the gorge and through thick rainforest. Take care and go slow - not just because the trail warrants it, but because there are few times in your life when you’ll get to experience untouched nature like this all to yourself.
After about an hour of trekking, your reward is undeniable. Looking up those 268 metres of cascading water will fill you with a sense of accomplishment and awe. You may even catch glimpses of a rainbow as the Falls’ mist clouds the air.
A refreshing dip in the waterfall’s waterhole will cool you down post-walk and invigorate you for the return journey back up to the top.
If you don’t have the time or stamina for the trek to the bottom, the easy 800-metre Bangguruu Track from the lookout will take you through lush rainforest to a deep watering hole with rock pools and sandbars that will entice you to sit, swim and stay awhile.
It will make you want to linger for longer
The mesmerising tumble of Wallaman Falls pulls you in, making you never want to leave. And with such immense history and spectacular nature all around you, you’re going to want to extend your stay beyond a quick day trip.
The Wallaman Falls camping area is adjacent to Stony Creek and offers a serene setting for pitching a tent for a night or two.
For keen hikers, Wallaman Falls is part of the Wet Tropics Great Walk. Take the two day walking trek from the Buujan Quiinbiira walk at Wallaman Falls over the Herbert River to the Yamanie pick-up point. The hike is difficult and long, but the scenery - think ancient palm-filled gullies, rainforests and open forests - merits every one of the 37.5 kilometres you’ll travel.
After you chase Wallaman Falls, it’s time to tick off the rest of Queensland’s top 10 waterfalls.
