Is Wallaman Falls Worth Visiting?

Australia offers numerous natural wonders, from the Great Barrier Reef to Uluru to the Kakadu National Park, and beyond. One of the lesser-known attractions you might have heard of is Wallaman Falls, located in Queensland’s Girringun National Park. With so many other highly recommended experiences to explore Down Under, you might be wondering if a trip to Wallaman Falls is worth your time.

Wallaman Falls is a must-see location in Australia. With its 268-meter fall, this stunning attraction is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the country. Visitors have access to a range of trails, viewing options, and nearby highlights, making it perfect for a quick stop or a day-long experience.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into why you should visit Wallaman Falls, and then we’ll provide an in-depth guide covering everything we think you should know before you arrive. As you read, you’ll learn about the waterfall’s trails, when you should visit, what you should wear, and more.

Why Visiting Wallaman Falls Is Worthwhile

If you’re someone who loves exploring the outdoors and is particularly drawn to waterfalls, then you’ll want to place Wallaman Falls on your travel list. While Australia boasts a significant list of waterfalls that vary in size and magnificence, these ones are in a class all their own.

In addition to being the tallest single-drop waterfall in Australia, Wallaman Falls is also surrounded by the natural splendour of Girringun National Park (also called Lumholtz National Park) and situated within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (the Area), which holds historic significance.

The Area spans 450km and extends from Townsville to Cairns, crossing both coastal and mountain ranges. In addition to Wallaman Falls, it houses the ancient remnants of the Gondwana Rainforests.

This World Heritage-listed property is considered the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world and harbours the Daintree Rainforests, which, at an estimated 180 million years old, is considered the world’s oldest rainforest.

Although Wallaman Falls isn’t directly within the Daintree Rainforest, it is still part of an ancient surviving ecosystem filled with diverse wildlife, including endangered species, like the cassowary.

So, while you marvel at the beauty of Wallaman Falls and explore its many overlooks and trails, keep your eyes out for rare wildlife and remember to appreciate the sheer age of your surroundings.

Things To Know When Visiting Wallaman Falls

One reason why we highly recommend visiting Wallaman Falls is that it has something to offer everyone, from first-time travellers to experienced outdoors enthusiasts. However, because of the wide range of experiences the region offers, it’s important to know what’s in store and to plan accordingly.

To ensure you have the safest and most fulfilling trip to Wallaman Falls, we’ve created a short guide filled with information we think is crucial to know prior to your arrival. Topics will include:

• Location
• Trails and attractions
• Weather
• Attire and supplies
• Hours and fees

By the end, you’ll be able to plan the perfect trip to Wallaman Falls that suits you and all of your travelling companions.

Location

Wallaman Falls is located in North Queensland, Australia. The closest town of Ingham is about 51km southeast of the falls and requires you to drive about an hour on a well-signposted route through rural properties.

The road is made of sealed bitumen, so you’ll be able to visit the falls with your conventional vehicle. However, caution is recommended as the route can be significantly windy and slippery when wet. For this reason, towing caravans is not recommended.

Although the route to Wallaman Falls is well established, if you’d like a specific address, you can use this one here, which will take you to the fall’s primary lookout: Wallaman Falls, Lookout Rd, Wallaman QLD 4850, Australia.

Trails And Attractions

There are a few ways to go about your visit to Wallaman Falls. If you have limited time to see the falls and all their splendour, you can easily make a quick pit stop at its designated car park.

A short walk from the picnic area is a vantage point that allows you to see Wallaman Fall’s full height from across the gorge. While the distance is significant, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the falls in a hurry. Alternatively, you can have a picnic at one of the nearby tables if you want to stick around but aren’t up for the hike.

Those of you who don’t mind exploring the trails can trek the 4k out-and-back route that will take you from the top of Wallaman Falls to its base. This hike usually takes people between 2-3 hours complete, and while the descent is manageable (also long as it isn’t too wet) the hike back up is demanding, as you are regaining the fall’s full height in a short distance.

The view from the base is well worth the effort though if you’re up for the challenge, and hikers can even reward themselves by swimming in the twenty-meter-deep pool found there. You can also swim in Stoney Creek which feeds the falls through the Bungaroo Trail found in the Wallaman Falls Camping Area (yes! You can camp nearby if you want).

Entry to the top of Wallaman Falls and its surrounding escarpment is strictly prohibited without a permit or written permission for everyone’s safety, so be conscious of avoiding this region. Here is a map of the area and its nearby trails for your convenience.

Weather

Arguably the most crucial factor you need to consider before heading to Wallaman Falls is the weather.

The best time to visit Wallaman Falls is during the dry season (May-October). The weather is more stable and there is less chance of hazardous conditions that increase the difficulty of trails or even cause the park to close the attraction altogether. However, the water flow will be lower during this time, so the falls may not be as spectacular.

You’ll also want to check to see if the skies will be clear, as it is common for sheets of clouds to block your view of the falls from high vantage points.

If you want to see the falls paired with a stunning rainbow, try visiting around midday. Chances are highest around 12:15 pm at the base of the falls.

Lastly, Wallaman Falls is located in the tropics and as such, can experience very high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, so you’ll want to be prepared for that both in your attire and the supplies you pack.

Attire And Supplies

What you wear and bring with you will largely depend on the time of year you visit and what activities you want to do while you’re there.

If you’re just stopping by and don’t intend to hike, you can get away with wearing weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, and bringing limited supplies.

However, if you intend to hike, you’ll need quality hiking shoes with sufficient grip and wear lightweight hiking clothing that is breathable, so the humidity isn’t stifling, but also covers most of your body to protect you from dangerous foliage and insects.

You’ll also want to pack:

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• Ponchos or umbrellas (if necessary)
• A hat
• An adequate amount of drinking water
• A first-aid kit
• Snacks (and garbage bags for them)

Those of you who are interested in swimming during your visit will want to pack a bathing suit and towel as well.

Hours And Fees

Wallaman Falls is open to the public 24 hours a day as long as weather conditions or maintenance don’t require that access be restricted.

There is no entrance fee to the falls, but you will have to purchase a camping permit and book a campsite if you want to stay at one of the nearby campgrounds.

Final Thoughts

It is understandably difficult to see everything that Australia has to offer, but we highly recommend that Wallaman Falls make the cut for your future adventures. Even if you only have a few hours to spare, the drive to get there and the time spent at the falls will be well worth it. The views are incredible, and there are plenty of photo opportunities to take advantage of. Just be sure to bring the proper gear for whatever activity you want to do while you’re there!