Malanda

“Malanda is dairy country and waterfall country and old-growth forest country, all at once,  a town with a strong sense of what it is and no need to be anything else.”

Malanda: The Dairy Town at the Heart of the Tablelands

Malanda sits on the southern Atherton Tablelands, in the rich green country between Yungaburra and Millaa Millaa, and it has a character that is entirely its own,  a dairy farming town built on good soil, reliable rain, and the particular pride that comes from feeding a region. The Malanda Dairy Centre, open to visitors, tells the story of how the dairy industry shaped this community and continues to shape it today.

Malanda Falls is the town’s signature attraction,, a wide, thundering waterfall that drops into a large, council-operated swimming pool that has been a beloved community swimming spot for generations. Few waterfall swimming experiences in Queensland are quite as accessible and family-friendly as this one, and the falls themselves are impressive at any time of year, dramatic in the wet season when the full force of the North Johnstone River comes over the lip.

The town has a small but solid selection of cafés and local producers, including excellent dairy products, local honey, and farm produce available at the Sunday markets. The surrounding country is beautiful driving territory, the roads between Malanda and Millaa Millaa pass through lush farm and forest country with occasional long views over the valley that are genuinely lovely.

Millaa Millaa FallsA heritage-listed fall ringed by rainforest, the circuit’s best known stop.Peterson CreekA creekside walk at Yungaburra, known for platypus spotting.YungaburraA popular holiday base in the middle of the Tablelands.Lake BarrineA rainforest crater lake with wildlife and a lakeside tea house.

Malanda is well positioned for day trips to both the waterfall circuit to the south and the crater lakes to the north. It’s a comfortable, unhurried place to base yourself for a Tablelands stay.

A Hot Getaways destination. Where Care is Our Compass.

Malanda FAQs

Where is Malanda?

Malanda is a dairy town on the southern Atherton Tablelands, in the green country between Yungaburra and Millaa Millaa, about a 90-minute drive from Cairns.

Can you swim at Malanda Falls?

Yes. Malanda Falls drops into a large council-operated swimming pool that has been a beloved community swimming spot for generations, making it one of the most accessible and family-friendly waterfall swims in Queensland.

What is Malanda known for?

Malanda is known as the heart of the Tablelands dairy industry. The Malanda Dairy Centre tells the story of local dairy farming, and Malanda Falls and its rainforest boardwalk are the town signature natural attractions.

Is there rainforest at Malanda?

Yes. Malanda Falls Conservation Park protects a pocket of old-growth rainforest with an easy boardwalk walk where visitors can often spot tree kangaroos, birds and other wildlife.

What is there to do in Malanda?

Visitors can swim at Malanda Falls, walk the rainforest boardwalk, visit the Malanda Dairy Centre and the historic Majestic Theatre, and use the town as a quiet base for exploring the southern Tablelands.