Malanda

The friendly township of Malanda is set against a backdrop of rolling green hills, at the heart of the waterfalls and Lakes District.

Things to do

Malanda Falls

Malanda Falls on the south-western outskirts of the town, was created as the original town swimming pool and is a popular swimming spot all year round. BBQ and toilet facilities are provided. Across the road is a rainforest walk that meanders next to the river, you may spot turtles or platypus.

Malanda Environmental and Visitors Centre

The very informative Malanda Environmental Centre is located right beside the Malanda Falls. There is a Volcano Room which presents the geological history of the Tablelands, a touch and learn experience in the Rainforest Room, a cultural display of the Ngadjonji people of the area and a pictorial presentation of the history of the area from the Eacham Historical Society. The centre is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, 7 days a week, excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday. Entry into the Visitors Information Centre is free but entry to the display area is by gold coin donation.

One of the best ways to learn about the history, rainforest and culture of the local aboriginal tribe is to take part in a guided tours with one of the Ngadjon (pronounced Nudjon) Guides. Bookings are essential and are booked by visiting or calling the Environmental Centre or by calling 07 4096 6957.

Malanda Dairy Centre

8 James Street. Phone: 07 4095 1234. Opening times are from 9am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Sundays, Mondays and public holidays. The centre also has a gift shop with a variety of local arts, crafts and locally grown produce such as tea, coffee etc. The Centre also features a museum with traditional life displays, information boards, sound scapes and artifacts providing insight into the dairys development in the region. Please note that there is a cost to enter the museum and take part in the tour. Tours are also available through the Malanda Dairy Factory. Please enquire at the centre for times.

Mosaic Trail

There are 9 large vibrant mosaics scattered throughout the town that are worth the look. They were created to commemorate the history of Malandas community and are: The Original Inhabitants – which tells the story of the regions first people, Hardships & Struggles – shows the battle between man and nature, Transport – dominated by the steam train, Commerce – giving credit to all the arts, Recollections – showing the Malanda Pub, Early Settlers – depicting the first European Settlers, The Dairy Industry, Recreation and Looking Ahead. Theyre located at the Malanda Falls, Malanda Pharmacy, Wait – A – While Studio, 5A Freshmart, Post Office, Majestic Theatre, Eacham Shire Council, Mitre 10 & the Malanda Rural Supplies. One hint:- spot the blue butterfly in each mosaic.

Farmer and Horse statues

Located in front of the Eacham Shire Building in the main street of Malanda is one of the famous statue displays which are dotted throughout the Eacham Shire. It is of a farmer, with his horse, dog and slide

How to get here

Malanda is 10 Minutes from Atherton and Yungaburra.

Map of the township

To open or save a map of Malanda Township in a PDF Document format,   Click here.
If you do not have a pdf file reader installed on your computer, you can download a free version at   Adobe Reader.

History

Malanda was considered to be the administrative centre of the Eacham Shire and was originally known as Tutamoulin. It was later changed to Malanda because of the likelihood of confusion with the town of Tumoulin, near Ravenshoe. The Malanda area was settled by families that came from the Northern Rivers in New South Wales, and these families walked their dairy herds over 2000 kilometres to this area. These same dairies supplied the Malanda Butter Factory which was successful in producing its first supply of butter in 1921. The factory still operates to this day but goes under the name of Malanda Dairy Farmers. Malanda Dairy Farmers boasts the longest milk run in the world with supplies of milk going from Malanda down the coast to Mackay, across to Mt Isa and up to Cape York.

Services

Fuel: 2 Service Stations
Food:
Cafe - Tree Kangaroo Café Malanda Falls
Restaurant -Country Breeze Restaurant (Malanda Lodge), Diggers Den Malanda RSL, Foxwell Park
Takeaway - Bite Me Café & Pizzeria, Malanda Snack Bar, Grapevine Coffee Shop
Groceries : Malanda 5 Star Freshmart, Mon to Fri 8.15 to 6pm, Thurs to 8pm, Sat to 5pm, Sun to 2pm.
Pubs: Malanda Hotel
Police Station: Yes
Medical: Chemist and Doctors Surgery
Information Centre: Malanda Environmental Centre
RACQ Road Assistance: yes
Public Toilets: Yes
Public Phone Boxes: Yes
Post Office: Yes
Banking: Bendigo National, Westpac Agency in Chemist.
ATMs - In Supermarket
Accommodation Styles: B&Bs, self contained, Motel.