Malanda Falls Conservation Park

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The Ngadjon-Jii, the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of this area, welcome you to Tutamonlin (Malanda Falls). Please take care of their country as you explore the rainforest and learn about the culture, history and way of life that is sacred to this landscape and its Aboriginal people.

Malanda Falls, on the North Johnstone River, tumbles over basalt rock formed by an ancient lava flow that spread from the Mount Hypipamee area 15km away.

The conservation park combines the falls with two easy rainforest walks, opportunities to look for wildlife and the Malanda Falls Visitor Centre. It is an easy place to spend a few hours exploring on foot, with picnic facilities and access to the water beside the falls.

The rainforest around Malanda is an important wildlife habitat. Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos are sometimes seen in the canopy, while platypus, turtles and a variety of birds can be found around the river and surrounding forest.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but walking quietly and taking your time gives you a better chance of spotting what is living among the trees.

Please refer to the QLD Parks website for more information

Malanda Falls

Malanda Falls flows over basalt rock formed by an ancient lava flow from the Mount Hypipamee area. The falls and surrounding park have long been a popular place for picnics and time beside the water.

The Malanda Falls Visitor Centre is located nearby and is a good place to begin your visit before exploring the rainforest walks.

Walk beneath the rainforest canopy

Two easy walking tracks begin near Malanda Falls, following the river and winding through the surrounding rainforest. Both are easy walks, making it possible to experience the forest without travelling far from town.

Keep watch as you walk. Early in the morning and later in the afternoon are the best times to go birding, but tree-kangaroos are just as easily seen during the day.

Download map: Malanda Falls Conservation Park map
Maps are also available at the Malanda Falls Visitor Centre.

Tulip Oak Walk

The Tulip Oak Walk is a short self-guided trail following the river before winding back through the rainforest surrounding Malanda Falls.

The walk features signs written and designed by the local Aboriginal people. The signs tell of the Aboriginal and European history of the area and of the Ngadjon-Jii culture and lifestyle.

Walk quietly and keep watch in the canopy for Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos and other rainforest wildlife. Look for platypus, fish and turtles from the viewing deck over the river, and learn some of the many tree species that make up the forest.

Tulip Oak Walk – 1 kilometre return | Allow around 35 minutes | Grade: easy

Rainforest Walk

Follow the North Johnstone River on this easy rainforest circuit before the track winds back through the forest.

Take your time around the river and keep watch for platypus, fish and turtles, as well as birds and other wildlife among the trees.

Rainforest Walk – 1.5 kilometres return | Allow around 30 minutes | Grade: easy

Wildlife among the trees

The rainforest around Malanda Falls is important wildlife habitat, and one of its best-known residents is the Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo.

These rainforest marsupials spend much of their time in the canopy and can be difficult to spot. Walking quietly and looking carefully into the branches gives you a better chance of seeing what is living among the trees.

Around the river, keep watch for platypus, turtles and fish, while birdlife can be seen and heard throughout the forest.

Culture, history and the rainforest

The Malanda Falls Visitor Centre adds another layer to a visit to the conservation park, with displays exploring the area’s rainforest, wildlife, geology and cultural history.

The Ngadjon-Jii are the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of the area, and interpretive signs within the park share aspects of Ngadjon-Jii culture and lifestyle. The displays and signs also explore the European history of Malanda and the surrounding district.

Stop at the Visitor Centre before heading onto the walking tracks to learn more about the landscape you are about to explore.

Plan your visit

Malanda Falls Conservation Park is close to the Malanda town centre and can be explored on foot from the Malanda Falls Visitor Centre.

The adjoining recreation area has toilets, picnic tables, shelters, barbecues and water access points. Both rainforest walks are graded easy, although conditions can change after wet weather.

Allow time to visit the falls, explore the Visitor Centre and walk one or both rainforest tracks.

Please refer to the Queensland Parks and forests website for current park alerts and visitor information.

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