Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park Townsville | Tropical North Queensland

Photo credit: Peter Lik © Tourism and Events Queensland

Things to do

    Image of Wallaman Falls camping area.

    Wallaman Falls camping area.

    Photo credit: Steven Nowakowski © Queensland Government

    Image of the Banggurru walk where you can learn about the rainforest with signs along the walk.

    Learn about the rainforest with signs along the Banggurru walk.

    Photo credit: Steven Nowakowski © Queensland Government

    Image of views of the Herbert River Valley from the lookout.

    Enjoy views of the Herbert River Valley from the lookout.

    Photo credit: Steven Nowakowski © Queensland Government

    Image of a sugar glider at night.

    Spotlight for sugar gliders at night.

    Photo credit: Queensland Government

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Wallaman Falls camping area is adjacent to Stony Creek. Wood fire barbecues, picnic tables, shelter sheds, water and a cold water shower are provided. Water is not suitable for drinking at the Wallaman Falls camping area.

    Camping permits are required and fees apply.

    If you prefer to rough it, limited bush camping opportunities exist as part of the Wet Tropics Great Walk. These are 'hike-in' sites and campers need to be totally self-sufficient. Read more about the Wet Tropics Great Walk, which may be closed during the wet season, and for management purposes.

    Other accommodation

    There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around the towns between Townsville and Cairns. These include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, farm stays, eco-lodges, caravan parks and commercial camping areas.

    For more information see the tourism information links.

    Walking

    Two short walks are available at Wallaman Falls. One starts from the camping area and the other begins near the Wallaman Falls lookout day-use area. These walks have been given language names by the Traditional Owners—the Warrgamaygan People.

    For the more adventurous, Wallaman Falls is the gateway to the Wet Tropics Great Walk. Read more about the Wet Tropics Great Walk, which may be closed during the wet season, and for management purposes.

    Banggurru walk

    Grade 2

    Distance: 800m return
    Time: allow 45min 
    Details: The Banggurru (pronounced 'Bun-gu-roo' and meaning turtle) walk provides an opportunity for the whole family to experience some of the beauty of the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest along the banks of Stony Creek. Be sure to spend a moment peering into the rock pools—you could be rewarded with a glimpse of a playtpus, or hear the plop of a water dragon seeking refuge in the creek. Saw-shelled turtles can also be seen basking on logs or peeking through the surface of the water.

    Djyinda walk

    Grade 3

    Distance: 3.2km return
    Time: allow 2hr
    Details: The Djyinda (pronounced 'Yin-da' and meaning falls) walk begins 300m from Wallaman Falls lookout and ends at the base of the falls. The track weaves through open forest along the escarpment and offers amazing views of the Herbert River Valley. As the track goes into the gorge, open forest gives way to vine-thicket rainforest. At the base of the falls look up, the mist from the falls creates a rainbow of colour. Be prepared for a steep descent and ascent on unstable surfaces. A moderate level of fitness is required.

    Picnic and day-use areas

    Picnic tables, toilets and water are provided at both day-use areas—near the camping area and near the falls lookout.

    Viewing wildlife

    Use a spotlight or strong torch with a red filter to reveal the nocturnal residents of the park. Hold the light close beside your face and look along the beam to see frogs, spiders, possums and other creatures. The red filter will avoid causing stress to the animals.

    Lookouts

    The main lookout at Wallaman Falls provides a view of Stony Creek as it plunges 268m in a clear single-drop, often through a rainbow-fringed cloud of mist. Wallaman Falls is the highest, permanent, single-drop waterfall in Australia. A second lookout provides stunning views of the gorge and the Herbert River Valley.