Souita Falls is an off-the-beaten-path, multi-tiered waterfall within a pocket of rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands above Cairns. Read on for how to get here, what to expect and check out some photos of the waterfalls.
Souita Falls is one of the more “less-known” waterfalls in the Tropical Far North. Located behind rural properties in the hinterlands of the Tablelands plateau, this multi-tiered cascading waterfall is a worthwhile stop if you’re up for a quick walk.
Since it seems that not many people visit Souita Falls, there isn’t a lot of information about it online. In this quick guide, I’ll share my experience and give you a bit of insight into what to expect and how to get here.
Where is Souita Falls?
Souita Falls is located in the hinterlands just off the Palmerston Highway near the township of Middlebrook near Millaa Millaa. The waterfall is approximately 111 km or 1-hour 40-minute drive from Cairns.
You’ll find the access track to Souita Falls just off of “Middlebrook Road”, which is a narrow, winding road that connects to the Old Palmerston Highway. This road is sealed and can be accessed by any vehicle type.
Featured in: Awesome Things to do in the Atherton Tablelands
How to Get to Souita Falls
- Google Maps Pin: “SOUITA FALLS”
Getting to Souita Falls requires a car since there is no public transport or any tours that visit this waterfall.
Depending on your plans, from Cairns, you’ll need to either take the Kennedy Highway over Kuranda and into the Tablelands or take the more direct but very winding Gillies Range Road instead.
The first option is great if you plan to check out highlights such as Kuranda, Barron Falls, Kahlpahlim Rock or Davies Creek Falls on the way.
Alternatively, the quicker and more direct route on the Gillies Range Road also passes some other epic waterfalls and hikes such as; Millaa Millaa Falls, Windin Falls and the Crater Lakes.
Whichever route you take to the Tablelands, you’ll need to head towards “Millaa Millaa”. Next, take the Old Palmerston Highway South and turn left on Middlebrook Road. Continue on this road until you cross a cattle grid. There is a small local sign with adequate space to pull over once you reach the track.
Car Rentals in Far North Queensland
Cairns is one of the most popular travel destinations in Australia and car rentals quickly book out! I recommend booking well in advance. I always use RentalCars.com as they compare the widest range of rentals across dealerships in the Far North.
ALSO NEARBY: NANDROYA FALLS & MUNGALLI FALLS
What to Expect at Souita Falls
The Souita Falls walking track is only 220 metres and passes two cascading waterfalls. It’s very accessible with a clear track the entire way, although it’s a little steep on the way back up.
I recommend trying to keep the noise down as you make your way to the waterfall lookouts as there is a chance of spotting a wild platypus here.
After just 110 M, you’ll descend onto a blocked-off lookout which overlooks the first waterfall flow. Unfortunately, you can’t get a great view here, with most of the flow blocked from sight. There also doesn’t seem like many good options to get down to the base either.
If you continue, you’ll eventually reach the last waterfall, which is a little smaller but you’ll get a better view. Again, access to any swimming spots is blocked, but you could probably use your imagination here to continue around to find a good spot to swim.
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Cairns Accommodation Guide – Where to Stay
Visiting Cairns? The best places to stay are near the Cairns Esplanade or on the sunny Northern Beaches. Below are the top 4 options for varying budgets.
- Crystalbrook Riley – If luxury and location are what you’re after, you can’t beat the Crystalbrook Riley. This is the best 5-star resort in Cairns and features absolutely everything you’d expect from a Crystalbrook resort.
- Fitzroy Island Resort – Sleep out on one of the picturesque Great Barrier Reef Islands at Fitzroy Island Resort. Spending the night on the island can work out cheaper than staying in town and means you get more time to explore the reef, coral beaches and rainforest walking trails.
- Gilligan’s Backpackers – The best backpacker option for a great vibe in Cairns. Great place to meet like-minded travelers and has facilities including a pool. air-con, a huge shared kitchen, and a great common area!
- Pepper’s Beach Club – stay at the best beach resort in the heart of Palm Cove on the Cairns Northern Beaches!
For a bigger list, don’t miss my Cairns accommodation guide or as an alternative stay in FNQ, read my Port Douglas Accommodation guide too.
More Cairns and Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls
Enjoy Souita Falls and looking for more waterfalls and adventures in Cairns and the Tablelands? I’ve written this complete guide to the Best Waterfalls in Cairns and Surrounds, as well as this guide to the ultimate Cairns Itinerary or my Cairns hiking guide to help you plan your adventures.
Otherwise, take a pick from the links below for more waterfalls nearby.
