The Wallaman Falls, a cascade and horsetail waterfall on the Stony Creek, is located in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Wet Tropics in the northern region of Queensland, Australia. The waterfall is notable for its main drop of 268 metres (879 ft), which makes it the country’s tallest single-drop waterfall. The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is 20 metres (66 ft) deep. An estimated 100,000 people visit the waterfall annually. Wallaman Falls is world-heritage listed and is the Australia’s largest single sheer drop waterfall. Wallaman Falls is located within the Lumholtz National Park, a 124 000 hectare area encompassing diverse vegetation types and amazing bird and wildlife.
The waterfall is situated in the Girringun National Park as it descends from the Atherton Tableland, where the Stony Creek, a tributary of the Herbert River, flows over an escarpment in the Seaview Range. The falls initially descend over a small number of cascades before the 268-metre (879 ft) horsetail drop. In total, the falls descend over 305 metres (1,001 ft). Based on the falls’ single-drop descent, the World Waterfall Database places Wallaman Falls at 294 in its world rankings.
The geological history of the formation may be traced back some 50 million years, when the uplift of the continental margin in the region created modern landforms. The Herbert River, which previously flowed west, began to cut through the terrain en route to its outflow in the Coral Sea. The gorge produced by this erosive action gradually retreated inland along the Herbert River’s course at a rate of 40 centimetres (16 in) per hundred years. The river’s tributaries were eventually left suspended by this action, forming their own gorges.
Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, boasting the highest, permanent, single-drop waterfall in Australia. Open forest dominates the ridge tops. Rainforest lines the gullies and creeks. The area is home to endangered cassowaries and musky rat-kangaroos. Stroll 800 metres along the banks of Stony Creek on the Banggurru walk, and learn about the rainforest. To enjoy a closer look at the falls, take the 3.2 kilometre Djyinda walk into the gorge. Experienced bushwalkers can choose from one of three overnight hikes that are part of the Wet Tropics Great! Walk.
Wallaman Falls is part of the traditional lands of the Warrgamaygan Aboriginal people and is an Aboriginal sacred place. Located 51 kilometres soutwest of the Queensland town of Ingham, Wallaman Falls may be reached by traveling west from Ingham along Abergowrie Rd, from where the route to the falls is well signposted. Part of the road is unsealed but able to be used by conventional vehicles. Care is required on the range, which is slippery when wet.
Camping and picnic areas are provided. Camping permits must be purchased from the self-registration station in the camping ground. No bush fires are permitted and gas barbecues are provided. Domestic pets are not allowed in the park. Caravans are not recommended in this area, and bushwalkers are advised to contact the Ingham office of Queensland Police.
