The Trek to Cannabullen Falls – Misty Mountains

Cannabullen Falls will be one of the most epic Far North Queensland adventures that you’ll come across. Deep within the Misty Mountains, this 14km return hike will reward you with a stunning 70m plunging waterfall which plummets into the mossy landscape below.

Where and How to Get There

From Milla Milla, head south on the Old Palmerston Highway (passing the turn off for Soutia Falls and driving right by Pepina Falls). You’ll take a left onto Malaan Road, then veer off onto Sutties Gap Road (-17.615029338842604, 145.6030853737909). From this point you’ll reach an unsealed road all the way to the trailhead – approximately 15-20 minutes away. Unless there has been a crazy amount of wet weather, this road can be accessed by conventional vehicle. The trailhead begins at -17.65518896586217, 145.64051691435856.

Where to Stay

We enjoyed our time at the Milla Milla Caravan Park while we explored some of the waterfalls in the region. You’ll have the Waterfall Circuit nearby to check out as well!

Ultimate Aussie Bucketlist Experience

The Misty Mountains are insanely beautiful. They live up to their name, that’s for sure! It boasts over 140km of trails within the Tully Falls/Gorge National Parks – and you’ll find that there are at least two dozen beautiful waterfalls in this area.

We decided to tackle with 14km return trip on an overcast day – the weather report supposedly said there was a 42% chance of rain – I’m not a gambler, but I felt comfortable with those odds.

Off we go!

Less than a kilometre in, you’re faced with a short but steep descent – thankfully there is some kind of plastic grid mat that is extremely grippy. Even in wet conditions we didn’t slip over.

Just before you reach the Hinson Creek Camping Area, there is a creek, roughly 10m to cross. As it was the wet season, we took our shoes off and walked over the rocks and sandy bottom – the water is ankle to shin height.

Though this is a fairly long walk – it is relatively flat most of the way (other than the last couple hundred metres).

Another couple of kilometres and we reached another creek crossing – this time up to our waists. The water was pretty fresh!

Finally, the next intersection: LEFT for Cannabullen Falls 2.2km. Initially it is a very gentle slope downhill… then the fun begins!

*We had a run in with some wild pigs – and one was more on the aggressive side. The last 2.2km of track is heavily damaged from pigs digging it up. Exercise caution here please!

The last section is extremely steep. In the wet season, the rocks and roots are very slippery! You’ll need to take care coming down (and up!). One section has a length of rope to assist in getting down – thanks to whoever put it there!

Thankfully it is quite a short distance, and before long the river comes into view. It was pumping! We scrambled over the rocks toward the north first to get a glimpse of the two waterfalls – then headed along the rough track to see Cannabullen Falls (less than 100m downstream).

I must say, the water was flowing way too quickly and too strong for me to get to the other side of the river for a better view… it could be a costly decision. So, if you want to go after a lot of rain, either cross the river further upstream, or be content with not actually seeing the falls.

We didn’t visit the bottom of the falls, but judging by the surrounding landscape – it would be a challenge!

After viewing the waterfall from the sky above (Drone footage), we capitulated to the fact that we wouldn’t get to the edge that day. I’m thankful I listened to my wife telling me it was a bad idea to cross that day.

We climbed back up the steep section – and then… it rained! And it smashed down for a good 20-30 minutes!

We didn’t bother taking our boots off for the creek crossings on the way back… we were already soaked! All a part of the adventure, isn’t it!

Definitely add this one to your #ultimateaussiebucketlist

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