Millaa Millaa in the Eacham Shire

Imagine discovering a cool sheltered stream in the tropical north and its all yours to explore. Meet people who appreciate the beauty and sensuality of nature and all this rural area has to offer.

Drive up to the McHugh lookout on the Evelyn Central Road near Millaa Millaa and marvel at the patterned blanket below – rolling hills, multicolored forests and farmlands surrounded completely by mountain ranges in the distance. Only at this height could you truly appreciate the pioneering farming families that first established communities in the Tropical North and the efforts they must have put in to live here and build townships that still abound with appreciative inhabitants.

The rich history of these communities is told in each of the townships with a museum in the main street at Millaa Millaa (aboriginal meaning “many waters”) and significant historical archives housed in the CWA hall in Malanda.

Millaa Millaa showcases its past with various statues in it’s main street – the pioneering mother and child, Christie Palmerston and his Aboriginal mate Pompo and there is the early dairy farmer battling to “bale-up” his cow. Three mosaics in the center parking areas of the main street show scenes of importance to the area. This street is well worth a relaxing walk. Enjoy reflecting on this beautiful township in the pretty park in the centre of the town and imagine the bustling township in the 1930’s with the cheese factory a major employer and the steam trains hissing loudly as they discharge their many passengers and cargo. Have an invigorating swim in the Millaa Millaa Falls close-by the township. There are many waterfalls in this area created by volcanic action and these offer sole-restoring walking and swimming opportunities. Drive along the Old Palmerston Highway to experience the settings of the many farms producing high quality milk for the local processor.

A walk down both James and English Streets in Malanda is a must to allow the spirit of this lively town to surround you. Malanda’s wall mosaics tell in fine detail the many stories of the area – look for the 10 mosaics throughout the town – each must be studied closely to get a feeling for the stories being told including stories of the timber, dairying, wildlife and peoples. The magnificent wooden Majestic Theatre in Catherine Street just behind the supermarket is a must-see for the sentimental. This 1929 Theatre is very much a part of the lives of the locals with Friday and Saturday night movies shown to patrons sitting in canvas chairs. Romance abounds! An active theatre group performs regularly and with great enthusiasm.

The First Inhabitants mosaic at the Malanda Falls is the largest story mosaic and gives an insight into the life lead by the areas first inhabitants. Also located at Malanda Falls is the Malanda Falls Visitors Centre. Here you will take a journey through the formation of the area from violent volcanic activity and find out more about the Aboriginal Culture and history of this geologically significant area. The rainforest creatures at the Centre are very life like and the friendly volunteers will gladly assist you with any queries about the displays or the surrounding area. Take the time to book a walk with the local aboriginal elder who will help you see the forest in a different and informative way.

Yungaburra is an historic village with many heritage-listed buildings faithfully restored. Newer developments have followed the historic theme adding to the ambience of the village in the cool highlands. There is access to Lake Tinaroo at Yungaburra and the markets held on the 4th.Saturday of the month are popular with locals and visitors alike.

From the beginnings of people inhabiting the area, this has been considered a privileged place to live. People from many different backgrounds and places around the world have been attracted to the area to pursue a wide variety of activities. This is reflected in the vibrant population with a sense for community, culture, heritage, nature and an appreciation of that certain something that makes life worth living.

You too can share this unique lifestyle by staying at one of the many B&B’s, self -contained units, motels, hotels, homestays, farmstays or parks in the area. The food is really worthy of your attention and you can Taste the Tablelands in our restaurants and cafes or buy your own produce from roadside stalls, markets and specialty shops.

The various art and craft outlets provide an extensive range of items that have a high local content often inspired by the sensuous and stimulating surrounds. Antique stores are well worth a stop and often have beautiful furniture made from the locally favoured silky oak timbers milled in the area.

Pack your golf clubs and enjoy the challenging course at Millaa Millaa – what other township can boast such a beautiful scenic course fully maintained by energetic local volunteers?

At the end of a busy day of exploring and experiencing the sensations that this unique area has to offer you should aim to watch the sun set on a volcanic lake and celebrate life with an invigorating swim. A true appreciation of how wonderful it is to be alive comes as the shadows lengthen and the night sounds reach a crescendo.