Malanda Falls Swimming Pool

The Malanda Falls was surveyed in 1906 and described as being partly covered with water lilies, jungle stretched to the edge of the pool, with lots of fallen trees in the water. Apart from drawing water for the Malanda Hotel and the steam trains, the falls remained untouched until 1918, when the logs were cleared for a New Year's Day picnic. The Eacham Shire Council erected a wooden diving platform. A swimming club was formed in 1925 following construction of a retaining wall and turning platform for swimmers. By 1934, the swimming club, the council and the Department of Lands contributed to the beautification of the area, including paths and terraced gardens. The Malanda Falls appeared in tourism literature as early as 1920 and in 1925 the falls were part of a day trip from either Herberton or Ravenshoe. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Malanda Falls were included in the Grand Tour/Tropical Wonderland Tour itineraries promoted by the Queensland Government Tourist Bureau. The falls were also popular with American and Australian servicemen stationed here during the early 1940s. Today, there is a comprehensive visitor's centre at the falls encouraging visitors to linger and learn about Queensland's flora and fauna.