[1][4] From Malanda the road continues south through Jaggan, Tarzali, Minbun and Moregatta to Millaa Millaa, where it passes the exit to East Evelyn Road to the southwest as it turns east.

Turning northeast it reaches an intersection with Beatrice Way and Main Street, where it ends.

[1][4] Malanda–Atherton Road passes through undulating country, having 670 metres (2,200 ft) with an incline greater than 5%.

[7] It became the administrative centre for the district, which hosted timber, mining and agricultural industries.

Until the railway arrived in 1903 it was a stopping place on the coach road from Mareeba to Herberton.

[8] Malanda was first settled by Europeans in 1907, and after clearance of timber a dairying industry was established.

[2][3] It runs from Malanda–Atherton Road in Malanda to the Kennedy Highway in Upper Barron, a distance of 13.5 kilometres (8.4 mi).