Download coordinates as: Malanda /məˈlændə/[3] is a rural town and locality in the Tablelands Region, Queensland, Australia.

Malanda is on the Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland, 85 kilometres (53 mi) from Cairns and 732 metres (2,402 ft) above sea level.

In comparison to the gorges of the escarpment the falls were created by the last flow of lava from the Malanda Shield Volcano with a cascade of roughly 4 metres.

[citation needed] The name Malanda comes from Malanda Creek, and is believed to be an Aboriginal name for the Upper Johnstone River,[7] with the suggested meaning little stream with big stones[4][5] or running rivers.

[8] Malanda first developed in the 1900s after the discovery of tin and copper at Herberton saw a steady stream of miners and engineers moving over the mountains from the coast.

[citation needed] In 1886, a decision was made to build a railway coming into the area but the problems of construction outweighed its use.

[citation needed] In 1910, in response to a developing local industry, John Prince established a sawmill in Malanda.

[11] From 1949 until 1961, it also offered secondary education, until Malanda State High School opened on 23 January 1961.

[29] The Malanda branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association meets at the QCWA Hall at 3 Elizabeth Street.

[citation needed] The Peeramon Hotel is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) to the east of the town, It was once a siding for the Tolga-Millaa Millaa railway.

[citation needed] The Malanda Art Trail starts at the town library.

Nine vibrant artworks commemorate the rich history of Malanda's community – the Original Inhabitants, Hardships and Struggles, Transport, Commerce, Recollections, Early Settlers, the Dairy Industry, Recreation and Looking Ahead.

[citation needed] Tree-kangaroos have been seen crossing the road over the top of Malanda Falls.

[citation needed]The Majestic Theatre is said to be the oldest continually-operating cinema in Australia and has potato-sack seating on 14 December 1929 it was dedicated by Fred Browning, Superintendent of the Atherton Ambulance centre.

[citation needed] The Malanda Hotel has a grand ballroom and staircase and is claimed to be the largest wooden structure in Australia.