Two bodies found in search for two men at Millaa Millaa Falls

The identities of two men who died while swimming at Millaa Millaa Falls in Far North Queensland have been confirmed by police.

Millaa Millaa falls, a natural stream waterfall with a 16m drop, surrounded by rainforest and ferns near the town of Millaa Millaa on the Atherton Tablelands. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

The identities of two men who died while swimming at Millaa Millaa Falls in Far North Queensland have been confirmed by police.

The two men who died were aged 28 and 29, police confirmed overnight.

A third man who survived the fatal swim has been identified as a Cairns North man.

The new details come after a search and rescue operation was launched on Tuesday morning involving police, swift water rescue and the Rescue 510 helicopter.

The mens’ bodies were located in the water around 12pm and they were declared dead at the scene a short time later.

The 27-year-old Cairns North man, who was also at the falls at the time, was taken to hospital but not physically injured.

Investigations are ongoing and police will prepare a report for the coroner.

On Tuesday afternoon, Inspector Jason Smith confirmed two bodies were retrieved about midday.

Emergency services initially responded to reports of men in their 20s missing at the falls, about 90km southwest of Cairns, about 8.55am.

It was first thought the men had jumped into the water, but police later said they entered the water for a swim before failing to resurface.

“This investigation has been challenging because of the location and difficulty communicating with witnesses involved in the matter,” he said.

“Thankfully QFES swifwater rescue have located the bodies of the gentlemen involved.”

Inspector Smith said there were others nearby to the group but they did not witness the incident.

Emergency services have blocked the access to Millaa Millaa Falls, after two men who entered the water failed to resurface on July 16, 2024.

“It appears that one got into difficulty after entering the water and then a second man has come to render him assistance, and unfortunately both men perished.”

He said he couldn't recall any instances like this before at the location.
“To my knowledge Millaa hasn’t had any rescues of this sort or fatalities for many years.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Far North Region Director of Clinical Operations Chris Draper said the falls were closed to the public while multiple crews responded to the incident.

The Rescue510 helicopter was also called to the waterhole, but it returned to Cairns Airport about 10.34am instead of flying to Cairns Hospital.

Emergency services have blocked the access to Millaa Millaa Falls, after two men who entered the water failed to resurface on July 16, 2024.

SES Cairns leader Matt Currey confirmed the organisation was assisting the operation with traffic control only, stating the main entrance to Millaa Millaa falls was closed.

The road to the falls reopened on Tuesday afternoon.

Nearby business owner Estelle Tucker of the The Falls Teahouse reported witnessing the rush of emergency service vehicles, which included four fire units and three ambulances passing her restaurant early in the morning.

“My son went down for a look and all you can see is the emergency vehicles, the road is closed obviously. We knew something was happening but it was hard to see what exactly,” Ms Tucker said.

Millaa Millaa Falls is one of the Far North’s most iconic waterfalls and a popular tourist attraction.

Inspector Smith urged the public to remain vigilant and sensible when visiting the regions waterfalls and swimming holes.

“Well Far North Queensland is a great place to visit and take advantage of the waterholes, but everyone has to have vigilance and take care and only go into areas where they know they have the capability to swim safely, and people have to look out for each other.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Originally published as Two bodies found in search for two men at Millaa Millaa Falls