Blog Post

Splash into these Port Douglas & Daintree Swimming Holes

Avatar photo

TNQ Writer

Take one look at these dreamy Port Douglas and Daintree swimming holes and you’ll agree that Mother Nature sure knows how to make a great swimming pool. Take a trip to these dips in Port Douglas, Daintree & Cape Tribulation.

With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful hikes, waterfalls and swimming holes. It’s important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds zones, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.

Emmagen Creek

Embrace your inner Tarzan at this rainforest oasis

Cape Tribulation is synonymous with lush green rainforest, so it’s only fitting that there’s an emerald swimming hole to match. Head about 5km north from Cape Tribulation and you’ll reach Emmagen Creek right at the stat of the Bloomfield Track. Keep an eye out for a suitably Avatar-looking strangler fig tree on the right of the road and park at the clearing on the left just before the creek crossing. Then wander down a rainforest path for around twenty minutes to reach the dreamy lagoon.

Framed by thick, rustic tree roots, this rainforest oasis has crystal clear water, so keep an eye out for the resident Jungle Perch.  The swimming hole even has its own swing, so you can live out your childhood Tarzan dreams.

Please note: Only swim in the swimming hole itself as crocodiles may present in the lower brackish waters downstream of the creek crossing.

Spring Creek Falls

Spring Creek Falls is the perfect place for a dip

Up for a challenge? Then rock hop your way to the stunning Spring Creek Falls, also known as Black Rock Waterfalls. Nestled deep in the Mowbray Valley, this locals spot can be found by driving to the end of Spring Creek Road, then simply following the creek up to the falls. The trek is approximately two hours each way, but with the promise of a cooling dip in the tumbling waterfall at the finish line, it’s definitely worth the hike.

Mason's Swimming Hole

Float the day away at Mason's Swimming Hole

If your ideal Daintree swimming hole doesn’t include long walks, this one’s for you. You can drive straight up to Mason’s Cafe on Cape Tribulation Road and fuel up with a bite to eat, then head round the back to Mason’s Swimming Hole for a refreshing dip. You are required to pay a gold coin donation for entry, but the calm clear waters and surrounding lush rainforest of the swimming hole are truly priceless.

Cassowary Falls

The moss flecked Cassowary Falls can be accessed on a guided tour

You may already have a cassowary on your bucket list for your visit to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, but you might want to add Cassowary Falls to it too. This rainforest-flanked tumbling falls is located on private property near Daintree Village and can only be accessed on a guided tour. The property is also home to a luxury retreat with a spa bath, private deck and stunning views across the valley to Thornton Peak.

Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is pretty much the Chris Hemsworth of Daintree swimming holes – everyone’s heard of it, it’s beautiful and everyone wants to make its acquaintance. With tumbling large boulders and clear turquoise waters, you’d be crazy to not wander in for a dip.

Mossman Gorge is accessed by a shuttle bus that transfers customers from the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to the rainforest boardwalk, with all proceeds going to the ongoing employment and training of Indigenous Peoples in tourism and hospitality. Join a local Kuku Yalanji guide to learn about the incredible relationship traditional owners have with the rainforest.

Please note: check current water conditions at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre before swimming, as water levels change rapidly and may be dangerous.

Just keep swimming

There’s plenty more waterfalls and swimming holes to explore in the tropics.

Emerald Creek Falls
Uncategorised
20 waterfalls near Cairns

Mighty mountain ranges and Wet Tropics Rainforest create the optimum environment for a myriad of extraordinary waterfalls. Fall in love with these 20 waterfall wonderlands only a short drive from Cairns.

Read more
nandroya falls atherton tablelands
Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast
Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast Waterfalls & Swimming Spots To Cool Off In

Mother Nature sees your backyard swimming pool and raised you her take on it with these waterfalls and swimming spots– each perfectly moulded and best explored with a sense of adventure.

Read more
zillie falls atherton tablelands
Atherton Tablelands
10 waterfalls to chase on the Atherton Tablelands

Hit the famous waterfall circuit, uncover those lesser known or stretch a little further and take a dip in Australia’s widest, single-drop waterfall on the Atherton Tablelands.

Read more
Twin Falls Cape York
Cape York
8 Cooktown and Cape York waterfalls to discover

Refresh yourself in nature’s swimming pools, sliding into these waterfalls and waterholes across Cooktown and Cape York.

Read more
Musgravea Track swimming hole
Uncategorised
Dive into Tropical North Queensland’s swimming holes

If you’ve been hitting the wilderness trails, shredding the mountain bike parks or simply exploring what the region has to offer and need to reinvigorate tired muscles, set your compass for these amazing swimming holes.

Read more
Cardwell Spa Pool
Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast
Everything you need to know about the Cardwell Spa Pool

Cardwell Spa Pool is a naturally-fed, seasonal creek that shot to stardom on social media in 2016. Ever since, people have been adding it to their holiday itinerary but there are a few things you might not know about this idyllic swimming spot.

Read more
aerial image mission beach
Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast
Guide to the natural attractions around Mission Beach

Snuggly tucked along the Cassowary Coast, Mission Beach and its 14 kms of golden beaches are one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. Here are all the reasons why.

Read more
ellinjaa falls - summer great campaign
Uncategorised
10 cool ways to cool down during the wet season

It’s no secret that it gets a little warm in Tropical North Queensland during Summer but with it comes the Wet Season. This is one of the best times to visit as the rainforest shakes the dust from its leaves and the rivers, creeks and waterfalls are at their best. Here are ten cool ways to cool off during Summer:

Read more
Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast
12 other things to do when visiting the Cardwell Spa Pool

Whether you’re out to catch a barra, hike Australia’s largest island National Park or adventure your way through a scenic 4WD track, Cardwell is the perfect launch pad for an outdoorsy weekend with a friendly local twist.

Read more