freshwater swimming cardwell spa pools

Things to do

Swimming Holes

The pool is open

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 areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.

 

One of the great things about Tropical North Queensland’s warm climate is that swimming is an all-year-round activity. And the region is blessed with countless stunning swimming holes where you can take a dip in fresh crystalline water. Some of these magical spots are tucked within the Wet Tropics rainforest while others provide refreshing stop-off points as you head inland to the Australian outback.

Cardwell Spa Pools, between Cairns and Townsville, is on many visitors’ to-do lists after photos of its startlingly blue waters went viral. Just up the road at Tully Gorge National Park, you can soak in a crystal-clear rainforest stream known as Alligators Nest (don’t worry about its alarming name – the spot was named after a Scout group and is giant reptile-free). On the Atherton Tablelands at Crater Lakes National Park, Lake Eacham’s astonishing shades of blue attract visitors from around the world. Sometimes, it’s not the water that’s the biggest attraction. Sculptural, worn-smooth rocks are a key feature at Babinda Boulders south of Cairns while up near Port Douglas, head into Mossman Gorge to stroke your way through clear rainforest waters before drying out on the river’s granite boulders. Cape Tribulation has secret swimming holes like Mason’s where a quick lunch stop at Mason’s Cafe reveals directions to the popular swimming spot nearby.

Cool off at Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest

Swim in an ancient crater lake at Lake Eacham

Swing into Emmagen Creek in the Daintree Rainforest

Lucky dips

Swim, laze or just float on your back in these stunning freshwater swimming holes.

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
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
Daintree & Cape Tribulation
Splash into these Port Douglas & Daintree Swimming Holes

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.

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
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
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
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

Explore Swimming Holes

Subscribe to
our newsletter

Opt in below to start receiving inspiration straight to your inbox

Subscribe

* indicates required