Things to do
Freshwater Swimming
Jump right in
There’s a wonderful swimming lagoon on the Cairns Esplanade – but that only scratches the surface of all the gorgeous swimming spots in Tropical North Queensland. Nature has provided a wonderful spectrum of magical places to get wet – many of them set against the beauty of the rainforest.
The Cardwell Spa Pools in the Girrigun National Park is a great place to start. This natural-fed swimming hole almost broke the internet when photos of its amazing aqua water went viral a few years ago. If green is more your scene, wander into the cool oasis of Mossman Gorge and slide off a smooth granite boulder into the emerald green, rainforest pools. Close to Cairns is Babinda Boulders, named after the large smooth boulders that dot the cool-water swimming hole. The Atherton Tablelands overflows with swimming spots, from the crystalline waters of volcanic Lake Eacham in Crater Lakes National Park to awe-inspiring waterfalls such as Zillie and Mungalli Falls, the perfect option if the idea of putting yourself under beautiful cascades and letting nature pummel away your cares appeals.
Prefer more action? Paddle the Mulgrave River or fossick for gemstones at O’Briens Creek.
The best thing of all is that you can also pitch a tent and stay right next to some of these extraordinary places. Enjoy.
Milky blue waters of the Cardwell Spa Pools
Milky blue waters of the Cardwell Spa Pools
SUP your way down the Mossman River with Windswell Kite Surfing
SUP your way down the Mossman River with Windswell Kite Surfing
Take a dip in the cascading pools of Stoney Creek Falls near Cairns
Take a dip in the cascading pools of Stoney Creek Falls near Cairns
Sensational swimming holes
Tropical North Queensland is home to an extraordinary array of waterfalls, waterways and waterholes.
Cardwell Spa Pool – How to get there & what they look like right now
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.
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:
One day wonders
Discover local specialties and hidden gems on a mini road trip through Tropical North Queensland. Here are six itineraries to get you out and about.
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.
8 Free ideas for family fun in Cairns
Outdoor loving families will have a tonne of fun in Tropical North Queensland and the best part about holidaying in the tropics is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy yourself. Here are our top 8 free things to do as a family in TNQ.
10 waterfalls to chase on the Atherton Tablelands
Hit the famous waterfall circuit, uncover those less known or stretch a little further and take a dip in Australia’s widest, single-drop waterfall on the Atherton Tablelands.
7 great reasons to head to the Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands are the kind of place you want to take at your own pace. Jump in a car and head inland to tick off these must-do experiences.
Trail running the Goldfields Trail at Babinda Boulders
Trail runners and bushwalkers are spoilt for choice in Tropical North Queensland. It’s hard to put a figure on how many trails there are but trust me, there are hundreds. Situated in lush, heritage-listed rainforest, the Goldfields Trail, between Babinda and Goldsborough Valley, is one the most iconic in the region.
Explore freshwater swimming
Explore attractions
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atherton tablelandsMalanda Falls Conservation Park
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atherton tablelandsZillie Falls
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atherton tablelandsLittle Millstream Falls
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adventureThe Babinda Boulders
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creeks rivers streamsJosephine Falls, Wooroonooran National Park
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atherton tablelandsLake Tinaroo
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atherton tablelandsEllinjaa Falls
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adventureWindin Falls
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atherton tablelandsPepina Falls
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atherton tablelandsEmerald Creek Falls
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atherton tablelandsMillaa Millaa Falls
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atherton tablelandsLake Eacham, Crater Lakes National Park
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