Freshwater Swimming Locations | Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

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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.

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.

Cool off in Cape York at Twin Falls

Swing into Emmagen Creek in the Daintree Rainforest

Take a dip in the cascading pools of Josephine Falls

The iconic Millaa Millaa Falls

Sensational swimming holes

Tropical North Queensland is home to an extraordinary array of waterfalls, waterways and waterholes.

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.

Tropical Lifestyle & Culture

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:

Roadtrips

Hit the road: 8 mini road trips in Tropical North Queensland

Discover local specialties and hidden gems on a mini road trip through Tropical North Queensland with these one day wonders. Here are eight itineraries to get you out and about.

Cairns & Northern Beaches

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.

Cairns & Northern Beaches

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.

Atherton Tablelands

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.

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.

Southern Cairns

Trail running the Goldfield 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.

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