Tropical North QLD Swimming Holes to Soothe Your Soul
Infinity, horizon, lagoon, lap and plunge - there's plenty of different types of hotel pools. But when the temperatures rise, the Tropical North Queensland locals know all the best spots for cooling off courtesy of Mother Nature. And blessed we are with a number of swimming holes, making paddling an all-year-round activity. So pop on your bathers and your adventure shoes – here’s our guide to some of the best hidden swimming holes in Cairns & swimming holes of the Daintree Rainforest (in no particular order because they're all pretty special!).
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Josephine Falls
Image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Of all the waterfalls in the region (and there’s a few!), Josephine Falls is not only one of the prettiest, but also one of the most fun! Swim in the crystal clear waters, play in the cascade over smooth rocks that make a natural slippery slide for kids (and kids at heart) and relax on the sandy beach as the gentle breeze rustles flows through the overhead rainforest canopy.
How to get there: Approximately 75 km south of Cairns is a little country town called Mirriwinni. Take the turn off to Mount Bartle Frere, the highest mountain in Queensland, and you will then just need to follow the signs for around 8 kilometres to Josephine Falls.
Mossman George
Image credit Tourism & Events Queensland
Mossman Gorge, part of the Daintree National Park, is home to crystal-clear waters that flow over large granite boulders in the Mossman River gorge. Dense Daintree rainforests line steep mountainsides from the river banks keeping this spot secluded and cool all year round. An elevated boardwalk takes explorers through the lower rainforest canopy along the riverside, while more adventurous visitors can cross the Rex Creek suspension bridge and enjoy the 2.4 kilometre Rainforest circuit track through lush rainforest. This is a Daintree swimming hole that can’t be missed.
How to get there: Just over an hour north of Cairns, follow the directions to Mossman. Mossman Gorge turnoff is well signed, taking you to the Mossman Gorge Centre. From there, a courtesy bus will ferry you to the start of the boardwalk.
Fairy Falls
Image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Tucked away in the dense rainforest is a picturesque waterfall as magical as its name. Some rock hopping is required to reach this natural plunge pool, but the end result is definitely worth it.
How to get there: The track begins in the scrub on the left side of another popular swimming spot Crystal Cascade’s carpark in the northern Cairns suburb of Redlynch. Pretending you’re hunting for treasure, as you most certainly are, to find the pathway you must turn your back to the Crystal Cascades’ carpark, head into the forest where there is an opening between the trees. Keep the creek on your right, climb over boulders until you reach the most beautiful tranquil deep plunge pool
Behana George
Image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland / Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Take a hike into the famous Cairns Pyramid mountain to beautiful Behana Gorge. This Cairns water supply flows all year round with no rest (for the wickedly beautiful). Behana Gorge a perfect vision of tropical scenery, with the whole of gorge lined by giant granite boulders. Jumping into the water becomes an option for the adventurous. Take a moment to relax, close your eyes and listen to the wildlife, the sounds of the rainforest along with the mystic waterfalls flowing and you will know that you are in paradise.
How to get there: Head south of Cairns past Gordonvale and look for a sign called Behana Gorge Road. Keep following this road all the way along through canefields until you come to the car park. The walking track takes about 45 minutes and there are a number of steep inclines so only go if you’re reasonably fit (it’s too far for young children to walk).
Cassowary Falls
Another pristine Daintree swimming hole is Cassowary Falls, located less than an hour from Port Douglas. This hidden upper daintree waterfall with water cascading down its granite rock face is the ultimate Daintree swimming hole, surrounded by lush, untouched rainforests and large rocks perfect for sunbathing and refreshing dips.
How to get there: Hop on National Route 1 and Captain Cook Highway and head north, following the directions to Mossman. Take Mossman Daintree Road to Reserved Esplanade in Upper Daintree.
Top image courtesy of Tourism Tropical North Queensland