Queensland is known for its many picture-perfect natural wonders. From the pristine beaches and turquoise waters to the luscious tropical rainforests and stunning waterfalls – the natural beauty is marvellous and almost never-ending.
If you’ve ever spent time exploring the region, you might have come across the subject of our piece – freshwater swimming holes. While the beaches of Queensland are certainly worth a visit, when you head inland you can find some of the most unexpected and incredible freshwater swimming destinations.
Whether you’re visiting during the humid summer months or the tropi-cool wintertime, a little freshwater swimming is an ideal way to cool down. As many of these swimming spots are tucked away within the Wet Tropics rainforest, we’ve put together a list of some of the most loved freshwater swimming destinations that are not too far from Palm Cove.
So, let’s dive in.
Freshwater Swimming Spots near Palm Cove
If there’s one thing any Queenslander loves, it’s an adventure, which you’ll soon see with our collection of freshwater swimming spots.
Crystal Cascades and Fairy Falls
Located only a 30-minute drive from Palm Cove, you’ll find a beloved freshwater swimming spot that offers you plenty of places to swim and even a (kind of) secret waterfall. Crystal Cascades is a great place to spend an afternoon, with BBQ facilities and picnic tables for you to set yourself up on.
Even though it’s so close to nearby areas, like Cairns, Crystal Cascades feels super secluded. Gorgeous and gentle waterfalls keep the large swimming holes full, and with multiple swimming holes available, whether you’re looking for a quick dip or you’re up for an adventure, you’re going to be entertained.
If you have time when you visit Crystal Cascades be sure to make your way to Fairy Falls – the hidden waterfall and swimming hole in the area. You’ll need to take on a 15-minute walk to reach the falls, which does have some steep bits in it, so you will need to choose your footwear wisely.
Once you reach Fairy Falls, you’ll be greeted by the gorgeous blue waters and sweet waterfall that will have you transfixed. As Fairy Falls requires a little more effort to get to, you’ll most likely have the swimming spot somewhat to yourself.
Josephine Falls
By the time Josephine Creek has made its way from mountain summit to the falls, it has evolved from a gentle stream to a cascading falls. Luckily the venture to the Falls isn’t too long, only a 600m walk through the rainforest from the carpark. At the top of the falls is a viewing platform where you can check out the water kingdom below from. There is a pool up the top as well, however, this one is not available for swimming.
After you’ve filled your camera roll with pictures of the falls, you can make your way to the bottom where you can take a dip. There’s a sandy beach, as well as plenty of boulders for you to relax on. The waters are quite calm so you can float and swim to your heart’s content. But, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, one of the most popular features of Josephine Falls is the natural waterslide.
As there is so much to do at Josephine Falls, it does get lots of visitors, but don’t let that spoil your fun.
Babinda Boulders
Getting its name from the huge boulders that line the Babinda Creek, Babinda Boulders is a swimming spot that you can certainly spend a few hours cooling off at.
Located around 90km south of Palm Cove, the Babinda Boulders is a large swimming spot, with plenty of space to accommodate visitors. Like Josephine Falls, the Babinda Creek’s water supply is from Mt Bartle Frere, and is quite refreshing and cool.
Besides the copious amount of space for swimming and sprawling on boulders, one of the drawcards of Babinda Boulders is the striking emerald waters that are even further enhanced by the surrounding tropical rainforest, a truly magical setting.
Mossman Gorge
Well, luckily you can cross two things off the list and discover the Daintree as well as take a dip in the freshwater creek too.
You’ve got a variety of ways to discover Mossman Gorge – you can take part in walks and tours led by local Indigenous guides, you can discover at your own pace, or you can have a full day of adventure with the Back Country Bliss tour group.
The Indigenous led walks give you an insight into the rich indigenous history of the area and is highly recommended. Venturing around the gorge is simple to do as well. From the Mossman Gorge centre you can take a shuttle bus to the centre of the gorge where you can take on the many walking trails and cool off in the swimming hole. And for a unique way to take a dip, as part of the Back Country Bliss tour, you can try your hand at River Drift Snorkelling. You might see turtles or even a platypus – which are notoriously rare to see in the wild. Learn more about this tour here.
Lake Eacham
Located around an hour and a half away from Palm Cove is Lake Eacham. One of the most unique swimming holes, Lake Eacham is actually an extinct volcanic crater – which might explain why it is in a National Park called Crater Lakes.
Surrounded tropical rainforest, Lake Eacham is a popular destination for both locals and tourists as it offers a variety of activities – not just swimming. You can bird watch, explore the walking trails, enjoy a BBQ or picnic, kayak, canoe and go turtle spotting. Or you can enjoy cooling off in the clear blue waters of the lake.
The lake itself is actually 65m deep and is one of the most tranquil and exquisite lakes that you will ever lay eyes on. It’s the perfect day trip destination.
Make it easy to discover the freshwater swimming spots
While you can venture to any of the swimming holes, we’ve listed quite easily by yourself, if you want to tick a few of them off your list, you can join the Waterfall Wanderers tour. This full day tour (approximately 11 hours) will take you south of Palm Cove and take you to several of the swimming spots we’ve mentioned today as well as some extras. With lunch, hot drinks, morning, and afternoon tea included, you’ll be set for adventure with this amazing tour where you can really discover the beauty of Tropical North Queensland.
Where to stay
If you want to experience luxurious accommodation in one of the most relaxed atmospheres, there join us at the Reef House. We offer you richly appointed rooms and suites, unique signature inclusions and a friendly team who is here to help you create the experience of a lifetime.
Stay in paradise today.
