Cool Down at The Spectacular Crystal Cascades Near Cairns
Crystal Cascades is one of the beautiful waterholes the locals in Cairns visit to beat the summer heat. Cairns is a fantastic family destination but when it gets hot, it really gets hot! Luckily, Crystal Cascades stays cool throughout the year even in the warmer months.
At only 25 minutes from Cairns CBD with no stingers or crocodiles, Crystal Cascades makes for a great no-cost family day out.
This popular freshwater swimming holes is surrounded by tropical rainforest and features a series of small waterfalls that flow into pools in a section of Freshwater Creek.
Granite boulders are a feature of Crystal Cascades and as a result, it’s easy to find small flattish skimming stones to skip across the water.
There is a short easy walk of 1.2km from the public car park to the end with a few stairs down to swimming holes along the way. It’s really quite beautiful and there is lots of rock hopping fun for the kids once you head down to the water.
Back at the car park, there is a barbecue and picnic area with toilet facilities that are all managed by the Cairns Regional Council.
Please keep in mind that there will be hidden submerged rocks so make sure to obey the signs and warning and use common sense.
Pssst. If you’re visiting Cairns, you might also like to read about our ferry trip over to Green Island.
How to Get to Crystal Cascades
Crystal Cascades is located on Redlynch Intake Road just 25 minutes south-west of Cairns. The easiest way to find it is to type ”Crystal Cascades” into google maps and let your phone do the talking.
Looking for more Cairns family holiday inspiration?
Head back to our Cairns page for more inspiration on family holidays and activities in and around the Cairns region in Tropical North Queensland. Alternatively, explore our home page for more Australian and worldwide inspiration.
Got FOMO? Sign up for our monthly newsletter so you don’t miss out on anything great … like competitions, great deals and the latest inspiration for family activities and travel.
Cairns holiday resources
Best time to visit Cairns
April to September is often touted as the best time to visit Cairns for a great mix of warm dry weather, affordable accommodation and not too many people around. Winter temperatures in Cairns are VERY comfortable! In fact, many use a Cairns holiday as a way to escape the winter cold in other areas.
Stinger season runs from November to March with December to March usually being the hot/wet season.
Where to stay
For budget-conscious families, the Cairns Central YHA is a great choice!
For mid-range apartment accommodation with plenty of space for families, the Park Regis City Quays is a great choice. (our top choice!)
If you’re looking for five-star, Riley a Crystalbrook Collection, is a great choice in a fantastic location near the Cairns Lagoon.
Getting to Cairns
Cairns is a long way from Australia’s capital cities. Located 1,678km North of Brisbane and 2,414km North of Sydney, it’s a long road trip to get there. If you can’t stand the thought of a long road trip with kids, or just don’t have the time, there are regular flights from the capital and major cities.
Find a great deal on Trip.com.
Getting around Cairns
Getting around Cairns on foot won’t be a problem if your goal is to spend time on the reef and see the city. Particularly if you’re accommodation is within walking distance to the marina and esplanade like the three recommended above.
To head further afield to chase waterfalls, visit the Daintree Rainforest or head even further north to Cape Tribulation, hiring a car is a great option.
