Spotlight on The Best Swimming Holes in Wonderful Cairns
Wondering about the swimming holes in Cairns? It’s an amazing destination for families but let’s face it, we all know about the crocodiles and stingers in tropical North Queensland. So where can you safely swim?
Well, there’s actually quite a few amazing waterfalls and swimming holes in Cairns and surrounds. Not to mention the islands and the Great Barrier Reef! I’m going to shine a spotlight for you on the best swimming holes in wonderful Cairns.
Six of The Best Swimming Holes in and Around Cairns
Babinda Boulders – Tops My List of Cairns’ Swimming Holes
Located 65 km south of Cairns, Babinda Boulders makes for a great day out for a picnic and freshwater swim. The boulders are one of the most popular swimming holes in Cairns and are just perfect for beating the tropical heat. Despite being well known, they were not crowded in the slightest bit when we visited. In fact, it was only us and one other person in the water.
Dotted with massive granite boulders and surrounded by lush rainforest, the water is crystal clear and incredibly picturesque. Just make sure you only swim where the signs say you can.
A stroll along the Devil’s Pool Walk which runs along Babinda Creek downstream from the picnic area will take you to the Devil’s Pool. You should NEVER swim in this section and there are signs warning not to do so. People have ignored the signs in the past and lost their lives.
The walk is enjoyable with two great viewing platforms that showcase the creek cascading down a series of granite boulders, creating beautiful waterfalls. Even though the water was cold on the day, Babinda Boulders tops my list of swimming holes in Cairns!
Cairns Lagoon – Tops The Kids List of Cairns’ Swimming Holes
The 4,800m2 filtered salt-water lagoon is a winner for all ages. Situated on the foreshore in Cairns, the lagoon provides safe swimming all year round. Despite the fact that it’s man made, they’ve done an amazing job of making it feel less so, with sand for the kids to play in and lush green grass bordering the sandy sign of the lagoon.
The Cairns Lagoon topped the kids list of favourite swimming holes in Cairns!
Younger kids can play in the shallow water and sand and all ages can enjoy splashing around under the fountains. There are public BBQs here and the toilet and shower facilities are close by and excellent.
Entry is free and life guards are on duty during opening hours.
Josephine Falls
Located 75km south of Cairns in the Wooroonooran National Park and just a little bit further down from Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls is one of the beautiful swimming holes enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
Families can swim in the clear water, surrounded by rainforest with a cascading tiered waterfall in the background. Although it was flowing gently when we visited, it’s not recommended to swim here after rain due to the possibility of flash flooding.
Walk an easy 1.2km to the viewing platform at the top of the waterfall first and then backtrack a little to the swimming hole sections. This was one of the deeper swimming holes in Cairns.
Crystal Cascades
Crystal Cascades is only 20km from Cairns CBD and features a series of water holes and waterfalls in a section of Freshwater Creek. Surrounded by rainforest and large granite boulders, access is via a 1.5km paved walking path with paths or stairs down to a few different swimming holes.
Due to the nature of the rocks here, it’s a great place to teach the kids to skim stones!
Mossman Gorge
Located around 80km north of Cairns in the southern part of the World Heritage Listed, Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge is one of the most beautiful swimming holes around Cairns. This is a ”must do” when it comes to nature-based activities with kids!
Stroll the self-guided walks in the Daintree National Park at your own pace before relaxing around the edges of the Mossman River. The Mossman Gorge Centre doesn’t recommend swimming due to the unpredictability of the river. However, despite the warnings, there were many families swimming when we visited as the water was safe and calm on the day.
The Mossman Gorge Centre is the gateway to Mossman Gorge and a shuttle bus makes the trip every 15 minutes to the heart of the gorge. Visitors must take the shuttle rather than walk through the community to access the gorge.
Credit – Tourism & Events QLD
Green Island
Only 45 minutes by fast cat from Cairns, Green Island is a fantastic place to swim for families. I know it’s technically not one of Cairns’ swimming holes, but it’s a great place to swim for families! Don’t give the resort pool a second look as the water surrounding the island is beautiful. Families can expect great snorkelling and shallow waters for the kids as well as restaurants and toilet facilities.
Read about our trip to Green Island in our post Ferry to Green Island for an Amazing Day Trip From Cairns!
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.
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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.
