Because you can’t swim in the ocean just off the beach (saltwater crocs and stingers, how fun), fresh water pools are a life savior when it gets unbearably hot and muggy in Far North Queensland. Here are a few of my favourite (and less crowded) swimming holes around Cairns!
Behana Gorge
A 45 min walk keeps most tourists away from this place. It’s less advertised so you’ll either have it to yourself or share it with a few locals. Epic waterfalls and cliff jumping make this a great place to take a swim!
How to get there: Behana is 30min south of Cairns. Follow the highway and turn right on Behana Gorge Rd (past The Pyramid). Drive through cane fields to the very end of this road for the car park, and walk past the yellow gate. If you’re walking on a paved path that follows along the water pipe, you’re going the right way! The walk is paved the whole way and pretty easy, although there are some fairly steep hills you have to go up and down, but the sweat will be worth it when you reach the refreshing river.
Fairy Falls
A hidden and lesser known waterfall, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have the small and secluded swimming hole to yourself. What’s crazy is it’s RIGHT by Crystal Cascades, a super popular and crowded swimming hole and waterfall.
How to get there: Drive 20min from Cairns into the Redlynch Valley. At the opposite end of the parking lot from Crystal Cascades there will be an unmarked trail. If you see a sign mentioning poisonous stinging plants you know you’re going in the right direction. It’s a short 10-15min walk along the left side of the river. Near the end you’ll climb over some rocks and presto, you’ve found a little slice of paradise.
TIP: Don’t do what we did the first time and turn left while on the trail away from the river and up a very steep trail. We read on another post that the trail to Fairy Falls is steep and “not for the feint-hearted.” ARE YOU F*CKING KIDDING ME, MATE. THE WALK TO THE FALLS IS AS FLAT AS A PANCAKE, IGNORE THE TURD WHO WROTE THAT. We walked along that trail for quite a while and still don’t really know where it goes or for how long (It is marked). If you’re up for a REAL challenge though, try it out! Lots of VERY steep climbing and hanging onto roots, and EXTRA secret spots by the river.
Nandroya Falls
EASILY OUR FAVORITE WATERFALL WE FOUND AROUND CAIRNS. It’s a bit of a walk, and takes you to a 50m high secluded waterfall with no one around!! Not a lot of people seem to know about this one! We had the WHOLE place to ourselves, definitely had a magical and awe-inspiring feel to it.
How to get there: Nandroya is a 1hr 30mins drive south of Cairns. There is a lack of signs, so turn right when you see Henrietta Creek campground. Drive all the way to the left end of the campground for the car park for the falls. From here there are signs for the trail, which is a loop. At the fork you can choose to go to the left (1.5km – 30min) or to the right (3.5km -1.5 hrs), both are relatively easy. We decided to walk the whole loop, starting with the longer trail.
Davies Creek Falls
A very short walk takes you to another secluded waterfall that is still hidden from the tourist eye. The best part of this one is that there is a pool at the very top to swim in with beautiful views. A real infinity pool at the top of a waterfall!
How to get there: Davies Creek is more than an hour from Cairns (past Kuranda), but so worth! The last 7km is along an unsealed road, just go slow if you don’t have 4WD. When you reach the creek there are places to park (and camp) as well as swimming holes. If you drive another 2km past this to the end you’ll reach the car park for the falls (it’s signed). Here you’ll find the infinity pool!
Josephine Falls
I know I originally said I’d share the less crowded spots, but I can’t make this post without Josephine and Babinda. Josephine Falls is a short walk to a couple view points which you should check out first before heading back to the swimming pool (You’re not allowed to swim in the top pool). There are quiet moments in between the tour groups, going very early or later in the day gives you better chances of less people usually. There’s a fun natural rock slide and a beautiful rain forest surrounding you.
How to get there: Drive an hour south of Cairns and follow the signs, very easy to find.
Babinda Boulders
Another popular one, but it is possible to find a secluded and quiet corner away from the main pool if you walk a bit! The main pool just off the parking lot is always crowded. But if you head to the right of the pool you’ll find a trail that leads you to more pools along the river. We found one and had it completely to ourselves. Also, to the left of the main pool at the opposite end is a path that leads you to a view point. It says no swimming but we may or may not have gone down and found some quiet secret pools to relax and swim in.
How to get there: Babinda Boulders is located a 1 hour drive south of Cairns, you’ll see the signs on the highway to turn right.
Stoney Creek
Stoney Creek’s seclusion within the rain forest and close proximity to town makes it worth a mention. It’s easy to find a private pool along the creek to enjoy, and never gets too crowded.
How to get there: Only 20 min north of Cairns, turn left onto Stoney Creek Rd and drive to the car park at the very end. Just follow the trail along the creek and find a spot all to yourself to enjoy.
Hope you enjoy discovering the best swimming holes around Cairns!
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