Best swimming spots in Cairns
Published on Wed 9th Aug 2023 3:33:00am AEST
A lot of people ask us where the good spots are to swim in Cairns, such as lakes, creeks, waterfalls etc. There are a lot of great places to go for swimming around the Cairns region.
Us from Tourism Cairns have put together a list of these great places. We are sure you will love these tips, especially during the hot summer months. See the list below:
Behana Gorge
Behana Gorge is a hidden paradise. Not many people know about this place, including some locals. Behana Gorge is located south of Cairns, about 40 minutes from Cairns city, just behind the pyramid mountain. There is not a lot of signage in the area, so that is why it is not so easy to find it.
Once you get to the carpark the next thing is to walk for about 35 minutes on a trail through the rainforest. The trail is easy, without any difficulties. The walk is definitely worth it when you get to the end. Behana Gorge is formed by a nice waterfall at the end followed by 2 or 3 small waterfalls until it goes down through the creek. In each waterfall there is a swimhole where people take the advantage to jump, swim and have a good time. The main area is at the top, near the big waterfall. There is a lot of space to swim and enjoy the nice chilly water.
Behana Gorge is part of the Cairns water supply, so very important for Cairns. There is plenty of water throughout the whole year.
Be aware that there are no facilities in the area so make sure you take plenty of water and some snacks.
Stone Creek
Stoney Creek is a great and easy option to go for a swim in the hot days. It is so close to the city and such a good spot to relax, enjoy nature and cool down.
Stoney Creek is part of the Gorge National Park and it is located just about 10-15 minutes from Cairns centre. Driving towards north of Cairns, you need to get to Kamerunga Road and turn to Stoney Creek Road.
Once you get to the carpark the walk is very short to get to the swim area. There are lots of spaces to get in the water and swim along the creek.
Babinda Boulders
Babinda Boulders is a famous swim hole surrounded by lush rainforest located about 65 kilometres from Cairns or 50 min by car.
The creek itself is full of different sizes of boulders with some of them quite big. And at the bottom of the creek forms a big swimming pool where visitors can enjoy the water safely. The crystal clear water and the rainforest surrounding the swimming hole makes the place quite special.
There are barbecue facilities around the area and a toilet facility as well.
Babinda Boulders is definitely a great place to spend the day with family and friends.
Josephine Falls
Josephine Falls is a waterfall and swimming hole located about 75 kilometres from Cairns or 1 hour drive by car.
To get to the fall, visitors need to walk about 1.2 kilometres through the rainforest. The walk is easy, without much difficulty.
At Josephine Falls there is a big rock which is used as a natural water slide. Visitors have the best time.
