Crystal Cascades Cairns, Australia
Crystal Cascades is one of the secrets of Cairns and Tropical North Queensland that locals wish they could hide from visitors.
It is a secluded freshwater swimming hole, hidden in a wonderfully cool tropical rainforest accessible by self drivers or for those adventure seekers on our Cairns canyoning tours.
A series of small waterfalls flow into large pools surrounded by large impressive granite boulders.
Rainforest trees hang over the mountain water, keeping it cool and refreshing. There are also council managed and cleaned BBQ and picnic tables in the area with a toilet/change room block close-by.
For most, the only way of discovering the presence of Crystal Cascades is by being told by a local, or unwittingly following road signs to the unique surrounding places.
For further fresh water swimming hole options in the Cairns region - check out our Tours with pick up available from your Cairns accommodation.
More Fresh Water Swimming Holes in Cairns and Far North Queensland
If a refreshing dip in a crystal clear swimming hole is what you are looking for - we have some more Cairns rainforest swimming holes for you to check out here!
Behana Gorge - Once you reach the parking lot at the Cairns Pyramid Mountain you then take a wonderful 45 minute hike into the cool rainforest to find Behana Gorge. This is the place the Cairns locals call "The Cairns Hike in Paradise". Self drive to this swimming hole or take a guided adrenaline tour that let's you experience Behana Gorge at another level.
Babinda Boulders - Located just 7 kilometres south of Cairns guests can make their own way to these swimming holes or join a guided tour that also encompass other sightseeing attractions of Cairns as well as time spent at Babinda Boulders.
Josephine Falls - Ranked as some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Far North Queensland Josephine Falls is a very popular backdrop for television movies and commercials. Pack a picnic, spend a half day or a full day in the Cairns rainforest. Or book a sightseeing tour that visits Josephine Falls and other Cairns waterfalls and swimming holes.
Lake Barrine - Have you ever swum in a volcano crater before? Well now is your chance at the Crater Lakes - Lake Echam and Lake Barrine on the Atherton Tablelands behind Cairns. Go for a drive in your own rental car or join a guided tour and see all of the attractions of the Atherton Tablelands with your expert guide. See our optional private group tour option tailored to your interests.
Cape Tribulation - Enjoy a refreshing dip at the secluded Emmagen Creek in a small group Cape Tribulation 4WD day tour with daily pick ups from your Cairns accommodation. Experience the world heritage rainforest with a guided day trip and informative guide - check out Billy Tea Bush Safaris.
Daintree - After a day exploring Daintree and visiting Cape Tribulation Beach, you have the opportunity to paddle a canoe in the Blue Lagoon and an optional swim in a natural rainforest waterhole. Check out some Daintree Rainforest tours and attractions.
Atherton Tablelands & Paronella - Experience the beauty of the waterfalls, crater lakes and further south to Paronella Park and Babinda Boulders with an optional swim during your day. Day trips depart daily from Cairns - check out more info here.
Atherton Tablelands (Cairns Backpacker Style) - Backpackers and adventure travellers can expect a day of fun on this full day experience, travelling to Cairns' Atherton Tablelands visiting Lake Eacham, Milla Milla Falls and Josephine Falls. Check out our Backpackers Rainforest & Waterfalls day trip with pick ups from Cairns.
Extended 5 Day Trip - Discover the best of the Atherton Tablelands, Cape Tribulation and Cooktown over 5 days. Highlights include Crater Lakes National Park, Waterfall Circuit, Paronella Park, Daintree Rainforest, Bloomfield Track and Cooktown. Visit this unique plateau of rolling hills, dairy farms and agricultural history that form part of the Great Dividing Range on this extended 5 Day Tour.
Cairns Canyoning, Crystal Cascades, Abseil & Zip line
- Departs From: Meet at Allbout Cairns, 58 Grafton St, Cairns City
- Duration:
6 hours (approx)
Come canyoning in Crystal Cascades on our half day rainforest and waterfall tours. We will be abseiling, zip lining and canyoning in this wonderful region of Far North Queensland. Ages 12+
Behana Gorge Cairns Canyoning Tour | Abseiling, Cliff Jumping, Rock Sliding Adventure | Half Day Tour
- Departs From: Meet at Allbout Cairns, 58 Grafton St, Cairns City
- Duration:
6 hours (approx)
Our Behana Gorge canyoning tours offer a 100% eco-friendly rainforest adrenaline tour that has you canyoning, cliff-jumping, abseiling and rock sliding down the crystal-clear waters of Behana Creek as it flows down the beautiful Behana Gorge. Ages 8+
Cairns Rainforest Tours | Waterfalls & Paronella Park | NEXP
- Departs From:
- Duration:
10.5 hours (approx)
Discover Cairns' Atherton Tablelands waterfalls, crater lake, rainforests and venture south to Paronella Park and Babinda Boulders.
Cairns Half Day Rainforest Tour AM/PM | DTA HD1/2
- Departs From: Cairns & Northern Beaches
- Duration:
6 hours (approx)
Enjoy a half day Cairns Rainforest Tour with an optional swim at Davies Creek if time permits.
River Tubing | Behana Gorge or Mulgrave River | Cairns Half Day Family Tour
- Departs From:
- Duration:
4 hours Total with 2 hours River Tubing
Looking for freshwater action amongst the rainforest - check out the River Tubing Half Day tours. Great for families too!