Cardwell Spa Pools, Queensland - Complete Guide
Cardwell Spa Pools, Queensland - Complete Guide
The Cardwell Spa Pools have long been a popular swimming hole of the locals, but are now considered a must for a visit to the far north of Queensland. A complete travel guide who contains everything you need to know!
Cardwell Spa Pools is a naturally flowing, seasonal brook on the Cardwell Forest Drive, just a few minutes from the motorway city. But what is so special about it?
It is no secret that it is the unique tropical color of the water that attracts the masses. These deep, turquoise pools in the dry eucalyptus forest are a real oasis that wants to be photographed.
When you are traveling along the east coast, you should definitely put the Cardwell Spa Pools on the list of activities. Here is my complete guide to get to the pools that should answer all your questions!
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Cardwell Spa Pools-where is that?
The Cardwell Blue Pools are located on the Cardwell Forest Drive, just 7 kilometers from the municipality of Cardwell. Cardwell is pretty much half the route from Townsville to Cairns, about 180 kilometers from Cairns and 165 kilometers from Townsville.
How do I get here
To get here, you first have to go to Cardwell on the Bruce Highway. The pools are located on the Cardwell Forest Drive, an undefeated loop with access points from the Cardwell Golf Club and a little further north on Ellerbeck Road.
As soon as you have reached the beginning of the Forest Drive, you only have to follow the street until you see the small, almost hidden parking lot.
Although the road is not paved, it is well graduated and you can reach the Cardwell Spa Pools with a normal sedan or a fluid rear with two -wheel drive. If you prefer to avoid the unpaved roads, take the northern access on Ellerbeck Road (see card below) because this trip is shorter.
You can use Google Maps to help you with navigation; The pen is precise.
Google Maps PIN: "Cardwell Spa-Pool"
Map of the Cardwell Spa-Pools
Below I added a card that is useful to get to the Cardwell Spa Pools. It also contains some more streams and viewpoints if you want to explore more from the area.
Alt = "Map of the Cardwell Spa pools"> Source: FNQ
What you can expect in the Cardwell Spa Pools
As soon as you arrive in the small, unpaved parking lot, you are pretty much already at the pools. No, no hike is required to get here.
Almost immediately you will notice the unique turquoise or almost aquafe tint of the water. The entire scenery didn't really feel like it was belonging to the dry forest landscapes of Cardwell - maybe that's part of the charm.
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There is an artificial stone stack that forms the "spa", as well as a tree stump that forms a perfect jumping platform in the deep, blue pools.
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Unfortunately there is not much space to sunbathe at the edges of the pool. However, you can go upstream a little further, although the water level is much lower here.
If you have not thought of visiting the area, I can only warmly recommend it! This unique seaside resort is only the tip of the iceberg - the Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook are one of the wildest places in Australia! You will also find Australia's highest waterfall that is only hidden from a short drive!
alt = “Grayl bottle”>
Would you like to find out my secret for fresh drinking water all over the world?
Enter the Grayl Geopress water filter and cleaning bottle! I take this bottle on every hike and use it as my point of contact for filtering water all over the world. I even used it to drink tap water in India!
- saves thousands of plastic bottles in front of the landfill
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- The simplest and most convenient water filter on the market
Why is the Cardwell Spa pool blue?
you know what, I asked myself that too. Apparently the Cardwell Spa Pools get their unique blue color from the chemistry of the rocks and water.
The source of the river of the stream is mainly underground deposits that are rich in minerals such as magnesium and calcium. This leads to the unique blue tint of the pools, which, depending on the available light, can range from turquoise to a milky baby blue.
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Do not miss: Babinda Boulders (near Cairns)
More information
Are dogs allowed in the Cardwell Spa Pools?
Yes. The pools are located in the Cardwell Forest Reserve and are not shown as a national park. Therefore, you can bring your four -legged pets. However, make sure to be responsible, since platform animals and other types of wild animals call this place your home.
How is the water level and the depth?
The water level in the Cardwell Spa Pools varies from season to season and after heavy downpours. In fact, the pools often dry out completely in the dry season! While the rainy season or if it has rained a bit recently, you will expect the depth near the tree stump to be more than 2 meters, but much flatter upstream.
When is the best time to visit the Cardwell pools?
Since it is a seasonal stream, the best time to visit the Cardwell Spa Pools is between May and September. During the rainy season, heavy rains can lead to the stream overflowing. As mentioned, however, during the dry season, it can dry out completely if it has not rained.
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Accommodation options near Cardwell
If you want to stay in Cardwell, the Kookaburra Holiday Park is a great option with good reviews.
Otherwise the Cardwell BeachComber is nearby and has 9.2/10 reviews on Booking.com.
Camping near the Cardwell Spa Pools
There is no designated campsite in the Cardwell Forest Reserve or along the driveway. However, there are some great places nearby.
A few camping highlights near waterfalls are Murray Falls and Blenoe Falls.
resources: Free options | Paid options
More: "Must-visits" in the far north of Queensland
I hope this short guide liked you to visit the famous Cardwell Spa Pools in Far North Queensland, Australia. Below I inserted a few links to other articles that I wrote about epic activities in the region. Enjoy!
My camera and photo equipment
- Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
- drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
- landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
- all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
- Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
- landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
- Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip
A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.
If you want to use one of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my print store or contact me directly for customs deductions from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
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