Mason's Swimming Hole – Epic swimming hole in Cape Tribulation

Mason's Swimming Hole – Epic swimming hole in Cape Tribulation

Mason’s Swimming Hole is a pristine freshwater swimming hole located within walking distance of Cape Tribulation’s main attractions. It's the safest blue water swimming hole in Cape Tribulation, meaning you've finally found a croc-free place to swim and cool off.

Cape Tribulation is famous for the place where the rainforest meets the sea in Australia's wild tropical north Queensland. Being the tropics, you would expect this idyllic destination to be hot!

Unfortunately, Cape Tribulation is a place that really lives up to the old Australian saying, “everything here wants to bloody kill you!” This is especially true on the beach, where crocodiles and the occasional deadly sea stinger lurk, waiting for the unexpected, tired backpacker to make a wrong move.

Luckily, there are certain spots where you can escape the heat and cool off. In this short blog post I introduce the best freshwater blue hole in Cape Tribulation: Mason’s Swimming Hole near Mason’s Cafe.

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Don't miss my comprehensive Cape Tribulation Guide with 20 of the best things to do in the region and my accommodation guide for where to stay.

Where is Mason's swimming hole?

Mason’s Swimming Hole is located behind Mason’s Cafe. The swimming hole is on private land and owned by the same guys who run the cafe.

Luckily for visitors to Cape Tribulation, the friendly cafe owners have opened the swimming hole to the public, with a small donation ($1) being the asking price.

You will find the cafe and swimming spot on the left side of Cape Tribulation Road as you head north (opposite the beach). Realistically it's pretty hard to miss, just head towards Myall Beach and you'll see the signs just before you get there.

Google Maps Pin: “Mason’s Swimming Hole”

Mason’s Swimming Hole entrance fee

As mentioned above, a small fee is required to enjoy the pristine swimming hole at Mason’s Waterhole. However, it only costs $1 per person and you can swim and enjoy the tranquility for as long as you like.
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RELATED: Mount Sorrow Hike

What to Expect at Mason’s Swimming Hole

The waterhole is marked by a small entrance into the dense rainforest scrub. You can find these just a few hundred meters behind the café. As soon as you enter the rainforest you will see the clear water surrounded by mossy rocks and tropical vines.

If you take a look at the shore you will notice many native freshwater fish. These guys live in the waterhole of the rainforest and probably hide from the crocodiles further downstream in the brackish water.

There is also a rope swing attached to a tree on the other side of the bank!
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It is best to swim in the deep section next to the exposed shore. However, we ventured up the creek and found some nice little swimming holes away from the crowds.
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Another swimming hole in Cape Tribulation: Emmagen Creek

Overnight accommodation at Cape Tribulation

Below I have put together some tips for the best places to stay on your trip to Cape Tribulation. If you would like more suggestions with photos, check out my comprehensive Cape Tribulation accommodation guide.

Incredible Rainforest Stay: Wildwood Rainforest CottagesWildwood offers by far the most incredible rainforest stay experience available in Daintree. Located in the heart of Cape Tribulation, Wildwood is set on a rare exotic orchard. Guests have exclusive access to the orchard and are free to explore the over 800 trees on the property and pick and taste the seasonal fruits. All rooms have access to a landscaped garden and fire pits for grilling under the stars.

Best hostel in Cape Trib: Daintree Crocodylus Hostel For backpackers and those on a budget who prefer a more raw Daintree experience, I would recommend Crocodylus hostel. In Cow Bay, closer to the ferry but just a stone's throw from Cape Tribulation and Myall Beach, this hostel offers safari tent-style rooms built from wood and canvas, with high ceilings, fans and mosquito nets. All rooms have rainforest views and include access to their swimming pool!

Epic holiday home for groups: Cape Tribulation Holiday House With a group or would you rather have a large house in the rainforest all to yourself? This property is the highest rated holiday home in Cape Tribulation. Set on 5 acres of rainforest, it features a huge balcony, 2 bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen!
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RELATED: 7 Best Cape Tribulation Tours

More activities in Cape Tribulation and the tropical north

I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to visiting Mason’s Swimming Hole in Cape Tribulation. For more Far North Queensland adventure travel guides, check out the links below. Otherwise, why not start with this epic list of things to do in Cairns or this comprehensive waterfall guide to Far North Queensland?

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