Crystal Cascades, Cairns: Complete swimming hole and waterfall leader

Veröffentlicht: 15. Juli 2022, 22:10 Uhr

Aktualisiert: 09. Juni 2025, 22:54 Uhr

Von: wom87

The Crystal Cascades are perhaps one of the most famous swimming holes near Cairns. It has several places along the stream for swimming and a nice waterfall at the end. Discover this complete guide to visit the Crystal Cascades in Cairns, Australia.

The Crystal Cascades are a number of fresh water cases that are only a short 25-minute drive from Cairns. There are several refreshing swimming holes that offer an incredible way to cool off in the hot tropical North Queensland climate.

This is a complete guide to visit the famous Cascades from Cairns. I have information about how to come here, what awaits you and some inspiring photos of my travels.

When you read my blog for the first time, you may not know that I have documented hundreds of epic sights and activities in Cairns. After looking at the Crystal Cascades, explore the epic Cairns waterfalls or hiking trails or look at this list to see where you can stay.
Alt = “Crystal Cascades Cairn's waterfalls, swimming hole near Cairns”> The main waterfall at the Crystal Cascades

Where are the crystal cascades?

The Crystal Cascades is a local name for the many swimming holes and waterfalls along the "Freshwater Creek". This stream flows all year round because it is fed by Lake Morris and the many tributaries of the Lamb Range.

The cascades have its own parking space, which is about 18.7 kilometers from Cairns CBD.

Google Maps Pin: "Crystal CASE CADE"

How to come here from Cairns

Although the Crystal Cascades are a very popular place for locals, there are no public transport.

To get to Crystal Cascades, you need a car. If you come from the city of Cairn, it is only 25 minutes drive behind Redlynch to the outskirts of Barron Falls National Park.

I attached the Crystal Cascades location on Google Map above. This leads you to a large parking space where you have to park your car before you go the Crystal Cascades Trail.

If you don't have your own car, it is best to simply book a canyoning tour from Cairns. This is one of the best canyoning experiences in the far north of Queensland and leads up the "Crystal Canyon".

Check the best price: Cairns Canyoneering Adventure

Connection: Stoney Creek Falls

Walking on the Crystal Cascades Track

The Crystal Cascades Walk is by no means a hiking trail. Realistically speaking, it is more of a short walk of 1.2 kilometers on a paved road. This route begins at the parking lot mentioned above and is well signposted and easy to recognize.

Even if you may not have to bring your hiking shoes with you, it is still an incredibly nice walk through the tropical rainforest and past rapid flowering rapids.

It only takes about 20 minutes to reach the end of the hike where you can see the main waterfall. However, there are many beautiful bathing areas downstream when they go to the waterfalls.
Alt = “Crystal Cascades Cairn's waterfalls, swimming hole near Cairns”>

Related Post: The best activities in Cairns, Australia

The crystal cascade waterfall

The end of the line for the Crystal Cascades hiking trail is the main waterfall. This waterfall is actually a number of smaller waterfalls that result in a wide, deep pool. Officially, this waterfall is called Wongalee Falls.

There is access to the waterfall, where you can relax on the large granite rocks and swim in the natural pool.

Rainforest trees hang over the edges of the waterfall and the stream, which can help you to cool off on a hot summer day in Cairn. Alt = “Crystal Cascades Cairn's waterfalls, swimming hole near Cairns”>

What you can expect in the Crystal Cascades Cairns

Remember to pay a visit to the Cascades? If you are looking for activities in Cairns, I would definitely recommend spending at least one day trip here.

While everything else seems so far away, this waterfall is probably one of the nearest freshwater swimming areas that you will find. It is probably also one of the most beautiful natural places in Cairns, so take your time!

See also: The 10 best tours and experiences in Cairns

Find the best freshwater swimming holes

On the walk you will probably see some access points to some refreshing swimming holes along the Freshwater Creek. If you are looking for a remote place to swim, I would recommend going along the stream and choosing a place.

Most people meet at the waterfall or the first few spots and leave some beautiful, remote pools along the route.

There are several places with water that is deep enough to swim, so continue and explore it.

Alt = "Schwimmöcher near Cairns, swimming flows Cairns">
Alt = "Crystal Cascades Cairn's waterfalls, swimming hole near Cairns">

Tip: Make sure you monitor the water level

Unfortunately, several people died here. While it may seem safe and innocent on a quiet day, the Crystal Cascades can be a completely different beast in the rainy season after torrential rains.

Fortunately, there are warning systems that warn tourists and locals alike when the water level becomes too high. Nevertheless, fresh water flows, streams and waterfalls near Cairns can be extremely unpredictable. Make sure you monitor the conditions and under no circumstances go into the water if you have any doubts.
Alt = “Crystal Cascades Cairn's waterfalls, swimming hole near Cairns”>

Cliff jumping on the crystal cascades

When I was at the main waterfall of Crystal Cascades, some small 6-meter cliff jumps were shown in the deep pool below. The main pool is sufficiently deep to jump on the right, but there could be underground rocks.

On the sloping granite edge, it can also get pretty slippery. Giving a jump and landing on the rocks below leads to serious injuries. It is best to be shown by a locals where you have to jump before trying it. Remember the signs advise you not to jump, so use your common sense.

Are the crystal cascades remote?

A few other blogs that I read online have claimed that the Crystal Cascades are a local secret and that they will have them all for themselves.

Unfortunately, this has never been the case with me. I visited the Crystal Cascades in Cairn's countless times during my time and never had it for me.

Maybe there has been an increase in popularity lately, but it definitely seems to be more than a handful of people in the Cascades most of the time.

Before you go: Don't miss the nearby Fairy Falls

If you are looking for something more separated, there is another secret waterfall on site that is located at the Crystal Cascades. To achieve it, you have to go back to the Crystal Cascades car park. On the left side of the parking lot (with a view of the Crystal Cascades path) there is a small, non-marked path.

This path meanders through dense rainforest vegetation before revealing a spectacular small waterfall with a deep swimming hole.

Read the full blog post: Fairy Falls, The Secret Waterfall

alt = “Fairy Falls Cairns”>

Cairn's accommodation guide-where to spend the night

Are you planning a trip to Cairns and wonder where you should settle? Below I listed some of the best options near Cairn's Esplanade. I also wrote a comprehensive accommodation guide for Cairns and a comprehensive accommodation leader for Port Douglas.

Crystalbrook Riley - if you are looking for luxury and location, the Crystallrbook Riley is unbeatable. This is the best 5-star resort in Cairns and offers absolutely everything you expect from a Crystalbrook resort.

TIP: Definitely go to Rocco’s Bar on the top of the Crystalbrook Riley to enjoy a great view over Cairns!
Alt = “Girl while sunbathing in the Crystalbrook Riley Resort in Cairns”>
Rydges Resort-This hotel offers an excellent price-performance ratio for an epic stay at a decent price! The location is perfect, near the Esplanade and has three swimming pools, two tennis courts, a whirlpool, a fitness center and even a award -winning restaurant.
Alt = “Rydges Esplanade Resort in Cairns, where to stay accommodation”>
Fitzroy Island Resort - if you prefer to stay on one of the picturesque islands of the Great Barrier Reef, you are exactly right in the Fitzroy Island Resort. While you can take a day trip here, I strongly recommend spending the night so that you have more time to explore the reef, the coral beaches and the hiking trails in the rainforest.
Alt = “Fitzroy Island Resort”>
Gilligan’s backpackers-the best backpacker option for a great atmosphere in Cairns is Gilligan’s Backpackers. This is because this has a swimming pool, air conditioning, a complete kitchen and a great common area to meet other travelers.

alt = “Gilligans Backpacker Resort”>

More photos of the crystal cascades to inspire your visit

Are you looking for more photos of the crystal cascades? Here are more photos that I took during my visits to this epic place in Cairns!

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Alt = “Crystal Cascades Cairn's waterfalls, swimming hole near Cairns”>