How to get to Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole – Cape Tribulation?

How to get to Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole – Cape Tribulation?

A complete guide to visiting Emmagen Creek swimming hole in Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia. Includes details on how to get there, what to expect and photos of this pristine rainforest swimming hole.

The Emmagen Creek swimming hole is one of my personal favorite swimming holes in Cape Tribulation. Located in the Daintree National Park, this refreshingly clear freshwater stream sits in an oasis of lush rainforest.

If you're looking for a free and safe way to cool off in Cape Tribulation, then Emmagen Creek is one of your best bets! You only need to take a short rainforest walk to reach it, and you might even spot some native wildlife along the way!

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• alt=“EMMAGEN CREEK SWIMMING LOCH IN CAPE TRIBULATION“>
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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.

How to get to Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole

Creek is located approximately 5 kilometers north of Cape Tribulation. It actually marks the “end of the road” for two-wheeled riders, as you have to cross the stream if you want to continue north to Bloomfield or Cooktown.

To get here, follow Cape Tribulation Road north past Myall Beach, Masons Waterhole, the Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail and most of Cape Trib's other highlights. You will soon reach an unpaved section of road. Don't worry, this relatively short 3.5km route is fairly well graded and easily manageable with most 2WD vehicles, at least until you reach Emmagen Creek.

The road climbs steadily in some sections, so take your time and watch out for other vehicles. You will know when you are approaching Emmagen Creek when you approach the giant strangler fig tree on the right side of the road. Just a few hundred meters behind you can see the large cleared area where cars are often parked to get to the swimming hole.
alt=“EMMAGEN CREEK RIVER CROSSING, 4WD”>Emmagen Creek Crossing – park in front of it

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Emmagen Creek Walk (short)

After parking your vehicle, walk a little further down to the Emmagen Creek road intersection. You will notice the signs prohibiting crocodiles from swimming here. However, don't stress. A little further upstream from the road, Emmagen Creek is a safe place to swim.

A short hiking trail begins just to the left of the stream. This route is completely flat and only a few hundred meters long. Follow it and you'll reach this incredible freshwater swimming hole.
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What to Expect at Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole

Emmagen Creek is my personal favorite freshwater swimming hole in Cape Tribulation. The swimming spot is a deep section of the stream with eroded banks supported by thick rainforest roots.
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There's even a rope swing attached to the tree so you can jump into the crystal clear water. The depth can vary depending on the time of year, but when we visited in relatively dry conditions it was at least 6 feet deep.
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You will also notice many large jungle bass fish swimming along the banks of the stream. I suspect these guys are pretty used to people since they didn't seem bothered by us at all.

If you're lucky, you might also spot a cassowary at Emmagen Creek. Unfortunately we couldn't spot any during our visit. However, our friend made a trip to the hole just an hour after us and spotted a male cassowary and three chicks!
alt="JUNGLE PERCH, CAPE TRIBULATION">

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Can you swim at Emmagen Creek?

Swimming downstream near the road is definitely not recommended as there is a crocodile sign there. However, it is generally safe to swim further upstream at the Emmagen Creek swimming hole as large boulders block the way up for crocodiles.

It is also a very famous swimming hole in Cape Tribulation that attracts several visitors every day.
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Are there crocodiles at Emmagen Creek?

After a little research, it is clear that crocodiles have been spotted at Emmagen Creek. However, they were only ever seen downstream. The water at the Emmagen Creek swimming hole is very fresh, but the saltwater crocodiles prefer the brackish water downstream to the ocean.

BEST DAINTREE CROC TOUR: (Review) Solar Whisper Crocodile Cruise

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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More activities in Cape Tribulation and Far North Queensland

I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to visiting Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole in Cape Tribulation. If you're traveling in Far North Queensland and looking for things to do, be sure to check out some of my other travel guides below.

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