While Cairns is known best for attractions like the Great Barrier Reef, it also has numerous freshwater swimming holes that give a place to escape the heat without having to travel out on the open water.

From more popular destinations like Mossman Gorge and Crystal Cascades, to the numerous smaller creeks and rivers that dot the region - Cairns is the freshwater swimming capital of Australia!

The region's high rainfall means the creeks are full the whole year round, ensuring you won't have to travel far to have a cool dip surrounded by lush rainforest.

One of the best known and loved spots is Crystal Cascaides, featuring a number of different swimming pools seperated by cascading waterfalls and surrounded by tropical flora and fauna.

It has BBQ areas, a walking track and the infamous "No Fear", a 12m high cliff that is popular with daredevils who like to take the plunge into the deep pool below.

At only 15 minutes from the CBD in the suburb of Redlynch, it is one of the closest freshwater swimming spots to Cairns CBD.

Travelling a bit further afar is Mossman Gorge, part of the Daintree Rainforest National Park.

Located around an hour's drive North of Cairns, the Gorge is known for having some of the coldest water in the region and its picturesque surrounds attract over half a million visitors to the region every year.

Aside from the swimming, Mossman Gorge also offers aboriginal cultural tours, walking tracks and some of the best birdwatching in the region.

To the South, spots like Josephine Falls, Golden Hole and the Boulders are all popular with tour groups and locals alike, but swimmers are warned to take notice of any signage and be mindful of their actions as the waters are quite deep with strong currents to boot.

The Atherton Tablelands also features a number of spots, but during winter it can be too cold to swim (unless you are brave of course!).

However, the summer months see thousands of people heading to Lake Tinaroo – the largest lake in the area – or to one of the crater lakes, Lake Barrine or Lake Eacham.

You won't have to look to far to find swimming spots in Cairns - there are many more than mentioned here, check out our Maps of Cairns for more details as to where the best spots are to go.

For more information about swimming, or other attractions in the Cairns region, please check out the links below:

> Mossman Gorge

> Atherton Tablelands Tourist Information

> Cairns Swimming Spots

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