10 ways to make a splash on your holiday

22 July

Cairns is the diving board from which to jump into some of Australia’s, if not the world’s, best water-based experiences, with a seemingly endless amount of aquatic fun to be had - from the obvious to the surprising - all year round.

*Dreamtime dive & snorkel. Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland*

It’s no secret that Tropical North Queensland is home to some of the most pristine and picturesque waters in the world, ready for you to dip a toe into. While the Great Barrier Reef is a clear favourite for holiday makers looking to get wet on their trip, did you know Cairns and surrounds offers a myriad of other ways and places to enjoy the water - from freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls, to lakes for wakeboarding and volcanic craters in which to kayak.

With so many wondrous water-based attractions to enjoy, whether you’re a family entertaining young kids, a couple seeking serenity or a thrill-seeking single looking to make a splash, there is something for everyone here on holiday.

Check out our shortlist of the best activities involving water in and around Cairns.

*Lake Barinne. Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland*

DO GO CHASING WATERFALLS

Swim in the cool clear waters of Crystal Cascades, a freshwater swimming hole the locals don’t want you to know about. Just 10-12 minutes drive from the Cairns CBD, this Tropical North Queensland gem is hidden in the rainforest where you will find small waterfalls cascading into large natural pools fringed with large granite boulders. There’s a BBQ and picnic tables to chill out on and enjoy a bite to eat by the natural swimming hole. If it’s peak excitement you’re after, take the Cairns Canyon Morning Tour and enjoy a secluded section of Crystal Cascades not accessible to the general public, known as Crystal Canyon. The action-packed half-day tour includes five abseiling opportunities, two rock jumps, one rockslide and one zip line. Choose your own adventure!

2. CANOE ACROSS A CRATER

Swim, canoe or kayak the pristine blue waters of Lake Eachem and Lake Barrine, volcanic craters formed by two massive explosions up to two million years ago. Located in Crater Lakes National Park, a Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, just one hour’s drive south of Cairns, here you can see and hear an abundance of wildlife, bird and mammal species, including a freshwater crocodile. Make a day of it, setting up camp at one of the many BBQ and picnic areas surrounding the lakes. You can tackle one of the many nature walks to choose from, catering to all ages and abilities, or visit the Lake Barrine Teahouse for breakfast, lunch or their award-winning devonshire tea.

*Mossman Gorge. Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland*

3. HAVE A GORGE-OUS DAY OUT

Discover the world's oldest continuously surviving rainforest and World Heritage Listed, Daintree Forest, a 75-minute drive from Cairns. At the entrance of The Daintree is Mossman Gorge 56,000 hectares of lush tropical rainforest and waterfalls. Feel reinvigorated and refreshed breathing in the crisp rainforest air and swimming in the waters at Mossman Gorge’s swimming hole. Take part in a range of self-guided walks or if you’re wanting some deeper understanding take a guided walk with a guide from the Kuku Yalanji people on the Dreamtime Walk. There is free parking available at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. There’s a shuttle bus that will transport you to the heart of the Gorge every 15 minutes between 8am and 5:30pm daily.

*Palm Cove. Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland*

4. KAYAK FROM ONE SLICE OF PARADISE TO THE NEXT

Start the day ferrying across to Palm Cove, the world's best beach, with its perfectly slanted palms and white sandy beach and where the only footprints left behind are your own. Then head out with Double Island Kayak Tours for 20 minutes of kayaking across to Double Island to explore the mangroves, coral reef and sea caves. Don’t forget to keep a lookout in the crystal clear waters below for colourful fish, rays and turtles. If conditions are perfect in the right season, you might be lucky enough to see some dolphins, dugongs and whales!

*Cairns Lagoon. Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland*

5. SOAK UP THE ULTIMATE STINGER-FREE POOL DAY

Wanting to stay local and relax by the pool? While the one at our hotel is stunning, you’ll have even more room to paddle at Cairns Lagoon, a 4800sqm salt water swimming pool that offers an all-year round, safe swimming location, and no need to worry about stingers or crocs! It’s located on the Cairns Esplanade in the CBD, with free entry and great amenities onsite, including a cafe and electric BBQs, great for early family dinners after a day of swimming. Monitored by lifeguards the Lagoon is wheelchair accessible with an aquatic wheelchair available onsite. There’s also free aqua aerobics and yoga classes. The Lagoon is only a half-hour stroll or 9-minute drive from the hotel.

6. RAISE THE HEART RATE RIVER TUBING

For the adventurous, Foaming Fury’s Half Day River Tubing can not be missed. Suitable for thrillseekers of all experience levels and from the age of five and up, this fun, exciting and safe water activity includes calm water rafting, small rapids and beautiful scenery. The freshwater of the Mulgrave River flows year round and is fringed with tropical rainforest, creating a beautiful tropical backdrop to a half day of tubing. There’s a minimum of two certified guides on the water ensuring there’s an international standard of safety at all times. Foaming Fury will provide a snack on the day and pick you up and drop you off. All you need to do is bring a towel, swimming costume, sunscreen and insect repellent. Shoe and waterproof spray jacket hire is optional.

*Cairns canyoning. Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland*

7. LIVE THE DREAM & SNORKEL THE REEF

Explore some of the Great Barrier Reef’s best diving and snorkelling sites with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel. Their marine biologists and indigenous cultural guides are dedicated to sharing stories from the Reef making it a truly unique experience exploring the underwater world. The day starts at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and takes approximately 1.5hours to get to the Outer Great Barrier Reef where you will learn of the Reefs creation story, dive multiple sites and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch by the highly awarded and renowned Ochre Restaurant and Tropic Spirit Catering. All you need to bring is your sun protection gear and a change of clothes, Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel will provide the rest.

8. DISCOVER A SWEET WATER PARK FOR THE KIDS

If you’re visiting with the family in summer, make a beeline for Sugarworld Adventure Park, a family-friendly waterpark south of Cairns, in Edmonton on 17 acres of lush historical parklands. With three super waterslides - The Tandem Tube, Superjet and Mat Racer - Splash Town water zone for kids with seven slides, pools, a giant water bucket, fountains, waterfalls and water jets, several swimming pools, and also a 9-hole mini-golf course, there’s enough here to keep the whole family entertained for the day. There’s also a licensed cafe on-site - a bonus for the grown ups.

9. TRY WAKEBOARDING IN PARADISE

When watersports are your thing, you’ll be glad to know Cairns caters for most water-based pursuits, like wakeboarding at Tropical North Queensland’s one and only cable water ski park. Cairns Wake Park in Smithfield, near the Skyrail, has jumps and obstacles catering for beginners to advanced, with all beginner equipment provided, ranging from kneeboards to wakeboards as well as life jacket and helmet. The park is suitable for ages 10 and above, however, Kids Club runs on Saturday mornings aimed at children 6-12 years old.

*Helmet diving. Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland*

10. SNORKEL THE REEF & KEEP YOUR LOCKS DRY!

Experience the reef with a fish-eye view, and no diving or swimming experience required. Wear an astronaut-like helmet connected to the surface via an air-hose supplying oxygen and walk on a submerged platform for a front row ticket to the spectacular marine life off Green Island, a 6000 year old coral cay. Breathe normally, even wear your glasses and there won’t be a wet piece of hair on your head! With Seawalker Dive Helmet Tours walk with reef fish and turtles and if you’re lucky you might get a pic with Gavin the photobombing parrotfish. The day tour departs from Cairns in the morning and includes transfers, Helmet Dive, glass bottom boat hire or snorkel equipment.

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