One of Australia’s favourite tropical cities is one of the best places to enjoy a dip in the water.
Located in the north of Queensland, Cairns is a beautiful city that is warm all year round. But the city is also one of the places in Australia known as the home of the famous crocodile. And yes, these large reptile creatures indeed live around Cairns, but there are safe places where you can still swim while visiting.
Where to swim
Cairns offers many opportunities and incredible places where you can safely swim!
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Great Barrier Reef
One of the most famous places to swim in the world is the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is filled with vibrant coral and beautiful marine life. You can swim, snorkel, and dive in the reef, experiencing one of the natural wonders of the world.
While there is a jellyfish season, during which deadly jellyfish are present in the waters, there are stinger suits that keep you safe.
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Cairns beaches
Cairns has a selection of beautiful beaches where you can enjoy a dip in the water. Some beaches in Cairns have nets to reduce jellyfish, so it’s best to wear a stinger suit. Some of the best beaches to swim at include Holloways Beach, Trinity Beach, and Palm Cove.
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Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
You won’t find any crocs or other marine life here at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. The lagoon is a popular swimming pool and a great spot to cool off from the heat all year round.
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Green Island
Only 45 minutes from Cairns is the beautiful Green Island, the only island on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest! Green Island is a great way to spend the day exploring and a chance to go into the water to cool off.
You can join a day tour and head out to Green Island and Pinnacle Reef! You can choose to spend the day exploring Green Island or out in the water of Pinnacle Reef.
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Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest has some incredible waterholes where you can safely swim in. Some of the most popular ones include Mossman Gorge, Mason’s Swimming Hole, and Cassowary Falls.
Remember to stay croc-wise while swimming in Cairns. If the water is clear and you can safely scope out that there aren’t any crocs in the waterholes, then it generally is okay. And hey, if you do want to see a croc (safely), check out the Daintree River cruise! You can do the cruise, along with seeing the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef on this Cairns tour package!
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.