Swim at the Daintree Rainforest's Swimming Holes

Take a dip in one of the Daintree Rainforest’s pristine swimming holes!

Can you swim in the Daintree Rainforest? Yes! And there are some awesome swimming spots in the Daintree Rainforest for you to explore.

Why explore the swimming holes?

Sure, there are some beautiful beaches nearby but sometimes you just want to jump into a river or lake. There are a few awesome reasons why you should head to the Daintree for a swim!

More Shade

The great thing about rainforest swimming is that there are a whole lot of trees providing a whole lot of shade! The trees provide a nice amount of shade for relaxing, while the warm air prevents you from getting cold.

Don’t forget you still need sun protection though! Even if you are not directly in the sun, it is still best to play it safe with a hat and sunscreen.

Less crowded

Because the Daintree Rainforest is close to Port Douglas, many people head to the beaches. This means that the beaches can get quite crowded on a hot day.

Instead, head into the rainforest and you’ll find locals enjoying the pristine waters of the swimming holes. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might discover a secret getaway by following a few locals down the paths.

Fresh Water

Not everybody is a fan of the salty ocean water. Spending too much time in saltwater can make your hair feel crunchy and your skin dries out. The Daintree swimming spots are filled with fresh water, so you don’t have to worry about the feeling of being covered in salt.

No boats or Jetskis

We don’t know how they’d get in, but we’d like to see them try! Secluded rainforest swimming spots are safe away from motorised vehicles. They are much quieter and the main sounds you’ll hear come from the birds chirping in the nearby trees.

Great Picnics!

With no sand to get all over you and your food, these swimming spots are great places for a picnic! Pack a lunch or a snack and enjoy your meal while sitting alongside one of the swimming holes. Just be sure to clean up after yourself!

No Sand

Okay let’s face it, sand is lovely but sometimes it gets in your hair, your bathers, and everywhere! In the Daintree Rainforest swimming holes, the worst you’ll have to deal with is a leaf or two.

Waterfalls

There’s something so romantic about swimming under a waterfall. The soft cascade provides a relaxing soundtrack for your day and keeps the water gently flowing in the pool. Plus, if your body is feeling sore, waterfalls provide great shoulder massages. That’s definitely a bonus!

Top three swimming holes

There are plenty of swimming holes to choose from, but here are three of our favourites to check out!

Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is one of the best swimming spots in the Daintree Rainforest. The swimming holes at this location are created from a freshwater river that runs through the rainforest.

The swimming holes are secluded, offering some relaxation surrounded by nature. This is also a great spot to enjoy a picnic, soaking in the peace and quiet all around. You may even spot some of the many colourful birds that live in the Daintree Rainforest.

Emmagen Creek

You will find Emmagen Creek after a short trek through the rainforest. It is a little bit off of the beaten path, which means that this tropical paradise is often one of the quieter spots to visit. The swimming hole is lined with eroded rocks and has places where you can sunbathe or crack open a good book.

Please be aware that there are crocodiles further down the river, so it is important to only swim in the swimming hole itself.

Cassowary Falls

Cassowary Falls is another great swimming hole to check out! As its name suggests, there is a waterfall that cascades into the swimming hole. The constant flow of the waterfall creates a soothing soundtrack for your time in the rainforest.

There are gorgeous hiking trails located near the swimming hole, so be sure to check those out when you’re not swimming.

If you’re feeling relaxed just thinking about swimming in the Daintree we can see why!

Related article: Swimming Holes of the Daintree Rainforest.