Where is the Blue Hole in the Daintree Rainforest?

In the heart of the Daintree Rainforest and surrounded by lush plants, there is a beautiful blue waterhole.

The Daintree Rainforest is a stunning part of Australia and is also the oldest rainforest in the world, making it 180 million years old! The rainforest has lots of refreshing swimming spots, breathtaking views, and hidden places like the Blue Hole.

Blue Hole is within the Daintree Rainforest and close to Cape Tribulation. The Blue Hole is a stunning waterhole with the water being a gorgeous shade of blue.

Can I see the Blue Hole?

The Blue Hole is sacred to the Eastern Kuku Yalnji people which holds great significance, especially to the Jalunjiwarra people. The area is reserved for women’s business that is used as a healing pool and a birthing place for the Jalunjiwarra women.

If invited or have permission from an appropriate Jalunjiwarra woman, you can see the Blue Hole.

Can I swim at the Blue Hole?

It is encouraged to appropriately respect and use the area where the Blue Hole is. This means to not swim and to not use the water, even when you have permission. It’s believed people who ignore the warning signs at the gate can get quite sick when swimming in the water.

Where can I go swimming?

If you’re looking for somewhere to go swimming, here are some nearby swimming holes that are perfect to cool down in while exploring the Daintree.

• Emmagen Creek
Emmagen Creek has emerald green water and is a great place to swing off a rope and splash into the water (literally). The swimming spot is about five kilometres from Cape Tribulation and is surrounded by lush green plants and tall trees.

• Mason’s Swimming Hole
If you’re not so keen on a long walk to go for a swim, Mason’s Swimming Hole is calling your name. You can drive up to Mason’s Cafe (grab some food or drinks) and walk behind the cafe to the waterhole.

• Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge is another beautiful swimming hole where it is on a lot of travellers’ bucket lists to visit. The lush Daintree Rainforest surrounds the clear turquoise swimming spot that has large boulders by the water.

Other things to do nearby

Aside from swimming, there are plenty of other things you can do when visiting the world’s oldest rainforest.

• Madja Boardwalk
Explore the dense lowland part of the Daintree through this short 45-minute boardwalk. There are signs all along the walk for you to read and learn about the plants you see as you make your journey through the rainforest.

• Daintree River cruise
The Daintree River cruise is a must do when in the Daintree as it’s a great way to see all kinds of different native flora and fauna. The cruise usually goes for around 60 to 90 minutes and you will learn so much history of the river and rainforest.

• Jindalba Boardwalk
The 45-minute Jinabalba Boardwalk takes you through the lowland rainforest by Mount Alexandra. Walk around quietly and keep a lookout for a musky rat kangaroo, a Bennett’s tree kangaroo, or even a buff breasted paradise kingfisher.

• Mount Alexandra Lookout
Also known as the Walu Wugirriga Lookout, this spot has some breathtaking views. You’ll be able to look over the top of the green Daintree that stretches out to the coastline of the Great Barrier Reef.

Even though from the photos, the Blue Hole is an exquisite waterhole, it’s recommended to respect the traditional owners. You can reach out and get permission from a Jalunjiwarra woman or go to one of the many other beautiful swimming holes nearby.

Cameron Ward

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.