Swimming can be an awesome way to spend a day with kids . Enjoyable for both adults and children, with the extra bonus of burning off all the excess energy that kids tend to have, it’s a win-win. Finding that perfect swimming hole where little ones can play, and adults can relax without too much stress chasing them around, is like finding a gold mine. Here is a list of some local places that are worth checking out.
Archer Creek Rest Area – located 17km west of Ravenshoe along the Kennedy Highway, this swimming spot has shallow waters with a lovely sandy bottom and shady trees for picnics. Picnic tables and toilets available on site. Pets and campfires allowed. Caution: can be fast flowing after storms.
Innot Hot Springs – for a rugged outdoor adventure, drive across the bridge and walk down to the creek. Bring a shovel and dig your own personal hot tub. Water is generally very, very hot close to the bridge and cools down as you reach the treeline. It’s nice and shallow for little ones but please be mindful that water (and the sand alongside) can be burning hot! Hot spots are sometimes found in cooler water too. Public toilets are at the Community Hall. Make it a weekend trip and spend the night at the Innot Hot Springs Caravan & Leisure Park adjacent to the creek, where you can also swim in the pools for a fee as a day visitor.
Wild River – from the Lions Park, walk in the direction of Herberton township, down the steep driveway until you reach the bush. Head left along the track until you see the water. The best picnic spot is over the water and very easy to access. This creek is seasonal so visit during the wet season (but not too wet) before it disappears! There is a public toilet at the park, and dogs are also allowed.
Anniversary Falls – under 2km from Herberton township, this hidden gem requires a ten-minute walk across a creek, but is easy enough for little legs with a strong adult to guide them. A 4WD may be able to drive further in and park about halfway, before the narrow walking track. It isn’t well-signed, but a maps app will guide you to park on Creek Street, or to drive in. Don’t cross the second creek and head uphill – that’s too far! There is a mix of shallow creek areas and a deeper swimming hole at the falls, and enough room to sit for a picnic. No amenities. This waterfall can dry up before the wet season.
Dinner Falls – along the walking track to Mt Hypipamee Crater, you can take paths off to shallow or deep sections of these cascades. The section with the concrete wall creates a shallow spot against the flat granite area. There are amenities and a big grassy space near the carpark.
Winfield Park – only minutes from Malanda on Lake Barrine Road, the Johnstone River offers cool crystal-clear water. There is also plenty of grass to run on, shallow spots for swimming, shade, and large rocks for rock hopping. Bring a picnic as your kids will want to spend hours here. Toilets and picnic tables available on site.
Lake Eacham – just 7km from Yungaburra, this volcanic crater has an average depth of 65 metres, but near the viewing area there is a boat ramp area and some stairs that offer shallow swimming with an adult present. There are toilets and picnic tables here, as well as walking tracks and wildlife to see.
Peterson Creek – on the edge of Yungaburra township there is a short walk through Mabi forest to a swimming hole called Frawley’s Pool. The creek on the side of the pool has shallow rapids for little ones to play amongst. The water at the pool isn’t always clear, so keep an eye on everyone! There’s a picnic table here, and plenty to see along the walking tracks.
Kauri Creek Day Use Area – the best spot for really little ones. Sandy, very shallow, and lots of room to move. Shady through most of the day, toilets, picnic tables and BBQs available (bring wood for a BBQ). You can walk up the creek to a cascade or just sit and enjoy watching the kids splash around.
Davies Creek – follow the Davies Creek Road near Mareeba all the way to the camping area. You will see several potential swimming spots along the way but the best one for little kids is from the campsite. Here you will find picnic tables, toilets, shady areas and beautiful crystal-clear water. Note: the dirt road does not require a 4WD but it can be very bumpy so drive with care!
Granite Gorge Nature Park – is just 14km from Mareeba and offers shallow swimming under the casuarina trees along the campground. After heavy rain, the current might be too strong for small children, so give them a call to check. A reasonable entry fee applies here which gives you access to the walks, amenities, and animal displays. You might see turtles and rock wallabies. Bring plenty of drinking water and find a shady spot. Campfires are allowed, as are dogs on leads in the camping area only.
The Weir – this popular spot at Chillagoe flows year-round. An oasis in a very hot environment around 1.5 hours west of Mareeba. There are no amenities here, but it’s close to town. Shallow swimming is mostly amongst the paperbarks, but there are other areas with a mixture of shallow and deep which are fairly easy to access.
Mungalli Falls (below) – a scenic 13km drive from Millaa Millaa, this privately-owned waterfall area can be accessed from the Outdoor Education Centre where there is parking available. There are pathways and viewing platforms and the easiest place to swim is at the little rock pools beside the grassy area near the carpark. Keep an eye on the kids though as they might try to rock hop up the cascade! There are also other shallow areas along the pathway to the main waterfall drop.
Millaa Millaa Falls – just 3km from Millaa township, be sure to do the short forest walk from the carpark. The best spot for little swimmers is on the right-hand side of the grassy area as you’re looking at the falls. Amenities are available.
Ellinjaa Falls – is less than 3km further along the same waterfall circuit and requires more of a walk in to the falls with stairs, but there are some rock pools ideal for a dip that are shallow enough for little ones. There’s a picnic area near the carpark, but no toilets here.
Henrietta Creek – located directly on the Palmerston Highway 22km east of Millaa Millaa, this creek has pristine water and plenty of shallow areas for kids to play. Picnic tables and toilets are available on site, as well as camping and some walking trails.
These shallow swimming spots can provide a fun and memorable way for families to cool off and relax during the warmer months while enjoying nature with kids. It’s essential to prioritise safety by keeping an eye on children and staying aware of water conditions – especially during the wet season when currents can be unpredictable. Be cautious of sun exposure and slippery surfaces too. Some spots will have leeches – so carry salt with you for easy removal.
Remember to leave these natural pools how you found them, take nothing but memories, and leave nothing behind. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day out in nature – enjoy some adventurous family-friendly outdoor fun this summer!