Loading Page...

Can you swim in freshwater Cairns?

Yes you can swim in Cairns beaches, however it can be very dangerous between the months of November – May. Most locals would recommend swimming in freshwater lagoons, lakes and waterfalls to avoid crocodiles, jellyfish and other dangerous animals in the sea.



People Also Ask

Tropical North Queensland is blessed with an abundance of waterfalls. The great news is that you can swim right up to many of these spectacular cascades – and even let the running water cascade over you. Swimmable waterfalls are found from Cardwell to Cape York, with many concentrated around the Atherton Tablelands.

MORE DETAILS

The beaches in the city aren't suitable for swimming due to crocodiles and it being too buddy. However, there is a lagoon to swim in if you're staying in Cairns City.

MORE DETAILS

The best beaches to swim at are mainly in the Northern suburbs. The beaches in the city aren't suitable for swimming due to crocodiles and it being too buddy. However, there is a lagoon to swim in if you're staying in Cairns City.

MORE DETAILS

The Cairns Lagoon is a popular swimming facility located along the Cairns Esplanade in the Central Business District. This 4800 square metre saltwater swimming lagoon offers an all-year-round, safe, swimming location without stingers and crocodiles.

MORE DETAILS

We recommend getting there in the shoulder months of April and May and September and October. The weather is amazing at these times and you'll be beating the dry season crowds!

MORE DETAILS

We highly recommend wearing the stinger suits – regardless of the time of year – as it will not only protect you from cairns jellyfish stings, but also provide sun protection in the tropical climate. Snorkellers do not need to fear cairns jellyfish on the Great Barrier Reef. Jellyfish are found around the world.

MORE DETAILS

In summer, the average sea temperature at Cairns' northern beaches ranges from 28.9 - 29.4°C (84 - 84.9°F), dipping slightly in winter to 23.8 - 24.5°C (74.8 - 76.1°F).

MORE DETAILS

Quiet and backed by dunes and forests of redwoods, this furrific lagoon offers fishing and swimming. Paddlers can bring their boats to the boat launch and spend an afternoon on the water.

MORE DETAILS

Located on the foreshore of the Trinity Harbour front, the Cairns Lagoon has sandy shores and timber decking surrounding the 4800 square meter salt water swimming pool. The water that fills the state-of-the-art swimming facility is pumped in from the Trinity Inlet and cleansed through a high tech filtration system.

MORE DETAILS

This 4800 square metre saltwater swimming lagoon offers an all-year-round, safe, swimming location without stingers and crocodiles. Entry to the Cairns Lagoon is free and provides excellent barbecue facilities, perfect for birthday parties or afternoon family dinners.

MORE DETAILS

the 'sand' is very silty all along that part of the coast ie. soil washed down by the rivers. therefore shore wave action causes the 'mud' to disperse thru the water column. that's the brown stain.

MORE DETAILS

Cairns Tours can help you see the best of the reef's natural wonders in the safest way possible with the best and most experienced guides in the region. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime and swim alongside harmless reef sharks, whales, turtles, and tropical fish in their natural habitat!

MORE DETAILS

Marine Stingers. Two types of marine stingers, or jellyfish, are found on Cairns' Great Barrier Reef. Both are poisonous and can leave painful stings and sometimes scars. Usually, they are only present in the waters between November and May, but this may change pending weather conditions.

MORE DETAILS