Overview
- Features: Series of waterfalls flowing into pools
- Opening Times: Dawn to dusk
- Best Time to Visit: During the summer months (Dec to Mar)
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Transport Options: Car
- Cost: Free
- Address: Redlynch, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Type: Waterfall
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Summary
Located in a relatively unspoilt section of the upper Freshwater Creek, in the Redlynch Valley, about 14km west of Cairns, the Crystal Cascades is a narrow forest gorge gushing with rapids, small waterfalls and swimming opportunities. If you’re planning a trip to the Crystal Cascades in Cairns, check out this article on things you should look out for when you get there.
Things to Look Out for at Crystal Cascades Cairns
1. Crystal Cascades Waterfalls
Crystal Cascades are a series of waterfalls which are stunningly beautiful because of the way they cascade into large pools surrounded by boulders. The colour of the water is crystal clear hence its name. This is the main attraction at Crystal Cascades which is accessed by a 12km (30-minute) pathway.
2. Swimming Holes
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One of the best things about Crystal Cascades is the opportunity to swim in the pools formed by the waterfalls and cascades. Pack some swimming gear and jump into the refreshing swimming pools that are hugely popular with locals and tourists. Swimming here becomes even more popular during the summer months when swimming in the ocean can be dangerous due to the presence of stingers in the waters.
3. ‘No Fear’ Cliff
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One of the highlights of visiting Crystal Cascades is jumping off a cliff into the deep waterholes. If you’re adventurous enough, head to ‘No Fear’ which is the highest perch from which to jump into the largest waterhole in the Crystal Cascades area. This waterhole is located alongside a sheer cliff which is popular with both locals and tourists alike who take it in turns jumping from the high cliff into the deepest waterhole.
Be careful when attempting this daredevil stunt as an 18–year–old man drowned when he failed to resurface after slipping over the edge of a waterfall, while swimming in a restricted area in 2014.
4. Picnic Areas
If you have time to spare, why not make a day-out of your visit to Crystal Cascades and take a picnic with you. After a refreshing swim in the waterholes of the cascades, dry up and enjoy a delicious lunch picnic at the picnic tables in the area. There’s also a toilet block close-by.
5. Lake Morris
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If you’re visiting Crystal Cascades you should also visit adjoining Lake Morris which is linked to Crystal Cascades by a steep rainforest walking trail. If you have time to spare, consider taking this walking trail which begins near the picnic area. Allow three hours for the return trip.
6. Dead-Man’s Itch
‘Dead-man’s itch’ is the local name for a stinging plant with large, serrated, heart-shaped leaves that is commonly found besides the paths in the area surrounding the Crystal Cascades. You should try and avoid coming in contact with its leaves which has a terrible sting. Some think that the stories about this plant may be exaggerated, but if stung you’ll believe them too.
Tell us what you think. What are you planning to do at Crystal Cascades? If you’ve been here before, what was the highlight of your visit?
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