Table of contents
Cairns Waterways
Cairns creeks are an important part of the Wet Tropics, from the upper reaches of the Mulgrave River to the salty mouth of the Barron River. Creeks in the tropics can change from a virtually dry river bed to a raging torrent 20 metres deep after just a few hours of torrential rain.
Central and North Cairns
There are a number of drains and creeks in this area. Indeed they range from the tiny Lily Creek to the raging Barron River.
West Cairns Creeks
There are a number of drains, creeks and waterways in this part of the city. Copperlode Dam and Lake Morris lie in the Wet Tropics, while Chinaman Creek and Moody Creek make their way from the Macalister Range foothills, east through suburban Cairns and into Trinity Inlet.
South Cairns
The Russell and the Mulgrave are the two major waterways south of Cairns. The Russell River emerges from sourced from the Bellenden Ker Range, below Mount Bartle Frere. It meanders highly as it flows south by east and joins Josephine Creek. It flows east of Babinda and then due north.
The Russell eventually joins with the Mulgrave River, were they both empty there by then salty water into The Coral Sea. The area they meet is known as ‘Russel Heads’.
- Bana Gindarja Creek
- Mulgrave River
- Russell River
- Skeleton Creek
Cairns Creeks Swimming
The upstream portion of Cairns creeks and waterfalls include many great places to relax and take a dip. Some great locations are:
- Babinda Boulders in Babinda
- Davies Creek Falls Infinity Pool. Time from Cairns: 1 hour. Walk in: 300m. … •
- Fairy Falls. Time from Cairns: 30 mins. Walk in: 15 mins. … •
- Emerald Creek. Time from Cairns: 1 hour 15 mins. Walk in: 1.9km to waterfall. …
- Crystal Cascades. Time from Cairns: 25 mins. Walk in: 1.5km.
Freshwater Creek Cairns
Freshwater Creek is a popular place to take a dip. Crystal cascades is a much loved swimming hole on ‘Freshie Creek’.
There are crocodiles further downstream in the creek. As you head down through lower freshwater towards the Barron River, the risk of crocodiles increases.
Where do Cairns Creeks Go?
Cairns creeks make their way to the saline estuary and find their way to the Coral Sea.
Those close to Cairns, such as Skeleton, Gordon, Chinaman and Moody Ck first discharge into Trinity Inlet.
Cairns Creeks
Just because you can’t see a crocodile, it doesn’t mean there is not one close by. Crocodiles can stay underwater for more than an hour. Even large crocodiles can be completely concealed in knee-deep water.
Cairns Creeks and waterways are home to crocodiles. Indeed no waterway in northern Queensland should ever be considered crocodile-free. So being crocwise is so important. These animals can eat you.