Emmagen Creek swimming hole is one of the best spots to cool down in freshwater pools in Cape Tribulation, Queensland Australia.
I’ve visited many creeks, waterfalls, and swimming holes in Cape Tribulation and the Emmagen Creek swimming hole is by far one of my personal favourites! This refreshingly clear freshwater creek is located within the Daintree National Park inside an oasis of lush rainforest surrounds.
If you’re up for a free and safe way to cool off in Cape Tribulation, then Emmagen Creek is one of your best bets! You only need to take a short rainforest stroll to reach it, and you might even spot some local wildlife on the way.
How to Get to Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole
Emmagen Creek is located approximately 5 kilometres north of Cape Tribulation. It marks the "end of the road" spot for 2WDs since you'll need to cross the creek if you want to continue north to Bloomfield or Cooktown.
To get here, follow Cape Tribulation Road north, passing Myall Beach, Masons Waterhole, the Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail and most other highlights in Cape Trib. Soon, you'll reach an unsealed section of road.
Don't worry, this relatively short 3.5 kilometre stretch is fairly well-graded and easily doable in most 2WD vehicles, at least until you reach Emmagen Creek.
The road climbs steadily in some sections, so take your time and be wary of other vehicles. You'll know when you're nearing Emmagen Creek once you approach the giant strangler fig tree on the right side of the road.
Just a few hundred metres beyond, you'll see the large cleared area where cars are often parked to access the swimming hole.
GPS Coordinates: 16°02'24.7"S 145°27'25.2"E
Hiking the Emmagen Creek Walk
After you park your vehicle, walk down a little further to the Emmagen Creek road crossing. You'll notice the no swimming crocodile signs here. However, don't stress. You can swim safely at Emmagen Creek just a little further upstream from the road.
There's a short walking track starting just to the left before the creek. This track is completely flat and only a few hundred metres long. Follow it and you'll arrive at this incredible freshwater swimming hole.
What to Expect At Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole
Emmagen Creek is my personal favourite freshwater swimming hole in Cape Tribulation. The swimming spot is a deep section of the creek with eroded banks sustained by thick, rainforest roots.
It really is one of the best places to cool off, especially if you've just done the long Great Barrier Reef Drive!
There's even a rope swing attached to the tree, which you can use to dive into the crystal clear water. The depth can vary by season but it was at least 6ft deep when we visited in relatively dry conditions.
You'll also notice many large jungle perch fish swimming by the banks of the creek. I suspect these guys are fairly used to people as they didn't seem bothered by us at all.
Also, if you're lucky, you might spot a Cassowary at Emmagen Creek. Unfortunately, we didn't get to spot one on our visit. However, our friend made a trip to the hole just an hour after us and spotted a male Cassowary and three chicks!
Can You Swim at Emmagen Creek?
Swimming downstream near the road is definitely discouraged as there is a crocodile sign here. However, it's generally safe to swim further upstream at the Emmagen Creek swimming hole as large boulders block the way up for crocodiles.
Besides, it's a very well-known swimming hole in Cape Tribulation that attracts several visitors every single day.
Are there Crocodiles at Emmagen Creek?
After doing a bit of research, it's clear that there have been crocodiles spotted at Emmagen Creek. However, they have only ever been spotted downstream. The water at the Emmagen Creek swimming hole is very fresh but the saltwater crocs prefer the brackish waters downstream towards the ocean.
Related: How to Plan a Crocodile Cruise on the Daintree River
Where to Say at Cape Tribulation
Below I've included some tips on the best places to stay on your trip to Cape Tribulation. If you'd like more suggestions with photos, read my comprehensive accommodation guide to Cape Tribulation.
1. Wildwood Rainforest Cottages Luxury
Wildwood offers luxury rainforest cottages set on a rare exotic fruit orchard. Freely explore the 800+ trees on the property, picking & sampling any of the fruits in season
2. Daintree Crocodylus Hostel Budget
Located in Cow Bay, this hostel offers safari-tent style rooms that are built from wood and canvas, with high ceilings, fans and mosquito net.
3. Cape Tribulation Holiday House Family
The highest-rated holiday house in Cape Tribulation set on 5 acres of rainforest & includes a huge balcony, 2 bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen!
More Far North Queensland Travel Guides
I hope that you've enjoyed this quick guide to visiting the Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole in Cape Tribulation. If you're travelling in Far North Queensland and looking for things to do, make sure to check out some of my other guides below.
Want another swimming spot nearby? Check out the hike to the Daintree Waterfall!
- 60+ Things to do in Cairns - my ultimate Cairns and FNQ travel resource covering the best activities, hidden gems, and unmissable experiences.
- Cairns Hiking Guide - a huge list of epic rainforest, waterfall, and lookout hikes in Cairns.
- Cairns Waterfalls - a huge list of epic waterfalls that I've visited in Cairns and the surrounding tropics.
- Cairns Islands - discover my favorite Great Barrier Reef islands near Cairns and Port Douglas.
- Cairns Tours - my roundup of the best tours you can book in Cairns and FNQ, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest.
- Cairns Packing List - tips on what to pack for a trip to Far North Queensland.
- Top Things to Do in Port Douglas - a comprehensive guide to the sleepy Far North Queensland town of Port Douglas.
- Epic 5-Day Cairns Itinerary - my suggested adventure itinerary if you only have 5 days to spend in Cairns.
- Cape Tribulation Travel Guide - discover where the rainforest meets the reef at one of my favourite places in Australia.
- Best Things to do in the Atherton Tablelands - my guide to one of Far North Queensland's most underrated adventure destinations.
- Accommodation Resources: Discover where to stay in Cairns, the best hotels in Port Douglas and my Cape Tribulation accommodation guide.
