Mason’s Swimming Hole is a pristine freshwater swimming hole located in walking distance of Cape Tribulation’s main attractions. It’s the safest blue water swimming hole in Cape Tribulation, which means you’ve finally found a croc-free spot to swim and cool down.
Cape Tribulation is famously known for the spot where the rainforest meets the sea in Australia’s wild Tropical North Queensland. Being the tropics, you’d expect this idyllic destination to be hot!
Unfortunately, Cape Tribulation is a place that truly lives up to the old Aussie adage that “everything here wants to bloody kill ya!”. This is especially true at the beach, where crocs and the occasional deadly marine stinger tend to lurk, awaiting the unexpecting, weary backpacker to make a false move.
Fortunately, there are certain spots where you can escape the heat and cool down. In this quick blog post, I’ll showcase the best freshwater blue water hole in Cape Tribulation: Mason’s Swimming Hole near Mason’s Cafe.
Don’t miss my comprehensive Cape Tribulation guide covering 20 of the best things to do in the region and my accommodation guide for where to stay too.
Where is Mason’s Swimming Hole?
Mason’s Swimming Hole is located at the back of Mason’s Cafe. The swimming hole is on private land and owned by the same guys who run the cafe.
Thankfully for Cape Tribulation visitors, the kind cafe owners have opened the swimming hole to the public, with a small donation ($1) being the asking price.
You’ll find the cafe and swimming spot on the left side of Cape Tribulation Road when heading north (opposite the beach). Realistically, it’s fairly hard to miss, just head towards Myall Beach and you will see the signs just before you get there.
Mason’s Swimming Hole Entry Fee
As mentioned above, there is a small fee requested to enjoy the pristine swimming hole at Mason’s Waterhole. However, it’s only $1 per person, and you can swim and enjoy the serenity for as long as you’d like.
RELATED: Mount Sorrow Hike
What to Expect at Mason’s Swimming Hole
The waterhole is marked by a small entry point into the dense rainforest scrub. You will find this just a few hundred metres behind the cafe. As soon as you enter the rainforest, you’ll see the clear water surrounded by mossy rocks and tropical vines.
If you take a look at the bank, you will notice plenty of native freshwater fish. These guys live in the rainforest waterhole, presumably also hiding from the crocs further downstream in the brackish waters.
Also, there’s a rope swing attached to a tree on the other side of the bank!
The best place to swim is the deep section next to the exposed bank. However, we ventured up the creek and found some nice little swimming spots away from the crowds.
Another Cape Tribulation Swimming Hole: Emmagen Creek
Where to Stay 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.
Incredible rainforest stay: Wildwood Rainforest Cottages
Wildwood offers easily the most incredible rainforest-stay experience on offer in the Daintree. Located in the heart of Cape Tribulation, Wildwood is set on a rare exotic fruit orchard. Guests have exclusive access to the orchard and can freely explore the 800+ trees on the property, picking and sampling any of the fruits in season. All rooms provide access to a landscaped garden and fire pits for guests to cookout under the stars.
Best Hostel in Cape Trib: Daintree Crocodylus Hostel
For backpackers and those on a budget who would prefer a bit more of a raw Daintree experience, I’d recommend the Crocodylus hostel. Located in Cow Bay, closer to the ferry, but just a short hop from Cape Tribulation and Myall Beach, this hostel offers safari-tent style rooms which are built from wood and canvas, with high ceilings, fans and mosquito net. All rooms have rainforest views and include access to their swimming pool!
Epic Holiday House For Groups: Cape Tribulation Holiday House
With a group or prefer a big house in the rainforest all to yourself? This accommodation is the highest-rated holiday house in Cape Tribulation. It’s set on 5-acres of rainforest and includes a huge balcony, 2 bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen!
RELATED: 7 Best Cape Tribulation Tours
More Things to do at Cape Tribulation & the Tropical North
I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to visiting Mason’s Swimming Hole in Cape Tribulation. For more adventure travel guides from Far North Queensland, make sure to check out some of the links below. Otherwise, why not start on this epic list of the Things to do in Cairns or this comprehensive waterfall guide to Far North Queensland?
MY CAMERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT
- Mirrorless Camera: Canon R5
- Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360 Action Camera: Insta360 One X2
- Landscape Lens: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L
- All-Round Lens: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L
- Telephoto Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm f/f/4.5-7.1 L
- Long Action Pole: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
- Landscape Lens Filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- Camera Backpack: F-Stop Tilopa
- Favorite Photography Accessory: Peak Design Capture Clip
For a list of all my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why) check out my guide to camera gear for travel.
If you’d like to use any photographs on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. For high-resolution & commercial use, please contact me directly.