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.
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 toward Myall Beach and you will see the signs just before you get there.
- Google Maps Pin: "Mason's Swimming Hole"
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.
Also Nearby: Mount Sorrow Hike
#1 Water Bottle Filter
Enter the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter & Purifier Bottle! I take this bottle on every hike and use it as my go-to source for filtering water all over the world. I've even used it to drink tap water in India!
// Compare how the GeoPress stacks up against the best water bottle filters on the market.
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 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.
- Incredible rainforest stay: Wildwood Rainforest Cottages - 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 cook out under the stars.
- Best Hostel in Cape Trib: Daintree Crocodylus Hostel - 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.
- 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!
The Ultimate Cape Tribulation Travel Resource
Looking for more Cape Trib travel guides & adventure inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive blog posts that will serve as a great free resource for your trip.
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?