Crystal Cascades — Attraction in Redlynch

Beautiful spot with ample parking. The walk is well marked out and paved. It is a bit of a walk so make sure you bring water and sun protection to stave off the heat and humidity and insect repellant as we had to swat each other for sand flies as we made our way to the cascades.

There are some smaller pools of water downstream from the main cascades which are more suitable for kids and older groups (you'll know it as there are prams usually parked nearby) as traversing the rocky approach to main cascades is tricky and the rocks into the water are slippery and require a careful approach with good mobility and a basic level of swimming confidence.

As for the main cascades it's a really peaceful and scenic spot for a swim we had blue emperor butterflies at the time as a bonus bit of atmosphere. Naturally this isn't a swimming pool - and needs to be respected as such. The river bottom is rocky and falls off at different depths, this is not a place for unattended children and at the time of writing there had been three drowning deaths this year. You need to be able to haul yourself out of the water if you want to get out in some places.

NOTE: The waterfall itself can be strong one and definitely has a hydraulic jump at the bottom that could trap weak swimmers or people diving from the top who aren't aware of the recirculating current below. This is something you'll need to approach with caution and the whole area immediate to the falls is deep and unsuitable for poor swimmers. Local kids and teenagers regularly jump here from varying heights. It is ill advised to try jumping if you're not familiar with the water and can't swim. The results for many tourists have been fatal...

Crystal Cascades: A Refreshing Oasis Despite the Chilly Water! Our family thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Crystal Cascades. Even though the water was undeniably cold – a bit of a shock initially in the Cairns humidity – it was incredibly refreshing and well worth braving for a dip. The contrast between the cool water and the hot, humid air was actually quite invigorating! What truly stood out was the pristine clarity of the water. It was so clear that we could easily spot the fish swimming around, which the kids found fascinating. It really speaks to the natural beauty and cleanliness of the area. The lush rainforest surrounding the cascades is simply stunning. The air is thick with the sounds of nature, and the various rock pools and small waterfalls offer plenty of opportunities for exploration. Our children were absolutely captivated by the butterflies flitting around. They spent ages trying to capture the perfect photo, and there were certainly plenty of beautiful specimens to admire. The walk to reach the main cascades is relatively easy and well-maintained, making it accessible for families. There are also various spots to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way. It felt like a true escape into nature, just a short drive from Cairns. While the water temperature might be a bit bracing for some, the overall experience at Crystal Cascades is fantastic. The natural beauty, the clear water teeming with fish, and the abundance of butterflies make it a memorable outing, especially for families. We'd definitely recommend a visit to anyone looking for a natural swimming hole and a chance to immerse themselves in the rainforest. Just be prepared for a...

Stunning spot, perfect for a short hike and a refreshing swim. The waterfalls are beautiful, the water is crystal clear, and swimming with the native fish adds a special touch they’re surprisingly friendly and don’t seem to mind sharing their space. That said, it gets incredibly hot, especially on the hike. Also, note that you have to climb up and down some staircases to get to and from the falls. There’s shade in some areas, but the tropical humidity really kicks in, so bringing water and wearing light clothing is a must. Parking? It was an absolute nightmare. The area fills up quickly, and finding a decent spot can be frustrating. Worse still, we saw a car behind us that had been broken into, which was a big reality check. If you visit, be extra cautious with valuables and don’t leave anything visible inside your car. Despite that, the scenic drive to and from the entrance makes up for the stress lush greenery, winding roads, and a sense of escape from the city. Verdict? A beautiful must-visit natural spot, but stay prepared for the heat and be mindful of security in the...