A complete guide to visiting the Emmagen Creek swimming hole in Cape Tribulation, Queensland Australia. Includes details on how to get here, what to expect and photos of this pristine rainforest swimming hole.
The Emmagen Creek swimming hole is one of my personal favourite swimming holes in Cape Tribulation. This refreshingly clear freshwater creek is located within the Daintree National Park within 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
Creek is located approximately 5 kilometres north of Cape Tribulation. It actually 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.
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Emmagen Creek Walk (short)
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.
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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.
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!
Related: Cape Tribulation Horse Riding – Everything You Need To Know
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.
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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!
More Things to do in Cape Tribulation & Far North Queensland
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.
