FREE OF CROCS
Top spots for a safe cool dip
THE hot weather means two things for Far North Queenslanders: time to cool off and time to be extra wary of crocodiles.
With the wet season and humidity both upon us, saltwater crocodile breeding season is in full swing.
Rivers and creeks are all regarded as croc territory, but this time of year, it means crocs that would normally be inhabiting these areas will also be on the move, accounting for beach closures we have experienced recently.
If you want to be super safe, look no further than these fantastic places to take a reptile-free dip:
THE CAIRNS LAGOON
Love it or loathe it, our giant, resort-style swimming pool on the city’s foreshore is a brilliant piece of civic architecture. It is absolutely free and once past the tourists, who hog the shade, you can chillax in the water, dry off under a palm tree, listening to the free live music played at weekends. If it is natural freshwater that you seek, look no further than the far reaches of Redlynch. Crystal Cascades has crystalclear waters spilling down from the mountains, which is chilly but so good, especially after a late-night bender. There are barbecue areas and picnic tables here, so you can dip in and out of the water between snacks, or walk further upstream to sit in one of the natural pools and have your own private spa bath.
TOBRUK MEMORIAL POOL
Tobruk, if you are new to the city, used to be an ancient public swimming pool. Now, after a massive redevelopment, it has become very popular. There is now a wave-making machine, known as the Flow Rider. For less than $30, you can get an hour of surfing an artificial wave. Bring the family to swim in Tobruk’s 50m pool, the 25m shaded lap pool, the 25m multipurpose warm water pool or even the toddlers pool.
LAKE EACHAM
It may be an hour’s drive from Cairns but it is well worth the trip. Lake Eacham is a freshwater haven, and not only is it a stunning place to swim, the ancient crater lake is large enough for canoes, kayaks, paddle-boards and inflatable watercraft. You can also spot some of the local wildlife attracted to the rainforest-fringed lake. The Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing advises that there has been a solitary but relatively harmless freshwater croc spotted in the lake occasionally.
HOTEL AND RESORT POOLS
Several bigger hotel chains, particularly at Palm Cove and Port Douglas, allow day visitors to use their facilities, albeit as long as you spend a few dollars on food and beverages while there.