Mason’s Swimming Hole, Cape Tribulation: Are there crocodiles?

One of the most-loved swimming holes in the Daintree, Mason’s Swimming Hole in Cape Tribulation, Queensland, is a spot for a croc-free rainforest swim.

Mason’s Swimming Hole in Cape Tribulation is one of the best-loved swimming holes in the Daintree region of Far North Queensland.

This Cape Tribulation swimming hole is on private land, which is owned by the same people who own the neighbouring Mason’s Café on Cape Tribulation Road. The Café asks for a $1 entry fee to go for a swim, although it really makes its money from selling people food and drinks afterwards.

What is Mason’s Swimming Hole?

Mason’s Swimming Hole is a medium-sized pool with fabulously clear water. It is surrounded by rainforest vines, and there’s a rope swing for those who want to enter the pool with an almighty splash.

7 Cape Tribulation experiences you should book in advance

▶️ An attraction-packed Cape Tribulation day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas.
▶️ (Highly recommended ✅) Small group reef snorkelling – on the Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef tour.
▶️ See the Daintree come to life – on a guided rainforest night walk.
▶️ Uncover jungle secrets – on a small group rainforest trekking adventure.
▶️ Whizz through the trees – on a thrill-a-minute zipline adventure course.
▶️ Saddle up, and go horse-riding along the beach.
▶️ Stretch those legs on a full day waterfall hike.

Are there crocodiles at Mason’s Swimming Hole?

By rights, Mason’s Swimming Hole should be a prime crocodile hangout. It’s in a creek, close to the sea, deep inside the crocodile territory of Far North Queensland. However, that gorgeous clear water is the key here.

Saltwater crocodiles much prefer brackish water to freshwater, and the water in Mason’s Swimming Hole is entirely fresh water. Queensland’s crocs also prefer murky water, so they can’t be seen as easily. If a crocodile did enter Mason’s Swimming Hole, it would be so obvious that everybody would see it from the water’s edge.

5 Daintree experiences worth booking in advance

Daintree Discovery Centre tickets.
Hour-long Daintree River cruise.
Mossman River drift snorkelling.
Daintree River late afternoon cruise.
Barramundi fishing experience.

Are there marine stingers at Mason’s Swimming Hole?

Mason’s Swimming Hole is also free of marine stingers, which live in saltwater. Given that Cape Tribulation’s beaches look stunning, but are less than ideal for swimming at, this makes Mason’s Swimming Hole an extremely attractive proposition on a hot day.

Mason’s Swimming Hole is just to the south of the village. You can pay a visit on the drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, stopping at spots such as the Marrdja Boardwalk and Noah Beach on the way in.

Other things to do in Cape Tribulation include horse-riding tours, the Dubuji Boardwalk to Myall Beach and the Kulki Boardwalk to Cape Tribulation Beach.