Crystal Creek, Paluma Range NP: Crocodile-free swimming holes?

The swimming holes at Big Crystal Creek and Little Creek in Queensland are relatively safe. But beware submerged rocks when going for a swim in the Paluma Range National Park near Townsville.

Crystal Creek, Queensland, is one of the highlights of the Paluma Range National Park near Townsville. Or, rather, it’s two of the highlights. Crystal Creek is split into Big Crystal Creek and Little Crystal Creek, both of which have their own appeal.

The Paluma Range National Park is the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. It starts just west of Townsville, but the Crystal Creek area is a little further up the Bruce Highway on the drive from Townsville to Mission Beach, near the small village of Mutarnee.

Swimming at Big Crystal Creek

Both sections, however, offer delightful swimming holes. The facilities at Big Crystal Creek are better, as there is a camping ground here. The Big Crystal Creek camping area is a good spot for a picnic in between swims in the Paradise Waterhole. You can also take the 3km walk to the Rockslides – a series of swimming holes and cascades.

It’s safe to swim at Big Crystal Creek – it’s too far inland and high up for the big saltwater crocodiles to concern themselves with. But enter the water carefully – dive in, and you don’t know what rocks you might hit.

The rocks can be slippery, and people have injured themselves here in the past.

The Big Crystal Creek camping area is about 6km west of Mutarnee, but the Little Crystal Creek day use area is about 9km to the south-west. There is no road between the two – you need to go back to the main road.

Swimming at Little Crystal Creek

Little Crystal Creek is arguably prettier than its big brother. This is partly because the cascading waterfalls flow into the swimming hole, and partly due to the frame provided by the 1930s stone arch bridge. Again, be careful getting in and don’t jump or dive. People have sustained serious injuries doing so at Little Crystal Creek.

Other highlights of the Paluma Range National Park include Jourama Falls in the north of the park. Birthday Creek Falls and McClellands Lookout are also worth a visit. Crystal Creek makes for a good stop on the drive from Townsville to Cairns. For more information, visit the Paluma Range National Park section of the Queensland Parks and Forests department website.

Accommodation near Crystal Creek, Queensland

Most people visiting Crystal Creek will come from Townsville. But there are a couple of nearby accommodation options. Try the Tasman Holiday Park or Balgal Beach Units in Rollingstone.

More Australian national parks

Explore the Kosciuszko National Park from Nimbo Fork Lodge near Gundagai, NSW

Take the Bruny Island ferry to Bruny Island from Kettering, Tasmania.

Swim in the waterfall pool at Finch Hatton Gorge in Eungella National Park, Queensland.

Go camping and birdwatching at Cape Palmerston on the drive from Rockhampton to Mackay.

Go walking and 4WDing in the Little Desert National Park, Victoria.