Things to do in Cardwell, Queensland

The best things to do in Cardwell, Queensland, include the Cardwell Bush Telegraph, Girringun Art Centre and Cardwell Forest Drive.

Cardwell, Queensland, is a town on the Cassowary Coast, roughly half way between Townsville and Cairns. If you’re driving from Townsville to Cairns or Townsville to Mission Beach, it makes a logical stop on the way.

Cardwell is best known as the departure point for Hinchinbrook Island, with Hinchinbrook Island ferries from Cardwell dropping hikers off at the northern end of the Thornsborne Trail walking track. The Dalrymple Gap section of the Girringun National Park is also just to the south of Cardwell.

Things to do in Cardwell, Queensland: Cardwell Bush Telegraph

However, there are a few things to do in Cardwell itself. The small heritage precinct is home to the Cardwell Bush Telegraph. Formerly the Telegraph and Post Office building, the Cardwell Bush Telegraph is one of the oldest buildings in North Queensland. It dates back to 1870, which is borderline prehistoric in this part of the world.

The museum inside tells the story of Cardwell and the surrounding region. It gives an idea of how towns operated and survived up here in the early days of settlement. The Cardwell Bush Telegraph also explains how telegraph communication worked.

What to do in Cardwell: Girringun Art Centre

The other main attraction in Cardwell is the Girringun Art Centre, which brings together work from local Aboriginal artists.

Altogether cheesier is the Big Crab. This garish four metre wide crab sculpture is one of Australia’s infamous Big Things. The Big Crab sits on top of the Seaview Café, and gives an idea of the most ubiquitous item on Cardwell menus. Mud crabs are the big local speciality.

Things to do in Cardwell, Queensland: Cardwell Forest Drive

The best things to do in Cardwell, Queensland, however, are along the Cardwell Forest Drive. This 28km scenic drive takes in a series of swimming holes and waterfalls. The Cardwell Lookout offers the best views, Attie Creek Falls is the most dramatic waterfall and Cardwell Spa Pools is the strangest swimming hole. The minerals in the rocks here turn the water strange shades of blue.

Best Cardwell accommodation choices

The best places to stay in Cardwell are:

For a holiday park with an outdoor pool and children’s playground: Cardwell Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park.
For prime location: Cardwell Beachfront Motel.
If those two are fully booked: Kookaburra Holiday Park.

The Cardwell Spa Pools in Cardwell, Queensland. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

On the way north of Cardwell, you can also stop at Murray Falls in Girrimay National Park.

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