Cardwell Spa Pool

How to Get to Cardwell Spa Pool

Cardwell is located approximately 2.5 hours south of Cairns and about 1.5 hours north of Townsville along the Bruce Highway. From Mission Beach, it’s roughly 45 minutes’ drive north.

Directions from the Bruce Highway:

1. Drive through Cardwell and continue north on the Bruce Highway for approximately 5km
2. At Ellerbeck, turn left (you’ll pass Meunga Creek Caravan Park on your right)
3. After about 3km, turn left onto the dirt road (Cardwell Forest Drive)
4. Follow this road – you’ll see a small car park for the pools on your right

There are two entrances to the gravel road. If you’re only visiting the Spa Pool, use the entrance closest to the sealed road.

Save the map before you go – mobile reception on Cardwell Forest Drive is limited.

What to Expect at the Spa Pool

The Spa Pool sits within dry eucalypt forest, which makes the turquoise water feel like an unexpected oasis. There’s a natural rock formation that creates a small “spa” area, plus a deeper pool section perfect for swimming.

A tree stump near the edge serves as a jumping platform into the deeper water. You can also walk upstream, though water levels are shallower there.

The path from the car park is well-maintained with a few steps leading down to the water. It’s easy to slip into the pool, though reef shoes are recommended as the rocks can be sharp.

There are picnic tables near the car park, but no toilets, changing facilities or rubbish bins. Bring everything you need and take all rubbish with you.

What to Bring

• Water and snacks (there are no facilities)
• Sunscreen and hat
• Towel
• Reef shoes or sandals (rocks are sharp)
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes can be heavy, especially in still conditions)
• Camera

Safety Information

Swimming safety:

• Water levels can rise unexpectedly, especially after rain
• Rocks become slippery when wet
• Underwater currents can be stronger than they appear
• No lifeguards – swim at your own risk

Wildlife:

• Crocodiles have been spotted in coastal areas around Cardwell, though sightings at the Spa Pool are rare
• Mosquitoes and other insects are common – bring repellent
• This is a freshwater creek, so marine stingers are not a concern

General rules:

• Camping and fires are not permitted
• Dogs are allowed (it’s state forest, not national park) – but practice good etiquette and don’t let dogs swim while others are in the water
• Clothes are required – this is a family-friendly spot

Parking and Crowds

There’s limited parking at the Spa Pool. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

Drive slowly on Cardwell Forest Drive – swimmers often cool off on the causeway and in areas close to the road. Mountain bikers also use this route, so watch for cyclists entering from the surrounding forest.

Weekday mornings tend to be quieter. Some visitors report having the pools entirely to themselves during off-peak times.

Other Things to Do Near Cardwell

If you’re visiting the Spa Pool, you’re already on Cardwell Forest Drive – home to several other swimming holes and waterfalls worth exploring:

• Attie Creek Falls – a short drive from the Spa Pool
• Dead Horse Creek – another swimming spot on the same road
• Wallaman Falls – Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall (about 50km west of Cardwell)
• Blencoe Falls – a 90m plunge with camping areas (4WD required)

In Cardwell itself, the foreshore offers views across to Hinchinbrook Island, and the town is known for fresh mud crab – pick some up from the local seafood shops.

Getting to Cardwell from Mission Beach

Cardwell is approximately 45 minutes’ drive north of Mission Beach along the Bruce Highway.

If you’re staying in Mission Beach and exploring the Cassowary Coast, the Spa Pool makes an easy half-day trip. Combine it with a visit to Cardwell’s foreshore, grab some mud crab for lunch, and stop at Attie Creek Falls on the way back.

From Cardwell, you can also access the ferry to Hinchinbrook Island for multi-day hiking on the Thorsborne Trail, or continue north to Girringun National Park and Murray Falls.