How to get to Paradise Waterhole, Big Crystal Creek
Paradise Waterhole, also known as Paradise Lagoon, is only a short walk from the Crystal Creek day-use area. Here, you can relax and unwind while the kids jump into the water and have a swim.
Location - Paluma Range National Park, North Queensland, Australia
Distance - 200 metres
Duration - 2-5 minutes
Difficulty - 3, easy with some steps
Paradise Waterhole, also known as Paradise Lagoon, is only a short walk from the Crystal Creek day-use area. Here, you can relax and unwind while the kids jump into the water and have a swim. The rock slides are located near here in Nolan's Gully, which flows into Crystal Creek. Camping, by permit booked online prior to visiting, is also available at Big Crystal Creek nearby. There are toilets and picnic facilities.
From the Big Crystal Creek campground and recreational day-use area, the path to Paradise Waterhole begins near the barbeque and cooking facilities. The short jaunt down to this pristine waterhole takes about two minutes. The track will take you to an outcrop of large rocks perfect for taking in the sun and reading a book after a dip in the deep, crystal clear pool.
It is a deep, long, large freshwater swimming hole with water all year round and plenty of space for larger groups of people to swim alongside the turtles and fish.
Interactive Map
How to get there
Located approximately an hour, 70 km north of Townsville, turn off the Bruce Highway towards Paluma. Then turn into Spiegelhauer Road - it's a approximately 5 kilometres to the turnoff to Paradise Waterhole.
The water temperatures can be cold as the water cascades down Paluma Range, navigating the creek bed boulders on it's way to the flat coastal plain. Best visited in summer. Even at the low levels, the water is deep enough to be able to jump safely from the rocks into the deep. You'll be surrounded by granite slabs, sandy beach, small creek rocks, and mountain views.
Notes
- Glass containers are not allowed at the waterhole.
- There are free BBQ's, toilets and cold showers on site.
- Camera, food, snacks, hat, towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Fishing in Paluma Range National Park is not permitted.
- Never jump or dive into water and be careful at the water's edge, especially during and after rain or drizzle. Rocks can be extremely slippery and submerged timber can appear after flooding. Injuries have occurred.
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