Explore pristine waterfalls at Crystal Cascades
Cairns , Australia • 
Popular
Popular
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Jun
23°C – 31°C, hot and humid with frequent rainfall, medium crowds, peak season
23°C – 31°C, hot and humid with frequent rainfall, medium crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Not wheelchair accessible; walking and hiking required.
Not wheelchair accessible; walking and hiking required.
Value for money
High
Free entry and beautiful scenery offer great value.
Free entry and beautiful scenery offer great value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the serene setting and the chance to relax by the water together.
Stunning Nature
Visitors found the lush rainforest and clear pools perfect for a romantic escape.
Peaceful Retreat
Couples enjoyed the quiet trails and the opportunity to connect with nature.
Crowded Weekends
Couples found it difficult to find a private spot on busy weekends.
Safety Concerns
Travelers worried about the potential dangers of swimming in the strong currents.
Limited Privacy
Some couples felt the area lacked secluded spots for a truly intimate experience.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Join an adventurer on a visit to Crystal Cascades.
A duo embarks on a journey to Crystal Cascades.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
23-31°C
December brings hot and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 23.4°C to 31.4°C. Rainfall increases significantly, with an average of 178.8 mm, marking the start of the wet season.
December brings hot and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 23.4°C to 31.4°C. Rainfall increases significantly, with an average of 178.8 mm, marking the start of the wet season.
Open
Increased rainfall may lead to slippery trails and reduced water clarity. Caution is advised during visits.
Increased rainfall may lead to slippery trails and reduced water clarity. Caution is advised during visits.
Not recommended
December's hot and humid conditions, coupled with increased rainfall, can make visits to Crystal Cascades challenging. While the area remains accessible, visitors should exercise caution due to potential slippery conditions and reduced water clarity.
December's hot and humid conditions, coupled with increased rainfall, can make visits to Crystal Cascades challenging. While the area remains accessible, visitors should exercise caution due to potential slippery conditions and reduced water clarity.
January
MEDIUM
23-31°C
Hot and humid with frequent rainfall.
Hot and humid with frequent rainfall.
Open
Increased rainfall may lead to stronger currents; exercise caution.
Increased rainfall may lead to stronger currents; exercise caution.
Recommended
January is part of the wet season in Cairns, characterized by hot and humid conditions with frequent rainfall. Despite the wet weather, it's a popular time to visit, offering lush scenery and vibrant rainforests. However, be prepared for higher prices and moderate crowds. Swimming is possible, but caution is advised due to stronger currents.
January is part of the wet season in Cairns, characterized by hot and humid conditions with frequent rainfall. Despite the wet weather, it's a popular time to visit, offering lush scenery and vibrant rainforests. However, be prepared for higher prices and moderate crowds. Swimming is possible, but caution is advised due to stronger currents.
February
MEDIUM
23-31°C
Hot and humid with frequent rainfall.
Hot and humid with frequent rainfall.
Open
Increased rainfall may lead to stronger currents; exercise caution.
Increased rainfall may lead to stronger currents; exercise caution.
Recommended
February continues the wet season with similar conditions to January. The waterfalls are at their most vibrant, and the surrounding rainforest is lush. While it's a popular time to visit, be prepared for higher prices and moderate crowds. Swimming is possible, but caution is advised due to stronger currents.
February continues the wet season with similar conditions to January. The waterfalls are at their most vibrant, and the surrounding rainforest is lush. While it's a popular time to visit, be prepared for higher prices and moderate crowds. Swimming is possible, but caution is advised due to stronger currents.
March
LOW
23-30°C
Warm and humid with decreasing rainfall.
Warm and humid with decreasing rainfall.
Open
Some trails may still be wet; exercise caution.
Some trails may still be wet; exercise caution.
Recommended
March marks the transition from the wet to the dry season. The weather remains warm and humid, but rainfall begins to decrease. This period offers a more serene experience with fewer crowds and lower prices. Swimming is generally safe, but be cautious of residual wet conditions on trails.
March marks the transition from the wet to the dry season. The weather remains warm and humid, but rainfall begins to decrease. This period offers a more serene experience with fewer crowds and lower prices. Swimming is generally safe, but be cautious of residual wet conditions on trails.
How to get there
Car
Recommended
Drive from Cairns via Sheridan Street, James Street, Anderson Street, Pease Street, and the Cairns Western Arterial Road to Redlynch Intake Road, which leads to the car park.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis from Cairns provide direct access; pre-booking a return trip is recommended due to potential mobile reception issues.
Bike
Cycle from Cairns, with a portion on cycle paths, to the cascades. Bike racks are available at the entrance.
Walking
Walking is possible but not practical due to the long distance from Cairns.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Not allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required