3 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN SUMMER!
Crystal Cascades
Less than 30 minutes’ drive from Agincourt, Crystal Cascades is one of the secrets of Cairns and Tropical North Queensland that locals wish they could hide from visitors.
It is a secluded freshwater swimming hole, hidden in a wonderfully cool tropical rainforest accessible by a beautiful walking trail that snakes alongside the river.
A series of small waterfalls flow into large pools surrounded by large impressive granite boulders.
Rainforest trees hang over the mountain water, keeping it cool and refreshing. There are also council managed and cleaned BBQ and picnic tables in the area with a toilet/change room block close-by.
For most, the only way of discovering the presence of Crystal Cascades is by being told by a local, or unwittingly following road signs to the unique surrounding places.
Nothing beats the feeling of a refreshing dip after a good walk!
Granite Gorge
Granite Gorge is about an hour’s drive from Agincourt heading up on the Kuranda Range and towards the beautiful Tablelands.
Nestled in a eucalyptus forest, it is quiet and tranquil, with a maze of walking tracks over acres of massive granite boulders through national park; most of the tracks are flat and easy-going leading to cliffs with panoramic views over the countryside below.
The Gorge is like no other place in the world, with its spectacular landscape stretching as far as the eye can see, volcanic activity has forged up huge weird-looking boulders with some resembling animals, these massive boulders will leave you in awe.
The rocks form a breath-taking sight with vast drops revealing views of volcanic rock terrain, native trees and creek beds, unique wildlife and many bird species. There are three one-kilometre walking tracks and smaller circuits that will stir fond memories long after you have walked them.
Granite Gorge is one of the few places that you can get up close and personal with cute, inquisitive native rock wallabies in their natural habitat, these little wallabies are unadorned wallabies (Petrogale inornata, Mareeba Race).
This rare and endangered species are unique to this area of Mareeba. The wallabies are known to live on the top of mountain ranges, but this is the only place that they can be seen up close and fed in the wild. Macropod pellets are available, and the wallabies can be fed all day. The best feeding experience is in the afternoon where up to 50 will congregate in the feeding area to be fed and petted.
Cairns Lagoon
As the first of the suns rays hit the Cairns Lagoon until dusk, the swimming pool located right in the heart of the Cairns business district is abuzz with tourists and locals relaxing on the grassy knoll or splashing in the shallows. The crystal clear waters of the Cairns swimming Lagoon prove to be incredibly inviting as the temperature warms up and the need for a quick dip to cool off is paramount.
The large swimming area is patrolled daily by Life Guards who ensure the safety of the 1000 or so swimmers that the Cairns Lagoon can accommodate at any one time. Ranging in depth from 32 inches to 5 feet the Cairns Lagoon features underwater seating benches making it easy for all to enjoy. The Cairns Lagoon is fitted with disability access which is located at the southern end of the facility.
Located on the foreshore of the Trinity Harbour front, the Cairns Lagoon has sandy shores and timber decking surrounding the 4800 square meter salt water swimming pool. The water that fills the state-of-the-art swimming facility is pumped in from the Trinity Inlet and cleansed through a high tech filtration system.
A day spent at the Cairns Esplanade Swimming Lagoon is the perfect way to soak up some sun, enjoy some safe swimming, meet some other tourists to catch up with your friends and take in the views of the stunning Trinity Inlet and mountains that line the horizon of Cairns city in Queensland Australia.
While there are plenty of nearby restaurants and coffee shops at and near the swimming lagoon, locals like to lay out a picnic at one of the many tables located in the surrounding park grounds under the huge Banyan Trees. Dotted along the boardwalk of the Cairns Esplanade right by the Swimming Lagoon are 12 BBQ facilities that are cleaned daily and are available for use throughout the day.
