The 10 Best Things to do Near Cardwell, Queensland

Visiting Cardwell in Tropical North Queensland? You're onto a good thing. This glorious seaside town is found between Cairns and Townsville in North Queensland. Famous for its quaint atmosphere, unmissable pie van, incredible spa pools and beautiful waterfalls, a trip to Cardwell is a must do on every Australia traveller's list. Ready to discover the 10 best things to do near Cardwell, Queensland? Read on.

1. Admire Cardwell Spa Pools

   They're blue, they're famous and they're great to witness in real life. No trip to Cardwell is complete without stopping by at the well known Cardwell Spa Pools. The vibrant blue hue is not photoshop, they really do look like this with their colour coming from the minerals in the surrounding rocks. Choose to bring a picnic and set yourself up for the afternoon, or stop by with your camera for a quick photo op.

   
   

2. Stop by Attie Creek Falls

   Attie Creek Falls is one of those lesser known gems. While many people head straight to the famous Cardwell Spa Pools, Attie Creek Falls is found only a 9-minute drive from the spa pools, but by being a lesser known, you're more likely to have this Cardwell beauty to yourself. Keep in mind that Attie Creek Falls is seasonal, with the best time to visit in the North Queensland wet season (between November and April).

3. Walk the foreshore

   Take in the seaside bliss first hand by walking along the foreshore. With the township on one side, the sea on the other and the palm trees fringing the path before you, nothing gives you that I'm on holiday feeling quite like meandering down the Cardwell foreshore.

   
   

4. Enjoy a delicious pie

   When you think of Cardwell, you may not instantly think of pie - if you're not a Tropical North Queensland local that is. All locals in the region know that some of the best pies you'll eat in your life are found at the pie van in Cardwell. Pull in to the designated rest stop carpark beside the foreshore, and treat yourself to a delicious pie. Just be sure to get there early because they do sell out!

   
   

5. Pick up some local produce

   You just can't beat local produce and it comes in abundance here in Cardwell. Keep your eyes out on your way in and around the township for local produce sold on the side of road. With the region known for lychees and bananas, pick up your snacks for the rest of your trip (or for the rest of the day - depending how quickly you devour them) at one of the local stalls.

   
   

6. Visit a museum

   If you normally expect museums in larger cities, you'll be happy to know that Cardwell has you covered. Whether you're interested in learning about Cardwell's history, or looking for something to do on a rainy day in Cardwell, be sure to visit the Bush Telegraph. Held in one of the oldest buildings in North Queensland, here you can wander through the heritage listed space and learn about the Cardwell region.

   
   

7. Stretch your legs at Cardwell Jetty

   Extending 620 feet (180 metres) out from Cardwell, stretch your legs by walking out to the end of the Cardwell Jetty and back. As you do enjoy the views across the ocean, Hinchinbrook Island and across the Cardwell foreshore. This jetty is actually the third to be built in Cardwell, with the two beforehand having been damaged in various cyclones, and has stood proudly since 1969.

   
   

8. Feel the thunder of Murray Falls

   Hop in the car and make the 30 minute drive north to Murray Falls. Here make the fairly easy boardwalk track alongside the rocky formations until you reach the thunderous Murray Falls. One for looking at, not swimming in, be sure to bring your camera to capture its impressive force.

   
   

9. Go BMXing

   Mad about BMXing and all things bikes? Then you need to hit up the number of bike tracks located between Cairns and Cardwell. Suitable for riders of various skill levels, from the Cardwell Forest Drive to the Mission Beach Mountain Bike Park, you can find a list and description of the best biking and BMX in the area here.

   
   

10. The best thing to do in Cardwell? Stay at Mahi Mahi Hinchinbrook, of course!

    We may be biased, but we think there's no better way to soak in everything Cardwell, then to stay at Mahi Mahi Hinchinbrook. This short term holiday home is situated just a few short kilometres from Cardwell and the makes the perfect base for exploring the Cardwell region or just relaxing by the pool, overlooking the Hinchinbrook harbour, with a drink in hand. Meet us there soon?