The Ultimate Cardwell QLD Travel Guide

Waterfalls that create an underwater fairy garden.

Attie Creek Falls is a 25m multi-drop waterfall. You can reach Attie Creek Waterfalls via a 500m walk to the base of its main drop, which is accessed behind Cardwell. The water is crystal blue and very clear. You'll be able to sit in cool water and enjoy a vast natrual landscape view.

Great art connected to culture and country.

Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre is home to multi-award winning craftspeople and artists. Girringun represents artists from nine Traditional Owner Groups. It's a non-profit organisation doing wonderful work! They also have a native plant nursery.

A photographer's dream.

Wander out along the jetty for a better look back at Cardwell Beach and the coastal mountain ranges behind. You'll see local anglers fishing here. In the other direction, Cardwell Jetty looks over the Great Barrier Reef islands. Events are held on the adjacent Cardwell Foreshore.

Discover your own private nook!

Drive through thick bushland and stop to admire stunning views of the coast and national park. Take a picnic and something to swim in!

An interesting place to rest looking out to Hinchinbrook.

This is a nice scenic spot to have a picnic at. You'll overlook Hinchinbrook Island, which is opposite the Cardwell Park Rest Area. Walk along the paved path or let the kids play in the free playground. The Cardwell Jetty and Cardwell Rainforest & Reef Visitor Centre are nearby.

A natural creek spa in the wilderness.

The Cardwell Spa Pool is a geological wonder. This spectacular, seasonal swimming spot is just west of Cardwell. It's a nice little surprise in the sense it is unheralded and in the middle of nowhere with no signage or directions. But, it's worth finding!

A historic precinct with antique gadgets and more!

The Cardwell Bush Telegraph is housed in the former post office building. It's now a heritage centre. It was built in 1870. The the J.C. Hubinger Museum, the old court house, gaol and shire hall are all nearby. Admission to the museum is free. There's lots of gadgets! Visitors can send a morse code message, for example!

Panoramic views.

You'll take a winding track through forest. Suddenly, the forest opens up to show you panoramic views of panoramic views of Cardwell and Hinchinbrook Island! It's on the Cardwell Forest Drive. You'll enjoy this sensational holiday picnic and photography spot.

Go wild, North Queensland style!

Cardwell State Forest features a mix of native vegetation and pine plantations. This is a place of rugged mountain scenery, lush tropical rainforest, dry open forest, pine plantations, creeks and waterfalls. It's 40,000 hectares in size, so there's lots to explore! It's a popular attraction for mountain biking and hiking.

Where clouds meet mangrove forests.

You'll find cloud-covered mountains support fragile heath vegetation on Hinchinbrook Island. Rainforest and eucalypt forest descend to a mangrove-lined channel. Hinchinbrook Island is one of Australia's largest island national parks (39,900ha). Explore pristine wilderness that has been protected since 1932. You can get to Hinchinbrook Island is by water taxi from Cardwell to Missionary Bay.

Discover yourself on a legendary adventure!

The famous Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island is a lengthy four-day hike within some of Queensland’s most celebrated scenery. This is a 32km Great Walk that's great for a mental and physical challenge. We're talking about a transformational experience!

A natural infinity pool, overlooking paradise.

This is Australia's best wild vista and natural infinity pool. You'll take a short walk from the beach through rainforest to find this sparkling freshwater pool. This is a sensational instagram holiday photo location overlooking Zoe Bay. Truly stunning.

Ae?

Goold Island is off the coast from Cardwell in Rockingham Bay. It's close to the northern tip of Hinchinbrook Island and is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Look for fish traps. This park features official camping areas and a real sense of tropical island adventure!

A place for new discoveries!

This secluded beach called Ramsay Bay is located on Hinchinbrook Island. It's the longest and most energetic beach on the island. There's a small rocky headland here that provides sensational views. Also, check out the floating pontoon and Ramsay Bay Boardwalk.

Camping beside a waterhole.

Mulligan Falls plummet from the mountain tops into a deep secluded swimming hole. There's a camping ground nearby. Watch the water flow over basalt rock washed smooth over time. You'll find trees where you can sling a hammock in the shade too.

Look out from the northern tip.

Cape Richards is the northernmost tip of Hinchinbrook Island. You'll find a one square kilometre, 140 m high hillock. This is an interesting part of this pristine island environment and World Heritage-listed area. There's the ruins of an abandoned resort here, which was destroyed by cyclone Yasi.

Marvel at the world's largest bulk sugar loading facility.

Lucinda is a very small community with a strong connection to the water. The location of Dungeness is within Lucinda. It's home to a six kilometre jetty stretching far out into the Coral Sea. The Lucinda jetty is the world's largest bulk sugar loading facility. It's a photographer's dream. We bought coffee at the Channel Inn Bar and Bistro. The boat ramp is beside it. If you put the boat in here, you can be at Hinchinbrook or one of the other islands in minutes!

Italy meets North Queensland, Australia!

Ingham really deserves its own page. It's famous for its sugar cane industry and connections to Italy. The annual Australian-Italian Festival brings thousands of visitors to the town to enjoy Italian wine, cuisine, culture and music. Highlights include TYTO Wetlands Centre and Regional Art Gallery.

Butterflies, wildlife and serenity.

Butterfly Valley is a 160 acre property that provides holiday accommodation. It's surrounded by pristine National Park. Discover private swimming holes and a waterfall that is only 300 meters from your front door. There's a lookout over Hinchinbrook Island here too. You'll see abundant wildlife as well as butterflies.

A true Queensland Aussie Pub experience!

There are multiple licensed venues in Cardwell. In Cardwell, things to do include a visit to the Pub (i.e. Aussie slang for 'Public Bar'). During our holiday, we visited the Marine Hotel. It overlooks the water. We played pool in the area out the back and ordered hot chippies and a drink. You'll find a good example of a 'traditional' Pub experience here.