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Golden Hole
Bartle Frere, Far North Queensland

This former swimming hole on the Russell River, now frequented by crocodiles, has half-buried boulders in shimmering blue water. You can still visit for a picnic out of reach of the crocs, but swimming here is no longer permitted.

Swimming at the Golden Hole

Above: The Golden Hole (Order this image)

Apparently this was once a pretty good swim, with a sandy entry into clear blue water that swirled in and around the various boulders in the water. A few trees provide shade at the water's edge, with a cleared area on the shore.

The signs on site are now unequivocally clear that crocodiles inhabit this stretch of the Russell River and therefore no swimming is permitted, and that you should stay away from the water's edge.

While the sheltered picnic table is still relatively close to the river bank, the rest of the picnic area and toilets are set back from the river, with plenty of low cut grass to see any slow moving crocs coming from a distance, if they ever were to venture that far. Compared to nearby Josephine Falls, which is buzzing with activity, Golden Hole feels like an abandoned area, with comparatively few visitors. The somewhat unusual arrangement of boulders in the middle of the lawn, like a pod of whales in a sea of green, is perhaps the main attraction now that swimming is no longer an option.

Swimming at the Golden Hole

Above: The expansive lawn area at the Golden Hole (Order this image)

When I visited, the river was fairly high after heavy rainfall during the day, and the grass on the way down to the river was waterlogged in some areas. The vibrant colours in the water that the Golden Hole is famous for had turned a murky brown. So, if you are coming for a look at the water or a picnic, it is best to visit when the sun is shining and it has not been raining for a while.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location:Golden Hole (Biggs Recreational Reserve), Biggs Road, Bartle Frere, 29 km (approx. 30 minute drive) north west of Innisfail.
Latitude:-17.448103 Longitude:145.853637
Getting there: From the Bruce Hwy (A1) between Innisfail and Cairns, head south west along Bartle Frere Road at the turnoff 2 km south of Miriwinni. Follow Bartle Frere Road for 4 km to Bartle Frere, then head west along Price Road, which becomes Biggs Road, for a further 4 km. The Golden Hole car park is sign posted, almost at the end of Biggs Road.

Facilities: Car park, sheltered picnic tables, public toilets, rubbish bin.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Not applicable as it is not permitted to go near the water's edge
Water clarity: Clear to murky, depending on rainfall conditions
Under foot: Sand and rock
Maximum water depth: Estimated to be greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Swimming is no longer permitted here.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No swimming, no cleaning or leaving fish waste near the water's edge, keep away from the water's edge and do not enter enter the water.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: No formal wheelchair accessible paths, and the grass is quite thick, but the area is relatively flat.
Managing authority: Cairns Regional Council
Nearby attractions: Josephine Falls, which is also accessible from Biggs Road, 1.8 km to the north.

Before you head out for any swim, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the car park at the Golden Hole. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I swim at the Golden Hole at Biggs Recreation Area? No, in case you have not cottoned on yet, swimming is not permitted here.

Can I have a picnic at the Golden Hole? Yes, there is a lawn area and sheltered picnic tables.

Can I bring my dog to the Golden Hole? Yes, but do not let your dog near the water because of the crocodiles.

Are there toilets at the Golden Hole? Yes, there are toilet facilities here.

If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.

Comments:

If you would like to leave a comment about this former swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below. I am particularly interested in your experiences if you swam here before the first crocodile sighting. All fields are required if you would like to see your comments appear on this website.

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