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Lower Davies Creek Campground
Mareeba, Far North Queensland

This campground right next to the water offers shallow bathing and swimming in a fast flowing creek running across an expansive granite rock shelf, located in the Dinden Forest between Mareeba and Cairns. Swimming at Lower Davies Creek Campground Above: A slightly deeper and calmer pool near the downstream end of the campground (Order this image)

You do not need to camp here to stop for a swim, with day visitors also welcome. From the car park it is a few steps out onto the rock shelf where the creek runs freely, bouncing this way and that. It creates little pockets to extend your feet into the water, or to walk in, sit down, and let the current wash over you. On a hot day, this is a really refreshing spot to cool down without too much exertion required to get wet.
The water is mostly too shallow for swimming, with only a few spots where the water was a little bit deeper. Wander along the creek, particularly upstream of the main cascade, to explore some of these. I found a calmer spot towards the downstream end of the campground, as well as enjoying the rush of water at the base of the main cascade at the upstream end of the campground. Swimming at Lower Davies Creek Campground Above: The main cascade at Lower Davies Creek Campground (Order this image)

The huge rock shelf either side of the water is a big advantage here. It provides a dry spot to leave your towel in plain view, and for having a rest in between swims, as well as providing clean mud-free entry into clear water.
The rock has been worn smooth in parts, and can be slippery when wet, so keep your centre of gravity low and slow down when getting in and out of the water. Swimming at Lower Davies Creek Campground Above: One of the picnic tables by the water at Lower Davies Creek Campground (Order this image)

The camping sites are all within about 20 metres from the water, just beyond the edge of the rock shelf. I did not camp here, but I did take a break on some of the best picnic tables you will find in far north Queensland. There are several of them, attached by chains to an anchor in the rock, with uninterrupted views to the water.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location:Davies Creek Road, 21 km (approx. 20 minute drive) east of Mareeba and 55 km (approx. 1 hour drive) west of Cairns.
Latitude:-17.003838 Longitude:145.569261
Getting there: From the Kennedy Hwy (route 1) between Cairns and Mareeba, it is 6 km along Davies Creek Road to the Lower Davies Creek Campground. Parking is available at the campground. The road includes sections of gravel road, that on my visit during mostly dry conditions were suitable for 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: Car park, toilets, unsheltered picnic tables. There are no rubbish bins, so plan to take your rubbish home with you.
Entrance fee: None for day visitors. A nominal fee may apply for camping.
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Rock
Maximum water depth: Less than 1 metre in most parts
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Experienced swimmers when the river is flowing fast, due to the currents. Sections of the creek with shallower water are likely to be suitable for inexperienced swimmers, under supervision under low flow conditions.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs, no cats, no smoking within ten metres of public facilities and camp sites, no jumping or diving into the creek, no fires (but fuel stoves permitted). There was a sign that indicated campfires were permitted, but only if in a container that is off the ground and fully contained with firewood brought in from outside the park, with a threat of a hefty fine if you do not follow these instructions to the letter. Camping is only permitted at the 8 designated camp sites. No generators.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water, away from the creek. Limited to no shade available in the water.
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible toilets. From memory there was a bit of a steep drop from the car park down to the rock shelf, without formal paths along the creek, which would be difficult in a wheelchair.
Managing authority: Queensland Department of Environment and Science
Nearby attractions: Davies Creek Falls, a further 2 km by road upstream of the Lower Davies Creek Campground.
Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. Specific to this site, the managing authority warns to take care when walking or climbing over rocks as they become slippery when wet, and to never jump or dive into the creek as there may be unseen, submerged objects. There may also be strong currents. It also advises to stay clear of cliff edges and steep rock faces, as serious injury or death may result from a fall. Lastly it recommends to protect yourself from the sun and to not enter the water if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the campground and day visitor car park. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can kids swim at Lower Davies Creek Campground? There are a number of hazards that would make it dangerous for kids to swim here, notably the strong currents, slippery rocks, and variable water depth. If kids were to swim here, it would need to be under strict supervision in the shallows when the river is low.

How many campsites are there at Lower Davies Creek Campground? There are eight designated camp sites. Camping outside of these sites is not permitted. Car parking is not available next to your tent, with an approximate 20-30 metre walk from the camp sites to the car park.

Do I need to book to camp at Lower Davies Creek Campground? Yes, bookings are essential. This can be done online at the Queensland Government parks website.

Can my dog swim at Lower Davies Creek Campground? No, dogs are not permitted here.

Are there crocodiles at Lower Davies Creek Campground? Crocodiles travel far and wide in far north Queensland. None had been reported here to my knowledge at the time of my swim, but always keep a lookout and heed any warning signs on site.

Can I have a picnic at Lower Davies Creek? Yes, there are picnic tables close the water, making it a great place for a picnic.

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

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