Cardwell is on the North Queensland Coast, just two hours north of Townsville and two and a half hours from Cairns. It’s a fabulous stop if you’re driving between the two towns, not only because it’s beautiful, with views across palm trees and soft waves out to Hinchinbrook Island, it’s also set up to look after tourists and travellers. You may find yourself stopping for longer than you expected.
Read about the best things to do in and around Cairns and everything to do in the Atherton Tablelands.
Where to stop in Cardwell
Cardwell is perfectly set up to be your driver reviver stop on your trip, or as a stop for a night or two.
On your right as you enter the town from the south, or on your left as you exit to the south is a beach-front parking area with toilets, picnic tables and a grassy shaded area to sit and relax – plus lots of palm trees lining the sand.
Grab a coffee form the coffee cart, or a pie from the pie shop. You may also find other food carts here too depending on the day, or you can or grab a bite to eat in one of the takeaway shops or grab a crab sandwich from the famous Vivia Café.
Take a walk along the beachfront and stretch your legs, and enjoy the beautiful views. It’s a gorgeous place to stop and revive before continuing your journey.
Kids Park
A little further on you’ll find a fab little park for kids, more toilets and a information about the Indigenous history of the area.
Cardwell Jetty
Walk out along the Cardwell Jetty and keep an eye out from crocodiles, turtles and dugongs. There are lovely views out to Hinchinbrook island and you can drop a line in and see if you can catch a barramundi.
Stock up at IGA
There’s also an IGA to stock up on supplies and a petrol station.
Cardwell Spa Pool
One thing you must do when you’re coming to or through Cardwell is to stop and visit the Cardwell Spa Pool. It’s a beautiful natural pool swimming hole only 15 minutes in from the main road. The raod is dirt but more than suitable for two wheel drive. There’s a small dirt parking area or you can park on the road. Take a picnic and spend some time here. It sure has a great vibe.
The pool is best in the wet season (you may find there is no water in the dry) but not immediately after rain as it may be murky.
Five Mile Swimming Hole
Ony 10km south of Cardwell is Five Mile Swimming Hole, a huge bush swimming hole that is also worth a stop and a riverside picnic.
Pies and Crab sandwich
Grab a pie at the rest stop – Emmie loved her beef pie and I had a great coffee at the coffee stand – or head a little further north through town to Vivia Café and its famous crab sandwiches.
Where to stay in Cardwell
Motels and camp grounds are the go in Cardwell, and they’re all fine country accommodation. Enjoy wandering around, the beach front, the views and the pools.
Cardwell Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park
Hinchinbrook Harbour Apartments
Where else to stay?
Forrest Beach is only 35 minutes drive away and just 10 minutes out from Ingham.
.We stayed at the Forrest Beach Hotel for the night ($95) and it was fab – it has a great beachfront bar, excellent meals and is a really friendly and relaxing place to stop – you can stay in a room or camp/caravan here. The owner is the nicest man, so generous and helpful.
The Retreat also has rooms for $80 walk-in.