Behana Canyoning - Hanging out at one of Cairns Swimming Holes

Explore FNQCairns

Nov 5

There’s only two things you need to know about Behana Gorge. There’s a definite NEED to do it, AND it’s NOT the easiest place to get to…........but HELL it’s worth it!!!!

Behana Canyoning

Rob and I spent many of our early years together enjoying the waters of Behana Gorge. Back in the early 90’s few locals would bother driving 30-minutes south of Cairns and then hike 45-minutes uphill to plunge into crystal clear waters. Nowadays you’ll see a few more at this spot but the walk still deters many (Read more about Behana Gorge HERE > “Cairns favourite swimming holes”).

Behana Canyoning has just made access to this amazing gorge and it’s pristine swimming holes a whole lot easier – they’ll pick you up in the heart of Cairns and drive you all the way to the top of the gorge (thanks to their special access), BUT there is a catch, you do have to WORK for the pleasure of your easy ride in.

Josh getting some abseiling instruction from Sam

Ready for our first ever abseiling adventure!

Once you arrive at the top don’t be expecting to make your way down to the nearest rock pool for a gentle splash around. Instead you’ll find yourself entering the clear, sparkling and very 'refreshing' waters below via a 12-metre abseil down a sheer rockface……AND this is just for starters!!

Just follow the rope……over the edge……and make sure you don’t look down……

Nothing to it…..

Josh showing how easy it is to get to the water….

Next you’ll swim up to a raging waterfall to get your obligatory selfie.

**Who doesn’t want to get a photo next to the Best & Biggest Waterfall in the gorge**

Getting closer to the top waterfall at Behana Gorge

Charlie taking a waterfall shower

Then you’ll swim downstream to some large boulders, clamber out, rock hop your way over to another cliff face……and jump off!!

**Just a bit of rock hopping to our next adventure activity**

**Who did it better do you think?? - Image by Behana Canyoning**

So far easy you’re thinking?? But wait, I haven’t told you about the swim across the larger pool to the rainforest on the other side…..where you promptly exit and ascend to your final abseil point.

Just need to swim across this small pool……

Make your way up up this jungle path

And head down that cliff over there……..

And trust me, your last abseil feels like pretty serious stuff. You need to slowly edge yourself out from the relative safety of the rainforest canopy and inch your way down a pretty serious cliff face onto some rocks below, and not into a body of water this time!

No way was I looking down on this one……

Rob making it look way to easy

From there its just a ‘short’, and very swift, river surf down to your point of exit.

**Just a quick river surf to finish off with……**

And your reward for all this effort??

Behana looks relatively peaceful from this angle

Rob feeling pretty happy he conquered that wall

WE DID IT!!! (and I’m exhausted)

The reward is you get to chillax on the rocks by a seriously nice swimming hole over lunch.

Some amongst us of course just kept going...

Although some did manage to relax better than others

Do kids ever get tired?!?!

Great spot to relax over lunch….

**Lunch is basic BUT yummy after all that exercise**

So is it really worth all that effort?? HELL YES!!! (Behana Canyoning has been voted another 'Best Day Ever' by the kids!)

Watch a short minute video of our action packed day below:

Good Things to Know:

Behana Gorge has a public walking track but its closed to vehicles. It’s a steep 3.2 kilometre walk which will get you to the top of the gorge where the best waterfalls are located. OR you can opt to take the Behana Canyoning tour and they’ll bus you into the top of the Gorge.
The tour includes pick up from your accommodation (between 8-9am) and the drive to Behana Gorge takes about 30-minutes.
Full instruction is provided on abseiling techniques and safety on flat ground and all gear is provided.
A guide is with you the entire way and it’s not a long distance, so anyone who has a reasonable fitness level will LOVE this adventure.
Lunch is provided and you head back to Cairns and your accommodation between 3-4pm.
You need to bring some equipment: swimming togs (You’re going to get wet!), towel, sun protection, water bottle and camera (Go-Pros are definitely welcome).
Minimum Age is 10yrs. Charlie (my 9-year old daughter) came along with us BUT stayed with one of the guides during the abseiling part & climbed down via an easier route rather than coming down via the ropes.
The tour is weather dependent. The tour can be cancelled in conditions of heavy rainfall or extreme weather.

**Charlie giving Sam instructions on how to get to the top of Behana Gorge**

We received a complimentary tour from Behana Canyoning but all opinions in this article are our own.If you would like more info on the Behana Canyoning Tour - Click HERE.PS. Don't forget to check out our blog on all our Favourite Freshwater Escapes near Cairns - CLICK HERE!!

Have you been to Behana Gorge? Are there any other Cairns swimming holes you love visiting? Would you give the abseiling a go?