Table of contents
Saltwater Creek Qld
Saltwater Creek Cairns is a waterway that emerges from the foothills of Mount Whitfield and flows through the suburbs of Whitfield, Edge Hill, Aeroglen and Cairns North.
Saltwater Creek Cairns
Winding through a busy residential area just north of Cairns Central Business District, the Saltwater Creek catchment is a vibrant urban ecosystem teeming with life. With its mix of residential areas, public spaces, and remnant natural habitats, this catchment has environmental and cultural significance for the local community
Originating as a freshwater stream, as the creek winds its way east it becomes increasingly salty.
As soon as Saltwater Creek passes through Centenary Lakes, it merges with Lily Creek. Then it crosses Sheridan Street near the border between Cairns North and Aeroglen. It then passes just north of the Esplanade and discharges into the Coral Sea.
Saltwater Creek Cairns Fishing
Despite its urban location, Saltwater Creek Catchment includes open spaces with vegetation and birdlife. A popular prawning spot, there are generally fish in the area.
Indeed OzFish have recorded 47 fish species in this waterways. Some of the more popular species fished for in waterways around Cairns include:
- Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)
- Mangrove jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus)
- Jungle perch (Kuhlia rupestris)
Saltwater Creek Cairns Map
Saltwater Creek Crocodiles
Fishers and other recreational users of the creek should be very careful, as salt water crocodiles are known to frequent parts of the creek. Locals and visitors alike should be observant and take care.
Crocodiles are known to inhabit this creek and nearby Trinity Inlet. It is always best to assume there are crocodiles nearby and act accordingly. All users of this creek are encouraged to be croc safe in croc country.
Cairns Airport
This creek passes the southern boundary of Cairns Airport on its way to discharge into the Coral Sea. Habitat improvement work around Cairns airport and Saltwater Creek has led to remediation to improve water flow and fish passage.
A Smart Catchment
Cairns Regional Council is committed to ensuring that water run-off from river catchments in region does not negatively impact the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
The Saltwater Creek Cairns Smart Catchments program was developed in partnership with James Cook University, the Wet Tropics Healthy Waterways Partnership and Itron Australasia with funding from the Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs program.
Other Creeks and Waterways
Some of the other Cairns creeks and waterways are: