Babinda Boulders / Bunna Binda

Babinda Boulders is a very popular freshwater swimming location within a relatively short drive from Cairns.

Families and groups of friends gather to picnic, enjoy barbecues and swim in the safer area of Babinda Creek.

Travel south of Cairns on the main highway heading to Townsville for about 60 km (50 minutes) and then turn off to the small town of Babinda.

Passing the Kool Spot Cafe on your left, Babinda Boulders are just another 6 km into the hills.

The drive in towards the bush-clad mountain ranges is scenically beautiful, first passing through sugar cane fields, across one-lane bridges and a roadway lined with palms and lush green vegetation.

At the Boulders there is plenty of parking and visitor services - toilets and showers, information boards, picnic area, camping area etc.

Upstream a large natural swimming hole attracts family groups and bathers. It’s safe for swimming and the water is refreshing - perfect in the hot climate.

The Devils Pool Walk leads through a bush path to lookouts with amazing views of the creek’s river-sculptured boulders and oversized rock formations.

Signs clearly warn of the slipperiness of the wet rocks, no swimming and to be aware of rapidly rising river levels.

As recent as January 2022, a young woman lost her life by slipping into the Devil’s Pool and weeks later a man had to be rescued in similar circumstances.

Since records began some 60 years ago, 20 lives have been lost in the swift currents and whirlpools.

Oolana and The Legend of The Boulders

An Aboriginal legend tells of a beautiful young woman (Oolana) who threw herself into the river because her tribe forbade her from being with her secret lover; at her cries the land shook and a rush of water brought giant boulders downstream.

To this day, Oolana cries out for her lost lover and draws unsuspecting travellers to the water’s edge.