Babinda Boulders

Just a 20-minute drive inland from Babinda township, the Boulders are one of those spots that make you wonder why you don’t venture off the Bruce Highway more often. Crystal clear mountain water rushing through massive granite boulders creates a series of natural pools that are absolutely perfect for a hot North Queensland day.

The drive in takes you through proper sugar cane country before winding into rainforest. There’s a decent car park and well-maintained boardwalk that leads you down to the main swimming hole - no epic hike required, a bonus if you’re carrying eskies and towels.

The water is bloody cold, even by tropical standards, fed by mountain streams that rarely see direct sunlight. The main swimming area has been carved out by thousands of years of flowing water, creating deep pockets surrounded by smooth granite that’s perfect for sitting and soaking up the atmosphere.

What makes this place special isn’t just the swimming - it’s the Aboriginal cultural significance. The Yidinji people have stories about these rocks going back thousands of years, including the legend of Oolana and Dyga, star-crossed lovers whose tragedy supposedly created the turbulent waters at Devil’s Pool upstream. The current owners of the site respect this heritage, with interpretive signs explaining the cultural importance of the area.

Word of warning about Devil’s Pool further upstream - it’s off-limits for swimming and for good reason. The currents are genuinely dangerous, and sadly there have been fatalities over the years. Stick to the designated swimming areas where the water is calmer and safer.

Doing the Cairns to Townsville coastal drive, this is an easy detour that’ll give you a proper taste of the Wet Tropics without the crowds you get at some of the more famous swimming holes. Just don’t expect to have the place to yourself - word’s definitely out about this little gem.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Read more