Is Babinda Boulders worth visiting?

The gorgeous Babinda Boulders is definitely worth visiting!

The Babinda Boulders are a gorgeous attraction surrounded by the lush rainforest near Cairns. It is a fantastic swimming hole, perfect for an afternoon dip to cool off from the tropical heat.

The location was named after the granite rocks dotting the Babinda Creek. There are several swimming holes and cascades to check out when exploring the area!

How to get to the Babinda Boulders

The Babinda Boulders are located just outside of the township of Babinda, which is to the south of Cairns. You can park at the picnic grounds and then it is a 1.3 km return trip from there. The walk takes about 20 minutes to complete and leads you directly to the Babinda Boulders.

Once you have arrived at Babinda Boulders, you can explore the many swimming holes. This is a popular place to swim because of the cool, fresh water that provides an escape from the tropical heat. When you’re not swimming, you can lounge on the rocks and enjoy the tranquil rainforest surroundings. Or you can hike back to the car park and enjoy a tasty lunch on the nearby picnic grounds.

What to do nearby

Since the Babinda Boulders are located in the rainforest, there are plenty of stunning landscapes and scenic attractions to explore nearby.

· Devil’s Pool – There is a short hike within the same area called the Devil’s Pool Walk. It is a 1.3 km return walk that follows the winding Babinda Creek downstream. The walk will lead you into the rainforest, allowing you to view some gorgeous waterfalls from two viewing platforms.

Though the Devil’s Pool may look like a gorgeous place to swim, it is strictly prohibited. This is due to the changing conditions of the creek, which may cause fast currents or sudden flooding.

· Mt. Bartle Frere – This is Queensland’s tallest mountain and is to thank for the cool Babinda Creek. The hike up this mountain is not for beginners, as it reaches 1,611 metres in elevation. If you are up for the hike, you will have to plan for an entire day or two. Once you get to the top, you will experience unparalleled views of the landscapes below.

· Josephine Falls – There are many great waterfalls and swimming holes located near the Babinda Boulders. One of those famous waterfalls is Josephine Falls. It is about a 20-minute drive from the car park at Babinda Boulders.

There is a short and beginner-friendly bush walk that will lead you through the rainforest to the falls. Here, you can find natural granite waterslides and pristine water for swimming. It is also a great spot to have a picnic and experience an afternoon immersed in nature.

There are plenty of gorgeous places to visit in the rainforests surrounding Cairns. Be sure to spend some time exploring and immersing yourself in the tropical landscape!

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.