Babinda Boulders

Babinda Creek comes down from the Bellenden Ker Range, in the foothills between Mount Bartle Frere and Mount Bellenden Ker, and runs through a field of rounded granite boulders in rainforest, forming a wide, clear swimming hole at the top that is safe and popular, with a car park, changing rooms and a campground alongside. Downstream, the creek narrows into the Devils Pool, where water is forced through chutes and undercut rock, and this section has killed a substantial number of people over the years, almost all young men who entered the water past the barriers despite signage. Boardwalks and lookouts follow the gorge to the Devils Pool viewing platform. A local story connects the place to a Yidinji woman named Oolana.

What you'll find

• The swimming hole - the wide clear pool above the boulder field.
• The Devils Pool - the narrow chutes and undercut rock downstream.
• The boardwalk - lookouts following the creek through rainforest.
• The granite boulders - the rounded rock field the creek runs through.

When to go

May to October for the dry season; the creek runs high and fast after wet season rain and the swimming area closes when levels rise. Water is cold year-round. Weekends and holidays fill the car park.

What to expect

The Devils Pool has caused many deaths and the barriers exist for a reason; the danger is not obvious from the surface. Swimming is only safe in the marked upper pool and only at safe water levels. Facilities are basic and the site can be crowded.

Nearby

Josephine Falls lies south below Bartle Frere; Cairns is an hour north.

Key facts