Babinda Boulders – The Most Beautiful Waterhole Near Cairns
The Swimming Hole
Babinda Boulders is a popular swimming hole and picnic area for both locals and visitors alike. As a result of the cool, crystal clear mountain water and large granite boulders surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, it’s one of the most beautiful waterholes we have every visited!
At Babinda Boulders you can swim, picnic, walk to the lookouts, camp overnight or use it as a starting point for the 19km Goldfield Track hike.
Watch Our YouTube Clip on Babinda Boulders For What to Expect
Make sure you keep to the clearly marked swimming areas! Babinda Boulders is a safe place to swim and splash around PROVIDING you obey the warning signs and swim where allowed.
Several people have died after ignoring warnings to stay clear of the slippery boulders and fast-flowing water in the wet season, particularly near the Devil’s Pool where swimming is not allowed.
Babinda Boulders has its own fascinating Aboriginal legend involving a beautiful woman and forbidden love. Read the Boulders Legend here!
Babinda Boulders Picnic Area
Enjoy the picnic area next to the swimming hole that features plenty of open grassed areas, barbecues, children’s play equipment, toilets and change rooms.
A free camping area is nearby and the Devil’s Pool Walk begins and returns from the Babinda Boulders picnic area.
The Devil’s Pool Walk
The Devil’s Pool Walk is a short 1.3 km return walk downstream along Babinda Creek from the picnic area. It traverses through rainforests on a well maintained walking track, leading to two viewing platforms that provide great views of the creek cascading down a series of waterfalls and granite boulders into the pools below.
There are signs warning not to swim here and although it looks incredibly inviting, I can see why it’s really dangerous and there is no WAY I would let my family swim in this section.
The Devil’s Pool Walk is an easy walk that only takes around 30 minutes. Great for families!
Camping at Babinda Boulders
Would you believe that camping at Babinda Boulders is free? WOW, I know right. Amazing!
With thanks to the Cairns Regional Council, a free campsite is available (72 hours only) that is suitable for tents, caravans or motorhomes. Although the campsite used to be first in best dressed, Covid-19 travel restrictions means it now must be booked. Information on how to book can be found on the Cairns Regional Council website.
Sites are limited but large with no power. There are toilets, cold showers and BBQs. Sorry, no dogs at this campsite.
The Goldfields Track
Babinda Boulders also mark the start of the 19km Goldfields Track, which leaves from the carpark.
This hike is not a casual stroll and is described as strenuous taking around 8 hours. Consequently, there is an option of camping along the way to break up the hike.
The Goldfields Track follows an old trail created by miners in the 1930’s and is often walked one way, with walkers being picked up at the other end.
Camping is permitted around the 11km mark at the pools of the East Mulgrave River and the track finishes at the Goldsborough Valley Campground.
How to Get to Babinda Boulders
Turn off the Bruce Highway around 65km south of Cairns in Babinda township. There is signage from the highway. On the other hand, Babinda Boulders can be found on Google Maps if you would like to let your phone do the talking.
The official address is Bartle Frere Goldfield Road, Babinda QLD 4861.
Pssst. If you’re looking for a waterhole just a little closer to Cairns, check out Crystal Cascades!
Looking for more Cairns family holiday inspiration?
Head back to our Cairns page for more inspiration on family holidays and activities in and around the Cairns region in Tropical North Queensland. Alternatively, explore our home page for more Australian and worldwide inspiration.
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Cairns holiday resources
Best time to visit Cairns
April to September is often touted as the best time to visit Cairns for a great mix of warm dry weather, affordable accommodation and not too many people around. Winter temperatures in Cairns are VERY comfortable! In fact, many use a Cairns holiday as a way to escape the winter cold in other areas.
Stinger season runs from November to March with December to March usually being the hot/wet season.
Where to stay
For budget-conscious families, the Cairns Central YHA is a great choice!
For mid-range apartment accommodation with plenty of space for families, the Park Regis City Quays is a great choice. (our top choice!)
If you’re looking for five-star, Riley a Crystalbrook Collection, is a great choice in a fantastic location near the Cairns Lagoon.
Getting to Cairns
Cairns is a long way from Australia’s capital cities. Located 1,678km North of Brisbane and 2,414km North of Sydney, it’s a long road trip to get there. If you can’t stand the thought of a long road trip with kids, or just don’t have the time, there are regular flights from the capital and major cities.
Find a great deal on Trip.com.
Getting around Cairns
Getting around Cairns on foot won’t be a problem if your goal is to spend time on the reef and see the city. Particularly if you’re accommodation is within walking distance to the marina and esplanade like the three recommended above.
To head further afield to chase waterfalls, visit the Daintree Rainforest or head even further north to Cape Tribulation, hiring a car is a great option.
