Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND CAIRNS
The city and its northern beaches have plenty to keep you entertained, but nearby islands
and highlands make great side trips.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Babinda & Around
South of Cairns, a lush pocket of rainforest offers a rewarding trip for walkers and wildlife
watchers. The surrounding towns and settlements also provide enchanting glimpses into the
area's heritage.
Babinda
POP 1069
On the Bruce Hwy, 60km south of Cairns, Babinda is a small working-class town that leads
7km inland to a rainforest park called the
Babinda Boulders
, where a photogenic creek rushes
between 4m-high granite rocks. It's croc-free, but here lurks an equal danger: highly
treacherous waters. Legend has it that a young Aboriginal woman threw herself into the
then-still waters after being separated from her love; her anguish caused the creek to rise
up, becoming the surging, swirling torrent it is today. Almost 20 visitors have lost their
lives at the Boulders. Swimming is permitted in calm, well-marked parts of the creek, but
pay heed to signs where even thoughts of a toe-dip are prohibited. Walking tracks give you
the close - but safe - access you need for obligatory gasps and photographs.
The free
Babinda Boulders Camping Ground
(two-night maximum) has toilets, cold showers
and free barbecues.
Nearby, you can kayak the clear waters of Babinda Creek with
Babinda Kayak Hire
(
07-4067 2678;
www.babindakayakhire.com.au
;
330 Stager Rd; half-/full-day including pick-ups $42/63)
.
Drop into Babinda's little blue
visitor centre
(
07-4067 1008;
www.babindainfocentre.com.au
;
cnr
9am-4pm)
for more info.
Munro St & Bruce Hwy;
