Babinda Boulders

Babinda Boulders are an easy five minute drive from the town of Babinda.  On arrival at the carpark we took the path to the "Top Hole".  Not many folks venture to this swimming hole but in my mind it was the best place to cool down.  Crystal clear water with a couple of deep holes but mostly shallow water.  The path that leads to the "Top Hole" continues on another 25km to the town of Gordonvale.  I would love to do this walk sometime.  A friend of ours is going to do it in the near future so I will ask her how difficult it is when she gets back.

Gentle flowing water between the boulders

Looking towards Top Hole

After the walk to the "Top Hole" we headed back to the carpark and then took the other path to the Boulders lookout.  Our walk took us along the bank of the stream.  We stopped at Devils Hole and can well understand the loss of 15 lives here since 1959.  The stream tumbles gently between massive boulders on a calm day but when the wet season hits, those massive boulder holes would suck you down with no way to escape the force of the water.

Devils Pool

Looking back towards Devils Pool from the lookout

Babinda lies between Mt Bartle Frere and Mt Bellenden Ker - the two largest mountains in Queensland.  It is a lovely little town and our accommodation at the Babinda State Hotel was exceptional.  The hotel has undergone a massive restoration since Cyclone Yassi passed over it two years ago.  The rooms are large and comfortable and the very wide verandah outside each room lends itself to afternoon drinks and nibbles!