Babinda Boulders near Cairns: Is it safe to swim?

People have died swimming at Devil’s Pool in the Babinda Boulders. Be wary of the fast-flowing Babinda Creek if you plan to get in the water.

What is the Babinda Boulders?

The Babinda Boulders is one of the most attractive swimming holes in far north Queensland. About an hour’s drive south of Cairns, the Babinda Boulders is on the edge of the Wooroonooran National Park.

It’s a short detour off the Bruce Highway, 7km west of the small town of Babinda, on the drive from Cairns to Innisfail.

To visit the Babinda Boulders on a day tour from Cairns, book here.

The Babinda Boulders near Babinda, Queensland, is a highly photogenic, but not entirely safe, place to swim. Photo courtesy of Destination and Events Queensland.

Babinda Boulders swimming hole

This rainforest-shrouded Queensland swimming hole gets its name from the massive granite boulders surrounding it. The water from fast-flowing creeks comes down from Mount Bartle Frere, then slinks around the boulders, creating several pools.

The Babinda Boulders pools, of varying depth, are extremely photogenic as the streams cascade around them. And many visitors might prefer to just take photos. Lots of people swim here, but it’s not entirely safe to do so.

Where is safe to swim at the Babinda Boulders?

None of the pools at the Babinda Boulders are totally safe to swim in. However, the ‘top pool’ nearest the car park is relatively safe, and is designated as the swimming area.

There are also a couple of smaller pools further upstream that are not as busy, and relatively safe. However, all should be avoided after heavy rain when floodwater can come through fast.

Deaths at Devil’s Pool and the Chute

There have been 21 recorded deaths at the Babinda Boulders. Almost all of these are at the Devil’s Pool and the Chute further downstream. Both have been placed in a no-go zone, with several warning signs and obstacles blocking the path.

However, these signs and obstacles are widely ignored.

Trip-booster! 8 great day trips from Cairns to power-up your holiday

Kuranda combo package – take the Kuranda Scenic Railway up and the Skyrail cable car down.
Green Island tours with beach time, glass bottom boat and snorkelling. (Or pick a Fitzroy Island trip instead).
Moore Reef day tour – with underwater observatory, snorkelling gear, glass bottom boat & semi-submersible cruises.
Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise – with snorkelling stops at two excellent spots on the Reef.
Cape Tribulation rainforest day tour – with Mossman Gorge Aboriginal cultural experience and Daintree River crocodile-watching cruise.
Atherton Tableland waterfalls and rainforest tour – including wildlife-spotting and a swim in a volcanic lake.
Outback 4WD tour – visiting Chillagoe Caves, Aboriginal rock art and Granite Gorge.

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Is it safe to swim in Devil’s Pool near Cairns?

Devil’s Pool has seen plenty of tragedy. People have died when they’ve got cocky and ventured too close to the rocks and dangerous currents. There can be a whirlpool effect after flooding.

The Chute, downstream of Devil’s Pool, is even more dangerous, and people can get trapped underwater beneath the rocks.

Stay in the calmer water in the Top Pool, however, and you should be fine, however. Just be aware that swimming at the Babinda Boulders is done at your own risk.

Are there crocodiles at the Babinda Boulders?

There are also crocodiles to consider. As a general rule, crocodiles don’t come this far upstream. The water is too cold for them. But in 2018, crocodiles were spotted on the banks of Babinda Creek just downstream of the Babinda Boulders.

Other highlights on the drive from Townsville to Cairns include the Cardwell Spa Pools in Cardwell, Paronella Park and Dunk Island tours from Mission Beach.

Save time queuing – Book these Cairns attractions in advance

From the air: Outer Reef helicopter flight | Sunrise hot air balloon ride | Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
At night: Sunset dinner cruise | Pub and club tour | Aquarium by Twilight experience.
For wildlife: Birdworld Kuranda | Kuranda Koala Gardens | Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome | Cairns Aquarium | Rainforestation Nature Park
For culture: Cairns Museum tickets | Street art walking tour | City and surrounds highlights bus tour.
For thrills: AJ Hackett giant jungle swing | High speed jet boat tour | Barron Gorge white water rafting | Mulgrave River tubing.

Cairns to Babinda Boulders

The distance from Cairns to the Babinda Boulders is 65km. That makes for a driving time of approximately 55 minutes.

If you’re not driving yourself, the Babinda Boulders are one of several stops on a packed Atherton Tableland day tour from Cairns. Other places visited include Josephine Falls, the Hypapimee Crater, Millaa Millaa Falls, the Curtain Fig Tree and Lake Eacham.

This Cairns to Babinda Boulders tour costs $129 at time of writing and can be booked online.

Other tours that visit the Babinda Boulders are listed on Viator. Pick whichever suits you best.

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