Babinda Boulders

Babinda, Far North Queensland

The boulders has a designated swimming area with a platform at the edge of a wide, crystal clear river in the rainforest. It is a beautiful spot for a swim with easy access, shallow entry, and a coarse sandy bed to stand on. Above: The designated swimming area at Babinda Boulders (Order this image)

The designated swimming area is close to the car park, with only a short walk from the picnic area down the ramp to the edge of the water. The swimming area is quite large, with a submerged beach extending out into the water by around ten metres in every direction. Deeper water is accessible beyond the edge of the sand when the river is not flowing too fast. The river is bounded by lush rainforest, with a waterbird perched on one of the overhanging branches on the far side for the duration of my swim. Above: The ramp down to the edge of the water at Babinda Boulders (Order this image)

I came here on an unseasonally wet and cool day, when it had been raining heavily on and off for the last few hours. When I hopped into the water, I left my boots at the back of the concrete platform and my bag up on the bench at the rear of the platform. By the time I had come out from my swim, the river had risen by about 30 cm, so that the platform holding my boots was now covered in water. Fortunately my waterproof boots remained dry inside and had not floated away!

I was not the only one who ventured in. When I was there, the swimming area was also being used by a young woman who arrived in a wheelchair, rolled up to the edge of the water, then raised herself up out of her chair and manouvered herself into the water for a swim. It was pleasing to see wheelchair access for swimmers in action and being actively used at this swimming hole. Above: The boulders at Babinda Boulders (Order this image)

Access to the former swimming holes downstream, including the Devils Pool, is no longer permitted due to several drownings over the years prior to the ban. You can still view these areas by following the walking track to the elevated viewing platforms that overlook the river, but they are closed to swimming. Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. Specific to this site, the managing authority warns that there are strong currents, submerged objects, and steep dropoffs in the water, and that children must be supervised in the water. On the walking track to the Devils Pool the area can be slippery. The marker indicates the approximate location of the swimming area at Babinda Boulders. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map Can kids swim at Babinda Boulders? Yes, but only under close supervision in the designated swimming area due to the river currents.

How deep is the water at Babinda Boulders? The depth depends on river conditions, but is shallow in the beach area, and can get deep quickly beyond the beach.

Can my dog swim at Babinda Boulders? No, dogs are not permitted here.

Are there crocodiles at Babinda Boulders? Crocodiles travel far and wide in far north Queensland. None had been reported here to my knowledge at the time of my swim, but always keep a lookout and heed any warning signs on site.

Can I see fish in the water at Babinda Boulders? Yes, due to the clear water, it is usually possible to see some fish.

Can I go fishing at Babinda Boulders? I did not see any signs indicating that fishing was not permitted, but you are probably more likely to land a tourist before you land a fish here.

Can I have a picnic at Babinda Boulders? Yes, with free public barbecue facilities and lots of lawn areas nearby, it is a great spot for a picnic.

If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below. If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below. I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc. All fields are required if you would like to see your comments appear on this website.

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