Babinda Boulders and Aboriginal Legends

By Ellen – (Updated Feb 2023)

⏱ 2 min

Another stop to add to your “Places to Visit in Queensland” list, are the Babinda Boulders in Tropical North Queensland. It’s just 1 hour south of Cairns and is a place of lush, natural beauty, and of great significance to the local Aboriginal people. It’s a great spot to spend a few hours swimming in the large, shallow swimming hole, sunbathing, and family picnics. But let’s learn about the local legend about the Devil’s Pool while you’re here.

Swimming at the Babinda Boulders

Babinda Boulders is an example of the many tropical creeks you can find in the northern part of Queensland. The fast flowing creek is surrounded by lush rainforest and boulders, creating swimming holes. The water keeps cool, even during the heat of the summer. This makes it a perfect place for an afternoon dip to cool off.

The area isn’t known to have crocodiles, but local advice is to expect crocodiles in all far northern Australia waterways even if there isn’t a warning sign. Always exercise caution and you are responsible for your own safety in “Croc Country”.

Nevertheless, it is a beautiful place and you can enjoy it along with the many locals and tourits who visit it every year. Use common sense and stay alert, and only swim in designated areas. Fast flowing water can be dangerous so always exercise caution. As for the famous Devil’s Pool, you should never swim there. Read on to find out why!

Devils Pool at Babinda Boulders

From the picnic area at Babinda Boulders, you can do a short 1.3km round-trip walk down to the Devils Pool lookout. The trail winds through the rainforest along the creek, and brings you to two lookout platforms. From the lookouts, you’ll see the creek flow down granite boulders and small pools, including the infamous Devils Pool.

Aboriginal Legend of the Devils Pool

Devils Pool is sacred to the Aboriginals of this land. Legend has it that a young beautiful woman fell to her death there and continues to haunt the waters. The young woman, Oolana, was married to an elder of the Yidinji Tribe. Like star-crossed lovers, she fell in love with Dyga, a young and handsome man from another tribe. They ran away, but were caught. Dyga was taken away with his tribe, and Oolana threw herself into the creek (where Devils Pool is). The waters seemed calm but as she screamed out for her lover to return to her, the waters of the creek suddenly became violent rising waters and Oolana was not seen again.

People “believe” that Oolana’s spirit continues to lure men into the treacherous waters as she searches for her lost love. Do not try to swim there. At least 19 people have died there since the 1950s, and at least 17 of them were men. This was a result of them ignoring signs that say swimming there is strictly prohibited and off-limits. Or, perhaps it was Oolana after all.

Further Reading…

Check out some of the posts below on other must-visit places in Queensland, Australia!