The Boulders, an important Aboriginal location near Babinda

Babinda
A small town in the heart of North Queensland's sugar cane area.
The traveller rushing north towards Cairns would be forgiven for thinking that Babinda was hardly worth a visit. It is set off the Bruce Highway and, to the passer-by, it looks like just another town centred around a sugar mill. In fact this small town, located 57 km south of Cairns and over 1700 km north of Brisbane, is more interesting than many of the larger centres in the area.

Babinda's name is probably a corruption of the word 'binda' which meant 'waterfall' in the dialect of the indigenous people. One wonders whether the Aborigines were referring to the waterfalls in the nearby Bellenden Ker National Park, or the annual rainfall which is a massive 4218 mm.

Things to see:  

Babinda Hotel
Babinda's most unusual building is undoubtedly the Babinda Hotel (once known as the State Hotel) located in the main street. It may look like just another north Queensland pub but its claim to fame is that it is the only hotel in Queensland (and probably in Australia) which was built by a State Government. This unusual landlord bore the brunt of many subsequent jokes.

The government tried to justify the construction of the hotel on the grounds of encouraging controlled drinking and stamping out sly grog shops. They also claimed that the hotel would offer reasonably priced lodgings for the hundreds of itinerant workers who came to Babinda during the cane-cutting season.

The hotel was opened on 29 May 1917 by the Home Secretary Mr. Huxham who, after delivering an opening address which attacked the sly grog industry, invited his audience into the pub for a free drink.

The Boulders
The Boulders, 7 km to the west of town, are a series of large boulders in the river which have been worn smooth by tropical rains. They are a dramatic sight, but one which is given much greater significance by the Aboriginal legend and the modern tragedies which have surrounded them. Since 1959 over 15 people (mostly young men) have drowned in this deceptive stretch of water, held under by powerful currents.

At the beginning of the path to 'The Boulders' is a simple monument which reads 'Pray for the soul of Patrick McGann he came for a visit and stayed forever'. The easy walking path then moves through tropical rainforest. There is the constant chatter of birds, tree roots twisted into fantastic shapes, and the canopy from the tall trees offering a cool covering even on the hottest days.

According to legend a very beautiful girl from the Yidinji people named Oolana married an old and respected elder from her tribe named Waroonoo. Some time after their marriage another tribe arrived in the area. In this group was a handsome young man named Dyga. The moment Oolana and Dyga saw each other they fell in love. Realising the crime they were committing, the young lovers fled into the valleys, pursued by both tribes. When they were finally captured, Oolana broke free from her captors and threw herself into the still waters of the nearby creek, calling for Dyga to follow her. As she hit the waters, her cries for her lost lover turned to rushing water and the land shook with sorrow. Huge boulders were thrown up and the crying Oolana disappeared amongst them. It is said that her spirit still guards the boulders and that her cries can be heard, calling for her lost lover, and luring young men into the dangerous waters.

A free camping ground is currently located at the site.

Josephine Falls
To the south-west of the town, along the Bartle Frere turnoff from the Bruce Highway, are the Josephine Falls, regarded by many as the most beautiful falls in North Queensland. Certainly their beauty was enough to attract the advertising world who have used the locality as the backdrop to a number of television commercials. There is a 700-metre walk from the car park to the falls and the swimming area.

Eubenangee Swamp National Park
A similar distance to the south-east, taking the turnoff to Bramston Beach, is the Eubenangee Swamp National Park. A 1.5-km walk, with some sections of boardwalk, allows visitors to experience the variety of flora and fauna which can be found in the tropical wetlands of the coast.

	Tourist Information
	Babinda Visitors Centre Cnr Bruce Hwy & Munro St Babinda QLD 4861 Telephone: (07) 4067 1008
	Motels
	Bramston Beach Motor Inn 1 Dawson St Bramston Beach Babinda QLD 4861 Telephone: (07) 4067 4139 Rating: ***
	Le Beach Motel Evans Rd Bramston Beach Babinda QLD 4861 Telephone: (07) 4067 4133
	Hotels
	Babinda Hotel 73 Munro St Babinda QLD 4861 Telephone: (07) 4067 1202
	Stag Tavern 46 Munro St Babinda QLD 4861 Telephone: (07) 4067 1111
	Restaurants
	Stag Tavern 46 Munro St Babinda QLD 4861 Telephone: (07) 4067 1111
	Caravan Parks
	The Plantation Village Resort and Caravan Park Evans Rd Bramston Beach Babinda QLD 4861 Telephone: (07) 4067 4133
	Restaurants
	Babinda Hotel 73 Munro St Babinda QLD 4861 Telephone: (07) 4067 1202
	Manya's Cafe, Bar & Grill Evans Rd Bramston Beach Babinda QLD 4861 Telephone: (07) 4067 4133