Swimming in the Devil’s Pool, Babinda Boulders

Is this Far North Queensland’s prettiest swimming hole? We have a strong hunch it might be, although, despite local popularity at the nearby Babinda township (59 clicks south of Cairns), the area remains a place of relative serenity. 

As you can see, the series of massive granite rocks, more officially known as the Babinda Boulders, have been smoothed over by several millennia of pure freshwater, which filters down from Queensland’s tallest mountain, Mt Bartle Frere. 

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This particular spot, known as Devil’s Pool, is the meeting point of three separate streams (hence the name), and can get “pretty turbulent” during the height of wet season, says local photographer and capturer of this shot, Andrew Watson – though worry not, he adds, there are several gentle pockets of crystal-clear water nearby where you can swim year-round. 

If you’re not up for a dip – the water does have a bit of bite, either delightfully refreshing or rather cold, depending on how thick your skin is – you can take the easy, 500-metre walking track to the Devil’s Pool Lookout instead. 

From Cairns, take the Bruce Highway south to the Babinda turnoff, then follow Munro Street through the middle of town – it flows straight onto Boulders Road which will lead you right where you want to go. How refreshing. 

Source: australiantraveller.com