Babinda to Cairns to Kuranda
From swimming holes to rainforest tracks, our time between Babinda, Cairns and Kuranda was a mix of sightseeing, family catch-ups, and a long-overdue crocodile feast. North Queensland delivered plenty of highlights, and a few laughs along the way.
Our first stop heading north was Babinda, a small town famous for its waterfalls and swimming holes. The Babinda Boulders are the main attraction: giant granite boulders worn smooth by rushing water, with crystal-clear pools tucked between them. There are safe designated swimming areas, but plenty of warning signs remind you not to stray into the fast-flowing sections. The area is also steeped in Indigenous stories, adding another layer of meaning to the site. With shaded picnic spots and good facilities, it’s an easy place to spend an afternoon.
Just up the road is Josephine Falls, one of those postcard-perfect spots you have to see in person. The falls tumble down a series of cascades, with each level offering a different view. The bottom pool is the most popular, with its natural rock slide, smooth granite polished by years of water flow. It’s chilly but refreshing, and while we watched plenty of people zoom down the slide, we were content a wander along the walking track.
We also stopped at Golden Hole, a quieter camping and picnic area with stunning views of Mount Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest peak. Despite the inviting water, there are crocodile warning signs everywhere, so we stuck to the grass. It’s a great spot for a lazy lunch or a short walk, just maybe not for a swim.
From there, we set ourselves up in Cairns for a full week. Cameron’s mum and dad flew up from Melbourne chasing some warmth, and it was nice to take a break from the road and just enjoy family time. Cairns is a handy base with everything you could possibly need; supermarkets, cafes, and of course the Esplanade lagoon for a safe swim in town.
After Cairns, we headed up the range to Kuranda, the quirky rainforest village that’s always worth a look. This time, though, our focus was less on the markets and more on time with mates, Dan and Dan in a Van. Together we explored some tracks out into the rainforest, with the Clohesy River Fig Tree being a real highlight. The fig is enormous, a tangled web of roots and branches that looks like something from a fantasy film. A raised boardwalk lets you loop around the tree and take in just how massive it is.
Of course, the week wouldn’t have been complete without our long-awaited crocodile feast. Back in Darwin, Neil had decided buying 1.5kg of croc meat was a brilliant idea…never mind that we had nowhere to cook it at the time. Months later, after lugging it halfway across the country in the freezer, we finally put it to good use. Daneil cooked up a five-course dinner featuring crocodile in every dish. From croc skewers to curry, we tried it all. Verdict? Surprisingly tasty, somewhere between chicken and fish, but the best flavour of all was the satisfaction of finally clearing space in the freezer.
Exploring the unbeaten paths of Australia, one adventure at a time! 🌿 Follow along as we uncover hidden gems, tackle rugged terrains, and head Off the Main Road to embrace the thrill of exploring offbeat destinations. 🚙💨
Babinda is part of our growing collection of small towns in Australia worth slowing down for.
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