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| The Boulders, an
important Aboriginal location near Babinda
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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.
Australian Businesses for sale
Caravan Parks for sale
Motels for sale
Hotels for sale
Broadwalk Business Brokers
Businesses for Sale in Babinda : Buy or Sell Hotels, Motels, Caravan Parks, Bed & Breakfast,
Pubs, Wine Bars, Restaurants, Cafe, English Tea Rooms, Coffee Shops,
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Wrecking Yard for sale in Babinda.
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