Devil's Pool

For other uses, see Devil's pool (disambiguation).
Devil's Pool as seen from its lookout

Devil's Pool is a natural pool in a treacherous stretch of Babinda Creek where large granite boulders fill the creek bed. It is one of the main attractions of the Babinda Boulders scenic reserve, near Babinda, Queensland, Australia.

Between 1959 and July 2023, 21 people have drowned at or near the pools.[1][2][3] The local council urges visitors to stay within a designated swimming area and on paths out of cultural respect and to avoid loss of life.[4][5]

Drownings

A warning sign at Babinda Boulders

Signs warn of the dangers of swimming and climbing in the No Go Zone because the water is deep and fast flowing through narrow channels and over underwater rocks. Deaths occur by swimming at the site, others by falling in unexpectedly, with many drowning victims being wedged in an underwater rock "chute".[6] The force of the moving water is too strong for people to swim against, pinning them underwater, and drowning them.[6]

In 2010, the Cairns Regional Council produced a report which was cited by the coroner examining the death of a man in that year at the Devil's Pool, stating that the number of deaths there totalled 17.[7] In October 2020, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the number of known drownings at this site in the past 50 years stood at 20.[8]

Indigenous legend

A memorial at Babinda Boulders

In 2005, the Australia TV program Message Stick gave an account of the Pool through many interviews and testimonies of witnesses to investigate the prevalence of deaths of young male travellers over the years.[9] The Devil's Pool is the site of the local indigenous tribe's legend, which states how the Babinda Boulders were formed.

The tale is about Oolana, a young woman from the Yindinji Tribe. After being promised to a respected tribal elder, she met a handsome young warrior called Dyga from another tribe and fell in love. They fled their tribes and escaped into the wilderness to continue their affair. Elders searched for them and they were captured. Dyga was dragged away. Oolana escaped and was in despair. She threw herself into the Devil's Pools and her anguished cries turned into the pools torrents.

The Yidinji people believe that Oolana's spirit still haunts the Devils Pools, pulling young men to their untimely deaths.[10]

References

  1. ^ "Body of 18-year-old Madison Tam found after vanishing from Devil's Pool on Monday". www.9news.com.au. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  2. ^ Sexton-McGrath, Kristy (21 December 2021). "Police find body of woman missing at Babinda Boulders swimming hole in Far North Queensland". ABC. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
  3. ^ "Why 21 people have died at this Australian tourist site: 'Significant problem'". 7NEWS. 6 February 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  4. ^ Khalil, Shireen (8 February 2023). "Grim truth about deathy Queensland waterhole". News.com.au.
  5. ^ "Why 21 people have died at this Australian tourist site: 'Significant problem'". 7NEWS. 6 February 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  6. ^ a b Paterson, Alison (6 February 2023). "Swift water expert and psychologist discuss Babinda Boulders deaths". Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  7. ^ Dennien, Matt. "Search expanded for teen missing at notorious far north Qld swimming spot". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  8. ^ "Search underway for missing Brisbane man who disappeared while swimming at notorious Babinda Boulders waterhole in Far North Queensland". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  9. ^ "Babinda Boulders and Surf Dreaming". Message Stick. 27 May 2005. ABC.
  10. ^ "The Devils Pools Legend". Wooroonooran Safaris. Archived from the original on 13 November 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)

17°20′36″S 145°52′18″E / 17.34333°S 145.87157°E / -17.34333; 145.87157