Babinda Kayak Hire has 14 single and 4 double sit-on-top kayaks available for hire. Taking kayaks down Babinda Creek is only a suggestion. Kayaks are available for hire to take to other locations. Delivery and pick-up can be arranged (charges apply). A $50 refundable bond applies to each kayak and hirers must produce photo I.D, sign a liability waiver and a hire agreement form.

About Babinda

Babinda is a small country town full of History and natural beauty. Babinda is approximately 55 km South of Cairns on the Bruce Highway. It is a popular tourist destination and one of those special little places seasoned travellers tell each other to include on their travels.

Babinda Boulders

Local attractions include the Babinda Boulders, Bramston Beach, Eubenangee swamp, Golden Hole and Josephine Falls, reputed by some to be the most beautiful falls in Far North Queensland. Historic buildings include the Babinda State Hotel built in 1917 by the Queensland Government and the Babinda Railway Station. The visitor centre in the little blue building on the corner of the Highway and the main street used to be the local Police Station. For more information on these attractions, visit our 'Self Tour Suggestion page'.

Babinda Creek, which originates from Queensland's highest mountian, Mt Bartle Frere and the same creek the famous 'Babinda Boulders' lie in, has long been a local's favourite for water sports and other acitvities including swimming, fishing and 'tubing' along after a flood. On clear days it makes the perfect setting for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts for peering through it's crystal clear waters to the life below as the current floats you through the picturesque Valley.

Where to go for your Babinda kayak trip?

If you wish to paddle down Babinda Creek (bookings are essential), drive to 330 Stager Road, Babinda (See map here). Look for this kayak hire sign at the driveway). You will enter the Creek at this address. When you arrive at one of the two finish points, either call us or wait for the pre-arranged pick-up time and we will collect the kayaks from there and give you a lift back to your car. Both pick-up spots are lovely swimming areas.

If you would like to take the kayaks elsewhere, please phone and we will make the arrangements.

Operating Hours

We are open 6 days a week including public holidays from 8.00am to 6.00pm (CLOSED WEDNESDAYS) (although bookings are essential). Kayak hire is dependant on current creek conditions, which for the most part are perfect for paddling. We don't operate during very heavy rain and flooding and will wait for the creek to subside before running kayaks again. This usually happens fairly quickly after flooding, although it may take a day or two for the water to clear completetly. You can check current creek conditions here. (This page is updated promptly as conditions change).

Parking

Our parking facilities are limited so please car pool. We have no facilities for motorhomes or caravans. These vehicles will need to park on the roadway dirt shoulder accross from our driveway. A turning area is located about 1km further down Stager Road. (Stager Road is a No -Through road)

What's Babinda Creek like for kayaking along?

Check current creek conditions here.

Babinda Creek is a permanently flowing mountain stream. Water flow varies in height and current depending on recent rainfall. After good heavy rains, once the creek clears, paddling is almost discouraged! as the water flow provides the perfect pace for travelling downstream. Paddling too much may mean you get to the end faster than you would like. After long periods without rain, you may encounter occassional (but brief) shallow pebbled areas and logs etc which can be negotiated around. If you need to get out, it will only be for afew steps to lift the kayak over some shallow pebbles. It is otherwise a matter of paddling downstream with the creeks gentle current. My husband likes to call it 'couch potato paddling'!. If you go in, it will usually be because your kayak has snuggled up against a log sideways and the current slowly tips your kayak over, these areas are usually shallow and you will probably be ready to go in anyhow!

The kayaks we provide are ideal for Babinda Creek's conditions and allow easy gliding over most shallow areas even when the creek is low. They are stable and very easy to manoeuvre. You will encounter the occassional mini rapid or 'ripple' where the level of the creek drops slightly. These are easy and fun, your kayak will follow the main water flow and take you for a little ride. There are many deep swimming holes along the way, and plenty of spots you can stop for some lunch or a swim or even explore. Snorkelling is also becoming popular with many fish to spot. Ask about our fantastic 'Drift Snorkel Circuit' The water temperature is just perfect as the cool mountain water is warmed in the sun over mostly shallow creek bed - you wont want to get out! You will see many fish along the way, some turtles and birdlife and if you are lucky, a platypus. Babinda Creek's waters are crystal clear and unless the water level is unusually high (after much rain) or you are passing deep holes, you will be able to see through to the bottom the entire way. The relaxing, peaceful sound of nature will follow you most of the way.

If the season is particularly dry, kayaking may become difficult and will be discouraged (Check current creek conditons here).

What about kids?

This is a perfect recreational activity for the whole family. We recommend that children be aleast 5 years old and able to swim. Children should be old enough and adventurous enough to fall in (or be pushed in) as navigating around logs and negotiating small rapids presents a reasonable chance for falling in. Smaller kids can easily share an adults kayak for no extra charge (let us know and we'll reserve the best suited kayak for you). Larger kids (starting at about 8 years) often prefer a kayak of their own. They love it for the adventure, fish life and swimming, adults love it for the serenity and relaxing scenic paddle. Very small rapids (better described as 'ripples') add that element of fun and excitement along the way. There's no paddling back home against the current either, just let the current take you through the valley to the finish points where we will come and pick you up.

Our views on children's level of participation are flexible as we trust the parents to be the best judges of their capabilities. Please note; parents/Guaridans will need to sign a liability waiver on behalf of their children in order for them to participate.

What about Dogs?

We are pet friendly. Dogs are welcome. We only stipulate that dogs will need to stay with one of the owners at the pick-up point, whilst we drive the other owner back to their vehicle for collection, who will then drive back to the pick-up point to collect the other owner and pooch. This is only a 5 - 10 minute drive and neccessary as we do not have the facilities to transport dogs.

What weight can the kayaks handle?

Our kayaks cope easily with the majority of people. If you are over 110 kg and/or taller than average (over 6ft 3in) let us know and we'll reserve a better suited kayak for you. Double kayaks are also a good option as they provide extra stability.

Double or single kayaks ?

Both kayaks work fine on this creek. Some families with children prefer doubles if they are unsure of their childs capabilities. Although by the time kids are 8, they seem to cope quite well on their own. A double kayak is not really reccomended for two beginners as they are much longer and heavier which means they are harder to manouvre around logs etc. We have found single kayaks easier to learn on as you quickly see the direct result of your actions, they are also much easier to manouvre. If sharing a double, it's harder to work out what you are doing is right or wrong if your partner is doing something completely different (which they usually are!) If creek levels are low, the double kayaks will also bottom out before the single kayaks as they sit deeper in the water.

How much agility is required to participate?

To access the kayaks, you will need to climb down stairs and walk about 300 metres along the grassed creek bank (easy walk). Climbing into the kayaks is done either directly from concrete stairs leading into the water or from a shallow sand bank if the water level is normal. If you fall in whilst kayaking, you will need to be able to climb back on (usually by finding a shallow area or by taking the kayak to the creek edge and using the bank if the creek level is high). On arrival at your pick-up point, help with lifting the kayaks onto the trailer is usually needed (single kayaks weigh around 18 - 20 kg distributed to two people).

Both pick-up points have a beached area to draw the kayaks easily from the water.

How does it all work?

It's simple. You can hire kayaks for either a half day (up to 4 hours) or a Full day (up to 8 hours). Half day hire's must leave at 8am or 1pm. Full day hires can leave anytime, but must be ready for pick-up well before dark. Your kayaks will be waiting for you here at the Creeks edge, we put you in , then you paddle downstream at your own pace to your choice of two pick-up points. When you get there, give us a call (or we can arrange a set time) and we will come and pick you up. This is a one way trip only, paddling back to the hire location is not an option (not that you would want to anyway!) In cases where there are more passengers than our cars can accomodate, we will take the drivers only back to their car so they can then collect the other passengers on their way home. This is only a 5 minute drive and necessary until we can fulfill our wishlist of a passenger bus! (Kids wont be seperated from their parents - we'll work around it)

A map is provided of the Creek illustrating the Start point and the choice of two pick-up points. The first pick-up point is after about 2 hours of slow paddling and between the first two overhead bridges you come to, which are only metres apart. You'll see a nice beach and possibly some locals swimming there.

Approaching the 3rd and 4th Bridge

Most people aren't ready to call it a day, so just keep paddling; The second and final pick-up point is about one and half hours paddling further downstream and is also very easily found (its a free caravan/camping site just after the third and fourth overhead bridges you pass). You cant miss it. So its very easy - Both sets of bridges you come to are pick up points, thats all you need to remember! Just phone us on your mobile when you are there, let us know which pick-up point you are at, and we will come and collect you - no fuss.

Visit our testimonials page to see what our customers have to say.

Where to Stay in Babinda?

If you are after accomodation, why not stay at the lovely Bartle Frere Bed and Breakfast, just a short walk from Josephine Falls. It's the perfect place to unwind after your day of exploring this beautiful area. There is also the Historic Babinda State Hotel in the heart of Babinda.

If you are caravaning or camping, you'll love Babinda's free camping sites, one situated next to the Babinda Boulders on the right hand side, although spaces are limited to 5. The other, much larger park is located at the final kayak pick-up point right on Babinda Creek on Howard kennedy Drive. This park is pet friendly. Both parks have free amenities. Babinda is only 55 km's South of Cairns or 26 km's North of Innisfail.

If you have no car, how do you get here?

Babinda Kayak Hire do not provide a pick-up service. Trains leave for Babinda Most days. Visit their website for timetables or phone 1300 131 722 to speak to an operator. You can also call the Babinda Information centre on 4067 1008 for up to date information on bus services.

Fishing

Although line fishing is legally permitted in Babinda Creek, the fish are not considered 'good eating'. As the prolific aquatic life in this creek is one of its strongest assets, we do not encourage fishing and place high value on the creeks conservation. Not only does fishing deplete the fish numbers but tangled and broken lines and hooks pose a threat to birds and the many resident platypus, which forage blind underwater. Catching and releasing fish is not a solution as studies show up to 50% of fish die within 6 days as a result of their injuries. As such we don't allow fishing from our kayaks.

What to bring with you on your adventure?

• A hat, sunscreen and/or protective clothing against the sun.
• Shoes which can get wet
• Dry bags are available for hire if you wish to take personal effects and food/drink.
• Snorkelling is also popular. If you dont have your own, we have some for hire. Ask about our 'Drift Snorkel circuit'
• A bag to contain your posessions and to secure any loose items
• Sunglasses and lanyard to prevent you from losing them
• A mobile phone (if you have one)- that way you can phone us to come and pick you up when you reach the end (it's easier than scheduling a pick-up time). We will supply you with a waterproof phone box
• Change of clothes - just in case you or somebody else decides you are going for a dip !
• Something to eat for a lovely picnic on a beach along the way.

Please take care not to leave anything behind on your journey. A rubbish bag will be provided if needed.

Babinda Creek access

Access to Babinda Creek upstream is via private property. Please understand we cannot provide public access to the creek other than for the operation of our hire business. If you are looking to gain access to the creek upstream, please respect people's private property. We no longer cater for people with their own kayaks.

What else is there to see and do around Babinda?

Why not try our Self Tour Suggestion.

The Babinda area is rich in natural beauty and unique experiences. It is well worth a stay. Natural (and free) attractions include;

The beautiful Babinda Boulders just afew kms West of the township. Beautifully maintained Picnic & recreational areas with B.B.Q facilities and amenities in tropical settings on the banks of Babinda Creek with easy access to swimming holes and rainforest walks to spectacular lookouts over the renowned Boulder formations.

Josephine Falls

Josephine Falls (approx 15km drive from Babinda township) at the base of Mt Bartle Frere is another world class attraction. a short rainforest walk takes you to the base of the falls where you can peer above to the top falls whilst swimming in the popular cool waters at the bottom pool. A rock slide into the pool is very popular with the adventurous. Short walks further along the rainforest walk takes you to two more lookouts towards the top falls.

Why not treat yourself to the Best Massage in the Far North, right here in Babinda with Relaxabout Massage retreat. Call Judy Van Dycke on 4067 2604 or 0400 726 245

Head towards the coast and visit Bramston Beach and the Eubenangee swamp off Bramston Beach Road.

If you want to experience the Reef, operating from the same Deeral Boat Ramp is the Frankland Island Cruises, who are the only operators permitted to provide tours to these amazing islands.

Heading further South and just west of Innisfail, you will discover the Mamu rainforest canopy walk and of course, Paronella Park where your journey back in time will take you to a mystical and fascinating world of a romantic dreamer who created a real life fairytale still standing today.

Further South again and back on the coast takes you to the beautiful Etty Bay and Mission Beach which is a destination in its own right.