Grim truth about deadly Queensland waterhole

It’s a little piece of paradise located in far north Queensland and while its spectacular aesthetics attracts tourists and locals alike, they have been warned.

It’s a little piece of paradise located in far north Queensland and while its spectacular looks attract tourists and locals alike, they have been warned “if you slip, if you fall” — it generally becomes a “recovery, rather than a rescue”.

Babinda Boulders includes a notorious section made of three connected areas — Devil’s Pool, The Chute and The Washing Machine — and is known as a ‘no-go zone’ for a reason.

The stunning site adjacent to the Wooroonooran National Park has claimed the lives of 21 people, including three since 2020 alone after signage and fencing were put in place.

Victims have mostly lost their lives when pulled into quick rapids and sucked underneath the water.

Babinda Boulders is made up of three connected areas – Devil’s Pool, The Chute and The Washing Machine.

After the three most recent deaths — Brisbane father Shanon Hoffman who disappeared underwater in October 2021; Chloe Bailey, 19, who drowned after she fell into the off-limits water in January 2022 and Cairns local Madison Tam, 18, who was sucked into the swimming hole the same year — the Cairns Regional Council commissioned a safety review.

The report found there is a “significant problem” with young people mostly aged 18-34 “intentionally entering” the no-go zone “despite warnings”.

It also found the site’s risks were poorly understood, proposing improvements to signage and education as ways to prevent further tragedies.

The popular tourist destination is located south of Cairns in far North Queensland. Picture: TikTok/tom_howe

“Deaths that occur at The Boulders are from drowning in a notorious section of dangerous water from above the Devil’s Pool to below The Washing Machine,” the report states.

“The Chute is located between the Devil’s Pool and The Washing Machine and is the most dangerous location accounting for over half of recorded deaths.”

The report states that on the surface The Chute looks like just a ‘small stream running through a narrow rock formation — but water pressure within an eight-metre crevice underneath has trapped swimmers, making it impossible for them to resurface.

Cairns councillor Brett Moller said the council has really got to reinforce the dangers.

Cairns council has proposed to make improvements to signage, visitor engagement and education as ways to prevent further tragedies. Picture: Youtube/Theroundaboutcrew

“We really have got to get the message out that in those three dangerous sections, if you slip, if you fall, if you are in that water, it’s a recovery not a rescue,” he told 7 News.

“It doesn’t just impact on the families, it impacts on the rescuers, it impacts on the local Babinda community.”

Following the council’s plans to make it safer, other recommendations include adding surveillance equipment and a visitor counter.

Social media is awash with videos showing people putting their lives on the line, wandering away from safe zones and ignoring warning signs — something the council hopes to change.

Shanon Hoffman, 37, body was recovered by divers after he went missing at Devil’s Pool in 2021. Picture: Supplied

Madison Tam, 18, died after she was sucked into the swimming hole in April, 202. Picture: Supplied

“Be aware of your surroundings, be aware of the conditions and do not, do not put yourself in harms way,” Mr Moller said.

His stern advice was echoed by Jamie Satani, chair of the Wanyurr-Majay Aboriginal Corporation.

There have been 21 deaths at the far north Queensland site. Picture: TikTok/tropicalnorthqueensland

Many have described the site as being ‘haunted’ following the Aboriginal legend claims. Picture: TikTok/paranormal_aus

“People tend to venture past that point and that’s when it gets really dangerous,” he told 7 News, conceding the sites are “inviting” but his people know not to go there.

“It’s a story place. You don’t go venturing into the story place, because it’s a legend and we respect that,” he said.

“It has cultural significance. People have got to learn to respect it.

“We respect it because it’s the way we’ve grown up – to understand to not go to those story places.”

Many have described the site as being “haunted” following the Aboriginal legend claims.

The story is that of local Yidindji woman named whose spirit is believed to lure young men to their death.

As the legend goes, she died by suicide in Devil’s Pool having been separated from her forbidden lover, a man called Dyga, from another tribe.

She fell in love with him while in a union with someone else from her own group. Her spirit is said to pull men into the water, believing they are her lover.

“Beautiful place love the First Nation story can be dangerous for men,” one person wrote on TikTok.

“I’ve heard about it last year! It’s a pretty crazy story hey!” another responded.

Others noted while it was a magical spot, they “wouldn’t go anywhere close to it” and only “swim in the areas you’re allowed to”.