The Boulders (Please read Description)

The Boulders (Please read Description)

The Boulders, Babinda, North-Queensland Australia.

The area my mother was born and grew up in :)

Babinda’s name is probably a corruption of the word ‘binda’ which meant ‘waterfall’ in the dialect of the indigenous people. The annual rainfall of the area is a massive 4218 mm (166 inchs).

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…

The Boulders (Please read Description) belongs to the following groups:

Australian Bush ☼ (aspects of realistic views - ie N0 Abstracts or Macros please!), Australian Landmarks and Icons, Forests, Green!, Landscape Photography, National Parks of the World & Great Parks Of The World, Panoramas 3:1 Ratio Minimum, Queensland, Rivers and Streams, Scenery, Travel and Adventure, Tropical Art and Vibrant and Vivid Color Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters