| Babinda Queensland |
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Babinda, on a rainy day |
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Babinda
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| Population: | 1,167 (2006 Census)[1] | ||||||
| Postcode: | 4861 | ||||||
| Location: | |||||||
| LGA: | Cairns Region | ||||||
| State District: | Mulgrave | ||||||
| Federal Division: | Kennedy | ||||||
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Babinda is a small town 60 km south of Cairns, Queensland. It is located in the Cairns Region.
The town is noted for its proximity to two of Queensland's highest mountains Mount Bartle Frere and Mount Bellenden Ker.
Babinda and Tully annually compete for the Golden Gumboot, an award for Australia's wettest town. Babinda is usually the winner, recording an annual rainfall of over 4200 millimetres each year.
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In March 2006, Babinda was struck by Cyclone Larry, damaging up to 80% of buildings.[2]
The 2006 Census by the Australian Bureau of Statistics counted 1,167 persons in Babinda on census night. Of these, 49.7% were male and 50.3% were female.[1]
The majority of residents (79.7%) are of Australian birth, with other common census responses being Italy (2.7%) and New Zealand (2.0%).[1]
The age distribution of Babinda residents is skewed slightly higher than the greater Australian population. 70.1% of residents were over 25 years in 2006, compared to the Australian average of 66.5%; and 29.9% were younger than 25 years, compared to the Australian average of 33.5%.[1]
The local newspaper is the Innisfail Advocate.
Babinda is served by Babinda State School, on Boulders Road, and St Rita's School, on Church Street.
The Boulders and Devil's Pool are popular tourist attractions. A picnic area is located nearby, beside Babinda Creek.
Babinda is situated on the Bruce Highway.
The town serves as a stop for long-distance train services, namely The Sunlander and the Tilt Train.