For the last few new years days we have chosen adventure over hangovers and this year it was Babinda Kayaking (and stand up paddle boarding) 45 minutes south of Cairns. A little birdy told us they had just re opened. We loved it when we did it a couple of years back and thought it would be cool to share the adventure with anyone else who was keen. Alana the ‘fun facilitator’ put word out on Radtimes and it turned out we weren’t the only ones dodging hangovers and before we knew it we had 13 adults, 2 kids and Gizmo the adventure dog all keen to have some new years day fun. See the video at the end of the blog!
It’s still the same amazing experience but I have to say that the new owner Paul has taken it up a notch. Brand new kayaks is the major change but he has a new area where everyone checks in and gets ready, new paddles and it has a new feel. He also has a passion for it which is great. We made a short radtimes video of the whole trip which you can watch at the bottom of the blog but you can check out some of the photos below to see what it was like.
I don’t want to ruin the surprise but it can take about 3 – 4 hours, there is an early exit point for those who want to get out earlier and there are cool things to do along the way like swings, small rapids and sections to swim or just hang out on the sand. The water was slightly low so given we were in a double kayak and I had too much booze and pudding at Christmas we had to get out a couple of times and pull the kayak over logs and rocks but for the most part it’s quite cruisey and for most of the year the waters higher. It’s actually come up to the perfect height since we went. The single kayaks and paddle boards had a very smooth run. We saw plenty of fish, birds and even a friendly eel hung out beside us for a while.
Considering what you get and the fact that it’s a half day it’s very affordable. A great trip for groups and families and for couples who want to float down the creek and have a picnic. Be sure to pack a picnic though!
Check out the video below and let us know what you think in the comments. We’d love to hear from you if you do it and get your feedback. You can get more info on the Babinda Kayaking website.
Have fun and an amazing 2018!