THERE'S just something so relaxing about floating effortlessly down a river, especially one edged on both sides by lush greenery.

Babinda Kayak Hire offers the opportunity to get away from it all on the clear cool waters of Babinda Creek, paddling along a 9km flat stretch of the creek downstream from the impressive Babinda Boulders. The mountain-fed stream flows swiftly enough that you barely need to paddle if you don’t want to.

The creek alternates between shallow, sandy stretches, where you can easily see the fish darting out from under the kayak, to deep, green pools which are edged with moss-covered granite boulders. These are up to 4m deep, but are clear enough to see right to the bottom and are perfect for swimming in on a hot day. You can even hire a mask and snorkel if you really want to explore underwater.

A cormorant watches from an old branch sticking out of the water as we glide through its territory, taking flight across the water when we get too close. A buff-breasted kingfisher is revealed by a flash of brilliant blue in some overhanging branches. A horde of finches move like a wave through the grasses. Frogs croak from their hiding places in the lush creepers that tumble into the water like a thick blanket.

There are numerous sandy beaches formed as the main current weaves its way back and forth with the meandering creek and a grassy islet or two to paddle around if you want to stretch your muscles. The kayaks are easy to paddle, with a middle seat in the doubles for small children as well. Linda Davison from Babinda Kayak Hire says people can even bring their dogs along as the area is outside the national park. There’s a convenient strapped area on the back of the kayaks where you can put your things. Waterproof “dry” bags can be hired for $3. Netting bags are free to use. It’s a good idea to bring along a snack or two as there’s plenty of time to stop along the way for a picnic. Children and seniors can manage the trip easily because the stream does all the work for you.

There are two pick-up points on the creek, easily marked by road and railway bridges. We made it to the first pick-up point in about 90 minutes so there is time enough for one or two hours of playing around if you want to. We carried on to the second pick-up point, arriving just as the south-bound passenger train crossed the bridge. It’s surprises like that which make this a trip you could do again and again, rain or shine. We had an overcast day so didn’t feel much like swimming, but that didn’t matter because the silence and beauty of drifting downstream had its own appeal. This is a trip that you can easily make as active or as relaxing as you want. It’s great for families and suitable for people of all ages and abilities. We’ll be back with more friends for sure.

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