DESTINATION: Innisfail

This lush tropical town is situated on the North and South Johnston rivers 88km SE of Cairns. Innisfail has been a sugar town since the 1880's and also grows tea and tropical fruits; aquaculture too is vital to the economy.

Main Attractions

In addition to the Botanical Gardens, which offers bush tucker, there are numerous parks that are ideal for picnicking and for feasting on the delicious locally caught seafood. The Johnstone River is popular for fishing or for strolling along its picturesque bank. Brochures are available for a self-guided walk to see the influence of Italian migrant canecutters on the Art Deco architecture of the town.

Nearby attractions

The Johnstone River Crocodile Farm, 3km NE, has over 3000 crocodiles, native fauna and endangered cassowaries that are part of a captive breeding program. The park has a number of facilities set in tropical surroundings. Paronella Park at Mena Creek, 18km south, is a rainforest heritage garden created by Jose Paronella in 1929. Guided tours of the castle, tropical gardens, 'Tunnel of Love' and waterfalls are offered. The Australian Sugar Museum at Mourilyan, 7km south, displays relics and memorabilia of the sugar industry, which is such an important part of the north. The museum also presents an audio-visual describing the history and processing of sugar. Innisfail is a base for exploring numerous islands, such as Dunk and Bedarra and national parks such as Wooroonooran NP, 25km NW. In this park stands Mount Bartle Frere, Queensland's highest peak. Also in the area are stunning Josephine Falls.

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Region: Tropical North Queensland

by admin

Tropical North Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea islands and the Great Barrier Reef to the east and the rainforest mountains that sweep down from the northernmost section of the Great Dividing Range to the west. Inland from the balmy, humid coast, the Atherton Tableland is elevated 600-900m above sea level. Known as the cool tropics, the weather is usually warm and sunny during the day, while nights are cool to cold. more

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Tourist info

1 Edith St, Ph: (07) 4061 7422

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