CASSOWARY COAST- INNISFAIL
Innisfail is a prosperous and lively town, situated on the North and South Johnstone Rivers, and is surrounded by flourishing landscape. Luxuriant sugar plantations flow from the thick rainforest coastline to the dense jungles of the Palmerston National Park to the west. Innisfail is the second largest urban centre in Far North Queensland, and is known as the Art Deco capital of Australia.
SCROLL DOWN OR USE THE LINKS ABOVE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INNISFAIL. OR CLICK ON ANY OF THE HIGHLIGHTED TOWNS ON THE MAP TO VISIT SOME OF THE OTHER GREAT DESTINATIONS ON THE CASSOWARY COAST.
Innisfail was established in 1880 when the Catholic Bishop of Brisbane, together with 11 nuns, purchased 10,000 hectares of jungle and cleared it to plant sugar. Originally called Geraldton, the town obtained its current name in 1910, in honour of a local Irish-born entrepreneur whose farm was called Innisfallen, the romantic name for Ireland. The town has had a very strong Italian presence from immigrants coming to work in the cane fields. There are even reports of a local branch of the mafia called 'The Black Hand' operating in the Innisfail area during the 1930's.
Nowadays, Innisfail is still very well known as a sugar town, producing a large proportion of Australia's sugar, with other industries such as fishing, farming and aquaculture also playing an important role. Tea, bananas, pawpaws and other exotic tropical fruits are grown within the area. It is also famous thanks to Paronella Park, a Spanish castle.
For the fishermen among you, the Johnstone Shire, where Innisfail is located, will captivate you straight away. The Innisfail region has been recognised as one of the best recreational fishing areas for freshwater and tidal species alike. Offshore reef fishing is very popular and lots of companies in the area offer fishing tours in search of Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Javelin Fish, Trevally, Bream, Queenfish, and Golden Snapper. For those without a boat, there are some easily accessible spots, one of the most popular being the town wharf, at the juction of the North and South Johnstone Rivers. For more detailed information about fishing locations in Tropical North Queensland, please visit our FISHING page.

The Shire Hall is probably the most interesting building in Innisfail, one of the strongest civic statements in Australia. It stands like a beacon towering over the town. The present Shire Hall was built between 1933 and 1938, partly to relieve unemployment during the depression times, using reinforced cement in order to endure the cyclones that sometimes strike the town, but also to protect it from fire... the previous three Shire Halls were all burnt down in 1891, 1913 and 1932.
PIONEERS' MONUMENT
Located at the bottom of the town's main street, the Pioneers' Monument, also known as the 'Canecutter', is a reminder of the Italians who migrated to Innisfail in the 1880's to work as cane cutters in the sugar industry. The statue is made of Carrara marble and represents a cane cutter with his knife at the ready. It was donated to the town by members of the local Italian community.
CHINESE TEMPLE
In Ernest Street you can discover this tiny red Chinese temple, established in the 1880's by migrant workers from southern China, who came to Australia due to the goldrush further north. After the gold reserves dwindled, Chinese migrants dispersed south and settled in towns like Innisfail.
Along with the Italian 'Canecutter' monument, the Chinese Temple is a clear reminder that modern Australia was built not only by the British but other communities such as the Italians or the Chinese.
AUSTRALIAN SUGAR INDUSTRY MUSEUM
Bruce Highway, Mourilyan, Phone (07) 4063 2656.
Since Innisfail was originally established as a sugar town, there had to be a sugar museum. Set in a modern complex, the Australian Sugar Industry Museum offers a permanent display, featuring contemporary and historical photographs, books, historic tractors, locomotives, domestic objects and artifacts used in the sugar industry, including a working model of a 500 horsepower steam-driven crushing engine. Apart from the displays, there is a 50 seat theatre showcasing the history and the processes used in the Australian sugar industry. Children's activities and education support, exhibitions and guided tours will keep all the family entertained.

Near Babinda, the area known as 'The Boulders' holds great significance for local Aboriginal people. According to legend, a beautiful girl called Oolana, from the Yidinji tribe, married a very respected elder from her same tribe called Waroonoo. Very shortly after they married, another tribe moved in the area and a very handsome man moved in with this tribe. His name was Dyga and soon Oolana and Dyga fell in love. Realising how serious the crime they were comitting was, the adulterous couple escaped and fled into the valleys. But they were soon captured by the elders although Oolanda managed to break free and jumped into the still waters of what is nowadays known as Babinda Boulders, calling for Dyga to follow her. No sooner has she hit the waters than her cries for her lost lover turned the still waters into a rushing torrent and the land shook with sorrow. Massive rocks were scattered around the creek and the crying Oolana disappeared amongst them.
The legend says that her spirit still guards the boulders and her cry for her lost love can still be heard.
Surrounded by lush rainforest, the Babinda Boulders, located seven kilometres west of Babinda, is a popular swimming hole and tourist attraction, completed with a free camping ground. It is a classic example of the fast flowing tropical creeks in the area that are perfect for afternoon dips in the cool water to combat the tropical heat. However, be conscious about the risk of these waters and don't take risks. Since 1959, fifteen unwary young men have lost their lives in the fast flowing waters of the Devil's Pool.

FLYING FISH POINT
There are many excellent spots in the area for fishing. Flying Fish Point is one of Far North Queensland's richest estuary fishing locations. Little known, and closely protected by devoted fishing locals, Flying Fish Point is located at the mouth of the Johnstone River, Innisfail. There are two boat ramps at Flying Fish Point and estuary fishermen generally finish their day with splendid catches of Barramundi and Mangrove jack. Other fish often caught at Flying Fish Point include Trevally, Whiting and Mackeral.
KURRIMINE BEACH
South of Innisfail, Kurrimine Beach is famous for having the best beach fishing in North Queensland and is home to the renowned King Reef Crayfish. Mourilyan Harbour offers a good tidal estuary alternative. During the summer months, Barramundi provide excellent catches. The normal range of tropical species are also available including Grunter, Flathead, Cod, Bream, Barracuda and Salmon.
Being so close to the Great Barrier Reef, deep sea and game fishing is highly recommended. To the north, you can drive to Bramston Beach, also a good spot for beach fishing.
For more detailed information about fishing locations in Tropical North Queensland, please visit our FISHING page.

WARRINA LAKES
Crn of Charles and Emily Streets. Open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 6:30pm, and on weekends and public holidays from 10:00am to 6:30pm.
Warrina Lakes complex is a 50 hectare recreational park, just minutes from the heart of Innisfail. The park features walkways through open parkland, lakes, wooded areas and rainforest trails. Within the park you can visit the Bushtucker Gardens, established in 2001 by the Ma Mu traditional owners, containing over 70 species of therapeutic and edible rainforest plants. The Bill Markwell Botanical Gardens are also in the park. These are the native gardens, displaying a large variety of North Queensland rainforest trees, shrubs and palms.
With a swimming pool, barbecues, picnic tables and a playground with boccé and volleyball equipment available, the Warrina Lakes complex also makes a perfect spot for a relaxing family day out.
KURRIMINE BEACH
Most visitors to the area come looking for deserted and unspoiled beaches. Well, if that's what you're after, you've come to the right place. Kurrimine Beach is located about 20 kilometres south of Innisfail and is the closest beach to the Great Barrier Reef. Although it is not as impressive as Mission Beach, that has left it untouched by major development and Kurrimine Beach has kept the tropical north old-world flair, being a very laid back place, fantastic to get away from the stress of the city.
ETTY BAY
Etty Bay, to the northeast of Mourilyan (south of Innisfail), is a totally unspoilt beach where the tropical rainforest comes down to the shores and where people who really want to 'get away from it all' come to relax. Flying Fish Point is also a beautiful spot to lay down on a deserted beach.
BRAMSTON BEACH
Bramston Beach is also very close by. The road that leads you to the beach is flanked by tropical gardens planted by the locals. Between 5:00pm and 5:30pm, the local kookaburras fly in for some evening tucker. Don't forget your camera, it's a fantastic nature show.

Like any other town in Australia, Innisfail celebrates different festivals all through the year. We are sure that there will be something to suit your taste, whatever this is.
FEAST OF THE SENSES
The Feast of the Senses Festival is a decadent celebration of the delicious and exotic North Queensland's fresh produce. Everything from locally made wines to flowers, including tropical fruits, meats and ocean produce will be showcased for everybody to touch and taste.
This event, which has become a major event on the Queensland food tourism calendar, features a whole week of activities. Live cooking demos from both local and famous chefs, wine tastings, art and writing competitions, exhibitions and forums are some of them. But the two main events during this tasty week are the Market Day Extravaganza, a superb smorgasbord of stall holders where you can buy everything from mangonsteen to durina, crocodile pies, jakfruit fritters and fresh pasta to fruit wine, and the Feast of the Senses gala dinner.
INNISFAIL ANNUAL SHOW
The Innisfail Annual Show is a great local show where visitors can enjoy thrill rides, different entertaining activities, stalls, exhibitions, showbags, fireworks, wood chops, and much more. With displays of sugarcane, cattle, bananas, pawpaws, poultry, needlework, horticulture, arts and crafts, and cars and machinery, the show attracts around 8,000 people each year.
KULTURE KARNIVALE
In August, everybody is welcome to Innisfail to celebrate their Kulture Karnivale. Warrina Lakes hosts this multicultural festival that commemorates Innisfail's cultural richness with exciting entertainment, mouth watering food, hands-on workshops, artifacts, arts and crafts, all day long full stage performances and information stalls. It is fantastic if you want to feel the multicultural lifestyle of the tropical Far North Queensland.
INNISFAIL BILL FISHING TOURNAMENT
The Innisfail Bill Fishing Tournament is a catch and release competition that usually takes place in early or mid September. For 20 years, fishermen from all over the country have been attending this tournaments, that targets mainly small billfish species abundant off the coastline.
INNISFAIL HARVEST FESTIVAL
The Innisfail Harvest Festival is a celebration of the harvest season, when bananas, pawpaws and sugar are recollected. The city comes alive with different events, both artistic and cultural. Among those events are worth mentioning the grand parade and a mardi grass. But visitors can enjoy workshops, stalls, rides and exhibitions and local and guest performances.
For more details about these and other events in the region, visit our TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND EVENTS CALENDAR
.








Nowadays, Innisfail is still very well known as a sugar town, producing a large proportion of Australia's sugar, with other industries such as fishing, farming and aquaculture also playing an important role. Tea, bananas, pawpaws and other exotic tropical fruits are grown within the area. It is also famous thanks to Paronella Park, a Spanish castle.
For the fishermen among you, the Johnstone Shire, where Innisfail is located, will captivate you straight away. The Innisfail region has been recognised as one of the best recreational fishing areas for freshwater and tidal species alike. Offshore reef fishing is very popular and lots of companies in the area offer fishing tours in search of Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Javelin Fish, Trevally, Bream, Queenfish, and Golden Snapper. For those without a boat, there are some easily accessible spots, one of the most popular being the town wharf, at the juction of the North and South Johnstone Rivers. For more detailed information about fishing locations in Tropical North Queensland, please visit our FISHING page.
ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO - INNISFAIL

PARONELLA PARK
Japoonvale Road, Mena Creek (MAP)
Phone (07) 4065 0000
Fax (07) 4065 3022
www.paronellapark.com.au
The unforgettable holiday memories ...
are the chance discoveries!
Everyone has a dream. José Paronella's dream became a reality. On 5 Hectares beside Mena Creek Falls he built his castle, picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel, and wrapped it up in an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees. He even harnessed the waterfall for his electricity. It opened to the public in 1935.
Visitors are told this incredible story and taken through the highlights on a variety of guided tours:
The Dream Continues Tour (every half hour from 9.30am to 4.30pm)
The Darkness Falls Tour (6.20pm each night)
Self Guided Botanical Tour (reference guide / map provided)
You arrive not knowing what to expect and depart with memories you will cherish forever.
NEW: Paronella Park now offers accommodation in three basic, air-conditioned cabins. Each cabin contains a queen sized bed with linen, two towels, bar fridge, kettle and tea/coffee making facilities. See 'accommodation' section below.
HISTORICAL SITES
THE SHIRE HALLThe Shire Hall is probably the most interesting building in Innisfail, one of the strongest civic statements in Australia. It stands like a beacon towering over the town. The present Shire Hall was built between 1933 and 1938, partly to relieve unemployment during the depression times, using reinforced cement in order to endure the cyclones that sometimes strike the town, but also to protect it from fire... the previous three Shire Halls were all burnt down in 1891, 1913 and 1932.
PIONEERS' MONUMENT
Located at the bottom of the town's main street, the Pioneers' Monument, also known as the 'Canecutter', is a reminder of the Italians who migrated to Innisfail in the 1880's to work as cane cutters in the sugar industry. The statue is made of Carrara marble and represents a cane cutter with his knife at the ready. It was donated to the town by members of the local Italian community.
CHINESE TEMPLE
In Ernest Street you can discover this tiny red Chinese temple, established in the 1880's by migrant workers from southern China, who came to Australia due to the goldrush further north. After the gold reserves dwindled, Chinese migrants dispersed south and settled in towns like Innisfail.
Along with the Italian 'Canecutter' monument, the Chinese Temple is a clear reminder that modern Australia was built not only by the British but other communities such as the Italians or the Chinese.
AUSTRALIAN SUGAR INDUSTRY MUSEUM
Bruce Highway, Mourilyan, Phone (07) 4063 2656.
Since Innisfail was originally established as a sugar town, there had to be a sugar museum. Set in a modern complex, the Australian Sugar Industry Museum offers a permanent display, featuring contemporary and historical photographs, books, historic tractors, locomotives, domestic objects and artifacts used in the sugar industry, including a working model of a 500 horsepower steam-driven crushing engine. Apart from the displays, there is a 50 seat theatre showcasing the history and the processes used in the Australian sugar industry. Children's activities and education support, exhibitions and guided tours will keep all the family entertained.
ABORIGINAL CULTURE
Near Babinda, the area known as 'The Boulders' holds great significance for local Aboriginal people. According to legend, a beautiful girl called Oolana, from the Yidinji tribe, married a very respected elder from her same tribe called Waroonoo. Very shortly after they married, another tribe moved in the area and a very handsome man moved in with this tribe. His name was Dyga and soon Oolana and Dyga fell in love. Realising how serious the crime they were comitting was, the adulterous couple escaped and fled into the valleys. But they were soon captured by the elders although Oolanda managed to break free and jumped into the still waters of what is nowadays known as Babinda Boulders, calling for Dyga to follow her. No sooner has she hit the waters than her cries for her lost lover turned the still waters into a rushing torrent and the land shook with sorrow. Massive rocks were scattered around the creek and the crying Oolana disappeared amongst them.The legend says that her spirit still guards the boulders and her cry for her lost love can still be heard.
Surrounded by lush rainforest, the Babinda Boulders, located seven kilometres west of Babinda, is a popular swimming hole and tourist attraction, completed with a free camping ground. It is a classic example of the fast flowing tropical creeks in the area that are perfect for afternoon dips in the cool water to combat the tropical heat. However, be conscious about the risk of these waters and don't take risks. Since 1959, fifteen unwary young men have lost their lives in the fast flowing waters of the Devil's Pool.
FISHING
FLYING FISH POINTThere are many excellent spots in the area for fishing. Flying Fish Point is one of Far North Queensland's richest estuary fishing locations. Little known, and closely protected by devoted fishing locals, Flying Fish Point is located at the mouth of the Johnstone River, Innisfail. There are two boat ramps at Flying Fish Point and estuary fishermen generally finish their day with splendid catches of Barramundi and Mangrove jack. Other fish often caught at Flying Fish Point include Trevally, Whiting and Mackeral.
KURRIMINE BEACH
South of Innisfail, Kurrimine Beach is famous for having the best beach fishing in North Queensland and is home to the renowned King Reef Crayfish. Mourilyan Harbour offers a good tidal estuary alternative. During the summer months, Barramundi provide excellent catches. The normal range of tropical species are also available including Grunter, Flathead, Cod, Bream, Barracuda and Salmon.
Being so close to the Great Barrier Reef, deep sea and game fishing is highly recommended. To the north, you can drive to Bramston Beach, also a good spot for beach fishing.
For more detailed information about fishing locations in Tropical North Queensland, please visit our FISHING page.
NATURAL SITES
WARRINA LAKESCrn of Charles and Emily Streets. Open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 6:30pm, and on weekends and public holidays from 10:00am to 6:30pm.
Warrina Lakes complex is a 50 hectare recreational park, just minutes from the heart of Innisfail. The park features walkways through open parkland, lakes, wooded areas and rainforest trails. Within the park you can visit the Bushtucker Gardens, established in 2001 by the Ma Mu traditional owners, containing over 70 species of therapeutic and edible rainforest plants. The Bill Markwell Botanical Gardens are also in the park. These are the native gardens, displaying a large variety of North Queensland rainforest trees, shrubs and palms.
With a swimming pool, barbecues, picnic tables and a playground with boccé and volleyball equipment available, the Warrina Lakes complex also makes a perfect spot for a relaxing family day out.
BEACHES
KURRIMINE BEACHMost visitors to the area come looking for deserted and unspoiled beaches. Well, if that's what you're after, you've come to the right place. Kurrimine Beach is located about 20 kilometres south of Innisfail and is the closest beach to the Great Barrier Reef. Although it is not as impressive as Mission Beach, that has left it untouched by major development and Kurrimine Beach has kept the tropical north old-world flair, being a very laid back place, fantastic to get away from the stress of the city.
ETTY BAY
Etty Bay, to the northeast of Mourilyan (south of Innisfail), is a totally unspoilt beach where the tropical rainforest comes down to the shores and where people who really want to 'get away from it all' come to relax. Flying Fish Point is also a beautiful spot to lay down on a deserted beach.
BRAMSTON BEACH
Bramston Beach is also very close by. The road that leads you to the beach is flanked by tropical gardens planted by the locals. Between 5:00pm and 5:30pm, the local kookaburras fly in for some evening tucker. Don't forget your camera, it's a fantastic nature show.
EVENTS
Like any other town in Australia, Innisfail celebrates different festivals all through the year. We are sure that there will be something to suit your taste, whatever this is.FEAST OF THE SENSES
The Feast of the Senses Festival is a decadent celebration of the delicious and exotic North Queensland's fresh produce. Everything from locally made wines to flowers, including tropical fruits, meats and ocean produce will be showcased for everybody to touch and taste.
This event, which has become a major event on the Queensland food tourism calendar, features a whole week of activities. Live cooking demos from both local and famous chefs, wine tastings, art and writing competitions, exhibitions and forums are some of them. But the two main events during this tasty week are the Market Day Extravaganza, a superb smorgasbord of stall holders where you can buy everything from mangonsteen to durina, crocodile pies, jakfruit fritters and fresh pasta to fruit wine, and the Feast of the Senses gala dinner.
INNISFAIL ANNUAL SHOW
The Innisfail Annual Show is a great local show where visitors can enjoy thrill rides, different entertaining activities, stalls, exhibitions, showbags, fireworks, wood chops, and much more. With displays of sugarcane, cattle, bananas, pawpaws, poultry, needlework, horticulture, arts and crafts, and cars and machinery, the show attracts around 8,000 people each year.
KULTURE KARNIVALE
In August, everybody is welcome to Innisfail to celebrate their Kulture Karnivale. Warrina Lakes hosts this multicultural festival that commemorates Innisfail's cultural richness with exciting entertainment, mouth watering food, hands-on workshops, artifacts, arts and crafts, all day long full stage performances and information stalls. It is fantastic if you want to feel the multicultural lifestyle of the tropical Far North Queensland.
INNISFAIL BILL FISHING TOURNAMENT
The Innisfail Bill Fishing Tournament is a catch and release competition that usually takes place in early or mid September. For 20 years, fishermen from all over the country have been attending this tournaments, that targets mainly small billfish species abundant off the coastline.
INNISFAIL HARVEST FESTIVAL
The Innisfail Harvest Festival is a celebration of the harvest season, when bananas, pawpaws and sugar are recollected. The city comes alive with different events, both artistic and cultural. Among those events are worth mentioning the grand parade and a mardi grass. But visitors can enjoy workshops, stalls, rides and exhibitions and local and guest performances.
For more details about these and other events in the region, visit our TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND EVENTS CALENDAR
.
ACCOMMODATION - INNISFAIL
Innisfail holiday accommodation is varied and we have divided it into sections so it is easy for you to find the type of holiday accommodation that best suits your needs. Accommodation in Innisfail ranges from hotels and motels to caravan parks and bed and breakfast accommodation. Innisfail has three backpackers hostels as well, which are popular with working holiday makers employed in the local agricultural industry. Scroll down or use the buttons on the right to choose your style of Innisfail accommodation.
HOTELS
SILKWOOD HOTEL
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MOTELS

RIVERLODGE TROPICAL MOTEL
84 River Avenue, Innisfail (MAP)
Phone (07) 4061 3888
www.riverlodgetropicalmotel.com.au
CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Riverlodge Tropical Motel in Innisfail offers several room styles to suit all budgets and needs. Choose from Queen style room, King style rooms, twin share rooms and family rooms.
Conference room and facilities are available, and business travellers will appreciate the ADSL2 wireless broadband.
HOLIDAY HOMES

TOP HILL LODGE
18 Francis Road, Mena Creek (MAP)
Phone (07) 4065 3310 / Fax (07) 4065 3021
Mobile 0447 499 157
www.aussiefarmentertainment.com.au
Affordable modern country holiday home!
Top Hill Lodge is an affordable modern self contained country holiday home ideal for families. Sleeps 10. TV Video. Main area airconditioned. Views over Mena Creek. Fully fenced for children. Sits on 40 acres with cattle grazing around. Close to Spurwood Springs and Paronella Park.
BED AND BREAKFASTS
WATERFERN GARDENS RAINFOREST RETREAT
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MENA CREEK FALLS GUESTHOUSE
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BACKPACKERS HOSTELS
CARAVAN PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS

PARONELLA PARK
Japoonvale Road, Mena Creek (MAP)
Phone (07) 4065 0000 / Fax (07) 4065 3022
www.paronellapark.com.au
The Dream Continues...
Enhance your Paronella Park experience by staying in this small intimate park amongst the rainforest, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere of the early morning and the evening tour.
NEW: Paronella Park now offers accommodation in three basic, air-conditioned cabins. Each cabin contains a queen sized bed with linen, two towels, bar fridge, kettle and tea/coffee making facilities.
DINING - INNISFAIL
OLIVERI'S CONTINENTAL DELI
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IL FIORENTINO
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GETTING TO INNISFAIL







Of course if you've got a desire for the freedom and flexibility that can only be had at the wheels of your own vehicle, please visit our
Trans North Bus & Coach offers a service from Mission Beach to Bingil Bay and return. The buses run a number of times each day, from Monday to Saturday, except Public Holidays, stopping at different spots on their way (Bingil Bay and Clump Point amongst others).
Innisfail has a local taxi service. Phone (07) 4787 9550 .
