Innisfail

Nestled right in the heart of the fabulous Great Green Way is a picturesque town called Innisfail. Somewhat inundated by the fanfare of tourism that swept the region in the past decade, Innisfail is gradually working to step up its tourism in the last few years. A bustling town with so much to offer, Innisfail is just one of the many places in North Queensland that is waiting to be explored. Just like its neighboring towns, Innisfail has its own share of resplendent natural attractions and numerous places of interests. For this reason, this small, lively town is the perfect getaway spot for people who want a little rest and relaxation.

A captivating country town, Innisfail is approximately 90 kilometers away from Cairns. With a population of more than 8,000, Innisfail is Johnstone Shire's major town and administrative seat. The town was founded by Thomas Henry Fitzgerald who occupied 10,000 hectares of land and established what would become the backbone of Ingham's economy: sugar industry. He named the land "Innisfail," which was the romantic version of "Ireland." The town was previously known as "Geraldton," however, it shares the same name with another town in Western Australia. With this, the locals decided to adopt the name "Innisfail" instead, to avoid any kind of mix-up between the two Aussie towns.

Architecture

A quaint town with rich cultural background, Innisfail is one of the few towns in Queensland worth visiting for its architecture. Some of the antiquated buildings that line the town's main street and back roads display that distinctive Mediterranean appeal. An example of this is the Roman Catholic Church that imposingly sits at the main street's brow. Another edifice that exhibits cultural heritage is the Chinese Temple at Ernest Street. A red structure of incense smell and brass furnishings, the Chinese Temple is a clear-cut contrast to the town's romantic Mediterranean vibe. However, this exceptional temple is yet another significant witness to Innisfail’s history.

Another remarkable structure is the Shire Hall. Constructed between 1933 and 1939, the Shire Hall is used during civic occasions. The current Shire Hall replaced three others that were built and burned down in 1891, 1913, and 1932. Made of reinforced cement, the Shire Hall is built to withstand natural disasters like cyclones. At present, the Shire Hall is one of Innisfail's strongest and most important buildings.

Just down the main street, past the various shops and stores, is the Pioneers Monument. A beautiful statue built from Carrara marble, this monument depicts a cane worker holding a cutting knife. It was the Italian community's gift to Innisfail, which serves as a reminder that their group has made significant contributions to the town.

Natural Wonders

Ideally situated at the North and South Johnstone Rivers crossing, Innisfail is blessed with beautiful landscapes of lush sugarcane fields and pristine coastlines. Among the most popular natural attractions frequented by tourists and locals is the Fitzgerald Esplanade Parkland. Adjacently located to the captivating Johnstone River, tourists can visit this place to relax and admire nature's beauty. The area has excellent facilities like public toilets and barbecue grills provided by the local government for visitors.

The Palmerston at Wooroonooran National Park is another must-see natural attraction near Innisfail. With its diverse environment and wildlife, this vast park is undeniably a dreamland for any nature lover. Admired for its breathtaking scenery, Palmerston features rivers, waterfalls and an ancient rainforest. Here is where tourists can marvel at exotic plants and endemic animals like the platypus. Another feature of Palmerston is Crawford’s Lookout. Overlooking the North Johnstone River, Crawford’s Lookout provides one of the most mind-blowing views in Innisfail. There are also a good number of trails in Palmerston leading to other natural attractions such as the Nandroya Falls and Wallicher Falls. Picnic areas by a burbling creek can also be found here. With all these and more, Innisfail is clearly an exceptional place, which offers nothing but absolute beauty.