Innisfail, Queensland

Innisfail is about 90 kilometres south of Cairns and just north of Mission Beach, and is steadily placed between extensive agricultural lands and stunning natural rainforests, which only adds to its alluring splendor.

It rests on the banks of the North and South Johnstone Rivers, about five kilometres from the Far North Queensland coast.

Despite the sugar and banana industries that dominate the economy here, tourism plays an important role for the town too. There are plenty of enjoyable things to do and beautiful attractions to see while holidaying in Innisfail.

While staying in downtown Innisfail, visitors are encouraged to take a stroll through the town. The commercial centre is home to plenty of restaurants that feature different ethnic cuisines, including Italian, East Asian and Indian.

There are also some fascinating heritage-listed landmarks to discover, such as the Courthouse (pictured above) and Canecutters Memorial.

Innisfail is famous for its annual harvest festival. Generally held in October, this event attracts thousands of locals and tourists, with its abundance of food, music and performances. The festival is usually located along the main esplanade.

The town is among Australia’s wettest, and as a result, is one of the greenest destinations in the country too. The local golf course offers 9-holes (18-hole composite) of luxurious greenery. Leave the family at the hotel and enjoy swinging the clubs at one of Queensland’s most picturesque golfing links.

If the great outdoors is something tourists are looking to embrace, then no landmark near Innisfail boasts such an enticing reputation like Mount Bartle Frere.

Queensland’s tallest mountain is only 15 minutes by car from the town centre. On days when the summit is not covered by clouds, a spectacular view of the Atherton Tableland is the reward when climbers reach the top.

Located on hectares of parks in Innisfail, the leisure area at Warrina Lakes (pictured below) features miles of walking paths that wind through open parkland, lakes, forests, and rainforests.

Among the attractions in the park are Ma:Mu (the traditional owners of the area) Bushtucker Gardens, the Bill Markwell Botanical Gardens, and Anzac Grove. There is a swimming pool, grills, picnic tables, a playground with boccé and volleyball equipment, or you may fly a kite or kick the football in the broad open expanses of the lake.

Innisfail is an great location to stay, as accommodation includes charming hotels, perfect for a romantic getaway, weekend escape or family vacation, as well as van parks, bed and breakfasts and backpacker hostels.