Tourism and Events

Tour operators and fishing charters operate within the Shire and most are based at the Innisfail Port or Clump Point Jetty at Mission Beach. Clump Point Jetty serves as the main marine tourism node in the Shire. Approximately 40 000+ visitors pass through this facility with the majority in the latter half of the year. Total visitation numbers (on commercial vessels and aircraft) for the Reefs in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, between Mission Beach and Bramston Beach, have varied greatly over the past few years, most probably in response to the peak tourist season and the weather conditions at the time.

The Innisfail Boat Harbour is located within 100 metres of the town centre and incorporates moorings, commercial wharf, public wharf, the fish board wharf, and a single land boat-launching ramp. As a result of matters raised during public and stakeholder meetings in 2000, various development options for additional facilities and a redevelopment of the area are being considered.

The Flying Fish Point Jetty was the original communication and transport facility for the small community at the mouth of the Johnstone River. Some residents of the Shire are now lobbying to have the facility rebuilt. The restoration of the jetty would provide a valuable facility, and additional infrastructure in Johnstone River providing a multi-purpose fishing and boating facility.

Situated near the centre of Innisfail, the rainforest walking trails at Warrina Lakes have particular appeal to the whole family. Man-made lakes, playing areas, shaded children's play area, landscaped swimming pool and spa, gas barbecues and gazebos dotted throughout the complex provide ideal settings for relaxation. Centrepiece is a large, attractively designed timber Function Centre.

Source: Wet Tropics Management Authority

The Johnstone River Crocodile Farm has over 1500 mostly estuarine crocodiles. The crocodile sizes range from 30cm to the farm's 5-metre monster, Gregory, weighing in at 1200 kilos. Visitors can also see freshwater crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, parrots, finches, other birds and endangered Cassowaries.

The Australian Sugar Industry Museum located on the Highway at Mourilyan offers people the opportunity to explore Australia's sugar heritage. It also offers specific travelling displays and hosts special events.

Paronella Park - In excess of 100 000 visitors pass through the gates to experience the "passion and imagination" of Jose Paronella, Guided tours, swimming, picnics, movies, weddings and functions are still a part of the Park as they were in Jose's era. Heritage listing recognises the Park's significance in our nations Heritage, as does listing by the National Trust.

Chinese temples were common in North Queensland in the late nineteenth century. Besides being a place of worship, the Innisfail temple functioned as a secular meeting hall and as a focus for charitable and benevolent work within the community. During the 1880s a timber-framed temple, Lit Sung Goong, was built at the corner of Edith and Owen Streets and this temple was destroyed in the great cyclone of 10 March 1918. Twenty-two years elapsed before the present temple was built in 1940

River Reflections comprises eight sculpted panels, set in the coping wall on the Innisfail Esplanade and depicts scenes from: the Mamu; Irish cane industry pioneers; recreation; destruction; food; individual sagas; the economy of the site and visions for the future.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people recognise the importance of indigenous tourism to the economic health of the Shire. Activities include the Gadugai Dance Troupe, establishment of a medicinal nutritional plant garden , the Clump Mountain Wilderness Camp, production of didgeridoos and boomerangs, and participation in the proposed Canopy Walk.

The town walk is a circuit of 11 culturally significant sites in the Innisfail CBD. The walk starts at the Canecutter Statue and proceeds to locations and sites of historical significance.

The Throwing of the Cross is an Annual Greek Orthodox ceremony where single men dive to retrieve the gold cross after it is thrown into the water at Kurrimine Beach. The retriever of the cross is reputed to experience good luck for the next 12 months.

Earlier in the last century the statues of the Three Saints were bought out to Australia to the St John's Parish Church at Silkwood under an intriguing story. The chant 'Con buona Fedem Viva Sant' Alfio/With true faith, long live Saint Alfio', is heard on the first Sunday in May each year to celebrate the Feast of the Three Saints, Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino,

As a major Innisfail town centre upgrade, Council contracted construction of Canecutter Court at the river end of Edith Street during 2000 at an approximate cost of $709,000 with State Government assistance of 50%. The project consisted of installation of furniture, infrastructure, and landscaping and has provided a small stage for public performances and a relaxation area close to the CBD.