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Cardwell Spa Pool

Natural Attractions

Cardwell Spa Pool

The Cardwell Spa Pool is a naturally-fed seasonal creek. Located in the coastal town of Cardwell, just 2.5 hours south of Cairns, the pools are somewhat of a geological wonder! Thanks to the chemistry of the rocks and water, the colour can vary from a bright, baby blue to a more milky-blue colour depending on the time of day and available sunlight. May to September is the best time to visit the pool, as rains during the summer months will usually flush the creek out, returning it to normal levels from around March each year.

Cardwell QLD

0.5 km away

Attie Creek Falls — Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Natural Attractions

Attie Creek Falls

Attie Creek Falls is a seasonal waterfall located along the Cardwell Forest Drive in Girringun National Park in the coastal town of Cardwell, just 2.5 hours south of Cairns! This beautiful waterfall is just a five minute drive from the Instagram-famous Cardwell Spa Pools and can be reached by a 700 metre walk from the Attie Creek Car Park. This relatively thin falls flows into a calm pool, which makes it perfect for swimming. With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes. It’s important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.

Cardwell QLD

0.8 km away

Broadwater, Abergowrie StatenForest — Image credit: Queensland Government

Natural Attractions

Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest

In the scenic Herbert River Valley, Abergowrie State Forest features tropical rainforest, open eucalypt forest and exotic pine plantations adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Broadwater is a great place for a day visit. It has covered picnic areas with gas barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and cold showers. Choose from short walks, swimming, birdwatching, or just relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that the forest has to offer. The sizeable open areas cater for large groups, making it a popular destination for school groups during the week. Stroll along the 1.6km return Rainforest walk, spot wildlife, enjoy tantalising creek views and discover the famed Broadwater fig on this circuit walk through lush riparian rainforest. Try the longer 3km return Creek walk through open eucalypt forest, look for birds and take a dip in the delightful waterholes of Broadwater Creek along the way.

Trebonne QLD

19 km away

Fishing on Hinchinbrook Island

Natural Attractions

Fishing on Hinchinbrook Island

Discover an island with a Jurassic outlook which abounds in flora, fauna, palm fringed beaches and extensive mangrove lined waterways. Hinchinbrook Island offers extensive flats and channel systems which are home to many prime tropical sportfish. This region boasts one of the few places in Australia where that much prized fly fishing adversary, the Permit (Snub Nosed Dart), can be targeted with some level of anticipation. Fishing with the majestic backdrop of Hinchinbrook Island is spectacular enough, but to be able to target good quality sportfish including barramundi, mangrove jacks, trevally, queenfish, salmon, fingermark, grunter and cod, makes this a fishing experience you'll never forget. Due to the magnificent mangrove environment, relative isolation in comparison to waters closer to Cairns and the lack of fishing pressure, this region is renowned for producing quality sportfish that are of a better average size than more heavily fished locations. The surrounding areas of Lucinda and Cardwell also offer great land based fishing with Duncan Wharf, Lucinda Wharf, Taylor's and Forrest Beaches being popular hot spots.

Hinchinbrook QLD

23 km away

Family, connection and memories — Image credit: owner of RC Homestead

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

RC Homestead Animal Encounter Mission Beach

RC Homestead Animal Encounters is a calm, hands-on family farm experience in Mission Beach, Far North Queensland, where guests can meet, feed and interact with friendly farm and rescue animals in a relaxed tropical setting. The experience focuses on small-group animal encounters, guided interactions, family connection, educational farm experiences, and relaxed outdoor experiences for children and visitors. Visitors can enjoy feeding larger farm animals, small animal cuddle experiences, guided animal encounters, private party experiences, and educational and sensory-friendly sessions.

Carmoo QLD

36 km away

Lucinda Jetty

Landmarks and Buildings

Lucinda Jetty

Situated near the southern end of World Heritage listed Hinchinbrook Island, the Lucinda bulk sugar terminal boasts the longest service jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. At 5.76 kilometres long, supported by more than 660 concrete and steel pylons, the jetty is nothing short of an engineering masterpiece with its length actually following the curved contour of the earth. Sugar takes 22 minutes to travel along the conveyor from the on-shore storage to the shiploader. The single berth can accommodate fully loaded Panamax class vessels and the major cargo destinations are Canada and Malaysia. The jetty enables Lucinda to receive the largest ships used in the raw sugar trade. Adjacent to this amazing structure is a small service jetty which is popular with anglers who don't have their own boat. Pelagic species such as Spanish mackerel, giant trevally, queenfish, northern bluefin tuna are there for the taking and some anglers have even been lucky enough to land small black marlin.

Lucinda QLD

43 km away

Lucinda

Natural Attractions

Lucinda

Directly opposite the southern tip of World Heritage listed Hinchinbrook Island is the sleepy seaside hamlet of Lucinda. The eye-popping pride of Lucinda is a six kilometre jetty stretching far out into the Coral Sea. The jetty is the world's largest bulk sugar loading facility and is so long it actually curves with the earth. When conditions are right, you can sometimes see the dugongs and sea turtles at play. With the fertile Hinchinbrook Channel to the north and Coral Sea to the east, Lucinda is Shangri-La for keen anglers. Mangrove jack, coral trout, big juicy mud crabs and the fighting barramundi are all in plentiful supply. Hire a boat and head out to sea or try your luck in the estuary, mangroves, off the beach, or over the side of the jetty Looming large off the coast, breathtaking Hinchinbrook Island is a pristine natural wilderness, home to the famous Thorsborne Trail, internationally rated one of the top 10 walks on the planet. From Lucinda you can embark on a Hinchinbrook safari and explore the Island's mist-shrouded mountains, waterfalls and freshwater pools. Accommodation in the area includes motels, hotels, caravans and self-contained cabins.

Lucinda QLD

44 km away

Mount Fox

Natural Attractions

Mount Fox

Located south-west of Ingham, Mount Fox was created by a violent volcanic explosion about 100000 years ago. In the explosion, a lava flow 10 metres thick spewed from the southern end of the crater and chunks of molten magma were thrown out of the volcano's vent. Today, the well formed crater, about 10 metres deep, is covered with sparse grasses and stunted trees amongst the eucalypt woodland environment. The pink and long-fruited bloodwoods are common in this area and vine thicket is found in a steep gully on the southern slopes. Mount Fox's tussock grass slopes shelter a number of small animals. On a cool day in the winter months, skinks and other reptiles can be seen basking on the volcanic bombs. During the hot summer months, the grass provides protection from the sun and are ideal nesting places for ground-dwelling birds like the little button quail. After sunset, rufous bettongs (small wallaby-type mammals) emerge to feed on herbs and grasses. The large wing span of a wedge-tailed eagle can also be seen, as this bird of prey soars above the Mount Fox crater.

Ingham QLD

44 km away

Beaver Reef Dive Site

Natural Attractions

Beaver Reef Dive Site

Beaver Reef is one of the most popular dive sites off Mission Beach with coral gardens, bommies and sloping coral walls in depths to 22 metres. Off the southern side of the reef is a site called Shark Alley. Cruising the sloping coral wall at this site are a constant parade of pelagic fish and reef sharks. It is common to see several whitetip and blacktip reef sharks on a dive at Shark Alley. The most popular dive site off the northern side of Beaver Reef is Beaver Cay. Just off this small coral cay are wonderful coral gardens in depths from 12 metres to 22 metres. While the usual array of tropical reef fish can be seen, divers should also keep an eye out for turtles, stingrays and reef sharks.

Mission Beach QLD

45 km away

Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns — Image credit: TTNQ

Natural Attractions

Great Barrier Reef Islands

Stretching more than 2,000 kilometres along the Queensland coastline and covering 35 million hectares, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef! It is home to an abundance of marine wildlife - including more than 1,500 brilliantly coloured species of tropical fish, 4000 species of molluscs, 400 species of sponge and 300 species of hard corals. The Great Barrier Reef's islands and cays support bird species by the hundred, including reef herons, ospreys, frigate birds and sea eagles. The reef is also of cultural importance, containing many archaeological sites of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin. Some notable examples include Lizard and Hinchinbrook Islands with their spectacular galleries of rock paintings. The many diving and snorkelling opportunities provide visitors with the best way of getting close to the Great Barrier Reef's many wonders. Tourism operators offer professional accredited dive courses, introductory reef dives and for the experienced, extended dive charters incorporating night dives or guided ecology dives. If delving into the deep blue is not for you - there are semi-submersible craft, glass bottom boats and a variety of land-based reef attractions.

Mission Beach QLD

45 km away

Forrest Beach

Natural Attractions

Forrest Beach

Escape life's hustle and bustle and spend some time relaxing on Forrest Beach. Enjoy the long sandy beach front which overlooks Orpheus Island and the Palm Island group, or take a swim in the patrolled beach which also features stinger net protection during the summer months. Forrest Beach has a hotel/motel, caravan park and self-contained units. There are a small number of shops where essential items can be purchased.

Ingham QLD

45 km away

C4 Environment Centre, Mission Beach — Image credit: Kate Blank

Galleries, Museums and Collections

C4 Environment Centre

Located in iconic Mission Beach, the C4 Environment Centre is an essential stop for visitors and locals looking to engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences with the region’s unique environment and wildlife. Mission Beach, in the heart of the Cassowary Coast, is one of Australia’s most biodiverse areas. Nestled between the ancient Wet Tropics rainforests and the renowned Great Barrier Reef, Mission Beach is home to endangered cassowaries and rich marine habitats. At the C4 Environment Centre, visitors gain unique insight into the delicate balance between conservation and development, guided by passionate local experts dedicated to protecting this extraordinary region. There’s always something happening, from tree planting and guided walks to nursery tours, cassowary awareness workshops, and habitat restoration projects. These activities offer the chance to slow down, connect with the environment, and leave a positive impact during your visit. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning local, the C4 Environment Centre provides a welcoming space to explore, learn, and contribute to safeguarding Mission Beach’s natural treasures for future generations. C4 is wheelchair accessible, with dedicated onsite parking, ensuring everyone can enjoy this enriching experience. Visit C4 to connect with nature and make a difference during your time in Mission Beach!

Mission Beach QLD

45 km away

TYTO Wetlands offers a peaceful way to spend the day exploring the heart and soul of birdwatching — Image credit: Hinchinbrook Shire Council

Natural Attractions

TYTO Wetlands

TYTO Wetlands is a naturally low-lying floodplain where, for many thousands of years, creeks and streams from the Herbert River Catchment have drained to form a natural wetland, part of the Herbert River Delta. TYTO Wetlands is home to over 230 permanent and seasonal bird species. Boasting 4km of designated walking tracks, four bird viewing platforms, seating and a multitude of different eco systems, TYTO Wetlands offers a peaceful spot to spend days exploring and discovering the heart and soul of bird watching. TYTO Wetlands takes its name from the Eastern Grass Owl, Tyto longimembris. The unique and majestic species is a nocturnal master of the wetlands. Key Birdwatching Species: Eastern Grass Owl, White-browed Crake, Crimson Finch, Jacana and Cotton Pygmy-geese

Ingham QLD

45 km away

Ingham Memorial Gardens

Parks and Gardens

Ingham Memorial Gardens

At Ingham Memorial Gardens, find yourself relaxing amongst a collection of North Queensland landscapes. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you spy turtles and small fish swimming amongst the water lilies in the Garden's ponds. Wander through the numerous memorials featured in the Gardens and learn their fascinating stories. One such memorial is dedicated to Keith Payne, an Ingham local who was awarded the Victoria Cross in April 1970 by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, for his repeated acts of exceptional personal bravery and unselfish conduct during the Vietnam War. Another memorial is devoted to the 12 people who died when a United States Air Force Liberator B-42 Bomber, the "Texas Terror", crashed on Mount Straloch, Hinchinbrook Island.

Ingham QLD

45 km away

Herbert River Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Herbert River Museum

Learn about the history of the Hinchinbrook region and discover a treasure chest of historical artefacts at the Herbert River Museum. Located on Macrossan Street in Halifax, the Museum offers an interesting step back in time and is co-located with the local gallery. For those wanting to view more of their Local History, the Herbert River Museum and Gallery can be found in the old Shaw's Building, Macrossan Street, Halifax.

Halifax QLD

46 km away

Ingham Cemetery

Landmarks and Buildings

Ingham Cemetery

Located on Sir Arthur Fadden Drive, the Ingham Cemetery depicts the area's strong Mediterranean influences with a magnificent display of tile mausoleums. Undoubtedly, the southern European mausoleums in the Catholic section of the cemetery are quite noticeable. The older style mausoleums are constructed from white stucco and marble, the traditional materials, and contain gothic style windows and doors. The more recent ones are more commonly flat-roofed with parapet surrounds and finished with terrazzo and tiles.

Ingham QLD

46 km away

Taylors Beach

Natural Attractions

Taylors Beach

Taylors Beach is a quiet beachside community centrally located between Forrest Beach and Lucinda and known by locals as an angler's paradise. With Orpheus Island and fringing reefs only a short distance away, Taylors Beach offers a wide variety of fish. Grab a fishing rod and prepare for some serious relaxation when you head to Taylors Beach.

Ingham QLD

47 km away

Lady Bowen

Natural Attractions

Lady Bowen Dive Site

The Lady Bowen was a 66 metre long schooner, which hit reef almost 48 kilometres from where she eventually sank, and now sits in the ocean as a reef herself, off the coast of Mission Beach. At over 100 years old and resting under 34 metres of water, the Lady Bowen dive site is now home to amazing coral formations and a plethora of colourful and friendly marine life. Nature’s finest will be waiting at the hull of the wreck to meet you, in the form of gropers, sea snakes, giant turtles, lionfish and barracuda. The depth and enormity of the wreck make it perfect for intermediate to advanced divers.

Mission Beach QLD

49 km away

Barra Fishing — Image credit: Ryan Sprague

Amusement and Theme Parks

Barra Down Under

Barra DownUnder is a commercial Barramundi farm which offers 'Catch and Release' or 'Catch and Keep' fishing This is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction nestled on the edge of the lush Australian rainforest, offering an unforgettable mix of adventure, nature, and hands-on experiences. It's the perfect place to relax, learn, and get up close with one of Australia's most iconic fish, the mighty barramundi. Catering for all ages and people regardless of their fishing experience. All rods, gear and lures are supplied.

Maria Creeks QLD

50 km away

Blencoe Falls, Girringun National Park — Image credit: Queensland Government

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Blencoe Falls, Girringun National Park

Part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, discover stunning Blencoe Falls, in Girringun National Park, where Blencoe Creek plunges 90m into a pool before cascading a further 230m to the bottom of Blencoe Gorge. Towering cliffs and rugged ridges are covered in open forest while vine-thicket rainforest scattered with hoop pines clads the gullies and upper slopes of the gorge. In the open forest, animals such as the elegant whiptail wallaby and gangly emu try to find sanctuary from the heat. In the river and creeks, freshwater turtles can be seen basking on logs or peering through the surface of the water. Set up camp and enjoy the short walks and lookouts around Blencoe Falls camping area. The gateway to the Wet Tropics Great Walk also starts here, with a network of 110km of tracks offering short walks and overnight walks. Blencoe Falls is remote and visitors must be self-sufficient, help can be hours away. Remember to tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return. Have a contingency plan in place if you fail to contact them by the agreed time. Be aware that mobile phone coverage is limited. Take adequate communication equipment and be careful around cliffs, steep slopes and rock faces along the tracks and at the lookout.

Mount Garnet QLD

53 km away

Products — Image credit: Melissa Berryman

Shopping and Markets

Murdering Point Winery

Murdering Point Winery is unique in every sense; the name, the unmatched range of exotic tropical wines, the location and the passion that drives the owners to accept only the best as demonstrated by the awards won annually, through the use of traditional wine making methods and modern technology. In addition to the tropical fruit wines such as lychee, mango, jaboticaba, and passionfruit, Murdering Point produces wines of outstanding quality from the Australian Bush Tucker fruit, Davidson Plum. The Winery is also home to "The Point" port and the heavenly "White Devil" port, and the "Black Devil", a unique blend of black sapote and cognac, Banana Cream, Mocha Cream and Choc Mint Cream. New additions, The Riser, coffee aperitif and The Mariah, spicy vanilla aperitif. Murdering Point Winery is open seven days. Visitors are invited to enjoy tastings and to learn the history of the region in the unpretentious surroundings of the cellar door and tropical landscaped gardens.

Silkwood East QLD

57 km away

Pelorus and Orpheus Islands

Natural Attractions

Pelorus and Orpheus Islands

Pelorus and Orpheus Islands are a popular location for day trips off Townsville. Part of the Palm Island Group, 80 kilometres north of Townsville, access to these continental island is from Lucinda. All around Pelorus and Orpheus Islands are rocky reefs covered in hard coral, soft coral, gorgonians and sea whips in depths from 12 metres to 25 metres. The coral coverage on these sites is surprisingly good, considering how close these islands are to the mainland. Popular dive sites around the islands include Bat Caves, The Maze, Moon Pools, Trenches and Black Coral Wall. At these sites divers can explore ledges, gutters, bommies and walls. Typical marine life in the area includes turtles, reef sharks, gropers, barramundi cod, batfish, stingrays and a good range of reef fish and invertebrates.

Palm Island QLD

59 km away

Ponytail Falls

Natural Attractions

Ponytail Falls

Nestled in the rainforest along the Tully River, Ponytail Falls is the perfect place to spend those hot, humid days. There's two ways to reach Ponytail Falls – drive or raft. By car, follow the river downstream from Cardstone Weir and look out for the number 11 painted on the road. For a more adrenaline-pumping mode of transport, try white-water rafting and admire the falls from the embankment overlooking the falls. With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes. It's important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.

Cardstone QLD

62 km away

Eddy Reef

Natural Attractions

Eddy Reef Dive Site

Eddy Reef is located off Mission Beach and is accessible on day boats. Divers exploring this reef will find a maze of coral ridges in depths from 10 to 20 metres that are covered in some of the most beautiful corals – wide gorgonians, lovely pink whip corals and delicate soft corals. Between these corals live angelfish, surgeonfish, boxfish, pufferfish, lionfish, wrasse and many other reef species. Some of the larger fish found at Eddy Reef include barramundi cod, coral trout and gropers, but a close inspection of the coral will also reveal many small critters like nudibranchs, flatworms, shrimps and coral crabs.

Mission Beach QLD

65 km away

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