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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

0.5 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

0.6 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

0.7 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

1.2 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

2.1 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

2.6 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

5.1 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

19 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

23 km away

Lake Paluma

Natural Attractions

Lake Paluma

Lake Paluma is an attractive lake surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest. It provides a water supply for approximately one third of the year. Weather proof shelters for day use with barbecues are available and camping sites for longer stays. Swimming and non-motorised vessels are allowed. If you are lucky you may see a platypus, peregrine falcon or eastern water dragon. Due to the popularity of Lake Paluma as a camping destination, there are a limited number of camp sites available and you must pre-book a permit. Access is via a 12 kilometres gravel road just past the Paluma township. All rubbish taken in must be removed, and no domestic animals are allowed.

Paluma QLD

33 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

34 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

36 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

38 km away

Paluma and Crystal Creek Rainforest

Natural Attractions

Paluma and Crystal Creek Rainforest

Embrace the natural beauty of the Paluma Range National Park, the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Here you can escape the coastal lowland heat and relax in the cool mountain air of the Paluma Range. Experience the thrill of spotting the rare golden bowerbird, and take a step back in history at Paluma village. Enjoy a rainforest walk and marvel at the breathtaking views from McClellands Lookout. Along the Paluma Range highway you'll come across Little Crystal Creek and Big Crystal Creek, both ideal locations to stop for a picnic lunch, swim, bushwalk, barbecue or pitch a tent and spend the night in the designated camping areas (permit required). Big Crystal Creek, features a large swimming hole and a large picnic area. Little Crystal Creek is well known for its historic stone arch bridge built in the 1930s and the cascading waterfalls which feed into one of the best freshwater swimming holes in the north. Past the Paluma village the diversity of flora and fauna changes dramatically as you enter the dry open woodlands. The small township of Hidden Valley is home to Hidden Valley Cabins, an eco-retreat offering home cooked meals and daily platypus tours.

Townsville City QLD

38 km away

Little Crystal Creek — Image credit: Townsville Enterprise

Natural Attractions

Little Crystal Creek

The crystal clear waters and pristine waterfalls of this freshwater creek are ideal for a refreshing swim. The mountain water cascades under a picturesque heritage-listed stone arch bridge built in the 1930s depression. It's bridge is a popular place amongst the Townsville locals on the weekend. Just above the bridge as some very spectacular waterfalls. It's also the most popular place in Little Crystal Creek and for good reasons. A perfect place to escape the summer heat by having a quick dip in refreshingly cool water. The rain forest has a good canopy so the vegetation isn't too dense.

Paluma QLD

40 km away

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

45 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

45 km away

Balgal Beach

Natural Attractions

Balgal Beach

Balgal Beach forms part of the popular Northern Beaches district of Townsville North Queensland. Offering a superb sand beach and secure swimming in the stinger net from November to May, Balgal is ideal for a relaxing day by the ocean or a fun way to spend time with the whole family. The area is also a renowned river fishing location. For those wishing to explore deeper and head out to the Great Barrier Reef, Balgal Beach provides excellent boat ramp facilities and easy access to the spectacular Palm Island group. There are a number of licensed cafés and accommodation available in the area including holiday units and designated tent camping and vehicle camping areas. Please note, for access to the free RV camping site you must book online.

Balgal Beach QLD

50 km away

Rollingstone Park

Natural Attractions

Rollingstone Park

Pitch your tent and relax by the freshwater creek at Rollingstone Park. With a free designated tent and vehicle camping area, this is a great spot for a weekend getaway and cool down in the freshwater swimming area. Please note you must book online to secure a spot in the free camping area. Regular community markets are also held there, on the first Saturday of each month from April to September from 8 am to noon. Rollingstone also boasts a Museum, the restored Rollingstone Railway Station filled with historical mementos of the area, as well as a network of interpretive historic signage. Contact the Rollingstone Historical Society for more information on the history of the area and the markets. Other facilities include the local pub which is a community landmark and a popular stopover for day visitors to enjoy local bands and arts and crafts markets. Rollingstone also has a beach caravan resort a little further down the Highway.

Rollingstone QLD

51 km away

Toomulla Beach

Natural Attractions

Toomulla Beach

This secluded beach is a great spot for birdwaters and family outings. With a designated free tent and vehicle camping area and views across the ocean, Toomulla Beach is a perfect beachside retreat. Launch for a day of fishing from the boat ramp. You must book online to secure a free camping site. Toomulla Beach is an ideal location enjoy the unwind and escape everyday hustle and bustle.

Townsville QLD

59 km away

Bluewater

Natural Attractions

Bluewater

Pack a picnic and relax by the picturesque fresh water creek at Bluewater. Access to the creek is via the Bluewater Store (near the bridge), or Bluewater Park. Facilities include barbecues, toilets, showers and play equipment and a designated area is available for limited free tent and vehicle camping. This must be booked online. The Urban Forest is adjacent to Bluewater Park. There is a fitness trail over 800 metres long with eight activity stations located along a pathway surrounded by over 7000 trees. A boat ramp is also available off Bluewater Drive, via Jaloonda Road.

Bluewater QLD

69 km away

Coral Greenhouse / MOUA / Museum of Underwater Art — Image credit: Museum of Underwater Art

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Coral Greenhouse & Ocean Sentinels / MOUA / Museum of Underwater Art

Dive or snorkel into a world of wonder and explore the Coral Greenhouse and Ocean Sentinels of MOUA, the Museum of Underwater Art at John Brewer Reef off Townsville. Descend into the Coral Greenhouse and its surrounding gardens, a ground-breaking underwater museum by world renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor. This architectural wonder merges marine science, coral gardening, and art, offering a fresh perspective on the Great Barrier Reef and its ecology. Its surfaces evolve as marine life thrives, ensuring every visit turns into a unique encounter with the reef's dynamic ecosystem. Surface between the Ocean Sentinels, a captivating series of underwater sculptures that blend human figures with marine elements, fusing art and science. Each sculpture pays tribute to a famous marine scientists or conservationists, highlighting their significant contributions to reef protection. The sculptures transform over time, mirroring the reef's ever-changing nature and resilience. Swim among the stunning coral gardens of nearby John Brewer Reef to round off your adventure. This aquatic wonderland teeming with marine life is one of the best places to experience the iconic Great Barrier Reef and an opportunity not to be missed.

Bluewater QLD

70 km away

Ocean Sentinels / MOUA / Museum of Underwater Art — Image credit: Museum of Underwater Art

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ocean Sentinels / MOUA / Museum of Underwater Art

Snorkel into a world of wonder and explore the Ocean Sentinels of MOUA, the Museum of Underwater Art at John Brewer Reef off Townsville. Explore the Ocean Sentinels, a captivating series of underwater sculptures that blend human figures with marine elements, fusing art and science. Each sculpture pays tribute to a famous marine scientists or conservationists, highlighting their significant contributions to reef protection. The sculptures transform over time, mirroring the reef's ever-changing nature and resilience. Swim among the stunning coral gardens of nearby John Brewer Reef to round off your adventure. This aquatic wonderland teeming with marine life is one of the best places to experience the iconic Great Barrier Reef and an opportunity not to be missed.

Bluewater QLD

70 km away

Toolakea Beach

Natural Attractions

Toolakea Beach

For a peaceful experience on yet another one of Townsville's gorgeous northern beaches, visit Toolakea Beach and bring the whole family for a relaxing day out! Enjoy a picnic lunch or spend a relaxing few hours fishing from the beach. This beach is also very quiet which is perfect for birdwatchers.

Toolakea QLD

71 km away

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