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Old Brandon Church — Image credit: Ros Budd Photography

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Old Brandon Church

The Old Brandon Church is the place to go if you love historic buildings. Formerly the Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, the building is listed on the Registers of both the National Estate and the National Trust of Queensland. This excellent example of a 'carpenter Gothic' church has stood on two sites in Brandon. After severe damage from cyclone Aivu in 1989, it was purchased by the Burdekin Shire Council, and in 1991 moved to its present site. It has been lovingly restored and is an excellent subject for structural photography. On Mondays, combine your visit to see this beautiful building with a visit to the Burdekin Machinery Preservationist's shed right next door. The Old Brandon Church is an hour's drive south of Townsville and five minutes north of Ayr.

Brandon QLD

0.0 km away

Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Tour in the main hall

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Burdekin Machinery Preservationists

If you have a passion for machinery or history, a visit to the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists is a must. Situated in the Brandon Heritage Precinct, the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists is a dedicated group of machinery enthusiasts eager to showcase their collection of machinery, tractors and other items to visitors and locals. The precinct is also home to the John Tait Steam Gallery, the Alf Shand Blacksmith Shop, the Fielding Engine Shed and the Old Brandon Church. The most significant item on display is the 1911 Marshall Colonial tractor, which is the only one of its kind remaining in Australia. Explore the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists with a guided tour on Mondays (except December) and on Wednesdays and Saturdays (April to September). Entry is encouraged with a gold coin donation. These enthusiasts have a wealth of mechanical knowledge, so don't hesitate to ask lot of questions about their collection.

Brandon QLD

0.1 km away

Ayr Nature Display — Image credit: Ros Budd Photography

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ayr Nature Display

The Ayr Nature Display is Australia's finest, preserved collection of butterflies, moths, beetles, crustaceans, seashells, reptiles, rocks, timber, aboriginal stone implements and fossils, especially ammonites, all under one roof. The Ayr Nature Display was conceived and arranged by Jess and Allan Ey. The display was opened to the public in 1966. The experience begins as you walk past feature walls decorated with North Queensland rocks at the front and the entrance of the display. 9,400 slabs cut with a lapidary saw were used. After traversing the entrance, you will walk into an exceptional display of thousands of specimens housed amazingly in a 4.9-metre by 28.4-metre room.

Ayr QLD

5.4 km away

Plantation Nature Play, Plantation Park

Natural Attractions

Plantation Park

Plantation Park in Ayr is a popular stop offering shady areas for picnics, access to the Juru Walk and the state-of-the-art Plantation Nature Play. The park also offers public toilets, barbecue facilities and caravan and car parking. Plantation Nature Play is a nature-based play area in Plantation Park with all-abilities swings, a fortress-themed lookout, and rock and rope climbs. It also features a variety of activities such as an accessible fortress themed lookout, rock and rope climbing and fossil digging. The Burdekin Visitor Information Centre located in the park is the perfect stop on your road trip to talk to a local expert, obtain brochures and maps or grab a free coffee or tea from the Driver Reviver stop. While you are there, experience the Yongala Dive Virtual Reality Experience or the Wilmar Virtual Mill Tour. The Juru Walk is a walking trail at the sothern end of Plantation Park which provides an important bond to the Burdekin's Aboriginal history. A bush tucker garden was planted alongside the walk and features more than 30 species of plants. Plantation Park is also home to a 60m carpet snake sculpture, Gubulla Munda, which was built by the Gudjuda Reference Group in 2004 to celebrate and promote Indigenous culture. The sculpture marks the significance of the site as a traditional burial ground.

Ayr QLD

5.8 km away

Burdekin Library

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Burdekin Library

The Burdekin Library is a welcoming space on the main street of Ayr. Make sure of a wide range of services available including eLearning, eBooks, computers, Smart devices, public Wi-Fi and internet. Library membership is free to all Queensland residents with identification. International and interstate visitors are offered a visitor membership that requires proof of identity and current residency, as well as a AUD25 non-refundable fee. Visitors may borrow 2 items for 4 weeks. Keep up to date with library events via the Burdekin Library Facebook page. Come and explore the library today!

Ayr QLD

5.8 km away

Gubulla Munda — Image credit: Ros Budd Photography

Landmarks and Buildings

Gubulla Munda

A popular place in the Burdekin for visitors to take photos is located in Plantation Park, Ayr. The giant carpet snake is an impressive feature, and makes a fantastic backdrop. This 60 metre artwork depicts Gubulla Munda, the Aboriginal totem and the protective spirit for the Birri Gubba people. Gubulla Munda holds sacred cultural and spiritual significance to the Traditional Owners. There are also several plaques and a memorial stone. These mark the remains of Birri Gubba ancestors re-interred at this sacred site. The Gudjuda Reference Group commissioned the large sculpture Gubulla Munda Dreaming, which was constructed in 2004. It was painted by aboriginal artists. The monument was created to celebrate and promote indigenous culture.

Ayr QLD

5.8 km away

Burdekin Aquatic Centre

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Burdekin Aquatic Centre

The Burdekin Aquatic Centre is located in Ayr and includes a 50 metre swimming pool, children's wading pool and water park. Both pools and water park have shade cover. The Burdekin Water Park is located within the Burdekin Aquatic Centre and is a one-of-a-kind design complete with 3 large slides, water sprayers, a big bucket and a cane bin bucket. The Burdekin Water Park was opened early 2023 and accommodates for people of all ages to play. Entry into the Burdekin Aquatic Centre gives guests access to both the swimming pool, water park and all its on-site facilities. The kiosk sells snack foods and drinks. The Burdekin Aquatic Centre is patrolled by lifeguards at all times in order to make sure all users are playing responsibly and safely. The newly built kiosk and main entry to the Burdekin Aquatic Centre is located on the corner of MacMillan and Pool Streets.

Ayr QLD

5.8 km away

Theatre forecourt on show night

Entertainment Venues

Burdekin Theatre

Located in the main street of Ayr - only one hour's drive south of Townsville - sits one of Australia's finest little proscenium arch theatres. Every year, the Burdekin Theatre plays host to hundreds to live performances, conferences, meetings, festivals, exhibitions and local events. The Burdekin Theatre is undeniably the home of arts and entertainment in the Burdekin. Ensure you leave enough time before or after attending the live performance, conference or meeting as there is a number of art pieces to discover within the theatre grounds.

Ayr QLD

5.8 km away

Anzac Park, Ayr — Image credit: Burdekin Shire Council

Parks and Gardens

Anzac Park, Ayr

Anzac Park is located near the CBD of Ayr. The all-abilities playground in Anzac Park features a variety of playground equipment and is fully fenced, making it a fantastic spot for children to burn off energy and get some fresh air after a car trip. Parents can relax and watch their kids have fun in a safe environment. The playground includes the Sway Fun Swing, which allows children in wheelchairs to join in the fun. This playground is designed to inspire and challenge children of all abilities and courage levels, featuring exciting equipment like the Custom Cliff Rider and the WeHopper. Anzac Park is also home to a stake park. There are also BBQ and picnic facilities for the whole family to enjoy, as well as public toilet facilities, drinking fountains and ample parking. At the top of Anzac Park, the Ayr War Memorial takes pride of place. It commemorates those who died in service in various theatres of war including the First and Second World Wars, and Korean and Vietnam Wars. A park rotunda is located near the Ayr War Memorial.

Ayr QLD

6.0 km away

Drive in At the end of a rainbow

Entertainment Venues

Stardust Drive in Theatre

A place to come with friends, to sit outside under the stars and watch a movie. Enjoy a homemade burger and chips, cold drinks or ice cream, snack on popcorn, or relax with a coffee. Come again and enjoy the morning Cafe, homemade delicious treats in a beautiful garden setting. Kids welcome with an onsight Enchanted Secret Garden, and 18 hole mini-golf course. Check their website or Facebook for the movie program and weekly specials.

Ayr QLD

6.5 km away

Burdekin River Bridge — Image credit: Ros Budd Photography

Landmarks and Buildings

Burdekin River Bridge

The Burdekin River Bridge is the district's best-known landmark. Known locally as the 'Silver Link', it not only connects the towns of Ayr and Home Hill but forms a vital transport link between North Queensland and the rest of the state. Taking a walk across the 'Silver Link' offers visitors completely unobstructed views of the mighty Burdekin River. Taking ten years to complete, the bridge was opened in 1957. It replaced a low-level traffic bridge and a rail bridge. Remnants of the old rail bridge can be seen just downstream from the Burdekin River Bridge. The bridge is 1.1km long and in 2010 was recognised as a National Engineering Heritage Landmark. Visitors wanting to experience walking across the Burdekin River Bridge will need to exit the highway on the Ayr side heading south, find a park near the stairs and walk up to the bridge access from there. Walking across to the other side during the sugar cane harvesting season gives you a good view of the sugar cane bins in the holding yard of the Inkerman Sugar Mill. For more detailed information on the Burdekin River Bridge, visit the Burdekin Gateway Visitor Information Centre in Home Hill.

Home Hill QLD

11 km away

John Drysdale Interpretive Signage at Burdekin Diorama — Image credit: Ros Budd Photography

Parks and Gardens

Burdekin Diorama

Located near Home Hill's Inkerman Sugar Mill, on the southern side of the Burdekin River Bridge, the Burdekin Diorama offers a tranquil spot to pause and explore the region's rich heritage. Easily accessible, it provides an engaging stop amidst pleasant surroundings. The Burdekin Diorama provides a glimpse into the journey of the Burdekin's sugarcane industry through maps, photos and informational panels. Here you will find the John Drysdale Memorial which is a tribute to the man who developed stability in the region.

Home Hill QLD

11 km away

Home Hill Branch Library

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Home Hill Branch Library

The Home Hill Branch Library is a welcoming space located in Home Hill. Make use of a wide range of services available including eLearning, eBooks, computers, Smart devices, public Wi-Fi and internet is available. Keep up to date with library events via the Burdekin Library Facebook page. Come and explore the library today!

Home Hill QLD

14 km away

Home Hill Swimming Pool

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Home Hill Swimming Pool

Home Hill Swimming Pool consists of a 50.3 m (55 yard) pool and a separate children's wading pool. Both pools have shade cover, the main pool is covered only in the shallow end. The Home Hill Pool is serviced with artesian water that maintains a consistent water temperature of around 27 degrees. The pool is open all year round except for Christmas Day and Good Friday. A kiosk is available on-site selling snack foods including cold drinks.

Home Hill QLD

14 km away

Hand Cane Cutters at Home Hill Showgrounds

Landmarks and Buildings

Hand Cane Cutters

You are welcome to stop in at the Home Hill Showgrounds to see these larger than life statues for yourself. Completed in May 2016, the two Hand Cane Cutter sculptures represent the multicultural history of the Australian sugarcane industry. Indigenous, South Sea Islander and European Australians made an invaluable contribution to the prosperity of our sugarcane growing regions, including the Burdekin, which today produces the most sugar of any region in Australia. With funding for the project obtained through the Federal Government’s Indigenous Language and Arts Program, the local Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation’s indigenous artists were mentored by Dr Farvardin Daliri OAM in designing, constructing and painting the sculptures. The sculptures are 3.5 metres high and 20 tonnes heavy and are made from steel and cement. At the Home Hill Showgrounds, the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships is now held biennial, where this skill of a bygone era is brought back to life. These beautifully crafted statues face the paddock where the Championships take place.

Home Hill QLD

14 km away

Lynch's Beach, Alva

Natural Attractions

Alva (Lynch’s Beach)

Lynch's Beach at Alva, just a 15-minute drive from Ayr, is home to the popular Lynch's Beach. The township is dotted with both holiday homes and permanent residences, while Lynch's Beach is a short stroll over the sand dune. Upon entering the township, the Alva Lookout is on the right. Make sure you capture the essence of Alva's serene shores through the picturesque tourist frame at the Alva Lookout, perfect for an unforgettable photo. At low tide, Alva makes for excellent exploring with lots of small crabs, shells and birdlife. Outer sand bars create inshore lagoon areas, popular with kite surfers and paddleboarders on weekends. Fishing enthusiasts also flock to the beach, often showcasing their impressive catches. For a day at Alva, bring a picnic or barbecue lunch to enjoy at the numerous picnic shelters and barbecue areas. Kids can play on the half basketball court, playground or open grass areas. Alva Park also offers public toilets and showers. Four-wheel drive vehicles are permitted on the beach with access points at the causeway and Yongala Drive. Suitable vehicles can launch boats from the beach, while larger boats require tractors for launching. On weekends during summer, the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers patrol a section of the beach. Care needs to be taken if swimming due to changeable conditions, marine stingers and other marine life.

Alva QLD

17 km away

Charlie' Hill

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Charlie's Hill WWII Site

Constructed by the RAAF in 1943, the No 211 Radar Station on Charlie's Hill was one of twenty radar installations along the North Queensland coastline. These operated to give an early warning of approaching enemy aircraft during World War II. When visiting this historic site, igloos of reinforced concrete which provided bomb-proof protection for the radar equipment can still be seen. The wooden towers which supported the transmitting and receiving aerials have been removed. However, foundations from various structures near the igloos may still be found. The buildings are listed in the Queensland Heritage Register because of the site's historical and military significance. Charlie's Hill is a six-minute drive south of Home Hill. Travelling along the Bruce Highway, look for the signs on the left, just after Iyah Creek. Turn onto Charlie's Hill Road and travel about 1.5 kilometres, until the hill is visible on the right. The access to the hill from the road is an unsealed track. The site is maintained by the Burdekin Shire Council.

Home Hill QLD

21 km away

View of the sunrise from the Mt Inkerman Lookout

Natural Attractions

Mount Inkerman

Mt Inkerman, just a 10-minute drive south of Home Hill, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Burdekin region. Rising dramatically from the vast surrounding landscapes, the Mt Inkerman Lookout provides the best vantage point to admire the region's lush agricultural land and iconic Burdekin River. Mt Inkerman offers covered viewing decks, picnic areas, barbecue facilities, toilets and convenient parking. There is a wealth of information about the mountain's significance to local indigenous people on display. Capture the essence of the region's stunning landscape through the picturesque tourism frame at the lookout, creating the perfect opportunity to step into the frame and capture lasting memories. If you are feeling adventurous, embark on the Mount Inkerman Nature Trail (MINT) starting at the mountain's base, winding through native bushland to the lookout. Accessible from two points. The first access point is found by turning off the Bruce Highway at the Mt Inkerman turnoff. Halfway up the road, there is a clearing on the right where the trail starts. The second access point can be found by turning off the Bruce Highway at the Mt Inkerman Shop. Park in the carpark and walk left alongside the mountain where you will see a sign for entry.

Fredericksfield QLD

26 km away

Achacha - Residences and packing shed,

Agritourism

Achacha Fruit Plantation

Certified organic, biodynamic tropical fruit plantation using regenerative methods with 15,000 mature Achacha trees on 102ha. The main attraction is the Achacha - "sweet, tangy, refreshing - like a sorbet" - but the plantation has other tropical fruits, flowhive beehives, a state-of-the-art solar chicken caravan, a flowform and horses. The plantation is where the Achacha was first grown commercially and remains the largest in the world. Most of the fruit is sold through wholesalers in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, with exports to UK (Marks and Spencer), Canada, the Middle East and Asia when fruit is available. There are four specially selected sites for self-contained caravans. Farm tours are available any day by arrangement. Farm produce is available in season. Located midway between Townsville in the north and Ayr in the south, on the Bruce Highway. Visitors receive an on-farm experience and learn about the international commercialisation of a fruit previously unknown outside a limited area of the Amazon Basin.

Mount Surround QLD

33 km away

Wunjunga Beach

Natural Attractions

Wunjunga Beach

For those wanting to experience a truly secluded beach, Wunjunga Beach (Beachmount) is an absolute must. Wunjunga features 14km of coastline and a small community of permanent residents, holiday homes and beach huts. Located 35km south of Home Hill, Wunjunga is accessed by a bitumen and dirt road which travels through a cattle property and is a haven for local wildlife. Wunjunga is perfect for four-wheel driving, picnics, fishing and walks along the beach. The best way to enjoy all that Wunjunga has to offer is by setting up a tent or caravan at Funny Dunny Park camping grounds. The small camping ground offers limited short-stay caming for self-contained vehicles for $5 per night per site. Three Aboriginal middens are located at Wunjunga and can be observed from afar. They are a protected site significant to the region's traditional owners. It is not recommended to swim at this beach due to marine stingers and other marine life.

Wunjunga QLD

34 km away

SS Yongala Dive Site

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

SS Yongala Dive Site

Situated near Cape Bowling Green off the coast between Townsville and Ayr, the SS Yongala is possibly the best wreck dive in the world. The ship, at 110 metres long, is one of the largest, most intact historic shipwrecks, as well as one of the most intriguing maritime mysteries - after sinking in 1911, the SS Yongala lay undiscovered for more than half a century. Due to being the only reef formation in the region, the ship attracts a much higher amount of sea life than other dive sites. Everything about the SS Yongala is massive: huge fish, enormous structures of coral and with so much of the ship still intact, it makes for a stunning sight and one that won’t compare to anything else. You will find eagle rays, turtles, giant Queensland gropers, schooling barracuda, sea snakes and much more living on board the SS Yongala.

Townsville QLD

40 km away

Hold a baby crocodile!

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Billabong Sanctuary

Billabong Sanctuary offers Australia’s Best Interactive Wildlife Experience! Located just 20 minutes south of Townsville on Highway 1A , Queensland, it features native animals (and a few exotics!) in natural habitats of eucalypt forest, rainforest and wetlands. As a small boutique park, it specialises in memorable personal experiences. Get up close to a koala, pose with a parrot, feed the cassowaries and turtles. You could even hold a baby saltwater crocodile! There are two walk-through enclosures where kangaroos and pademelons will hop up for a pat. and eat out of your hand! Most interactive experiences are free-of-charge and you can use your own camera to capture the moment. Throughout the day Rangers present dynamic and impassioned wildlife talks, which are both inspiring and entertaining. Daily croc-feeding shows are thrilling to watch, as these mighty reptiles power out of the water to snatch their food. The focus on conservation has earned Billabong Sanctuary Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation.

Nome QLD

51 km away

Private Float Rooms — Image credit: City Cave

Entertainment Venues

City Cave Idalia

City Cave Float & Wellness Centre aims to build healthier communities through services that support the mental and physical wellbeing of their clients. City Cave Idalia offers a range of Float Therapy, Infrared Sauna and Massage Services to assist in your health journey by providing natural mental health remedies and supporting physical recovery. The Float Therapy experience involves lying in a pool filled with 400kg of magnesium salts, with water that is perfectly heated to your external body temperature. You will quickly be transported into a deep state of theta relaxation; A meditative state your body and mind progresses into for an optimal healing process. This state helps heal the body, reduces stress and anxiety, and immerses the body into deep relaxation. The infrared saunas generate the same type of heat that is naturally produced by the sun and our bodies. This heat can sink deep below the skin, producing a gentle warming inside of the body; It’s like spending the day in the sun but without the UV rays! This provides extensive health benefits, including pain relief, increased circulation, skin purification and muscle relaxation. City Cave Idalia offers a range of massage therapies that can help improve your health and achieve deep relaxation. They specialise in remedial, sports, pregnancy and relaxation massage therapies.

Idalia QLD

62 km away

Indoor Mini Golf at Hey Caddy Venue

Entertainment Venues

Hey Caddy Townsville

Welcome to Hey Caddy Townsville, your local mini golf venue for play, celebrations, and time together with kids, families, and mates in north Queensland. Take on their colourful mini golf course, book in for school holiday fun , plan a birthday party , or lock in a private group booking. They've got a food menu packed with crowd favourites and a fully licensed sports bar, so you're never far from something to eat or a drink in hand while you relax between rounds. Their course is designed for first-timers and mini golf fans alike, bringing plenty of laughs and friendly competition . With flexible group bundles and party packages to suit all ages, they make it easy for you to celebrate your way.

Idalia QLD

62 km away

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