The region to the south of Cairns is one of the greenest places on earth. The rainforest here is lush and tropical, home to the fascinating southern Cassowary, which you may be fortunate enough to see walking across the roads here. The beaches are clean and uncluttered with necessitites like shops and public facilities but without masses of people. There are also lots of great rainforest walking trails and beautiful waterfalls just waiting to be discovered.

Population

Gordonvale 4 900
Babinda 1 200
Innisfail 8 000
Tully 3 400
Mission Beach 1 000
Cardwell 1200

Local Events

The Innisfail Karnivale is held annually in October each and year the town comes alive to experience an interesting 2 week program of events for people of all ages. Innisfail is also the home of the Feast of the Senses, a celebration of the tropical fruits grown in this region. Babinda has a Harvest Festival every May, while Tully celebrates with the Golden Gumboot Festival and Mission Beach has an Aquatic Festival held in October each year. Mission Beach and Innisfail also have markets held monthly.

History

Before European settlement the Cassowary Coast was home to the Ma:mu people comprising five clans each with a distinct culture and legends but sharing the same language.

European settlement occurred in the early 1800’s with the establishment of the sugar industry. Hundreds of Italian migrants moved to the area initially working as farmhands and later owning their own properties. Kanakas from the South Sea Islands were brought here to work in the cane fields too. At the peak of the sugar industry’s hey day the region had 6 working sugar mills, although today only 4 are operational. The region has a stong multicultural history too with people from China, Thailand, India, Italy, Ireland, Fiji and the Pacific islands now calling this region home.

Economy

The Cassowary coast economy is predominantly generated from farming. A large percentage of Australia’s bananas are grown here; you’ll also find a host of exotic fruits such as rambutans, papaya and mangosteens. Sugar cane has been growing successfully here for more than 100 years. Tourism is continuing to develop in the region with Paronella Park, Dunk Island and Mission Beach popular destinations for visitors.

Turn left at Mirriwinni to reach the seaside village of Bramston Beach. It has a small general store which does great fish and chips, a caravan park, playground, picnic tables and a number of beachfront holiday houses available.

Innisfail was rebuilt in the distinctive art deco style of the day following a cyclone in 1918 which had wiped out the town. Many of these old buildings have been recently renovated and restored to their former glory and Innisfail is now recognized as the Art Deco capital of Australia, set on the banks of the Johnstone River this picturesque town is a great place to explore. Innisfail also has a number of excellent playgrounds.

Kurrimine Beach is about 45 minutes from Innisfail and is one of the few places on the coast where the reef meets the beach, at low tide you can explore the shallow rockpools finding starfish, crabs and all sorts of interesting things.

Mission Beach is a vibrant community and in recent years has become a popular beachside haven for families looking for a sea change, it also seems to attract artistic and creative souls and as a result has a unique range of locally made products.

Mission Beach is actually made up of 4 localities – Wongaling Beach, Bingil Bay and North and South Mission Beaches. They’re all great places to explore, both North and South Mission beaches have a stinger net if you’re visiting during stinger season. There are a number of great rainforest walks in this region too, including Lacey Creek on the El Arish to Mission Beach Road.

Dunk Island is a short boat trip from Mission Beach. You can go for the day or stay overnight at the resort or camping on the island. Water taxis to Dunk Island leave from Wongaling Beach and the ferry to the island leaves from Bingil Bay.

Cardwell is a beautiful beachside community only minutes from Australia’s largest island National Park, Hinchinbrook Island. Dugongs, turtles and dolphins frequent the tranquil, shallow waters just off Cardwell. Cardwell has a playground on the foreshore with magnificent views across to Hinchinbrook Island.