EXPERIENCETHE BURDEKIN

Sweet Lifein the Tropics

What to do...10,000 Steps Walking Maps

Aquarobics

Birdwatching

Bingo

Bowling Clubs

Burdekin Delta Cinemas

Burdekin Theatre Live Productions

Fishing Locations

Gal-x-c Cinema & Stardust Drive-In

Golf Clubs

Juru Walking Trail

Nrgize Fitness

Old Time Dancing

Snap Fitness 24/7 Gym

Swimming Pools

Ayr, Home Hill, Clare and Giru.

Ayr.

Hodel Road, Giru, and Lilliesmere Lagoon, Ayr.

170 Queen St, Ayr. Ph 07 4783 3332

Every Saturday Morning,

Ph 0417 643 269

139 Young St, Ayr. Ph 07 4783 1517

Ayr and Home Hill.

Home Hill,

Kilrie Rd, Ayr. Ph 07 4783 1606

Alva Beach.

11 Queen St, Ph 07 4783 1967

Ayr/Home Hill (List available at VIC)

Ayr, Home Hill, Brandon and Giru.

Queen St, Ayr. Ph 07 4783 5259

Queen St, Ayr. Ph 07 4783 9800

Groper Ck, Haughton River, Barratta Ck, Morris Ck,

Ocean Ck, Hell Hole, Plantation Ck, Phillips Camp, Molongle Ck, Lynch’s

Beach Alva, Jerona, Beachmount, The Rocks, Kierles Landing.

Kilrie Rd, Ayr. Ph 07 4783 1606

Edwards St, Ayr. Ph 07 4783 1296 and Iona Rd, Home Hill.

Ph 07 4782 1632

Plantation Park, Ayr.

121 Edward St, Ayr. Ph 0419 774 749

Saturday Night, Anglican Church, Home Hill.

Ph 07 4782 1604

136 Queen St, Ayr. Ph 07 4783 4248

Ayr, Clare, Giru, Millaroo.

Burdekin Bowl

Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers

Curves Health Club

Heritage Walks

Wacky Planet Mini Golf

Water Sports

What to do...What to see...

Tours

Artisan Gallery

Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Display

Historical Plaques

(

Lilliesmere Lagoon Wetlands

Mirka Mora “The Painting of Life” Mural

Giru Fishing Tours

Yongala Dive

Old Brandon Church. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm

Graham St, Ayr, and Ninth Ave, Home Hill

Brandon.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am - 4pm

15km from Home Hill

Queen St, Ayr

By appointment only - Ph 07 4783 3102)

Road to Lynch's Beach

Burdekin Library,

Graham St, Ayr

15km from Ayr

Home Hill

By appointment only. Ph 07 4782 6258

Ph 0407 307 661

56 Narrah St, Alva Beach. Ph 07 4783 1519

Ashworths Tourist Centre

Ayr Nature Display

Beachmount

Bi-centennial Fountain

Bountiful Burdekin Markets

Burdekin Bridge “Silver Link”

Burdekin Library

Burdekin Cascades

Charlie’s Hill

Groper Creek Township

Gubulla Munda

Heritage Estate & Delta Iron Works

Historic Machinery

Historical Photos

Hutchings Lagoon,

Lions Diorama

Living Lagoon Sculptures

Lynch’s Beach, Alva

Memorial Plaques - Pioneer Avenue

Mountain View Lake Holiday Park

Mt Inkerman Lookout

Mt Kelly Lookout

Murals

Mausoleums

Plantation Park Markets

Tom’s Toy Box

Stenno’s Sportfishing Tours

Eighth Ave, Home Hill

110 Wilmington St, Ayr.

Text 47 445 990 or phone 07 4783 2189 for opening times

Wunjunga, 35km south of Home Hill

Queen St, Ayr

Queen St, Ayr Fortnightly on Saturdays

Pedestrian walkway

228 Queen St, Ayr

World War II historic site, 5km south of Home Hill

Giant carpet snake sculpture, Plantation Park, Ayr

Brandon

Lion’s Park, Home Hill

Crown Hotel, Home Hill and Burdekin Gateway

Visitor Information Centre

Water skiing, Klondyke Rd, Ayr

Bruce Highway, Home Hill

Burdekin Theatre Complex, Queen St, Ayr

19km from Ayr

Eighth Ave, Home Hill

Swimming, walking

(National Park), Palm Creek, Giru

Bruce Highway, Inkerman, 12km south of

Home Hill

CBD

Ayr Cemetery and Home Hill Cemetery

1st and 3rd Sunday of each month

Ph 07 4782 9667

What to see...

Tours

WHAT’S ON1 AND 2 DAY ITINERARYWHAT TO SEE AND DO

What‘sOn

Home Hill Canefield Ashes - March

Burdekin Auto Fest - April

Burdekin Sugar Rush - May

The Burdekin Grower Race Day - May

Burdekin Barra Rush Fishing Competition - March

The Burdekin hosts a variety of events throughout the year thatattract people from across the region and state.

The Canefield Ashes brings the excitement ofTwenty20 cricket tothe sugar capital of Australia. Held at the Home Hill Cricket Groundsin the centre of the Burdekin Racecourse, the competition hasquickly developed into a great weekend of cricket, mateship andsocialising.The two-day contest is held in March and attracts teamsfrom the Burdekin as well asTownsville, Bowen, Proserpine andChartersTowers. Contact Max: 0408 782 497

This high-powered car show draws about 700 spectators to theBurdekin Race Club in Home Hill in April each year.The one-day carshow features a show’n’shine, driving events and more.ContactWil: 0429 980 056

This running and walking event becomes more popular every year.There’s a 21km half-marathon for the serious runners, as well as a10.5km fun run and a 5km run/walk. At the end, there’s a big buffetbreakfast atAnzac Park in Ayr.The Sugar Rush is held in May eachyear and attracts competitors from all over North Queensland.

Visit:

One of the Burdekin’s most anticipatedsocialeventsoftheyear,theracedayisheldinMayattheBurdekinRaceClubinHomeHill.ThemainraceistheBurdekinCup,butthefashionsonthefieldarejustashotly-contested.Thereareprizegiveawaysthroughoutthedayandeverypatronleaveswithafreeboxoflocally-grownfruitandvegetables.

Contact: (07) 4782 8212 or visit

Major events on the Burdekin’s event calendar include:

The Burdekin is famous for its barramundi fishing, and this annualcompetition is held soon after the start of the barramundi openseason. Hosted by the Fuller Masonic Lodge, the competition offersgreat prizes for the heaviest barra caught in the senior and juniordivisions.There are also prizes for the top catches in a range of otherestuary and reef species. Contact Mike: 0400 696 386

www.burdekinsugarrush.com.au

www.burdekinraceclub.com.au

What‘sOnBurdekin Junior Eisteddfod - May

Burdekin Sugar BowlTennisTournament - June

Burdekin Show - June

Australian Hand Cane-Cutting Championships - May/June

Tastes of the Burdekin - July

From humble beginnings in 1983, the eisteddfod has grown into atwo-week long cultural spectacular.This eagerly-anticipated eventdraws entries from the Burdekin as well as from Bowen, Proserpine,Airlie Beach, Mackay, ChartersTowers,Townsville, Ingham, Innisfail,Cairns and Mareeba.With sections for everything from music anddance to visual arts and drama, the eisteddfod is a great showcaseof the North’s junior talent. It is held at the BurdekinTheatre in Ayr.Contact: (07) 4783 5825

Held in June, this annual tennis competition takes place at both theHome Hill and Ayr tennis courts and books out early each year. It ishosted by the Home HillTennis Association.Contact Steve: (07) 4782 1112

The Burdekin Show features traditional favourites, such as a flowerdisplay, baking exhibits and art and craft competition. For theyoung and the young-at-heart, the latest and greatest show ridescan be found in sideshow alley. Contact: (07) 4783 1790

Before mechanical cane harvesters, there were gangs ofcanecutters. Sometimes referred to as the gentlemen of the flashingblade, they laboured in the hot canefields with skill and grit.Thiscompetition brings that piece of North Queensland history back tolife. Staged each year in Home Hill, this is the only Hand Cane-Cutting competition in Australia. It is an iconic event for theBurdekin, which is regarded as the sugar capital of Australia.Contact burdekintourism@bigpond.com orwww.facebook.com/burdekintourism

Held in July each year, this outdoor food festival has an internationalflavour with food from different cultures and often hosts a celebritychef to offer cooking classes, demonstrations and much more.Visit:

www.burdekinwaterfestival.com.au

For more information on what to see and do during your visit,download a copy of the Welcome to the Burdekin brochure.

The brochure also contains a list of accommodationand dining options in the Burdekin.

While on our website download a copy of the for Ayrand Home Hill. Each walk takes about 1.5 hours or as long as you like.

Brochures can also be collected from one of our friendlyvisitor information centres:

Heritage Walk Maps

Burdekin Visitor Information Centre

Burdekin Gateway Information Centre

Email: burdekintourism@bigpond.com

Plantation Park, Ayr Ph: (07) 4783 5988

Old Railway Station, Home HillPh: (07) 4782 8241 Fax: (07) 4782 8281

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/burdekintourism

Only 1 hoursouth ofTownsville

Only 1 hoursouth ofTownsville

Burdekin Readers andWriters Festival - July

Burdekin Craft Spectacular - August

BurdekinWater Festival - September

Giru Show - September

Home Hill Harvest Festival - November

IgniteYour Mind Burdekin Readers' &Writers' Festival held onFriday, Saturday, Sunday, July 15th, 16th & 17th, 2016 at theBurdekin Community Hub. A great opportunity for Burdekinresidents and surrounding regions to mix and mingle with someof Australia's best authors. A Festival filled with excitement,entertainment and education. Contact: 0407 651 450 or visit

.

Thiscolourfulexhibitionattractsabout1000peoplefromaroundtheregionandistheBurdekinUnitingChurch’smajorannualevent.Therearecraftactivitiesforchildrenandteenagers,aswellasentertainmentbylocalmusicians.ContactGreg:(07)47832251

The Burdekin’s abundant water supply is celebrated each year atthis much-loved festival.The week-long festivities culminate in astreet parade and mardi gras in Ayr’s CBD.The colourful floats arealways a big drawcard, especially those bearing the festival

ambassador entrants.Visit:

The Burdekin township of Giru is home to about 370 residents,but its annual show attracts more than 1000 people.The one-dayshow runs from 1pm to 10pm and has plenty of displays, foodstalls and entertainment. Giru is about 50km north of Ayr.Contact Betty: (07) 4782 9173

This great festival celebrates the end of the sugar cane harvestingseason in the Burdekin Shire. A week-long program of eventsculminates in a street parade and mardi gras through the mainstreet of Home Hill. Contact JohnWoods: 0418 711 887

www.burdekinreadersandwriters.org.au

www.burdekinwaterfestival.com.au

For more information and dates for events in the

Burdekin Shire visitwww.burdekin.qld.gov.au

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Home Hill has a variety of options for lunch including pubs,

takeaway outlets or buy some supplies at the Friendly Grocer or IGA

supermarket and head to one of the many picnic areas or parks.

About 10km south on the Bruce Highway is Mount Inkerman. Once

at the top, there is a spectacular view of the vast farmlands,

wetlands and coastline. There are picnic and barbecue facilities on

top of Mount Inkerman, however, no toilets.

Looking for some relaxation or a spot of beach fishing?

Then head to the beachside township of Wunjunga. The turn-off to

Wunjunga is about 6km south of Inkerman. The drive to Wunjunga

is a bird enthusiast's dream.

The fishing, the beach and the houses built on huge granite

boulders makes Wunjunga an interesting spot to visit. The Funny

Dunny Park located just south of the little township has camping

and toilet facilities.

Picnic facilities are also available at Groper Creek, which can be

reached by driving back to Inkerman, turning right on to Wallace's

Road, veering left on to Mount Alma Road and driving around the

mountain and on to Groper Creek. There are a few kilometres of

gravel road past wetlands, filled with water lilies and native birds.

Groper Creek is very popular for fishing, with the southern tourists

flocking to the caravan park in winter.

There are many other popular fishing spots in the Burdekin with

boat ramps. For more information on fishing in the Burdekin, grab a

copy of the .

Once you have finished enjoying the natural surrounds, take the

bitumen road back to Home Hill and view the murals depicting our

rural life, the power pole art or call into one of the museums or

galleries located in the CBD.

Also in Home Hill's main street is “Pioneer Avenue”. The ti-

trees have been dedicated to the district's pioneering families with

mounted plaques providing information on the pioneers who

settled in Home Hill. In 2012, Home Hill celebrated its centenary and

a monument was installed at the Comfort Stop to recognise this

historic occasion. The Home Hill Comfort Stop is located in the heart

of the CBD and offers free showers, barbecue facilities and

undercover tables. Self-contained motorhomes and caravans can

park behind the Comfort Stop for up to 48 hours.

On the drive back to Townsville, watch for the different wetland areas

for some of the 280 species of birds that make the Burdekin home.

With a third day and preferably a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you could

take the scenic gravel Hillsborough Road from Clare to the historic

gold mining town of Ravenswood and then the bitumen road to the

Burdekin Falls Dam, the hub of the largest rural land and water

conservation scheme in Queensland. The dam's storage capacity is

four times the size of Sydney Harbour and is called Lake Dalrymple.

Bountiful Burdekin

Download a copy of ‘Welcome to the Burdekin’at www.burdekintourism.com.au

for more information on attractions,dining and accommodation.

For a great weekend away, just head to the Burdekin. Based around the towns of Ayr and Home Hill,the Burdekin is just an hour south of Townsville or an hour north of Bowen on the Bruce Highway.

It’s close enough for an easy day trip and it’s different enough to make you feel like you’re in an entirely new part of North Queensland. This is a

land of big sugar cane, big rivers and big barramundi. It’s got beautiful waterways, magnificent wetlands and unspoilt beaches. It’s got thriving

town centres offering everything from major franchises to specialty stores, cafes and small boutiques. The locals are friendly and the welcoming

atmosphere in the shire is infectious. There’s no rush, no road rage and no shortage of smiles. Parking’s a breeze and it’s free.

EXPERIENCE THE BURDEKIN

Sweet Life in the Tropics

Day One Itinerary

8.00am

10.30am

12noon

1.30pm

Townsville to Ayr (including Giru, Brandon and Lynch's Beach)

Once you escape the hustle and bustle of Townsville

head south along the Bruce Highway. About 50km south of

Townsville is the township of Giru.

Giru is home to Invicta Sugar Mill - the largest sugar mill in the

southern hemisphere. CSR’s* first major renewable energy project

was at Invicta Sugar Mill in 1996. Invicta Mill is capable of

generating up to 49MW of electricity and exporting 38MW and is

connected to the 132kV transmission network between Clare and

Townsville South.

The Giru International Hotel is also a popular stop with its regular

customers and visitors. For some local history check out the

relocated Giru Railway Station. The Haughton Landing is also a

popular barra fishing spot near Giru. A boat ramp is located at

Cromarty landing.

When you leave Giru, head about 30km south to

Brandon. At Brandon, turn right after you cross the railway line

and visit the Burdekin Heritage Precinct and see one of the Shire's

oldest buildings, the restored former St Patrick's Church. Now

occupied by the Burdekin Artisan Community Association which

has home-made art and craft for sale. The Heritage Precinct, as

the area is known, is also home to the Renown Theatre, the

Brandon Railway Station and Ye Olde Machinery Place. The mural

on the Landcare Centre was designed and painted by local school

students. Brandon is a well-serviced small town with a post office,

local store, hotel, tourist park, school, bowling green and war

memorial.

5km down the highway brings you to Ayr. Ayr has a

number of different dining options for lunch ranging from

restaurants to cafes to fast-food outlets.

If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy the outdoors, head to

one of the many parks in the area. Anzac Park, located in MacMillan

Street, Ayr has a fully equipped all-abilities playground that is sure

to amuse the children. Ayr also has developed a following among

some Townsville women who love what the independent fashion

boutiques and accessory shops have to offer. Be sure to drive down

Queen Street past Burdekin Delta Cinemas, owned by Burdekin-

born world champion golfer Karrie Webb and her family. The latest

movies can be seen at the cinemas.

If you are interested in fishing or water sports or just want to

relax on the beach, head to Alva at Lynch's Beach. Head back along

Queen Street and turn left into Edward Street (Bruce Highway).

Stay on Edward Street and turn right at the Catholic Church. Follow

this road for 18km to the beach. On the way to Lynch's Beach, you

will pass historic Kalamia Mill which commenced crushing cane in

1884. This was the mill that was originally ordered for Seaforth, near

*Burdekin mills are now owned by Wilmar Sugar.

Mackay. Seaforth and Kalamia both ordered the same mills from

Glasgow, however, when Kalamia's mill arrived, their foundations

weren't ready and Seaforth's were, so Kalamia's mill was built at

Seaforth and vice versa. Lilliesmere Lagoon, located on the turnoff to

Kalamia Mill, is an excellent location for bird watching.

From Lilliesmere Lagoon, continue along Beach Road to Lynch's

Beach. Lynch's Beach has 15km of pristine sandy beach which is

great for the amateur angler and water sports.

If you decide that one day just isn't long enough, the

Burdekin has a range of accommodation available to suit all budgets

including motels, hotels, caravan parks (with cabins, overnight vans

and fully self-contained units) and backpacker hostels.

There are also plenty of options for dining out in the Burdekin. A

range of bistros, cafes and fast food outlets are available every night

of the week.

Ayr to Townsville (via Home Hill and the beachside township of

Wunjunga)

The Burdekin has a range of restaurants, cafes and fast food

outlets offering early morning breakfasts and brunch for those who

like to sleep in.

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Home Hill (about 10 minutes

south along the Highway) to explore the southern end of the shire.

As you head out of Ayr, call into Plantation Park to look at the

Gudjuda Cultural Centre and Gubulla Munda, the 63m Carpet Snake

sculpture (the totem of the Juru people) and enjoy the Juru Walk,

the Bush Tucker garden and reflect at the Bush Chapel. The Burdekin

Visitor Information Centre is also located in Plantation Park. Be sure

to pop in and have a chat to the friendly volunteers who man the

centre. They will be able to provide you with plenty of local

information.

To get to Home Hill, you pass over the mighty Burdekin River, which

is spanned by the spectacular Burdekin River Bridge. Known as the

“Silver Link”, it is the longest bridge of its type in Australia. There is a

pedestrian walk-way on the eastern side which can be accessed

from the southern end of the bridge. A historic photo collection of

the Bridge is located at the Burdekin Gateway Visitor Information

Centre in the old Home Hill Railway Station.

On the eastern side of the bridge is Inkerman Sugar Mill. Inkerman

Sugar Mill processes about 2.07 million tonnes of cane each year.

At the end of the bridge, turn left past an early Canavan Cane

Harvester to visit the Home Hill Lion's Diorama. The Diorama

highlights the history of the shire's water supply including Burdekin

Falls Dam, the underground aquifer and the sugar industry. A series

of interpretive panels also include detailed information on the sugar

industry as well as the Burdekin Bridge.

4.00pm

9.00am

Day Two Itinerary