Tourist season a top time of year

HINCHINBROOK businesses are seeing a flood of visitors as the region embraces the annual tourist season.

Local MP Nick Dametto said a bumper season would help an otherwise trying start to the year, which saw most of North Queensland affected by major floods.

“Now, more than ever, we welcome visitors to come stay, play and dine in this beautiful part of the world,” he said.

“Tourists will be spoilt for choice, with attractions stretching from the picturesque waterfalls and swimming holes in the north of our electorate right through to the lush rainforests of Paluma in the south.

“Our natural attractions are simply world-class.”

Visitors can also enjoy browsing a wide array of boutique stores in town centres such as Ingham and Cardwell, which specialise in fashion, jewellery, homewares and other items not found in larger retail chain stores.

“Nothing beats that small town service with a smile,” Mr Dametto said.

“The tourism industry is an important market in Hinchinbrook and we can all capitalise on this opportunity to promote the region at this time of year. Social media is a powerful tool and when used effectively, can really give local businesses a boost.

“It’s all about building our economy while providing visitors to our region an unforgettable experience.”
Hinchinbrook offers a variety of attractions for tourists to enjoy, including over 100km of walking tracks through rainforest at Paluma, Ingham’s TYTO Wetlands, Halifax’s historic Herbert River Museum and Gallery, the gorgeous Palm Group of Island off the coast with some of the world’s best fishing and diving and much, much more.

“By sharing with the world our bit of paradise and supporting local businesses, we can take economic diversification to the next level with a new and exciting industry,” Mr Dametto said.

Things to see and do within the Hinchinbrook Electorate
Paluma
– The Paluma region has over 100km of walking tracks, “ranging from short 20 min strolls close to the village through to major multi-day walks going north from the village all the way to Jourama Falls, or south down towards Mt Halifax and the Bluewater range.

– Visitors can explore the rainforest, see beautiful swimming holes and rainforests. You may even be able to spot a rare platypus on the banks of the river at the village weir, right next to the community hall.

– Paluma Village is a bird watcher’s mecca is world-renowned. The area features the illustrious rifle bird, one of the only birds of paradise in Australia and several species of parrots and honey eaters.

– Every Tuesday, the Paluma Community Centre holds a history display while Sunday markets are held once every three months, (check www.paluma.org for dates)

– Picnic and barbecue facilities are also available at McClelland’s Lookout and the Paluma Village near the village green, with playground facilities.
For more information, including more attractions, accommodation, dining and retail experiences, head to www.paluma.org

Hinchinbrook and surrounds
– TYTO Wetlands and Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Lounge
– Mini Military Museum, Ingham Library
– Wallaman Falls, Jourama Falls, Zoe Falls, Mulligan Falls and Broadwater
– Big Crystal Creek
– Pelorus Island and Orpheus Island
– Forrest Beach and Taylors Beach, Lucinda Jetty and Dungeness
– Herbert River Museum and Gallery, Halifax
– Yanks Jetty
– Mungalla Station
– Broadwater National Park
For more information, including more attractions, accommodation, dining and retail experiences, head to www.hinchinbrookway.com.au

Cardwell and surrounds
– Hinchinbrook Island and the Thorsborne Trail
– Goold Island, Garden Island and the Family Group of Islands
– Forest Drive
– Cardwell’s Natural Fed Spa Pool and Swimming Hole (as seen on Instagram)
– Attie Creek Falls, Blancoe Falls, Murray Falls and Dead Horse Creek
– Edmund Kennedy National Park
– Kirrama Range Road
– Dalrymple Track
– Cardwell Lookout
– Cardwell Historic Precinct
– Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre
– Cardwell Rainforest and Reef Visitor Information Centre
– Tully Heads

For more information, including more attractions, accommodation, dining and retail experiences, head to www.greatgreenwaytourism.com/rainforestreef or call the Cardwell Rainforest and Reef Visitor Information Centre on 4066 8601.