Cairns Connect Overview
Ingham itself has a very Italian feel to it especially during the annual Italian Festival. Whilst there is not a lot to see and do in Ingham itself it is an excellent area to be based to explore places like Halifax and Lucinda. The area has great fishing, lots of bush walking and camping and of course it is a gateway to the wondrous Hinchinbrook Island and passage.

Population
Approximately 5012

Distance from closest major city
111 km north of Townsville - on the Bruce Highway

History
Sugar farms were first established in the Ingham area in the 1880's. The town was named after William Ingham, a popular young sugar farmer who was one of the first settlers in the area. William Ingham met an untimely death when he was captured and eaten by natives on Brooker Island off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Most of the early immigrants to this area were Italian and their influence can still be felt strongly today.

Feel of the town
Ingham is the commercial centre for the surrounding farming regions. It is a busy town with large tree lined streets. Much attention is focused on the Australian - Italian Festival held each year in May. People are friendly and it is a good place to stop and stretch the legs. The Memorial Gardens are well sign posted from from the centre of town and they make a great back drop for lunch.

Things To See
There are a number of interesting places to see around Ingham. The Cemetery and Victoria Mill are part of a well sign posted scenic drive, Sir Arthur Fadden Drive. The Victoria Mill is the largest Sugar Mill in the Southern Hemisphere.

Things To Do
Halifax and Lucinda are close by. The Commercial Hotel in Halifax is a friendly place to drop in for lunch or to stay overnight. Lucinda is the stepping off point for Hinchinbrook Island. There is also a large wharf (5.76km) at Lucinda which is the worlds longest offshore sugar loading facility. The turn off for Halifax and Lucinda is only a few kilometres north of Ingham. At Wallaman Falls National Park and Mount Fox there are beautiful swimming holes, waterfalls and walking tracks. To get to both requires a long drive on a dirt road (61 km to Mount Fox and 51 km to Wallaman Falls). Forest Beach is an attractive small seaside community about 20km from Ingham.

Jourama Falls are located 24km south of Ingham. The dirt road is suitable for most vehicles and caravans. There are a number of causeways which are covered with water all year round but they are safe to drive through. Be careful in the summer wet season as water levels can rise quickly and unpredictably. Jourama Falls are located in the Palouma National Park. There are excellent picnic and camping facilities making this a popular spot for locals to visit. There are walking tracks and swimming holes. It is recommended that if you are planning to camp that you bring your own firewood into the Park.

Places To Stay
There is a limited range of accommodation available in Ingham and most is pub or motel style. Staying at the Commercial Hotel at Halifax is another option.

Places To Eat
There are a number of hotels, takeaway food shops and restaurants in Ingham. Food is readily available and generally quite good value. If you visit Ingham during the Italian Festival (around May) your taste buds will be well rewarded.

Services
Ingham has all the services of a small city including banks, travel agents, newsagents, doctors, mechanics, grocery stores etc.

Ingham Information Centre Telephone (07) 4776 5211