Cairns Connect Overview
Innisfail is a bustling smaller city located on the banks of the Johnstone River. It is picturesque and tranquil and the grassy parklands lining the river are perfect for a picnic or a pleasant stroll to stretch the legs after a long drive. Innisfail is having a strong push to attract tourists and rightly so. It is an attractive town located in the middle of The "Great Green Way", an area high in natural beauty. There are also some excellent examples of early Australian architecture in Innisfail.

Township on Johnstone River, Innisfail

Population
Approximately 8500

Distance from closest major city
Approximately 83km south of Cairns on the Bruce Hwy (Highway One)

History
Innisfail is a substantial country town that has been a "sugar city" for over a hundred years. Initially named Geraldton in 1882 the name was changed to Innisfail in 1910, in honour of a local entrepreneur who had named his farm Innisfail. There has also been a strong Italian presence in the area as migrants came to work in the cane fields. In the 1930's there was even a local branch of the mafia known as the "Black Hand".

Feel of the town
Innisfail is situated at the junction of the North and South Johnstone Rivers providing a peaceful and scenic atmosphere to the town. There are fishing trawlers moored along the banks of the river. There are charming old buildings, beautiful botanical gardens and a definite multicultural feeling to Innisfail.

Things to see
Sights include the Shire Hall, the Chinese Joss House and Warrina Lakes gardens. There is also a Historical Society Museum. The Johnstone River Crocodile Farm is on the road to Flying Fish Point at the mouth of the Johnstone River. There is a sugar museum south of Innisfail at the turn off to Mourilyan Harbour and Paronella Park (a Spanish ruins) is a short drive from Innisfail.

Nerada Tea Plantation, Innisfail

Things to do
Innisfail is the type of town to spend a day on foot, seeing the sights, following the river and enjoying the feel of a country town. The sights listed above are the main attractions.

Places to Stay
There is a good range of accommodation. Most is budget style motel and backpackers and there are a number of good caravan parks in the area.

Places to Eat
Innisfail has plenty of cafes and restaurants and in recent years the larger fast food chains have set up operations.

Services
Innisfail is a reasonably large town that has all of the services that a traveller requires.