Cairns Connect Overview
Tully is a small but busy rural centre, being the heart of the rural area that it supports. Like Babinda, Tully gets a lot of rain so the most noticeable feature of the area is the dense, green vegetation. There are plenty of shops and some excellent restaurants in Tully as well as plenty of scenic areas to visit within a short distance from town.

Population
Approximately 3400

Distance from closest major city
Approximately 180 km south of Cairns on the Bruce Highway (Highway One))

History
Tully, originally known as Banyan, was first settled in the 1870's as a sugar cane and cattle farming town. In 1927 the name was changed to Tully after William Tully, a surveyor. In 1935 the Tully River was dammed to supply hydroelectricity, which it still provides to Cairns and Townsville today.

Feel of the town
Tully receives over 4134 mm of rain per year making it the wettest place in Australia. It is nestled between Mt Mackay and Mt Tyson and as you would expect it is very green. Tully is the administrative hub for the Cardwell Shire, making it a busy town. There is a distinctly rural feeling to Tully with fresh baked cakes and pies and shops filled with local produce.

Things To See
The Tully Sugar Mill is an interesting place to look around and get a feel for the main industry in North Queensland. Alligators Nest is a beautiful freshwater swimming hole and picnic area and contrary to the name it is safe to swim. The Violet Smith Park in the middle of town is a peaceful place to sit back and enjoy a coffee. The Tully Gorge is also a popular tourist destination particularly with white water rafters.

Things To Do
A visit to Murray Falls, 18km south of Tully is a good way to cool off. There are gentle waterfalls, swimming holes and picnic and BBQ facilities. Tully is the place to go white water rafting, however rafting trips can easily be arranged from anywhere in North Queensland.

» Visit Tours To Go’s range of Tully tours

Places to Stay
Tully does not have a lot of accommodation but there is a backpackers, a motel, two caravan parks, several motels and of course you can stay at the pub (which was recently damaged by fire but has undergone extensive repairs).

Services
Tully has all of the major services including banking, shopping, medical, chemist, mechanical, beauty and legal.

Tully Information Centre - Telephone (07) 4068 2288