INNISFAIL
Innisfail is the next ‘large’ town
after Bowen heading north to Cairns. Innisfail
is the major township of this coast and is well renowned for its sugar
and banana industries, as well as for being one of Australia’s wettest
towns. In March 2006 Innisfail gained worldwide attention when severe
tropical cyclone Larry passed over causing extensive widespread
damage.
The
first incursion by European people came in 1872 when survivors of the
shipwreck "Maria" arrived on the coastal areas surrounding what is now
the Johnstone River.
The
1920s and 1930s saw the beginning of a major period settlement by
Italian immigrants and noteworthy populations from Greece and Malta.
Later in this period populations from Yugoslavia, India, Pakistan and
the Philippines would also settle in the area.
The mix of cultures and history gives Innisfail a magic feel.
The ‘art deco’ period has its
beginnings through the tragedy of floods.
The Innisfail War Memorial is located on the banks
of the river .
Anzac Park
is two blocks west.
The Hotels of Innisfail are for the most part
traditional.    
The Catholic Church
is a magnificent building and worthy of a studied visit. The Anglican
is old and traditional and the others modern. 
The Sugar Museum 
is a must visit and the Kanack exhibition is succinct, but do not
expect too much, the Heritage Museum is in the cbd precinct.

Innisfail is a nice town that requires an extended
stop over.
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