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.