PROSERPINE Proserpine is the gateway town to the Whitsunday’s and Airlie Beach. The contrast between the gate and Airlie Beach is profound. Proserpine is conservative and slow, but just 30k down the road is the biggest party town in Australia. So very different and not a lot of effort to cash in that booming area. Proserpine’s economy relies on Sugar Cane production and small manufacturing. It is not as tourist orientated like the other towns in the region at the present time. The Proserpine Co. Op Sugar Mill is a major employer in the town and the town is easily identified with it. The water tower in Faust Street has a mural of a Barramundi (not photographed) on it and is viewable throughout town. The Proserpine War Memorial is located on the western end of town. The Proserpine Museum has a representation of the heritage of the area. The two film projectors representing an era from the past. The Sydney Cotton exhibition ignites intrigue.     The Proserpine churches are represented with nice buildings. The Proserpine hotels are all of an historic and bygone era. Great structures and all very different. Proserpine deserves an extended visit if not a stopover to either charge or re-charges after a stay at Airlie Beach.