YES, Cyclone Larry happened and Innisfail was right in the middle of it. But Innisfail has been busy reinventing itself so don’t just drive past!

Get to know some of the natural attractions close by, including two rivers, a World Heritage rainforest, the beach to the east and Atherton Tableland an easy drive to the west.

Beaches abound. A suburb of Innisfail is Flying Fish Point near the mouth of the river. There’s the picturesque Etty Bay, which has a surf lifesaving club operating on weekends, and all the fun of the Kurrimine, Cowley and Mission Beach area within a half-hour drive. There’s also the Mourilyan Harbour, about 8km out of town. It is a naturally deepwater port used for export.

Heading in the other direction, you can take the Palmerston Highway to the Atherton Tablelands. This is without doubt the easiest route from the coast to the Tablelands, and it has the added bonus of some spectacular places to stop. Take some walks on the Palmerston section of the Wooroonooran National Park, as the road bisects the national park. Have a picnic at Goolagan’s picnic area. See an incredible gorge view from Crawford’s Lookout. Take the Nandroya Falls circuit. There are so many options! Check at the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Innisfail office for details. While you’re in walking mode, check with the town’s information centre about guided walks.

The Innisfail area is at the junction of the North Johnstone and South Johnstone Rivers, so there are lots of fishing opportunities. (Watch out for crocodiles.)

The region is a huge producer of sugarcane and has historically been Australia’s largest producer of bananas.

Innisfail itself is the largest shopping centre between Townsville and Cairns so is a good place to stock up on supplies. While you’re in town, learn why Innisfail is known as the Art Deco capital of Australia. See the proliferation of Art Deco architecture around town then visit the Brothers Leagues Club. The decor has an Art Deco flair, with artistic combinations of black, off-white and purple against the elegance of polished timber.

Included in recent renovations are a foyer and entrance, kitchen and gaming area, new reception room along with a private bar area that is appealingly upmarket. There’s also a beergarden and smoking area which can be accessed through the TAB and gaming room. The club is fully air conditioned and is open from 10.00am till late seven days a week, with the bistro serving a wide range of interesting meals for lunch and dinner.

There are 56 gaming machines, TAB and Keno and entertainment is held on Friday and Saturday nights.