The Cassowary Coast includes Babinda Hospital (75km south of Cairns: population 1100); Innisfail Hospital (88km south of Cairns; population 8000) and Tully Hospital (140km south of Cairns; population 2500).
The region has Queensland’s highest mountains Mt Bartle Frere and Mt Bellenden Ker and is a rich agricultural area.
The region is well known for the spectacular waterfalls at Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls, Eubenangee Wetlands, hiking, mountain streams, beautiful rainforests and fishing within the Russell River and off the beach at Bramston Beach and Tully Heads.
Alligators Nest is a picturesque picnic area with a cool freshwater swimming hole nestled within world heritage rainforest and is part of Tully Gorge National Park. Etty Bay is a gorgeous beach where you can share the sand with cassowaries - Australia’s largest flightless bird. Mourilyan deep water harbour is the closest access point for the Great Barrier Reef.
The region includes the famous Mission Beach, 50km from Innisfail, offering a relaxed beachside lifestyle, walking trails, stunning beaches and views of the Family Islands.
The region offers easy access to World Heritage rainforest wilderness in the Woonooroonan National Park and boat access to stunning Family Islands and Hinchinbrook National Parks. Camp overnight on uninhabited Coombe and Wheeler islands, hike through the rainforest on Dunk Island, or indulge in a luxurious resort stay on Bedarra Island.
The towns include heritage listed sites and Innisfail is famous for the highest concentration of art deco architecture of any Australian city and heritage-listed sites including Babinda State Hotel and Babinda Air Raid Shelter.
Visit the Cassowary Coast Regional Council website for more information on the area.