Burdekin

Situated on the north side of the mighty Burdekin River, 85 kilometres south of Townsville, this prosperous rural community is the main town in the Burdekin Shire.

With more than 300 glorious days of sunshine each year and winter temperatures rarely dropping below 11 degrees, this truly is the winterless north.

Like many small North Queensland towns, Ayr is characterised by its laidback lifestyle, down-to-earth locals and friendly service.

The district’s climate, combined with its rich soils and abundant water supply, has made it one of the strongest agricultural regions in the country.

The Burdekin is the sugar capital of Australia, with about 80,000 hectares of land under sugar cane and an annual production of about 1.25 million tonnes of raw sugar. The district also contributes one-third of the nation’s mango harvest and is a major producer of melons and a host of other fruit and vegetables.

The Burdekin sits on a vast natural aquifer which is artificially replenished with water from the Burdekin River. Farmers also have access to the massive reserves of the Burdekin Falls Dam which holds 1.8 million megalitres of water, or four times the volume of water in Sydney Harbour.

A rich network of creeks and mangrove-lined estuaries make the area a mecca for fishing and crabbing. The Burdekin is a known hotspot for the prized fighting fish, the barramundi, as well as estuary species such as mangrove jack and trevally.

Nearby Alva Beach offers miles of unspoilt, sandy coastline and is a popular spot for beach fishing, birdwatching and windsurfing. It’s also a close launching point for a dive tour to the world-famous dive wreck, the SS Yongala.

The Burdekin’s magnificent wetlands offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. About 280 species have been recorded in the area, including the cotton pygmy-goose, which is listed as endangered in New South Wales.

To view the vast, flat farmlands and wetlands of the district, the best vantage point is Mount Kelly, about 10 minutes drive from Ayr.

The spectacular Burdekin River Bridge is the district’s best known landmark and is the longest crossing of its type in the country. Known as the Silver Link, it is the only bridge in Australia built without a firm foothold.

The Burdekin district is well served by major supermarkets, chain stores and specialty shops. You can find all forms of accommodation, as well as eating places to suit all tastes and budgets.

There is a diversity of sporting, cultural and tourist facilities. Be sure to visit the Burdekin Theatre, Artcover Gallery, Ye Olde Machinery Place and Hutchings Lagoon. See Gubulla Munda, a 60 metre carpet snake sculpture at Plantation Park, and visit the Ayr Golf Course, the original training ground of former Ayr woman and world champion golfer Karrie Webb.

Home Hill

Situated on the southern side of the Burdekin Bridge, Home Hill was established in 1913 from land carved out of Inkerman Downs Station.

It is just 12km south of Ayr and is linked to its larger neighbour by the famous Burdekin Bridge - the district’s best-known landmark.

With a landscape dominated by lush, green canefields and the Inkerman Sugar Mill, it’s easy to see that the local economy is driven by sugar cane.

The town has most amenities to cater for the traveller and a range of sporting interests are catered for, including a golf club and a pistol shooting club.

This is the gateway to the popular Groper Creek fishing village - renowned for its barramundi, mudcrabs, prawns and other estuary fish. Good camping and caravan facilities, combined with the area’s laidback charm, have made Groper Creek a must-stop for winter pilgrims and grey nomads.

Back in town, visit the famous Ashworth's Tourist Centre, where under one roof is Ashworth's Jewellers, Rock Shop and the unbelievable Treasures of the Earth Display. See the murals that depict the district's rural life and view original Islander artworks at Zaro’s Cultural Gallery.

Visit the new Silver Link Interpretive Centre, which opened in 2007 to mark the 50^th anniversary of the Burdekin River Bridge. Located in the main street, the centre tells the history of the bridge through more than 120 large, framed photographs.

To walk across the famous landmark, park near the Lion’s Diorama at the southern approach of the bridge and head to the pedestrian walkway.

The Comfort Stop in the centre of town is a clean, modern facility with free restroom, shower and barbecue facilities. There is ample parking for caravans and motorhomes.