
Arts & Entertainment
Find things to do
Stardust Drive in Theatre
A place to come with friends, to sit outside under the stars and watch a movie. Enjoy a homemade burger and chips, cold drinks or ice cream, snack on popcorn, or relax with a coffee. Come again and enjoy the morning Cafe, homemade delicious treats in a beautiful garden setting. Kids welcome with an onsight Enchanted Secret Garden, and 18 hole mini-golf course. Check their website or Facebook for the movie program and weekly specials.
Learn More Book NowAyr Nature Display
The Ayr Nature Display is Australia's finest, preserved collection of butterflies, moths, beetles, crustaceans, seashells, reptiles, rocks, timber, aboriginal stone implements and fossils, especially ammonites, all under one roof. The Ayr Nature Display was conceived and arranged by Jess and Allan Ey. The display was opened to the public in 1966. The experience begins as you walk past feature walls decorated with North Queensland rocks at the front and the entrance of the display. 9,400 slabs cut with a lapidary saw were used. After traversing the entrance, you will walk into an exceptional display of thousands of specimens housed amazingly in a 4.9-metre by 28.4-metre room.
Learn MoreBrandon Heritage Precinct
If you have a passion for machinery or history, a visit to the Brandon Heritage Precinct is a must. This complex serves as the home of the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists, a dedicated group of machinery enthusiasts eager to showcase their collection of machinery, tractors and other items to visitors and locals. The precinct is also home to the John Tait Steam Gallery, the Alf Shand Blacksmith Shop, the Fielding Engine Shed and the Old Brandon Church. The most significant item on display is the 1911 Marshall Colonial tractor, which is the only one of its kind remaining in Australia. Explore the Brandon Heritage Precinct with a guided tour on Mondays (except December) and on Wednesdays and Saturdays (April to September). Entry is encouraged with a gold coin donation. These enthusiasts have a wealth of mechanical knowledge, so don't hesitate to ask lot of questions about their collection.
Learn MoreBurdekin Library
The Burdekin Library is a welcoming space on the main street of Ayr. Make sure of a wide range of services available including eLearning, eBooks, computers, Smart devices, public Wi-Fi and internet. The Burdekin Library contains two magnificent artworks included in the original building. Visit Burdekin Shire Council's Library Artworks web page to read about the Mirka Mora mural and the stained glass window by Gary Burgess. Library membership is free to all Queensland residents with identification. International and interstate visitors are offered a visitor membership that requires proof of identity and current residency, as well as a AUD25 non-refundable fee. Visitors may borrow 2 items for 4 weeks. Keep up to date with library events via the Burdekin Library Facebook page. Come and explore the library today!
Learn MoreBurdekin Theatre
Located in the main street of Ayr - only one hour's drive south of Townsville - sits one of Australia's finest little proscenium arch theatres. Every year, the Burdekin Theatre plays host to hundreds to live performances, conferences, meetings, festivals, exhibitions and local events. The Burdekin Theatre is undeniably the home of arts and entertainment in the Burdekin. Ensure you leave enough time before or after attending the live performance, conference or meeting as there is a number of art pieces to discover within the theatre grounds.
Learn MoreHome Hill Branch Library
The Home Hill Branch Library is a welcoming space located in Home Hill. Make use of a wide range of services available including eLearning, eBooks, computers, Smart devices, public Wi-Fi and internet is available. Keep up to date with library events via the Burdekin Library Facebook page. Come and explore the library today!
Learn MoreOld Brandon Church
The Old Brandon Church is the place to go if you love historic buildings. Formerly the Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, the building is listed on the Registers of both the National Estate and the National Trust of Queensland. This excellent example of a 'carpenter Gothic' church has stood on two sites in Brandon. After severe damage from cyclone Aivu in 1989, it was purchased by the Burdekin Shire Council, and in 1991 moved to its present site. It has been lovingly restored and is an excellent subject for structural photography. On Mondays, combine your visit to see this beautiful building with a visit to the Burdekin Machinery Preservationist's shed right next door. The Old Brandon Church is an hour's drive south of Townsville, and five minutes north of Ayr.
Learn More