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Yongala Dive
Yongala Dive is a PADI Dive Resort offering a full range of Dive Courses, Dive Accommodation and Day Trips to one of the world's top dive sites- the historic S.S. Yongala Wreck. In 1911 it sank without trace in a tragic cyclonic event. All 122 people on board died and a legend was born. It would be another 50 years before the coral encrusted structure was found and today it is one of the world's most renowned dive sites and an adventure from start to finish. Departing daily from the sleepy village of Alva Beach, only 16 kilometres from Ayr and 90 minutes drive south of Townsville, Yongala Dive will take you on an unique adventure - premier diving with a maximum of 12 people, experienced dive staff and a beach launch - getting there is half the adventure!
Learn More Book NowAlva - Lynch's Beach
Alva is a relaxed Burdekin location, 15 minutes drive from Ayr. Holiday houses and permanent residences fill the township, with Alva Beach a short stroll over the sand dune. A lookout area is located to the right as you enter the township. At low tide Alva Beach makes for excellent exploring, with lots of small crabs, shells and birdlife. Outer sand bars create inshore lagoon areas popular with kite surfers on weekends. The beach is also popular for fishing, with many anglers bringing in decent catches to show off. On weekends during summer, the beach is patrolled by members of the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club. Located here since 1926, the club is one of North Queensland's oldest surf clubs. Care needs to be taken if swimming, due to changeable conditions and marine stingers. Alva's Yongala Dive operates a Dive Shop and accommodation, specialising in PADI dive courses, with day trips out to the SS Yongala wreck. This world renowned dive is one of the best on the Great Barrier Reef. Alva Beach Tourist Park has a kiosk. If you're spending the day at Alva, bring a picnic or barbecue lunch to enjoy in the park near the surf club.
Learn MoreAnzac Park, Ayr
Anzac Park is located near the CBD of Ayr. The all-abilities playground in Anzac Park has a variety of playground equipment and is fully fenced. The Sway Fun Swing allows children in wheelchairs to join in the fun. This is a fantastic place to let the children shake off a car trip, use up some energy and get some fresh air. Anzac Park is also home to a stake park. At the top of Anzac Park, the Ayr War Memorial takes pride of place. It commemorates those who died in service in various theatres of war including the First and Second World Wars, and Korean and Vietnam Wars. A park rotunda is located near the Ayr War Memorial. Anzac Park also features shelters and BBQ areas, toilet facilities, water drinking fountains and plenty of parking.
Learn MoreBurdekin Diorama
The Burdekin Diorama is a shady location to stretch your legs and discover the Burdekin's rich heritage. Easy to find, it's an interesting stop with pleasant surrounds. The Burdekin delta sits atop an amazing resource - the aquifer, a ground source of fresh water replenished by the Burdekin River. The Burdekin Diorama explains this managed system through maps, photos, diagrams and charts. Excellent resources and hard working people are what it takes to make a region prosper and the Burdekin district knows the good fortune of both. The local sugar cane industry, with its original hand cane cutters, plays a major role in the area's history and prosperity. The Burdekin Diorama provides a glimpse into the journey of the Burdekin's sugar cane industry. Five stainless steel informational panels shine a further light on the people, events and work that impacted the region's history. The Burdekin Diorama is located near Home Hill's Inkerman Sugar Mill, on the southern side of the Burdekin River Bridge and is just over an hour’s drive south of Townsville.
Learn MoreGroper Creek
Groper Creek is a laidback location, where you can sit back, relax and unwind. You can launch your tinnie from the boat ramp, or fish from the jetty. The area is well known for its fantastic fishing and crabbing. Groper Creek is located towards the mouth of the Burdekin River about 15 kilometres from Home Hill. Head out along Groper Creek Road and you'll travel past sugar cane farms, and through a wetland area full of birds and wildlife. Have a look around the Groper Creek settlement, at the huts built high on stumps. The kiosk and the public phone box are also up high. Bring your camera, as these buildings have their own personality! With the caravan park on the banks of the creek, if you decide to stay longer, check in, set yourself up and enjoy the surroundings.
Learn MoreGubulla Munda
A popular place in the Burdekin for visitors to take photos is located in Plantation Park, Ayr. The giant carpet snake is an impressive feature, and makes a fantastic backdrop. This 60 metre artwork depicts Gubulla Munda, the Aboriginal totem and the protective spirit for the Birri Gubba people. Gubulla Munda holds sacred cultural and spiritual significance to the Traditional Owners. There are also several plaques and a memorial stone. These mark the remains of Birri Gubba ancestors re-interred at this sacred site. The Gudjuda Reference Group commissioned the large sculpture Gubulla Munda Dreaming, which was constructed in 2004. It was painted by aboriginal artists. The monument was created to celebrate and promote indigenous culture.
Learn MoreInkerman Hill
Inkerman Hill, a 10 minute drive south of the township of Home Hill, has recently been upgraded! With funding received through the Queensland Government's Scenic Lookout Upgrade Program, the Burdekin Shire Council is now able to provide their valued visitors a more enjoyable experience. The road up to the lookout has widened and the carpark improved. With a new lookout platform, shelters, toilets, interpretive and directional signage, you must check it out! If you are feeling adventurous you can chose to walk up the Mount Inkerman Nature Trail which begins at the base of the mountain and takes you through the bushland and wild nature of Mount Inkerman. This has to be put at the top of the to-do list when visiting the region with a walking track for those who wish to stretch their legs and a breathtaking view once you reach the top.
Learn MorePlantation Park
Plantation Park in Ayr is a popular stop offering shady areas for picnics, access to the Juru Walk and the state-of-the-art Plantation Nature Play. The park also offers public toilets, BBQ facilities and caravan and car parking. Plantation Nature Play is a state-of-the-art nature based play area at Plantation Park with all-abilities swings, a fortress-themed lookout, and rock and rope climbs. It also features a variety of activities such as an accessible fortress themed lookout, rock and rope climbing and fossil digging. The Burdekin Visitor Information Centre located in the park is the perfect stop on your road trip to talk to a local expert, obtain brochures and maps or grab a free coffee or tea from the Driver Reviver stop. While you are there, experience the Yongala Dive Virtual Reality Experience or the Wilmar Virtual Mill Tour. The Juru Walk is a walking trail at the Sothern end of Plantation Park which provides an important bond to the Burdekin's Aboriginal history. A bush tucker garden was planted alongside the walk and features more than 30 species of plants. Plantation Park is also home to a 60m carpet snake sculpture, Gubulla Munda, which was built by the Gudjuda Reference Group in 2004 to celebrate and promote Indigenous culture. The sculpture marks the significance of the site as a traditional burial ground.
Learn MoreWunjunga Beach
Wunjunga Beach is located in the Burdekin region and is a 30 minute drive from Home Hill. Wunjunga Beach (Beachmount) features 14 kilometres of coastline perfect for four-wheel driving, picnics, fishing and walks along the beach. Funny Dunny Park is a small camping area at Wunjunga offering short stay camping for a donation. Wujunga is accessed by bitumen and dirt road which travels through a cattle property and is a haven for local wildlife. It is not recommended to swim at this beach due to marine stringers and other marine life.
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