The scenic Hinchinbrook Shire lies nestled in the Herbert River Valley, roughly one hour north of Townsville, and 3 hours south of Cairns. This stretch of coastline is known as "The Great Green Way", with the Hinchinbrook Shire regarded as the southern entrance to this beautiful region. From unspoilt sandy beaches to lush tropical rainforests, Hinchinbrook is an Eden for tourists wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether it's for a day, a week or longer, visitors to Hinchinbrook can choose from an endless amount of activities, or just relax and do nothing at all!
The friendly tropical town of Ingham is the administrative and commerical centre for the Shire of Hinchinbrook. Initially established as a result of the district's rapidly growing industries, Ingham has developed from a small, postal town with a population of only 200, to a thriving community with more than 5000 inhabitants in the town itself and more than 12,500 in the Hinchinbrook Shire.
The Shire has a colourful history, with a rich diversity of cultures from the early settlement and establishment of the sugar industry, which involved migrants from many nations throughout the world with a predominance of Italian immigration. More than half of the town's population is of Italian descent and this strong Italian influence is the basis for one of the district's largest annual festivals - The Australian Italian Festival.
Today we have a bustling multicultural community now in its third century with the economy of the district based on sugar cane cultivation and milling, with subsidiary benefits coming from cattle raising, small cropping and fishing.
Another of the region's many attractions are the fantastic recreation opportunities that the Hinchinbrook Shire and surrounding areas have on offer. Spectacular beaches and close mainland connections to the renowned Hinchinbrook Channel and Great Barrier Reef have made the region popular with anglers of all tastes - whether you prefer freshwater, estuary or bluewater fishing.
The Shire's beaches - Taylors Beach, Forrest Beach, and Lucinda - are not only great fishing spots for land-based anglers, but also a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the sea. Each provide good boating facilites and a jumping off point to the Great Barrier Reef only 24kms away.
Hinchinbrook Shire contains several National Parks, the most notable being Wallaman Falls, (right) containing the longest single drop of water in Australia (268 metres) with much of the tropical rainforests listed under World Heritage.
Marked walking tracks offer a bird-watcher's paradise. Experience the rugged beauty of Hinchinbrook Island (largest Island National Park in the world) by walking its entire length. Picturesque State Forest Parks also offer attractive camping and picnic facilities.
The spectacular Wallaman Falls
The Hinchinbrook Shire also offers a diverse range of shopping opportunities and services, all of which are made available to the public by the large number of businesses that are established in the region. Among these are educational institutions, retailers, health clinics, general services and a great many other businesses that provide the community with a unique range of goods and services. The region also houses an excellent array of restaurants and cafes to tease and tantalise the taste buds of all who visit the region.
The Shire is well serviced by motels, caravan parks and hotels providing clean, budget priced accommodation which allows the visitor to experience the atmosphere, old world charm and hospitality of the people.
With the aid of the HinchinbrookNQ website, we hope to provide you with all the information you need to know about this beautiful region. Below is a list of the Shire's infrastructure and facilities. More information can be found in the various sections of this website. However, should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Shire Population
12,513
Shire Area (square km)
2,700
Boundaries
Shires of Cardwell, Herberton, Dalrymple, City of Thuringowa, City of Townsville
Districts
Ingham, Halifax, Lucinda, Allingham (Forrest Beach), Taylors Beach, Trebonne, Blackrock, Cordelia, Victoria Estate, Abergowrie, Toobanna, Macknade, Bemerside, Dungeness, Long Pocket, Stone River, Hawkins Creek, Braemeadows, Forest Home
Road Transport
The National Highway bisects the Shire from south to north for a distance of 58km. The Shire has an excellent network of roads made up of 525km of sealed roads, and 684km unsealed.
Rail Transport
A main north-south rail line runs through the Shire with the main passenger station and goods (including container handling) facilities located in Ingham.
Air Transport
A sealed all-weather air strip is located in Ingham. Length - 1,500m. Capability - up to light jet aircraft.
Power
Full reticulated power services provided by Ergon Energy available throughout the Shire.
Communication
Full range of telecommunication facilities available, as well as full internet access.
Water and Sewerage
All urban and close lying rural areas are fully serviced by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council reticulated water service. Sewerage available only within townships of Ingham and Trebonne, with the remainder using septic.
Industrial Land
Industrial Land available for both service and manufacturing in the Crown Industrial Estate, Townsville Road, Ingham. A smaller industrial estate has also been developed at Forrest Beach (Allingham).
Major Industries
Sugar cane cultivation and milling, tourism, cattle raising, small cropping, fishing, prawning, crabbing, pine plantations, production of watermelon and pumpkins, rare and exotic fruits
Tourism & Development Features/Opportunities
Motels, hotels, caravan parks
Wallaman Falls - walking tracks
Hinchinbrook Island - largest Island National Park in the world, white sandy beaches, mangrove forests, mountain streams
State Forest Parks - nature study, camping, bushwalking, picnicking, photography, bike riding
Macknade Mill - oldest sugar mill in Australia still in operation on its original site
Victoria Mill - largest sugar mill in Australia
Dalrymple Gap Walking Track
Jourama Falls National Park
Wallaman Falls National Park - dense rainforest, wildlife
Ingham Memorial Gardens
New Ingham Cemetery - unique ethnic mausoleums
Forrest Beach, Taylor's Beach, Lucinda, Historic Halifax, Dungeness
Southern Gateway to the Great Green Way, and Wet Tropics World Heritage
Health
Public hospital with doctors, dentist and x-ray facilities. One private medical centre, two private dentists. Specialists from Townsville visit Ingham on a regular basis. Aboriginal Health Program - main concerns being immunisation, health screening and health education and promotion.
Education
Pre-school and kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, Agricultural College to grade 12, TAFE College. Free school bus services.
Shopping
Ingham and district has a wide range of good shopping facilities from supermarkets through general and mixed business to specialty shops catering for most interests.
Eating
The Hinchinbrook Shire has long held a reputation for the excellence of its catering. Many food outlets catering for standard Australian and ethnic foods.
Recreation
Good boating facilities at beaches, waterfront for commercial fishing, bird watching, gemstone fossicking, rodeos, aerobics, bocce, bowls, golf, volleyball, gymnastics, netball, squash, football/soccer, yoga, six-a-side soccer. Clubs/societies include bingo, bridge, rifle club, theatre company.
Churches
Churches for most religions hold regular services throughout the district.
Welcome to our Shire
