South Johnstone Accommodation, Hotels, Tours & Information

The Australian Sugar Heritage Centre opened in 1977 and is a modern complex covering some 14,000 square. It houses The Australian Sugar Industry Museum, Cassowary Coast Region Art Gallery, Mourilyan Caf?, Post Office, Conference Room and Canegrowers Office. The Museum's collection comprises of contemporary and historical photographs, books, documents, domestic objects and artefacts related to Australia's sugar industry. Historic tractors, locomotives, harvesters, implements and a working model of a 500 horse power driven crushing engine are on permanent display.

Many static displays depict the history of the sugar industry, including South Sea Islander involvement, a Cane Barracks replica, Stables, a Blacksmith Shop and the manufacturing of sugar.

The professionally equipped 50 seat theatre features an audio visual presentation of the Sugar Industry. Examine the pioneering methods and processes on informative audio/visual displays throughout the Museum.

General, Education and Special Interest Group tours are given on request please call them for details.




18 - 24 Bruce Highway
Mourilyan, QLD, 4858

Located 5.3K from South Johnstone

Everyone has a dream. Jos? Paronella's dream became a reality. On five hectares beside Mena Creek Falls he built his castle, a picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel, and wrapped it up in an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees. He even harnessed the waterfall for his electricity. Paronella Park opened to the public in 1935.

Today, visitors to the park marvel at the achievements of one man.

Admission to Paronella Park is valid for 24 months and covers both the tours. There is a 45 minute guided walk that explains the extraordinary story and takes you through the highlights of the park, as well as the stunning Darkness Falls Tour where the castles and waterfall are flood-lit to allow for amazing photo opportunities.

Admission also includes the souvenir guide book, fish food, umbrellas, access to the online photo gallery, as well as a site for one night in the adjacent van park.




Japoonvale Road,
Old Bruce Highway
Mena Creek, QLD, 4871

Located 7.2K from South Johnstone

The bright coloured Chinese temple in Owen Street will attract your attention and draw you in to explore its interior. The temple was designed by Cairns architect Edwin Orchard, and completed in January 1941. The trustees were Johnstone See Poy and A C Marwick. It replaced an earlier temple that had been located on the corner of Edith and Owen Streets, established by Tom See Poy.

Like many of Innisfail's early buildings, it was substantially damaged by the cyclone of March 1918. The Chinese community rebuilt it later that year as a place of worship and reflection to deities of the Taoist, Confucian and Buddhist traditions.

It served as accommodation for elderly Chinese men who had failed to make their fortune on the gold fields, and could not return home empty-handed. Chinese New Year and Moon festivals were celebrated there with dragon parades and fireworks. Accommodation in the old temple was sub-standard and the new one was designed to include quality accommodation.

This space now houses a museum featuring items from Dora See Poy's personal collection, including photographs, clothes and original shop fittings from the family's successful mercantile store. The temple and museum are open to visitors daily.




8 Owen Street
Innisfail, QLD, 4860

Located 9.0K from South Johnstone

The Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway is a spectacular walk through the canopy of World Heritage rainforest. It is an iconic tourist attraction in the heart of the Wet Tropics. With a 350 metre long elevated walkway through the canopy, a cantilever, a 37 metre observation tower and more than 1200 metres of walking tracks, this attraction is a must do for anyone visiting the region.

The cantilever provides tantalising views over the North Johnstone river gorge. The 37 metre observation tower emerges high above the canopy, offering sweeping views over a pristine rainforest-clad mountainous landscape, homeland of the Mamu Aboriginal people.

Located within Wooroonooran National Park, the attraction was built in natural clearings in the rainforest caused by cyclone Larry in March 2006 and constructed from durable unpainted galvanised steel and recycled plastic. It is located close to other National Park walking tracks and picnic areas, making a day visit to the area, armed with a picnic hamper and walking shoes, a must-do experience!




Palmerston Highway
Innisfail, QLD, 4860

Located 20.9K from South Johnstone

Eubenangee Swamp, an important wetland in the coastal lowlands between Ingham and Cairns, is a birdwatchers' paradise. Over 190 species of birds have been recorded here.

Sitting below the Bellenden Ker Range (the wettest part of Australia), much of this park is flooded during the wet season.

As well as being a significant habitat for waterbirds, and crocodiles, the park also protects some of the last remnants of various lowland vegetation types.

Stroll along the 1.5 kilometre return walking track that follows the Alice River, through rainforest to the top of a grassy hill and enjoy views of Bartle Frere and Bellenden Ker, Queensland's two highest peaks, as well as the swamp and its many waterbirds. Remember to be croc wise.

Image credits: Qld Govt.




Cartwright Road
Babinda, QLD, 4861

Located 21.1K from South Johnstone