Full day trip ideas

Start your day by discovering the Burdekin's art scene. Following the Burdekin Art Trail, spend the morning exploring the murals and scupltures scattered throughout the town of Home Hill. Each artwork depicts a story of the region's culture or heritage, designed by renowned and emerging artists across Australia. Don't forget to snap a photo with each artwork and upload to social media with #visitburdekin. 

Don’t forget to refuel at one of the cafes, bakeries or pubs in Home Hill. Here are some of our favourites: a delicious coffee from Home Hill News & Coffee, a loaded prawn roll from The Prawn Stop, a sweet treat from the Home Hill Bakery or some Italian/Sicilian delights from Giovannas Cucina.  

On your way to the Mt Inkerman Lookout, make a detour of the Bruce Highway to visit the No 211 Radar Station on Charlie's Hill. This historical site, one of twenty radar installations along the North Queensland coastline during World War II, features igloos of reinforced concrete that once protected radar equipment.

Continue your drive south to Mt Inkerman for breathtaking panoramic views of the Burdekin region. From the lookout, you can take in the expansive agricultural lands and the iconic Burdekin River, enjoying one of the best vantage points in the district. You can either drive to the top via the road or walk the Mt Inkerman Nature Trail (MINT) a 30-45 minute walk. 

Head back across the Burdekin Bridge to Ayr to complete your Burdekin Art Trail experience by viewing the remaining artworks. If you have had enough art for the day, take a wander through the many local boutiques in Queen Street. There is an abundance of specialty stores offering fashion, homewares and gift ideas that you won’t find anywhere else. 

To end the day, we suggest making your way to Alva. Relax on the beach or in the shaded park area. For those wanting a bit of an adventure, take your stand up paddleboard or boogie board and enjoy some fun in the water. Capture the essence of Alva's serene shores through the picturesque tourist frame at the Alva Lookout, perfect for an unforgettable photo.

We’ve got an action-packed day lined up for the kids!

Starting at the Ayr Nature Display, this beloved community exhibit showcases one man's extraordinary collection of Australian nature and has been a local treasure since 1966. From April to September and during the school holidays, the Ayr Nature Display is open from 8am to 5pm. You'll lose track of time wandering through this unique display and admire the time taken to build one of Australia’s finest collections.

Enjoy the outdoors at Plantation Park in Ayr. We promise this is not your average park, here you will find a state-of-the-art nature-based play area with all abilities swings, a fortress-themed lookout, and rock and rope climbs. Kids will be entertained for hours with plenty of space for riding bikes and scooters or playing at the Plantation Nature Play. While you are there, head to the south end of the park to find Juru Walk, a walking trail which showcases the cultural importance of Plantation Park to local traditional owners. Be sure to get a photo with the giant carpet snake, Gubulla Munda, before you leave!

It's time to make a splash and cool off after a long day at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre in Ayr. Let the kids run free around the new Burdekin Water Park, swim laps of the swimming pool or wade around in the kids pool. There is no age limit for this fun so make sure to pack your togs too!

This evening, take a ‘drive’ back in time to the Stardust Drive-In Theatre. Pack the blankets and pillows and climb into the boot to enjoy the latest movies or some of the classics whilst enjoying the stunning big sky views. Enjoy double features on the big screen every Friday and Saturday evening from $10 per person with a snack bar on site for all your food and drink desires. If you’re not visiting on the weekend, don’t worry - you can still experience the magic of the movies at the Indoor Galaxy Cinema, with showings on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Be sure to check their Facebook page for the latest schedule. While you're there, explore the enchanting fairy garden, challenge your friends to a round of mini golf, and stop by the famous Silver Screens ‘n Coffee Beans Café, open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. 

Kick off your Burdekin adventure at the world’s first and largest Achacha tropical fruit plantation located between Ayr and Townsville. Achacha is a delicious, refreshing, exotic and tangy fruit that is egg-shaped growing on trees. During a farm visit, you’ll witness some Australian innovations including flowhives with observation windows to show the honey collection process, a flow form which is used with biodynamic inputs for the trees and a state of the art solar powered chicken caravan. Explore the plantation’s 16,000 Achacha trees, along with 3,000 African mahogany windbreak trees, plus mangoes, soursops, coconuts, star apples, star fruit and other exotics wonders. To experience this fruity adventure, book in advance by emailing or calling Achacha.

It’s time for a bite to eat, head to the Giru International Hotel. Serving delicious classics, no wonder it is a treat with its regular customers and visitors. Giru is home to Invicta Sugar Mill - the largest sugar mill in the southern hemisphere. From the road, you can admire the size of this sugar mill.

The Burdekin streets are home to an unique collection of murals, sculptures and installations which depict stories of our region’s culture and heritage. The Burdekin Art Trail stretches across five towns and can commence from either Giru in the north or Home Hill towards the south. While you are in Giru, take a snap of art that tells stories of towns fishing and sea-life.

After leaving Giru heading south, you will find yourself in one of the most historic town of the Burdekin, Brandon. If you have a passion for machinery or history, a visit to the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists is a must. Situated in the Brandon Heritage Precinct, the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists is 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 Burdekin Machinery Preservationists with a guided tour on Mondays (except December) and on Wednesdays and Saturdays (April to September). 

Worked up a thirst? Head over the railway line on Spiller Street to the Iron Works Brewery, found in the historic foundry of the Delta Iron Works. The brewery has a total of 8 beers on tap that have been all brewed on site as well as a selection of wines and spirits along with pizza.