cardwell

Business Directory and Tourist Guide

WELCOME TO THE CASSOWARY COAST

Cardwell, heart of the Great Green Way and gateway to magnificent Hinchinbrook Island – the largest Island National Park in Australia. Made up of a unique and diverse range of landscapes, Cardwell is the perfect place to relax or be adventurous!

Cardwell on the same latitude as Tahiti - enjoying a similar climate but with easy mainland access affording mainland living … Island style.

Settled in 1864, Cardwell was the first settlement north of Bowen and is the only town in the world where two world heritage listed areas adjoin. The first being the wet tropics world heritage, starting north of Townsville and finishing south of Cooktown and the second - the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park world heritage area.

Cardwell offers an exciting range of attractions, site seeing, annual events to enjoy and historical places to visit. The Rainforest & Reef Visitor Information Centre has a magnificent interpretative display capturing flora and fauna native to the area. Staff at the Centre provides expert advice on points of interest, accommodation including resorts, bed & breakfasts, motels, self-contained apartments, cabins, caravan parks, budget accommodation and camping in the area along with information on the region’s history.

Cardwell’s Port Hinchinbrook provides state of the art public boat ramp and repairs and maintenance facilities for anglers and boaties. It is widely acknowledged that Cardwell is ranked second to none when it comes to all weather and all tide boating & fishing.

For those who love fishing Cardwell is renowned for its rewarding recreational fishing. You can have a relaxing day fishing off the jetty or take a reef or estuary fishing charter. Fishing competitions are held throughout the year and the Barra Bonanza in October attracts 160 plus anglers.

The Girringun Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a great place to learn about the aboriginal tribes of the region and how they maintain their relationship with the natural environment.

The Bush Telegraph Office, Museum, Art Gallery and Visitor Information Centre are all a must see. Their interpretive displays provide fascinating information about the area and its history.

The Forest Drive through the Cardwell State Forest is where you’ll find the quaint Attie Creek Falls and some spectacular swimming holes to cool off in during those warmer days.

While the Cardwell region produces sugar cane, bananas, pineapples and other tropical fruits, it is also home to Crystal Bay Prawns - in fact, prawns farmed in Cardwell are so highly regarded they were served at the wedding reception for Prince Frederick and Princess Mary of Denmark.

The Cardwell Country Club / Golf Club is thriving and features a well maintained and challenging 9 hole golf course and lawn bowling green. All visitors are made most welcome with golfing tournaments held between May to October with prizes to the value of $1,500 per tournament.

From Cardwell it’s a short ride on charter or private boat to Hinchinbrook Island - the world’s largest island national park. Its long sandy beaches and extensive mangrove areas makes Hinchinbrook Island an environmental haven for Turtles, Dugongs and many other marine creatures.

Located on the eastern seaboard of Hinchinbrook Island is the famous Thorsborne trail - a 32k wilderness walking trek, said by some to be the best of the 7 great walks of the world. Trail numbers are limited to provide a wilderness experience with camping grounds provided in designated areas.

Adjacent to Hinchinbrook are Goold and Garden Islands, the Family Group of Islands and the Brook islands each with their own unparalleled charm. Your camping experience on these islands will be remembered forever.

Cardwell boasts accommodation of all types in all price ranges including motels, self-contained apartments, luxurious holiday homes, bed & breakfasts, caravan parks and backpacker facilities.



Waterfalls … National Parks … State Forests … crystal clear swimming holes … fishing …
bush walking … or just relaxing …

With so many activities on offer, contact our Visitor Information Centre where our friendly staff will assist
you to plan your stay in Cardwell … heart of the Great Green Way and pretty as a picture!

Ph: 07 4066 8601
E: info@greatgreenwaytourism.com www.greatgreenwaytourism.com/rainforestreef.html

cardwell rainforest & reef
visitor information Centre

142 Victoria St,
Cardwell QLD 4849