Ayr
Ayr is one of the major towns in the Burdekin Shire which sits between Brandon and Home Hill on the north side of the Burdekin River. Ayr has a buzzing CBD with a number of quaint and quirky cafes and restaurants and if you are searching for a unique item of clothing or jewellery, you will be in awe of the many boutique shops scattered throughout the main street! You can easily spend a few hours exploring and you are sure to find something for any occassion and within your budget.
Ayr is home to the Burdekin Theatre, Burdekin Water Park, a number of parks and playgrounds, the Stardust Drive-In Theatre and Ayr Nature Display, just to name a few. Ayr is also home to the iconic Burdekin Water Festival which is one of the longest running festivals in Queensland, celebrating the region's abundance of water with a Grande Parade and Mardi Gras.
The Burdekin Shire is prime sugar country, with about 80,000 hectares of land under sugarcane, and an annual production of about 1.25 million tonnes of raw sugar. The district also contributes one-third of the nation's mango harvest and is a major producer of melons and many other fruit and vegetable varieties.
Home Hill
Situated on the southern side of the Burdekin Bridge is the town of Home Hill, which is home to many of the regions attractions, fascinating history and events. Mount Inkerman is located just south of Home Hill and makes for the perfect stop to take in the view of the town, surrounding cane fields, Cape Upstart and the Burdekin River. Here you will find accommodation, a pub or two, the Home Hill Swimming Pool, news agent, banks, chemists, a grocery store, the Burdekin Gateway Visitor Information Centre and the Home Hill Comfort Stop.
Home Hill is alive with events all year round with the major ones including the legendary Burdekin Growers Race Day, Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival, many large sporting events and the Home Hill Harvest Festival.
Brandon
Brandon is one of the most historic towns in the region. The Brandon Heritage Precinct is home to the restored St Patrick's Catholic Church, the former Brandon Railway Station, the Iron Works Brewery and the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists. The Hotel Brandon is a great spot for a feed and if you are into cars, Pioneer Park Speedway and Brandon Motorcross Track have regular events throughout the year.
Giru
Situated between Ayr and Townsville, the town of Giru can be found just minutes from the Bruce Highway. Home to Invicta Mill and gateway to the Haughton River and it's large number of fish and wildlife, Giru is a a must visit for the keen fisherman. If you are looking for a pub feed and to meet a few locals, the Giru International Hotel is also a must do.
Clare
Clare is situated half an hour west of Ayr and boasts a swimming pool, school, corner store and the Clare Club. Farmers in the Clare area grow sugar cane and horticulture crops.
Dalbeg
Dalbeg is situated on the banks of the Burdekin River. It is a strong rural community and grows sugar cane, sandalwood trees and horitcultural crops. To capture a magnificant view of the Burdekin River, make sure you stop at Cornford Lookout on your way to Dalbeg.
Millaroo
Millaroo is a small community with a social club and school. WIth a strong agricultural presence, it's worth a drive to see the diverse range of produce being grown.
Alva
Alva is just 16km from Ayr and is home to the popular Lynch's Beach which is a great spot to fish, walk and relax with family and friends. The township is comprised of permanent residents, holiday and vacation homes and accommodation at Alva Beach Tourist Park. Alva Park offers BBQ facilities, a playground, a half basketball court as well as toilets and showers. During the summer months, the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers patrol a section of the beach.
Jerona
Jerona is just over half an hour's drive north of Ayr. The fishing township is home to a number of permanent residents and is surrounded by the Bowling Green Bay National Park. The picturesque town sits on the banks of Barratta Creek and offers excellent fishing and boat ramp facilities.
Groper Creek
Groper Creek is located 17km from Home Hill yet is miles away from the stress of everyday life. The creek-side village is home to about 50 permanent residents and many weekend and holiday homes. Groper Creek features two boat ramps, a jetty, a kids play park and the Groper Creek Caravan Park.
Wunjunga
32km south of Home Hill is the small fishing village of Wunjunga. The best way to enjoy all that Wunjunga has to offer is by setting up a tent or caravan at Funny Dunny Park camping grounds. The small camping ground offers limited short-stay camping for self-contained vehicles in return for $5 per night. Three Aboriginal middens are located at Wunjunga. They are a protected site significant to the region's traditional owners. Wunjunga Beach (Beachmount) features sandy beaches, rolling waves and excellent fishing.