Cardwell and Surrounds
Cardwell and Port Hinchinbrook are the southern gateway to the Cassowary Coast region boasting world-class landscapes and experiences.
Cardwell is also the access to Hinchinbrook Island and channel area, the biggest island national park in Australia and home of the Thorsborne Walking Trail.
Settled in 1864, Cardwell was the first settlement north of Bowen and is situated 165km north of Townsville. It has a warm tropical climate and is a very popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Offering a range of attractions, site seeing, annual events and historical places to visit. The Cultural precinct brings together the arts and history of Cardwell. Follow the Cardwell Environmental, Cultural and Heritage Trail, enjoy local art at the gallery – Girringun Art Centre or learn about the devastation of Cyclone Yasi at the J C Hubinger Museum. Cardwell commemorates the historic Battle of the Coral Sea and host their annual UFO Festival each year in August.
Also offering a good range of services and shopping facilities and a variety of accommodation from caravan parks, hostels, motels and bed & breakfasts. A number of cafes and restaurants offer a range of options to visitors, and menus often include fresh locally-farmed prawns.
Things to see and do…
- Hike the Thorsborne Trail
- Visit the Cardwell Spa Pool
- Cruise the Hinchinbrook Channel
- Visit the Heritage Centre
- Murray Falls
- Coral Sea Battle Memorial
- Girringun Art Centre
- Fish off the Jetty
- Cardwell Forest Drive
- UFO Festival
Explore More
There is more rich local information about this beautiful township at the accredited Cardwell Visitor and Heritage Centre located on the Bruce Highway. Set in the historic precinct in the old “Cardwell Telegraph and Post Office” (now known as the Bush Telegraph) which was built in 1870 and is one of the oldest buildings in North Queensland.
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