Burdekin Visitor Information Centre

Burdekin Visitor Information Centre: The recently redeveloped Burdekin Visitor Information Centre is located in Plantation Park on the Bruce Highway in Ayr. With lots of parking space for caravans and motor homes, Plantation Park makes an excellent spot to take a break on your trip. Staffed by skilled and knowledgeable locals, this accredited Visitor Information Centre can provide advice on what you can see and do in the region, provide directions, recommend where the best place is to eat or fill up your vehicle during your visit and so much more. The centre offers up-to-date travel information including maps, brochures and itineraries. Free Wi-Fi is available as well as free tea, coffee and biscuits as a Driver Reviver site. The friendly volunteers are ready to welcome visitors to the Burdekin region. Whilst at the Visitor Information Centre, be sure to check out the Yongala Dive Virtual Reality Experience, you can experience one of the world's most famous dives and learn the history of the SS Yongala that sank of the coast of Alva in 1911 in the comfort of the centre through top quality VR.

Plantation Park, Ayr: The Visitor Information Centre is located in Planation Park, Ayr. Plantation Park in Ayr is a popular stop offering shady areas for picnics, public toilets, access to the Juru Walk and the state-of-the-art Plantation Nature Play. Plantation Park is also home to a 60m carpet snake sculpture, Gubulla Munda, which was built by the Gudjuda Reference Group in 2004 to celebrate and promote indigenous culture.

Top 10 Things To Do in the Burdekin Region:

1. Dive the SS Yongala - Rated one of the top dive sites in the world, it is an experience for those with a sense of adventure, a passion to explore, a desire to learn about the tragic history and to witness marine life matched by few other places on the face of this earth. Snorkelling or scuba trips to the pristine Stanley Reef also available at certain times of the year.
2. Experience a cane fire - The Burdekin is one of the last regions in Australia to still predominately burn sugar cane before harvest. There is nothing quite like witnessing the raw power of a sugar cane paddock going up in flames. Visitors can witness a cane fire from June to November as farmers around the region burn their crops before harvesting.
3. Catch a barra - Drop a line in one of the Burdekin’s many creeks or estuaries for your chance to catch some of the best fish in Australia. Head to a local bait and tackle shop or grab the Visit Burdekin Fishing Guide for all the insider tips on where to catch barramundi, whiting, flathead, mangrove jack, fingermark, grunter, reef fish and much more. Mud crabs are also a crowd favourite and can easily be caught all throughout the region with a set of dilly pots.
4. Visit Wunjunga or Alva - With beach huts perched high on large granite boulders, sandy bays and views of Cape Upstart, Wunjunga is a popular place to for picnics and camping. Visit Alva to stand-up paddle board, kitesurf or just relax. With over 30km of beaches in the Burdekin, there is plenty of room for everyone, even pets!
5. See it from the top of Mount Inkerman - Experience the Burdekin's rich agricultural land and iconic Burdekin River from the district's best vantage point of Mount Inkerman. Hike the Mt Inkerman Nature Trail (MINT) that winds its way through the steep bushland to awe inspiring views of the surrounding landscape.
6. Attend the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival – immerser yourself in the 2 day festival which is all about showcasing the Burdekin's people, produce and culture. The 2023 festival's headline events include the Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring First Fire and the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships. As one of the only regions in the world that still burns the sugar cane paddock before harvesting you will get the unique chance of witnessing a cane fire up close and also the experiencing the historical Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships.
7. Immerse yourself in history and culture - The Burdekin tells tales of a captivating colonial past, of farming triumphs and community spirit. Walk Pioneer Avenue, visit the Burdekin Diorama, appreciate the public art murals and sculptures throughout Ayr and Home Hill or stop in at the Brandon Heritage Precinct.
8. Catch a show at the Burdekin Theatre - The Burdekin Theatre hosts a range if productions, concerts and gala events throughout the year. To find out what’s on visit www.burdekintheatre.com.au
9. Step back in time to WWII - Would you like to step into a 75 year old war bunker and imagine what it is like to be tasked with the job of detecting enemy planes? Well you can do just that at Charlie’s Hill WWII Site located south of Home Hill.
10. Shop 'til you drop - The Burdekin offers great boutique shopping with and abundance of specialty stores. Pop into one of the quaint or funky cafes and grab a delicious coffee while you take in some retail therapy.

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