By Racheal Hundt – Celebrating Life Business Solutions
Ingham is a small town you will drive past on your way to Cairns, just north of Townsville. Follow the steam of the sugar mill from the highway to find a main street full of friendly local business owners, most men named Andrew (yes, it is true!), and women in Ingham are statistically teachers. A majority of the people in Ingham have a native Italian Heritage background dating back to the late 1800’s.
The population of Ingham is quite small – if you do not count crocodiles – and the community has a country lifestyle that embraces regional Queensland. The town comes to life several times a year with the Maraka Festival, the Ingham Show, local horse races, Sugar City Rodeo, and what used to be the Italian Festival, where nonnas, madres, and figlias would enthusiastically spoon your plate with family recipes.
The local parks are sprawling with magnificent ancient Rain Trees, ‘Albizia saman’, which give you a sincere appreciation of their size and age, and there are small water holes with ducks often guiding their babies across the surface.
Tyto Wetlands is a local drawcard with elevated walking platforms overlooking the lakes below, where the little ones can feed turtles. There is a small playground nestled in the clearing of the trees and an onsite Visitor Information Centre with remnants of the town’s history on display.
There is something fun in every direction from Ingham. Take a short drive to Palm Creek to spot (from a safe distance) Bruce the impressive 4-meter crocodile lurking off the banks.
Continue down to Forest Beach, one of the very few places you can drive along the sandy shores of the North Queensland coastline to find the perfect place for a seaside picnic.
If you are headed in the direction of Cardwell, the lookout at Vista Hinchinbrook showcases breathtaking panoramic views, creating a spectacular stop for photographers and travellers.
The famous Cardwell Spa Pools are only a short drive from Ingham too. Known for striking turquoise water surrounded by lush rainforest, these naturally flowing pools have become one of the region’s most popular Instagram icons. Visitors can relax in nature’s bubbling plunge pool or enjoy a refreshing swim in the streams while soaking up the surrounding bush.
Close to the spa pools, you will find a short walking track up the side of a mountain to Attie Creek Falls, inviting you to continue your swimming adventure in Cardwell State Forest.
If you are headed in the opposite direction of Ingham towards Townsville, you will find Jourama Falls, which is a local favourite for hiking and reconnecting with nature. The walking trails wind through tropical bushland and over smooth rock surfaces filled with birdlife and native wildlife.
Another hiking trail on the outskirts of town is Wallaman Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall in Australia. Cascading dramatically into the rainforest below, it creates a World Heritage listed wilderness. Walking tracks and lookout points allow visitors to experience the raw beauty of the area.
The picturesque Crystal Creek is not far from Ingham on the outskirts of Townsville, offering the perfect place for locals and visitors to cool down. Crystal-clear water flows over smooth granite rocks into refreshing pools.
From waterfalls and rainforest retreats to coastal hideaways and scenic lookouts, Ingham is a destination that truly has something special waiting in every direction.
