TOURS ATTRACTIONS SARINA

There is no greater story in Australia's history than that of Australia's sugar cane industry. This story is ideally showcased, for visitors of all ages, at the Sarina Sugar Shed where you can "take the tour and taste the action". Sarina

Sarina is situated 36 kilometres south of Mackay and 300 kilometres north of Rockhampton on the Bruce Highway. The Historical Centre is part of the 'Field of Dreams' complex on the southern outskirts of the township. The Historical Centre is the former St Anne's Catholic Convent building. The building was built in 1923 as a Presbytery for the Catholic Priest in Sarina but when the first group of Sister's of Mercy were appointed to the town in 1925 the building became the Convent. A number of additions have been made to the original building so that they could take in boarders. On 19 January 2001 it was relocated to its present site at the 'Field of Dreams' and renovated to become the Historical Centre. Visitors can see the Historical Centre and view some important facts about this district for example gold mining, sugar, animal, coal, and rail industries to checking out about the lost Phoenicians as well as numerous other displays. If required, morning tea can be provided for group bookings or bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. An electric barbecue is provided for your convenience.

The Sarina Tourist Art and Craft Centre is located on the Bruce Highway 34 kilometres south of Mackay and 314 kilometres north of Rockhampton. The location is ideal, as it is at the southern approach to Sarina. Volunteers, which are all members of the Cooperative, operate the Art and Craft Centre. It is open for business 362 days a year from 9am to 5pm. The Sarina Tourist Art and Craft Centre gained Accreditation as a 'Visitor Information Centre' in 2001. Thereby providing accurate and up to date tourist information on the Sarina area. Information on the Mackay and adjacent tourist regions is also provided. Self-drive tours of the area, taking in all the features of the shire, are also available. The Shire of Sarina is well known for the quality of the art and craft produced by its very talented residents. Members of the cooperative sell their product through the Information Centre. Commissions from sales partly fund the operations of the Information Centre, while many artists form the voluntary staff. Visitors are astounded at the diversity and quality of crafts and many comment on this in the visitor's book.

WWI memorials like that in the north Queensland sugar town of Sarina speak volumes of community pride and patriotism. Their soldier statue was erected for the 1919 ANZAC Day ceremonies, paid for through public subscription. It specifically says that it is a 'commemoration' of Sarina Shire residents who enlisted: 114 men. The outpouring of grief that came with 60,000 Australian deaths on the other side of the world, and buried overseas, was publicly expressed through memorials. The soldier statue, as in Sarina, was Queensland's preferred choice. Sarina's soldier, crafted by Townsville monumental masons Melrose and Fenwick, stands head slightly bowed, hands crossed over a reversed rifle, resting on his left boot. He stands on a pedestal which bears a marble plaque and 24 names, the locals who died in WWI. Similar plaques have been added to honour those who fought in subsequent conflicts: WWII, Korea, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam. Sarina's war memorial is found in a central median strip, where two major regional roads meet, the Bruce Highway and the Marlborough Sarina Road.

His scientific name is Bufo Marinus, but the locals have nicknamed him 'Buffy'. Situated in the town centre of Sarina, approximately 35 kilometres south of Mackay, Buffy is a large Cane Toad statue. It was originally crafted out of paper mache in 1983 to become a float for a sugar festival. It was later cast in fibreglass to become a fixture in the town, in recognition of Sarina's cane farming history. Buffy is located on Broad Street, which is also the Bruce Highway, the main road that passes through the middle of the town of Sarina. It sits in-between the north and south bound lanes. Facilities close to Buffy include angled parking, public toilets, a gazebo, rubbish bins and picnic tables under trees for shade, making it a lovely area to stop for a picnic, and a photo with this iconic big statue.

Armstrong Beach is a gentle 12 minute drive from the township of Sarina. From Sarina head south along the Bruce Highway and turn left onto Armstrong Beach Road, signposted from the highway. Armstrong Beach is renowned for its fishing and prawning, both of which are best attempted from the beach. A Four Wheel Drive is required to launch a boat from the beach so be prepared for the launch. There is a small community at Armstrong Beach and accommodation is available at the local caravan park. From Armstrong Beach head to Freshwater Point, which is where Captain Cook first landed in 1770 looking for fresh water, hence its name. Armstrong Beach facilities including a picnic area.

Sweeping golden sand, gentle crashing waves and a popular location for nesting turtles is what makes Sarina Beach a hot-spot for visitors and locals alike. Only a few minutes from the town of Sarina, this beautiful beach is fringed by an esplanade park with barbecue and picnic facilities. Enjoy lunch overlooking the coastal vista at a beachside restaurant in the old Surf Lifesaving Club building. The beach is patrolled seasonally by the local Surf Lifesaving Club. Motel style accommodation is also available. Fish off the beach or search the rocks at the northern point for delicious shellfish.

WWI memorials like that in the north Queensland sugar town of Sarina speak volumes of community pride and patriotism. Their soldier statue was erected for the 1919 ANZAC Day ceremonies, paid for through public subscription. It specifically says that it is a 'commemoration' of Sarina Shire residents who enlisted: 114 men. The outpouring of grief that came with 60,000 Australian deaths on the other side of the world, and buried overseas, was publicly expressed through memorials. The soldier statue, as in Sarina, was Queensland's preferred choice. Sarina's soldier, crafted by Townsville monumental masons Melrose and Fenwick, stands head slightly bowed, hands crossed over a reversed rifle, resting on his left boot. He stands on a pedestal which bears a marble plaque and 24 names, the locals who died in WWI. Similar plaques have been added to honour those who fought in subsequent conflicts: WWII, Korea, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam. Sarina's war memorial is found in a central median strip, where two major regional roads meet, the Bruce Highway and the Marlborough Sarina Road....

The Sarina Tourist Art and Craft Visitor Information Centre is located on Railway Square in Sarina. This accredited visitor information centre offers a one stop shop for travel information including maps, brochures, and itineraries. Staffed by skilled and knowledgeable locals, the Sarina Tourist Art and Craft Visitor Information Centre can provide advice on the things to see, things to do and where to eat. Discuss with the friendly staff your travel plans. This amazing VIC is an attraction in itself. All three buildings of the complex are historically aged and consist of the Original Sarina Court House, Sarina Watch House and Mt Pillion School House. All three have been lovingly restored by Volunteers and Community support. All Craft sold in the Centre is locally produced by loving hands and each item is very unique. Their volunteers will happily make you a 'free' cup of tea and biscuit and are always 'up for a chat'....

Sarina Sugar Shed is one of its kind in Australia and has a big story to tell! It is a multi-award winning attraction fuelled by an ingenious miniature sugar mill and distillery. It showcases the local sugar and distilling industries along with the incredible qualities of sugar and its diversity of use. Located in the heart of Queensland’s multi-million dollar sugarcane industry, their unique attraction welcomes visitors seven days a week taking them on an interactive, educational and tasty journey. A visit to Sarina Sugar Shed will tantalise the taste buds with their delicious array of products produced onsite. ...

Located at the foothills of the Connors Range south of Mackay, Sarina's town centre is a blend of natural country charm, while having developed into a thriving business area. Enjoy the friendly hospitality, beautiful beaches, prime fishing and prawning available nearby. A range of restaurants, cafes, unique retail and services can be found in the town centre; with the bakery selling famous Sarina pies a popular place to stop. A world of discovery can be found at Sarina's Field of Dreams. Learn about the region's thriving sugar industry and watch how sugar is extracted from the cane on an interactive tour at The Sarina Sugar Shed. The Sarina Art and Craft Centre, also located at the Field of Dreams, carries a host of beautiful locally-made arts, crafts and souvenirs. Friendly local advice can be found at the Visitor Information Centre in the old Railway Station within the Field of Dreams complex. Take a morning stroll along one of Sarina's golden beaches, including Sarina Beach, Grasstree Beach, Salonika Beach and Freshwater Point. Keep an eye out for nesting turtles in season, who lay their eggs among the grassy dunes. Sarina Beach provides a range of accommodation and dining options. Lake Barfield, which adjoins Salonika Beach, is a thriving bird sanctuary; home to black swans, white herons and egrets. Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminals are the Mackay Region's coal export facilities. The administrative building at the Hay Point Coal Terminal operates a viewing platform for panoramic views over the massive facility. Keep an eye out for Buffy, a large Cane Toad statue placed in the middle of the Sarina township, in-between the north and south-bound lanes of the Bruce Highway....

Sweeping golden sand, gentle waves and a popular location for nesting turtles is what makes Sarina Beach a hot-spot for visitors and locals alike. Only a few minutes from the town of Sarina, this beautiful beach is fringed by an esplanade park with barbecue and picnic facilities. Enjoy lunch overlooking the coastal vista at a beachside restaurant in the old Surf Lifesaving Club building. The beach is patrolled seasonally by the local Surf Lifesaving Club. Motel style accommodation is also available. Fish off the beach or search the rocks at the northern point for delicious shellfish....

Sarina is situated 36 kilometres south of Mackay and 300 kilometres north of Rockhampton on the Bruce Highway. The Historical Centre is part of the 'Field of Dreams' complex on the southern outskirts of the township. The Historical Centre is the former St Anne's Catholic Convent building. The building was built in 1923 as a Presbytery for the Catholic Priest in Sarina but when the first group of Sister's of Mercy were appointed to the town in 1925 the building became the Convent. A number of additions have been made to the original building so that they could take in boarders. On 19 January 2001 it was relocated to its present site at the 'Field of Dreams' and renovated to become the Historical Centre. Visitors can see the Historical Centre and view some important facts about this district for example gold mining, sugar, animal, coal, and rail industries to checking out about the lost Phoenicians as well as numerous other displays. If required, morning tea can be provided for group bookings or bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. An electric barbecue is provided for your convenience. ...

Take an opportunity to explore a relatively unspoiled area that has retained much of its original historic charm while having developed into a thriving business area. Collectively known as the Serenity Coast, the townships that stretch from Hay Point to St Lawrence enjoy a selection of beautiful beaches and prime fishing locations. Enjoy the area's country hospitality, scenic mountain ranges, national parks and prime fishing locations. Some of the key attractions within the Serenity Coast include Cape Palmerston National Park, Notch Point and the dugong sanctuary in Clairview. Visit one of many unspoiled beaches providing swimming, sailing and fishing as well as sweeping views of the surrounding coastline from selected lookouts. The undeveloped wilderness surrounding Cape Palmerston's camping areas provides access to excellent fishing locations and rugged bush walks. Experience magical glimpses of elusive fireflies which inhabit the bushland area in the evening. One of the most historic towns on the Queensland Coast, St Lawrence was originally built to service the Customs Office for the Port of St Lawrence. Many historic buildings can be viewed in the town....