Cardwell – A seaside location that boasts world-class landscapes and experiences.

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Cardwell sits in the heart of the Cassowary Coast and the gateway to Hinchinbrook Island – the largest Island National Park in Australia.

Settled in 1864, Cardwell was the first settlement north of Bowen. Cardwell offers a range of attractions, site seeing, annual events and historical places to visit. The Cultural precinct brings together the arts and history of Cardwell.

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Follow the Cardwell Environmental, Cultural and Heritage Trail, enjoy local art at the gallery or learn about the devastation of Cyclone Yasi at the J C Hubinger Museum. Cardwell commemorates the historic Battle of the Coral Sea.

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With it’s stunning backdrop of Hinchinbrook Island, the Cardwell foreshore is the focal point of Cardwell and a popular place for fishing or spotting turtles and dugong which often seen from the Jetty. The playgrounds barbeque and picnic facilities, walking and cycling paths are easily accessible.

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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 know as the Bush Telegraph) which was built in 1870 and is one of the oldest buildings in North Queensland.

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Don’t forget to visit the Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre where you can see contemporary and traditional art from the region’s nine traditional owner groups. Work includes traditional baskets, paintings, ceramics and wooden artefacts as well as a unique Bagu with Jiman artwork inspired by the traditional fire making implements of the Girringun Rainforest people.

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As the halfway point on the Bruce Highway between Cairns and Townsville, Cardwell is an ideal base to explore and fish the entire region.