While most everywhere in Queensland is a wonderful place to live — we’re not called the Sunshine State for nothing — living by the beach is undeniably more alluring than most locations. This can seem unattainable, especially in the current market.
However, a recent study highlighted the cheapest seaside towns in Queensland, all with house prices under $1 million. At the top of the list is East Innisfail, a charmingly sleepy town near Cairns, known for its proximity to lush rainforests, stunning art deco façades and, of course, its scenic beach. So if you’re looking for a slower pace, here are some of the best things to do in East Innisfail.
The most affordable coastal suburbs in QLD
According to PropTrack data in the study, East Innisfail currently has a median house price of around $365,000, making it the most affordable coastal suburb in QLD where homes are still selling below the $1 million mark. It also recorded around 25% price growth over the past year, reflecting the rising demand for regional seaside living.
Also on the list are suburbs a little closer to home, such as Barney Point in Gladstone, and Bowen, with median house prices ranging roughly between $445,000 and $545,000, and a growth of 20% in the last 12 months.
Across the country, the lowest coastal house prices are largely concentrated in regional South Australia, including Port Augusta ($272,500) and Ceduna ($280,000). Other relatively affordable seaside markets are found in parts of Western Australia, like Geraldton (around $495,000), where homes remain well below the national median.
Things to do in East Innisfail
Nestled on the shores of the Johnstone River, East Innisfail is surrounded by the marvels of nature. Listed as World Heritage, these wet tropics are home to some of the world’s most majestic and deadliest creatures: crocodiles.
You can take a boat and cruise down the river, admiring Innisfail’s ancient rainforest and unique river species, getting up close and personal with some of Australia’s infamous animals!
If you venture just 20 minutes out of town, you’ll reach Mena Creek Falls, and the fascinating and haunting beauty of Paronella Park. Built by José Paronella, a Catalan immigrant, in 1929, the incredible palace still stands nearly a century later, made all the more gorgeous by its blending with the rainforest.
Or, if you’re in more of a beach mood, only 15 minutes from the city, is pristine Etty Bay, one of North Queensland’s most scenic beaches. The rainforest meets the ocean in a postcard-perfect view, and you’ll get to share the sand with Australia’s largest flightless bird, the Southern Cassowary.
Back in town, a walk through the centre is a must, because Innisfail happens to have the highest concentration of Art Deco façades in any Australian city! Due to a 1918 cyclone that left only 12 buildings in the town standing, the CBD was rebuilt in the architectural style of the time, and it remains that way today. The town even holds a yearly Art Deco Festival that is the bees knees!
As North Queensland’s best kept secret, whether you’re looking for nature, civilisation, or a mix of both, East Innisfail has it!
Getting there
East Innisfail is located an hour south of Cairns, so the easiest way to reach it is by flying to Cairns, and then taking a bus, train or car there.
Or, if you believe it’s the journey and not the destination, you can make a road trip out of it, but be aware that it’s a 17-hour drive from Brisbane!
