ATTRACTION 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.

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.