The Burdekin Shire has two Aerodromes and a number of smaller Airstrips which are maintained by Council.

The Ayr Aerodrome is located on Aerodrome Road, Brandon, with the Home Hill Aerodrome being located at Heatley Road, Home Hill. Smaller airstrips are located near the towns of Clare (Cnr Dunn and George Roads), Millaroo (Newman Road) and Dalbeg (Foreman Walsh Road).

Queries in relation to these facilities can be made to the acting Aerodrome Reporting Officer, Mr Ray Taylor on 4783 9933.

Burdekin Cultural Complex

While visiting the Burdekin, take the time to see a live show or inspect some of the displays at the Burdekin Cultural Complex. Located in Queen Street, Ayr, the complex includes the Burdekin Theatre, music loft and community library.

The 500-seat Theatre has played host to hundreds of national and international stars during its history and has fostered the cultural abilities of many locals through musical productions and eisteddfods.

Visitors should take in a show at the Theatre while they are in town to fully appreciate this fine facility.

If time doesn’t permit seeing a show, one of the highlights of the Theatre is its “Gallery of the Stars” – a photographic history of the big names who have taken to the stage there.

The gallery is located in the Theatre foyer, which is open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Once in the foyer, take the opportunity to look at the number of wonderful artworks on display including Mike Tracey’s steel-fashioned cane cutters and two colourful murals created by acclaimed artist Mirka Mora. The water feature in the Theatre Forecourt was created by Stephen Walker to recognise the importance of water to the Burdekin community.

Adjacent to the Theatre is the Burdekin Library. The library includes a large collection of books for every type of reader. The library also offers internet access for visitors needing to connect with the world. Please note, bookings are essential.

To find out more about the Burdekin Cultural Complex and coming attractions at the Burdekin Theatre, please contact the Theatre Manager.

Alva at Lynch’s Beach

The 17 kilometer drive from Ayr to Alva passes several wetland sites with abundant birdlife. An excellent area for fishing, birdwatching, fauna, swimming and sailboarding.

The Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse site can be accessed by walking north along the beach. There is limited shade and no facilities at the site.

Facilities

Yongala Dive – Scuba Dive at one of the best dive sites in the world – Yongala Dive offers Dive Courses, accommodation and also a Dive Shop. Ph: 07 4783 1519 for more information.

• Caravan Park
• Toilets/Showers
• Picnic Area/Barbecues
• Playground
• Parking
• Beach Access

Wunjunga Beach

Beachmount – Wunjunga

The turnoff to Wunjunga is about 6km south of Inkerman. The road from the highway to Wunjunga is gravel and the drive is a bird enthusiast’s dream. The fishing, the flora, the fauna, the beach, the Aboriginal middens and the houses built on huge granite boulders makes Wunjunga an interesting spot to visit.

Facilities

• Toilet
• Parking
• Beach Access
• Camping

Boat Ramps

Council maintains eight boat ramps located within the shire on behalf of Queensland Transport.

These boat ramps are located at Cromarty Creek, Barramundi (Morris’s) Creek, Barratta Creek, Ocean Creek, Plantation Creek, Hell Hole, Groper Creek and Wallace Creek.

Requests for upgrades or general maintenance of individual boat ramps can be made by contacting the Customer Service Centre using one of the following methods. 

Please contact the Customer Service Centre using the Online Contact Form.

You can also contact the Customer Service Centre using one of the following methods.

We have two libraries in the Burdekin Shire. The main Burdekin Library is at 108 Graham Street, Ayr and the Home Hill Branch Library is at 77-79 Ninth Avenue, Home Hill.

THE Burdekin’s new, million-dollar youth centre was officially opened in April 2011.

The new centre adjoins the Burdekin Basketball Stadium on the corner of MacMillan and Little Drysdale streets, Ayr.  The Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) has taken over the management of both facilities.

The centre is a one-stop shop for permanent and visiting youth services, as well as a place where young people can go for sport, activities and entertainment, such as martial arts, fitness classes, boxing, bingo, blue light discos, church services and youth groups.

The Burdekin Shire Council played a lead role in establishing the youth centre, which was funded through a $1.05 million grant from the Queensland Department of Communities’ Blueprint for the Bush program.

For more information on services and programs being run at the Burdekin PCYC phone 4783 1009.

There are a number of accommodation options available throughout the Burdekin, including caravan parks, hotels, motels and backpackers.  For those enjoying the camping experience you would be welcome at any of the caravan parks or there are limited areas that allow free or low-cost camping.

Please note that camping is not permitted on a road, in a park or reserve or at a boat ramp unless specifically mentioned here.   

Council established the Comfort Stop in Home Hill to provide free facilities and a rest area for travellers.  There is a limit on how long you can stay as sites are limited. A maximum of 48 hours in a 2-week period allows you to stop, rest and explore the area as you head north and south on your adventure. A dump point is also available nearby.   

Funny Dunny Park is located in Wunjunga, a small coastal community south of Home Hill.  This small camping ground offers beach access to some of the best fishing spots in the Burdekin.  For a small fee per person per night you can pull up and camp, fish and relax.  The park is serviced by an eco toilet facility and limited clean water.  This facility is for limited camping only with a maximum stay of 4 days in a 2-week period.  A dump point is available in Home Hill near the Comfort Stop.

Camping is also permitted at the following boat ramps. Please note that there is no dump point at the boat ramps and waste is not to be discharged to the land, creek or river. You are welcome to stay for a maximum of 4 days in a 2-week period.

Camping at boat ramps is only permitted at:

• Barramundi (Morris) Creek boat ramp, Morris Creek Road, Giru (eco toilet only)
• Wallace Landing boat ramp, Peak Road, Inkerman (no facilities)
• Cromarty boat ramp, Cromarty Creek Boat Ramp Road, Giru (eco toilet only)
• Plantation Creek, 652 Old Wharf Road, Airdmillan (toilets only)
• Barratta boat ramp, Jerona (no facilities)
• Ocean Creek boat ramp, Ocean Creek (no facilities)
• Hell Hole boat ramp, Rita Island (no facilities)

Council currently owns two caravan parks – Burdekin Cascades Caravan Park in Queen Street, Ayr and Home Hill Caravan Park in Eleventh Avenue, Home Hill. These parks are managed on behalf of Council.

Contacts are as follows:-

Burdekin Cascades Caravan Park

230-240 Queen Street
Ayr 4807
Phone: 07 4783 1429

Park features:

• 8 cabins (1 disabled cabin) featuring air-con, fans, ensuite, tv and limited cooking facilities (sleep 4)
• 2 new studio cabins with ensuite, air-con, tv, cooking facilities (sleep 4) – available April 2012
• 3 budget cabins with air-con, fans, tv – no toilet/shower facilities (sleep 2)
• Backpackers kitchen
• Communal shower
• Communal toilets
• Communal laundry
• Pets allowed (conditions apply)
• Located beside Ayr Swimming Pool
• 5 minutes walk to shopping centre
• Dump point

Rating – 3 1/2 stars

Home Hill Caravan Park

Home Hill Caravan Park

cnr Eighth Street and Eleventh Avenue
Home Hill
Ph: 07 4782 2498

Park features:

• 2 cabins featuring air-con, fans, shower, toilet, tv and limited cooking facilities
• BBQ area
• Communal shower
• Communal toilets
• Communal laundry
• Pets allowed (conditions apply)
• Located beside Home Hill Swimming Pool
• 5 minutes walk to shopping centre

Rating – 2 stars

If you wish to make a compliment or complaint about any of the services above please contact Customer Service on 07 4783 9800 or email

Overview

The Burdekin Shire Council operates cemeteries in the townships of Ayr and Home Hill. Both cemeteries are well maintained with families and friends able to visit the resting place of their loved ones 24 hours a day. The cemeteries have an open environment with no gates.

The Council Burial Register contains burial details and reservations at the Ayr and Home Hill cemeteries.

Details

Management and Control

Management and control of the the Ayr and Home Hill cemeteries is a function of the Burdekin Shire Council – Parks and Gardens section. This section provides a complete maintenance schedule for both cemeteries ensuring the facility is mowed on a regular basis and carefully looked after.

A full-time Sexton is employed at both the Ayr and Home Hill Cemeteries and is available Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm for all enquiries.

A Council Officer can arrange for the Sexton to meet individuals and families on site, at a mutually convenient time, to assist in selecting resting places for immediate and/or future needs. Funeral arrangements need to be organised through the family’s preferred funeral director.

Location

Ayr Cemetery is at 1-7 Bruce Highway, AYR QLD 4807

Home Hill Cemetery is at 63-85 Fourth Street, HOME HILL QLD 4806

Opening Hours

Cemeteries are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Available Sections

• Lawn Sections
  Non-denominational
• Monumental Sections
  Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Coptic Orthodox and Seventh Day Adventist
• Vaults
  Non-denominational
• Columbarium Wall (Ashes)
  Non-denominational

Fees

There are many different scenarios associated with burials and carrying out works at the cemeteries.  In most cases these fees are included in fees charged by funeral directors.  Customers can enquire about the associated fees relating to cemeteries by visiting the 2012/13 Fees and Charges page or by contacting Burdekin Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4783 9800. 

Who to Contact

For more information please contact Council’s Customer Services Centre on 07 4783 9800 or by visiting Council’s Customer Service Centre at 145 Young Street, AYR.

Council provides a number of places where travellers can stop and rest in our beautiful region.

The Comfort Stop in Home Hill offers travellers the opportunity to stop for up to 48 hours every 2 weeks.  This facility has all of the amenities needed to freshen up and recharge your batteries. The Comfort Stop offers clean showers and amenities, cooking facilities and a grey waste dumping point.  The Comfort Stop is maintained and cleaned daily and should the facility not meet your standards in cleanliness or hygiene please contact the Customer Service Centre on 07 4783 9800 or complete and submit our customer feedback brochure.

Another rest stop is located at Sandy Corner which is north of Brandon on the Bruce Highway.  This park offers a shady spot for lunch or to stretch the legs as well as toilet facilities.  Sandy Corner also operates as a Driver Reviver Stop during long weekends and festive seasons.

Market Photo

Plantation Park Markets

Markets are held on the first and third Sunday of every month at Plantation Park.

First Sunday – conducted by Ayr State Primary School P&C. Contacts: Ayr State Primary School (4790 3333).

Third Sunday – conducted by Vietnam Veterans Association – Burdekin Sub-Branch. Contacts: Don Bailey (4783 6627).

Entry Cost

Entry to the Museum of Tropical Queensland is FREE for residents of the Burdekin shire until June 2013.
Proof of residency must be produced on entry.

Opening Hours

The Museum is open from 9.30am-5.00pm, seven days a week. The Museum is not open on:

• Good Friday
• Christmas Day
• The morning of ANZAC Day (25 April) – Opens at 1pm

The Museum recommends 2-3 hours to enjoy and explore the six public galleries. Covered shoes must be worn to participate in the cannon firing activity.

The main entrance to the Museum is on Flinders Street.

Further Information

Additional information can be found by visiting the museum’s website:

http://www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au/

Parks, Gardens & Leisure Facilities

Burdekin Shire Council provides a diverse range of facilities, including parks and gardens with BBQ and picnic facilities, public swimming pools, sports parks and playgrounds, for the whole community to enjoy recreational, sporting and leisure pursuits.

Parks in the Burdekin:

Public Toilets are located at the following locations:-

AYR

Alva Park
Sandowns Street, Alva
Open 24 hours

 

CLARE

 

Nelson Street
Nelson Street, Clare
Open 24 hours

 

HOME HILL

 

Arch Dunn Memorial Park – Band Hall
84 Tenth Avenue, Home Hill
Open 24 hours

 

Ford Park
Corner of Bruce Highway & First Street, Home Hill
Open 24 hours

 

Home Hill Comfort Stop
Eighth Avenue, Home Hill
Open 24 hours

 

Lions Park
Home Hill-Kirknie Road, Home Hill
Open 24 hours

 

BRANDON

 

Sandy Corner
Bruce Highway, Brandon
Open 24 hours

 

Spiller Street Park
Spiller Street, Brandon
Open 24 hours

 

GIRU

 

Brolga Park
Invicta Road, Giru
Open 24 hours

If your organisation or sporting club would like to sell raffle tickets or hold a street stall on a Council footpath or property permission is required. To obtain Council permission please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4783 9800 to see if your desired date and location are available. Council also requires your organisation or club to provide a current copy of your public liability to the value of $10 million dollars.

If your organisation or club would like to sell raffle tickets or hold a street stall at Woolworths, Coles or the East End Centre you will need to contact those businesses as the footpath is private land.

The Burdekin shire has many sports facilities and recreational facilities to suite your interests.

For a list of facilities see the list of Sports and Recreational Facilities Contact List.

The Burdekin Shire Council has four pools located in Ayr, Home Hill, Clare and Millaroo.  The operation of the Ayr and Home Hill pools is contracted out. The Clare and Millaroo pools have Council staff to monitor and clean the facilities.

Ayr Pool

The Ayr Pool is located at 242-250 Queen Street, Ayr.  The contact phone number is (07) 4783 2969.

Home Hill Pool

The Home Hill Pool is located at 63-95 Eleventh Avenue, Home Hill. The contact phone number is (07) 4782 2498.

The hours of the Ayr and Home Hill Pools are currently:-

Summer Hours (1 September – 30 April)

5.30am to 7.00pm every day (except Wednesday where the pools close at 6.00pm)

Winter Hours (1 May – 31 August)

Monday to Friday  – 5.30am to 9.00am and 1.00pm to 6.00pm

Saturday and Sunday – 7.00am to 5.00pm

Public Holidays

Public Holidays – 9.00am – 5.00pm

Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday

Please note:  Given the low temperature (17-18^oC) of the Ayr Pool, the Manager has the ability to request a closure during the winter period.

Clare and Millaroo Pools

In Clare and Millaroo the residents of these townships pay an annual fee to a local association, which gives them a key to access the pool at their convenience.  Please note that there is no lifeguard on duty at these pools.

Clare Pool – Located on the corner of School Road and George Road, Clare

Pool attendant is Juanita Hatch.

To obtain a key – contact for the committee is Mark Homewood at the Clare Store.  The yearly access fees are payable each financial year to the Committee.

Millaroo Pool – Located in Cartys Street, Millaroo

Pool attendant is Judy Ferguson.

To obtain a key – contact for the Millaroo Management Committee is Gillian Harris.  The yearly access fees are payable each financial year to the Committee.

Complaints

If you have a complaint regarding any of Council’s pools please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800 or email 

Overview

Discover what the Burdekin has to offer.  Take a walk along our walking trails.

Details

Walking in Burdekin Shire Council

Burdekin Shire Council is proud to be encouraging an active and healthy community by establishing an extensive network of off-road and on-road facilities for pedestrians across the urban area.

Who to contact 

If you have any queries please contact Council’s Customer Service on 07 4783 9800 or email