Heritage and Art Deco Buildings
In 1918, a destructive cyclone passed through the area, leaving Innisfail much destroyed. The reconstruction which took place over the next decade coincided with the peak of the Art Deco movement, consequently granting Innisfail with fabulous architectural assets.
Take a walk in the city centre and look for porthole windows, curved building facades, speed lines, tiles and leadlight windows. You will easily identify the distinctive geometric design. Look also for themes like sunbursts and fountains.
Have a look at the outside features of the former St Saviour's Church. The church was completed in 1939 to serve Church of England parishioners at the southern end of the parish of Innisfail. It was used for Anglican religious services until 2003 and is currently privately owned.
Like many of the public and commercial buildings constructed in the area during the 1920s and 1930s, the St Saviour's Church reflects the fashionable architectural and decorative styles of the inter-war period, such as Mediterranean, Spanish Mission and 'Art Deco'.
| Where: | 26 Hynes Street, South Johnstone. |
The Cardwell Post Office and Telegraph Station was opened in 1870 and closed in 1983. It was the 'Hub of the Community' and, after serving the public for 113 years, it has now reopened as a Heritage Centre.
Come and visit one of the oldest buildings in North Queensland. Take a walk through the reserve and view Cardwell's former post office/telegraph station, shire hall (now library), courthouse and lock-up. See an old telephone exchange, learn how the telegraph operated, and try to send Morse code. Discover the local history of Cardwell and the development of forms of communications (telegraph, road, rail and coastal) in the area.
| Where: | 53 Victoria Street, Cardwell. |
Stop by the Johnstone Shire Hall. This public building, constructed between 1935 and 1938, demonstrates the prosperity of the region at that time. Admire the Art Deco detailing of the edifice, featuring locally inspired motifs related to the sugar industry.
| Where: | 70 Rankin Street, Innisfail. |
Take a look at this beautiful inter-war classical style survival building. Completed in 1939 as the third court house in Innisfail, the edifice is a good example of the high standard of government buildings in Queensland. The court house is a two-storey brick structure with a corrugated iron roof and rendered details to the gables and verandahs.
| Where: | 10 Edith Street, Innisfail. |
Remember the fallen. St Andrew's Presbyterian Memorial Church illustrates the Presbyterian community's commitment to memorialise war veterans. The church is a terrific example of the use of local timbers and craftsmanship, and its design reflects the influence of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright's ideas on organic architecture. Overlooking the Johnstone River, the church is also a true landmark in Innisfail.
| Where: | 114 Rankin Street, Innisfail. |
