Proserpine

Just 20 minutes inland from the popular coastal town Airlie Beach, you will find the charming town of Proserpine, the Heart of Country Hospitality. Proserpine was named by the explorer George Dalrymple, after Persephone the Greek goddess of fertility, recognising the fertile qualities in the region. Since the late 1800s, cattle grazing and sugar cane have been the economic mainstays here. The eerie glow of cane field fires make a spectacular sight at night from late June onwards. The history of this charming town is showcased in the numerous exhibits of industry and life in times gone by at Proserpine Museum.

Although it has many modern facilities (including a hospital, schools, library and sporting facilities), the town's Main Street is a reminder of how life used to be – particularly the 'art deco' period evident in the shop architecture which has been well preserved. For a hearty meal head over to one of the country-style pubs and find yourself soon yarning with the locals.

Nestled amongst the sugar cane fields, trees and wildlife, the picturesque 18-hole Proserpine Golf Course is a great place to swing into action.

Just a 2 minute drive north of town on the Bruce Highway, is the Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation, home to the Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre. After enjoying a great local coffee and delicious food wonder through the farm animal enclosures and say hello to the exotic birds. The kids will also love the big indoor playground.

For a day trip or overnight camping take a 30 minute drive to one of locals favourite spots Peter Faust Dam, also know as Lake Proserpine. This is a popular spot for freshwater fishing, water skiing, jet-skiing and kayaks. The Lake has undergone a major upgrade and offers toilets, showers, boat washdown bays, fire pits, tables, chairs and barbeque facilities.