When travellers take cheap flights to Proserpine chances are their final destinations are Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands. A bit of time in this pleasant country town (the administrative centre of the Whitsunday Shire), however, provides a nice change of pace.
Proserpine's business is sugar and beef. Legend has it that the town received its name from the explorer George Dalyrmple, who was struck by the rich fertile landscapes and called it after Persephone, the Greek goddess of fertility (Proserpine is the Latin name). Today, fields of sugar cane still dominate the countryside and the Proserpine Sugar Mill is a landmark.
There are some charming Art Deco buildings dotted about Main Street, and the Historical Museum and Cultural Hall shine a light on Proserpine's past. For picnics and playgrounds, Pioneer Park and Mill Street Park are both pleasant spaces.
A little outside Proserpine (19km), Cedar Creek Falls is a beautiful spot for bush walks with a year-round natural swimming pool. Slightly further away, about 30km, is Conway National Park, which has sumptuous views over the Whitsundays.
Lake Proserpine (also known as Peter Faust Dam) is 26km inland from Proserpine, a favourite with fishermen who find some of the largest Barramundi and Sooty Grunter in its waters.
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Proserpine has two main seasons. The wet season runs from November to April and the dry season from May to October. Thunderstorms, high winds, flooding and cyclones are all to be expected during the wet season. The dry season is warm and sunny. Temperatures range between 23 and 32 degrees year-round.
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Peak Season:
The high season in Proserpine is June, July and August. Other peak-season events are the Proserpine Show (end of June), the Professional Bull Riders event (September), the Harvest Festival (October).
Off Season:
The wet season is the low season - November to April.
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There are taxis and hire cars available at the airport. Whitsunday Transit is the public transport option.
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Car is best if you wish to get out and about around the region. Whitsunday Transit runs a frequent, reliable local bus service.
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- If you don't fancy Barramundi, you could try to catch Red Claws with a crab pot at Peter Faust Dam. You'll need a Stocked Impoundment Permit for this; pick one up online at the Queensland Government website - www.smartservice.qld.gov.au).
- If you're in Proserpine before harvest (winter time), you may catch sight of a cane fire. Farmers set the fields on fire to burn off the excess and get rid of the wild life before harvesting the following day.
- For family picnics, Pioneer Park and Mill Street Park have tables, playgrounds and toilets. Rotary Park has a playground and a steam locomotive that dates back before the First World War.
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