Marvels of Mirani

 

In the hunt for platypus art my journey took me to a small North Queensland town of Mirani, which is about a 35 minute drive from Mackay Queensland Australia. Mirani is located on the traditional lands of the Yuwi people. The town is located within the Pioneer valley and it's main industry is sugar cane.

The Platypus Shire

As I was exploring the town I discovered Mirani is part of the platypus shire a combination of towns that are known for their platypus population. The town has a number of nice murals also featuring the platypus and a cool platypus sculpture in the local park beside the old railway station. The platypus statue is made from scrap metal and was created in 2002 by members of the Valley district Youth council and Amber Morton.

Town Murals

There are a selection of beautiful murals around the town. A lovely mural on the side of the local swimming centre and carvan park located at 6 Caroline Street features local fauna.  The high school and primary school also feature wonderful murals celebrating the natural fauna of the town.

Mirani Swimming centre and Carvan park (artist unknown)

Mural on the side of shed at Mirani High school

Mural on Mirani High school collaboration with students and Artist A.Lonlon 2023

Lovely Mosaic for remembering fallen soldiers located outside the Marian State High School hall on corner of Augusta and Alice Street.

Murals located at Mirani Primary school at 12 Maud Street inspired by local school children's artworks and created by artist Shelley Miers

Local playgroup features puggles (a word for a young echidna or platypus)

Sign featuring platypus for the new housing development around Mirani

Beautiful sugar cane themed mural in the Three Little Birds eatery Cafe

Food places

There are a few nice places to eat within the town being the local pub Mirani Hotel, Kookaburra store and Three Little birds eatery all located on Alexandra street, the main street of the town.

 Local attractions

Platypus Beach

 A beautiful place that locals visit is Platypus beach which is on the Pioneer River. This is a popular spot for swimming and it is said you can spot platypus here. You can also see sugar cane trains railway bridge. There are some picnic tables nearby so is a nice spot for a picnic too.

Pioneer Valley Museum

 A wonderful local museum located beside the local library shows a range of natural history, local history and detailed information about the sugar cane industry. It is a must when in town. The museum is open Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday. More information here. Below are some highlights from the museum.

Pallimnarchus gracilis

Pallimnarchus gracilis  (Giant Crocodile) lower jaw

South Sea islanders came over to Mackay and other sugar cane areas to work on the sugar cane fields some  descendants of the original workers are still living within the Mackay region.

Nature

Mountains in distance

Hibiscus

Sugar cane fields and mountains

Plumed Whistling duck

Purple Swamp hen on sugar cane

Sensitive Plant Mimosa pudica

Gecko (not sure of the species it could be an Asian House Gecko)

Torresian imperial pigeon Ducula spilorrhoa

Steelblue ladybird Halmus chalybeus that landed on my watch

Blue faced honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis

Final Thoughts

Mirani is a charming rural town and the locals are friendly. There is a number of great places to visit and the local cafes have tasty food. The local museum and platypus beach are a highlight too.

Heritage railway station platform at Mirani

Sugar cane train travelling through the town

Transport

There is a local bus 310 weekdays from Mackay. Mackay Executive Transfers is also a great option as they provide transfers from the Mackay airport, I highly recommend them as they offer good price and friendly reliable service. Check out their website here.

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