"Art Deco Capital of Australia"

The Innisfail area is presently undergoing an urban reawakening. Innisfail is developing a greater appreciation of its architectural assets, thanks to an increased awareness of the Art Deco nature of many of the town's buildings.

The devastating cyclone of 1918 destroyed much of the Innisfail area. Consequently a great deal of the reconstruction occurred when the Art Deco movement was at its peak during the 1920's & 1930's.

The simple lines of Art Deco & its emphasis on low releif surface decoration made it economically & aesthetically attractive during the optimistic 1920's. It provided a sense of the future during the depression years of the 1930's.

Art Deco represented the future, modernism & the coming machine age.

The style is characterized by decorative themes like sunbursts & fountains representing the dawning of a new age. Skyscraper shapes were symbolic of the 20th Century. Geometric designs represented the machinery & technology. Symbols of speed, power & flight represented the exciting new developments in transport & communication of the times.

Many of these elements may be seen in the Innisfail CBD. Look for porthole windows, curved building facades, speed lines, tiles & leadlight windows.

The concentration of Art Deco buildings in the Innisfail CBD (and surrounding areas) has impressed locals & visitors. Innisfail is in a prime position to capitalize on the economic advantages of world wide niche market tourism by promoting these assets.

For more detailed information you can have a look at the Innisfail Art Deco's website www.artdeco-innisfail.com.au  or come into the Innisfail Information Centre to pick up your very own self guide Art Deco Town Walk booklet.