Proserpine is the administrative hub for the Whitsunday Shire, which embraces the rural mainland districts and national parks, the holiday coast and the islands of the Whitsunday passage. Proserpine lies amid a sea of lush green canefields, fulfilling its mythological association to fertility. The region's first European explorer, George Dalrymple had been so impressed by the richness of the area that he named the valley after 'Persephone' - Greek goddess of fertility - or 'Proserpina', as she was later known to the Romans.
Proserpine is an anchor for the Whitsundays region providing some key infrastructure including the rail station, the mainland airport for scheduled jet services, a high school, the hospital and other vital services. It lies around 26kms inland from Airlie Beach on the Bruce Highway and has grown from its 19th century foundations on the success of the sugar and cattle industries. The town has an operating sugar mill and during the winter months of harvest the evening skies are often lit up with the spectacle of massive cane fires set before the harvest - a highlight for visitors to the region.
Tucked away upstream from the town is Proserpine Lake, or as it's better known, Peter Faust Dam. It's an ideal spot for sailing and watersports and an even better location for freshwater fishing with the prospect of landing a prize barramundi - the prince of freshwater catches. If you think the fish have a big bite then prepare yourself for some of the wildlife to be seen on the local eco tour of the Proserpine River with Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. You can get just about as close as you'd ever want to be to some of our largest predators in their native habitat.
Proserpine offers a change in scenery and pace with a chance to taste a little of regional Australia and adds some variety into your Whitsunday holiday.
