General News
23 September, 2026
Glitz and glamour
INNISFAIL came alive in a burst of colour, history and vintage glamour as the Innisfail and District Historical Society’s Tropical Art Deco Festival wrapped up five huge days of fashion, music, guided tours and community celebration.
Widely regarded as Australia’s art deco capital, the town once again drew visitors from across Queensland and interstate for its sixth annual festival.
The program opened on 16 September with a packed Art Deco 101 multimedia presentation at the Innisfail Library, offering a fascinating look at the movement’s history and design features as art deco celebrates its 101st anniversary worldwide in 2026. That evening, a spectacular sunset set the scene for the ever-popular cemetery walk, where 80 attendees, including many young people, listened to compelling stories of early pioneers such as Michael Costello, William Fang Yuen, Ernest Barnard, James McRobbie, Robert Archerbauld and the Couchman family.
Their stories of hardship, courage and loss left a lasting impression.
Across the week, festival goers enjoyed jazz café breakfasts, a paint and sip workshop and a series of guided tours showcasing Innisfail’s iconic art deco streetscapes. Visitors travelled from Cairns, Townsville, the Atherton Tablelands, Brisbane and New South Wales, joining strong local crowds.
The trivia night at the Innisfail Community and Services Club brought plenty of fun, with patrons dressed in dazzling 1920s and 1930s fashion.
Entertainment throughout the festival featured the Innisfail Community Band, the Decibelles, and for the first time, Cairns’ Tropical Jitterbugs Charleston dancers.
One of the biggest nights was the 1920s Caribbean cruise murder mystery dinner at Brothers Leagues Club, where 89 guests embraced high society glamour, pirate costumes and ship crew attire while piecing together a lively whodunnit.
Fashion lovers enjoyed the ‘fashion through the ages’ parade at the Con Theatre, showcasing styles from the 1890s to today.
The event featured Dance Works Academy, a special bridal section with the modelling of original 1970s gowns and children’s and racewear categories from Dancing Divas, as well as cocktails and a delicious afternoon tea.
Historical Society president Trish Ernst said Innisfail’s unique architecture continued to draw national interest.
“Because of the history of Innisfail and the devastating 1918 cyclone, our town has so many art deco buildings,” she said.
“As locals we take them for granted, but tourists come from all over Australia to see them.
“This year was one of our biggest festivals yet. It’s important historically and economically – and we hope more businesses will join in to help create an even stronger atmosphere.”
Ms Ernst praised the moving presentation by Cairns’ historian James Sing on the Gee Kee dynasty, one of the Far North’s oldest families, at the Innisfail Chinese Temple.
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