Proserpine is the administrative and service centre for the Whitsunday Shire. Proserpine was named by the explorer George Dalrymple, after Persephone the Greek goddess of fertility, recognising the fertile qualities in the region. Since the late 1800’s, sugar cane and cattle grazing have been the economic mainstays (the eerie glow of cane fires make a spectacular sight from late June onwards). Now tourism is playing a drawcard here.
Although it has many modern facilities (including a state of the art Hospital, primary and secondary schools, library, and sporting facilities for swimming, tennis, bowls, squash, netball, football, golf, and indoor cricket), the town’s Main Street is a reminder of how life used to be – particularly the ‘art deco’ period evident in the shop architecture which has been well preserved. Old-fashioned courtesies survive in Proserpine, particularly at many of the charming retail outlets.
You will find an excellent counter lunch at any of the four Main Street pubs and soon find yourself yarning with the locals.
You’ll find pleasant picnic grounds at Pioneer Park (at the town’s entrance), and Mill Street Park (both with picnic tables, toilets and playgrounds), also the Cultural Centre. The bus stop for Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour is at the Mill Street Park, which has an enormous historical shady fig tree. Rotary Park in Faust Street also has children's playground equipment.
The town is also a good launching pad for a relaxing tour of the region. Heading north-west on Crystalbrook Road takes you to the Peter Faust Dam (or Lake Proserpine). The dam has been stocked with sooty grunter, barramundi and sleepy cod and has become a haven for anglers keen to test their skill against Australia's mightiest freshwater game fish. There are also shaded picnic sites, barbecues, toilet facilities, swimming and water-skiing areas.
