Giru, Queensland

Giru is a small town in Queensland, Australia, situated on the Haughton River, 54km south-east of Townsville.HistoryThe Invicta Sugar Mill was relocated from Bundaberg to Giru in 1888. The Giru Post Office opened by 1922. According to the 2016 census, the Giru area had a population of 365.EconomyThe Bruce Highway bypasses the town. Giru is noted for the Invicta Sugar Mill, which is owned by Wilmar Sugar. The company crushes 3.67 million tonnes of sugar cane annually, the second largest amount in the Southern Hemisphere after Victoria Mill in Ingham. There is serious game fishing in the region, as the barramundi and grunter are highly sought after. There is a bowling club, and the main source of accommodation is the Giru International Hotel. The boat ramp is a fishing hot spot and many people travel to fish there. In September every year, the Giru Show is held, offering activities such as food stalls, homemade cake shops and show rides, horse rides, and an animal farm, as well as a display of several pieces of farming equipment.CultureThe Palm Creek Folk Festival is an annual event held in Giru on the Queen's Birthday public holiday, and stretches over four days. It commonly features known and up-and-coming bands from several genres, ranging from folk to alternative.