Ayr is a town and locality in the Shire of Burdekin, Queensland, Australia.
Geography
Ayr is located 88 km south of Townsville on the Bruce Highway and 12 km away from the (smaller) town of Home Hill. It is north of Bowen and north of Mackay. Ayr is located near the delta of the Burdekin River. It is within the Burdekin Shire, which produces the most sugar cane per square kilometre in Australia utilising underground water supplies and water from the Burdekin Dam to irrigate crops when rains fail.
Alva beach, a popular area for fishing and swimming, is located east of Ayr.
Ayr has a population of approximately 8,000.
History
Ayr is believed to be named after the Scottish town of Ayr, the birthplace of Queensland Premier Sir Thomas MacIlwraith.
Heritage listings
Ayr has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
- 82-90 Wickham Street: Ayr State High School
- 145 Young Street: Burdekin Shire Council Chambers
- 163 Queen Street: Ayr Court House
- Category:
- Local business