Destinations

Townsville

Townsville is a vibrant region that encompasses beautiful coastal towns, rainforests, rugged Outback and country terrain. The Great Barrier Reef sprawls to the east, the Outback beckons to the west, islands and rainforest entice to the north while sugar cane and mango farming communities tempt in the south. The opportunities for exploration are endless and they all invite you to some unforgettable experiences in places such as:

Townsville city

Surrounded by a rich hinterland of tropical rainforests and waterfalls, the town of Townsville is in the heart of historic gold mining towns, the outback, islands, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Notable must-dos include:

• Enjoying a day trip from Townville out to the Great Barrier Reef
• Viewing the city and Magnetic Island from Castle Hill
• Taking a sunset stroll along The Strand, Townsville’s outstanding beachfront promenade

Island Paradises

Amaze at the sheer size and abundant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, or take some time out to experience one of over 20 idyllic tropical island hideaways such as:

• Hiking the Thornsborne Track Hinchinbrook Island National Park
• The exclusive luxury resort on Orpheus Island
• Magnetic Island, which offers a blend of both experiences. Magnetic Island is a haven for native wildlife and is home to Northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas living in the wild.

You’ll definitely find an island to suit your tastes.

Great Tropical Drive

Immerse yourself in the World-heritage wonders of North Queensland between Townsville and Cairns along The Great Tropical Drive. Starting from Townsville, you can experience a variety of self-drive trails that wind their way from palm-fringed beaches, to ancient rainforests and the golden outback of North Queensland.

Things to See and Do

Dive
Regarded as the greatest natural playground on earth, the Great Barrier Reef lies just off the coast of Townsville. Dive or snorkel amide the rich clusters of coral, swim in the warm shallows of the ocean or search for seasonal fishing haunts.

Townsville is also home of the famous SS Yongala shipwreck, Australia’s best wreck dive site and well worth a voyage into the deep blue. An abundance of sea creatures and array of coral makes this dive a must. To learn more about the Great Barrier Reef and how the different species help to sustain the reef, visit Reef HQ, the largest living coral reef aquarium in the world, which houses more than 100 varieties of coral and 200 species of fish.

Natural Life
Billabong Sanctuary is a wonderful interactive wildlife experience where native animals roam freely in the natural habitats. The Sanctuary is set in 11 hectares (25 acres) of natural tropical North Queensland bush and is home to all kinds of native mammals, birds and reptiles.

A birdwatcher's paradise at Townsville’s Town Common Conservation Park. Open woodland, grassland, swamps and vine thickets, only minutes from the centre of Townsville, provide habitat for up to 280 bird species. Summer rains transform the area into an immense wetland, attracting large flocks of waterbirds.

Adventure Life
Whitewater rafting, bushwalking, abseiling, skyseiling, parasailing, snorkelling, sailing, fishing, diving, jet skiiing, horse riding, swimming and sky diving are just some of the activities to enjoy you an adventurous life in the tropics.