TOWNSVILLE
Visitors to the Townsville region will be unable to forget the beautifully warm days, with the sun shining brightly on the calm blue sea. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, visitors can truly enjoy the stunning natural beauty, rich history and fabulous man-made attractions that await them in this region.
Visitors can travel in comfort and style to the Great Barrier Reef from either Townsville or Mission Beach . At the reef there is a large pontoon, glass-bottom boats, and areas for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing.
North Queensland has been blessed with National Parks that are home to rare butterflies and birds, kangaroos, platypus and ancient trees. Visitors can trek, drive or take a guided tour of the parks. A visit to Wallaman Falls, Australia's largest single drop waterfall, is a must. Paluma, located at the top of Mount Spec, about one hour's drive north of Townsville, is the southernmost entry into the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
North Queensland has a wonderful collection of unusual insects, birds and animals. Townsville Town Common National Park is a premier birdwatching location. The Townsville region has a colourful history shaped by Aboriginal tribes, miners, pastoralists and war. Remnants of these bygone times are still evident in the beautiful colonial architecture, historic pubs, museums and displays of old gold mining machinery and cottages. The region is also well known for the amazing range of museums, theatre, dance and arts and crafts.
Action seekers will have their appetites well fed. Choose to parasail, horseride or abseil. Pick the adrenalin rush of white water rafting, or the thrill of a winning bet at the casino. Or enjoy spectacular views of glistening ocean and mountains on the back of a legendary Harley Davidson.
Magnetic Island is the island playground of Townsville featuring prominently in the profile of the city. The island is only 25 minutes from the city centre by regular, fast cat ferries. Two thirds of Magnetic Island is National Park with secluded but easily accessible bays and golden beaches.
The Island has nearly 25 kilometres of walking tracks meandering through the protected national parks which are home to stands of eucalypts, more than 2,500 free-roaming koalas and 166 different species of wildlife. There are a vast range of activities available including: boat trips around the island, parasailing, Harley Davidson tours, water sports, golf, diving expeditions, jet skiing, great fishing, horse riding, and moke hire are all available.
