The Australian Bucket List

Queensland

TownsvilleThey say Townsville gets more than 320 days of sunshine a year?! Partner that with direct access to the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland's extraordinary Outback, plus the world's oldest tropical rainforest...and you've got a pretty sweet place from which kick off your next adventure.

Discover a holiday destination that leaves you feeling energised and alive! Townsville, in North Queensland offers a collection of attractions and events to spark everyone's curiosity! Beneath the protective presence of Castle Hill, Townsville City combines federation architecture with modern fine dining like no other Queensland city. Stroll down The Strand and look over the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, discover rich WWII history as you reach Jezzine Barracks and take the kids to explore an impressive water-park. Townsville's many attractions include the world's largest living coral reef aquarium, an Australian native wildlife sanctuary, art galleries, museums, parks, restaurants and the spectacular Strand beachfront promenade. If you are seeking an active adventure jump on board a diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef, spot a koala in the wild on Magnetic Island's walking trails, test your balance on a Stand-Up Paddle Board on The Strand or admire ocean views along mountain bike trails at Pallarenda. With a diverse range of dining and culinary precincts in Townsville, there is something to suit everyone's tastebuds. From fine dining through to iconic Aussie pub meals and funky cocktail bars, Townsville comes alive with an infectious atmosphere! Many of the local restaurants and cafes feature fresh produce grown and sourced directly from within the region, adding a fresh, local flavour to your dining. Need some retail therapy and craving a shopping break? Explore Townsville's range of specialty and boutique shopping opportunities within the City Centre or head to one of the major shopping precincts to discover local produce and the latest fashions. Nature lovers are right at home in Townsville! Dip your toes in the ocean or relax on the shores of one of Townsville's golden beaches, spot a magnificent array of birdlife from the Townsville Town Common, explore lush botanical gardens, stroll along the river walkways or embrace an inspiring sunset on Castle Hill to end your day of exploring. Using Townsville as a holiday base, visitors can experience the natural wonders of the diverse North Queensland region through day tours, cruises or adventure excursions - all operating out of the city.

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Things to do

Visit Magnetic Island

Escape to a tropical island paradise surrounded by secluded bays, golden beaches and activities to excite everyone. With 23 beaches and bays and just a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island has the natural beauty and serenity of an untouched paradise within a thriving community. The rocky granite headlands fuse with sheltered bays and beaches, studded with majestic hoop pines, which create a dramatic and spectacular coastline. Over two-thirds of the Island is classified as National Park, providing a haven for native wildlife including rock wallabies, koalas, possums and more than 100 different bird species. The Island has a range of accommodation including hotels and resorts, self-contained apartments, bed and breakfasts, holiday house rentals and backpacker hostels. Getting to Magnetic Island is easy with a passenger ferry and car barge available. Once you have docked, it is straight into island life. Explore at your own pace, take the bus, hire a scooter, jet ski or topless car. For those who love outdoor adventures explore the wilderness by riding or walking along the networks of tracks available. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy including boat trips, parasailing, snorkelling tours, walks, bus tours, water sports, golf, diving expeditions, jet skiing, great fishing and horse riding. There are numerous walking tracks on the island, the most popular being the Forts Walk, where you can usually spot koalas in the wild. Walking tracks range from easy, short walks to longer tracks with a moderate level of difficulty. Magnetic Island is a food lovers' dream, with a range of restaurants to choose from you surely won't leave the Island hungry.

Walk to Wallaman Falls

Discover Wallaman Falls, Australia's highest permanent single drop waterfall, in Girringun National Park, west of Ingham. Surrounded by World Heritage rainforest, Stony Creek plunges 268 metres in a clear single-drop, often through a rainbow-fringed cloud of mist. Gaze at Wallaman Falls from the main lookout then walk to the second lookout which provides stunning views of the gorge and the Herbert River Valley. Explore the rainforest and enjoy spectacular gorge views on one of the short walking tracks near the falls. Wallaman Falls is within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Girringun National Park is also the gateway to the Wet Tropics Great Walks. Discover plunging waterfalls, lush gorges and inspirational views as you tackle one of the two day walks that start from Wallaman Falls and trek down the Herbert River valley. Visit for a day to view the falls and relax over a picnic in the day-use area near the falls lookout, or stay longer with an overnight camp beside Stony Creek.

Dive the SS Yongala

Situated near Cape Bowling Green off the coast between Townsville and Ayr, the SS Yongala is possibly the best wreck dive in the world. The ship, at 110 metres long, is one of the largest, most intact historic shipwrecks, as well as one of the most intriguing maritime mysteries - after sinking in 1911, the SS Yongala lay undiscovered for more than half a century. Due to being the only reef formation in the region, the ship attracts a much higher amount of sea life than other dive sites. Everything about the SS Yongala is massive: huge fish, enormous structures of coral and with so much of the ship still intact, it makes for a stunning sight and one that won’t compare to anything else. You will find eagle rays, turtles, giant Queensland gropers, schooling barracuda, sea snakes and much more living on board the SS Yongala.

Stroll The Strand

Immerse yourself in the Townsville way of life and discover The Strand, Townsville's thriving beach foreshore! With a relaxed, yet energetic vibe, The Strand is bursting with activities to excite the whole family. The two and a half kilometre walkway offers spectacular views across to Magnetic Island and is popular for runners, walkers and kids with bikes and scooters. Enjoy the ocean breezes with a meal at one of the restaurants or cafes there. Alternatively, treat the whole family to a barbecue or beach picnic. With a number of fantastic playgrounds and the popular Strand Water Park, The Strand will keep the kids entertained for hours. Take a swim in the ocean or the rock pool, test your balance on a Stand-Up Paddle Board or land on the beach after the adrenalin rush of skydiving! Enjoy the shade of the palm trees with a good book or grab a gelato and just enjoy the stunning views. For fishing enthusiasts, the jetty is a great spot to cast a line. At the end of The Strand, discover Jezzine Barracks and uncover the stories of Townsville's settlement. Learn of the region's significant military and indigenous history and enjoy the outdoor art.

Visit the Australian Institute of Marine Science

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is Australia’s tropical marine research agency. AIMS plays a pivotal role in providing large-scale, long-term and world-class research that helps governments, industry and the wider community to make informed decisions about the management of Australia’s marine estate. The Australian Institute of Marine Science's National Sea Simulator (Sea-Sim) is a world-class marine research aquarium facility for tropical marine organisms in which scientists can conduct cutting-edge research not previously possible in Australia. Members of the public are invited to join a free tour of their Cape Ferguson facility every Friday between March and November. Tours begin at 9.30 am and end at approximately 11.45 am. They include presentations on AIMS’ current research and a guided walk around the facilities, including a tour of the ‘world’s smartest aquarium’, the National Sea Simulator. Numbers are limited. Bookings are essential and close at 4 pm on the Wednesday before the tour. Sturdy, closed footwear and a hat to protect against the sun are required. They also advise you to bring drinking water. Lunch is available for guests to purchase at the cafe after the tour. Please inform reception if you intend on staying for lunch when booking.

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