TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND - RAIGS REUNION 2020

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TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND - RAIGS REUNION 2020
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND
RAIGS REUNION 2020
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND - RAIGS REUNION 2020
Accessing Townsville North Queensland

Airport Reception

With over 23,000 airline seats weekly, it has never been more convenient to access the Townsville North Queensland region.

Each year Townsville welcomes over 1.6 million passengers via major airlines, with direct flights from Brisbane, Cairns,
Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne and regional Queensland centres. And with new direct paths added, it’s even easier for your
guests to get to Townsville.

Townsville Direct Flight Map                                                         Average Direct Flight Times
                                                                                     Cairns            1hr
                                                                                     Mackay            1hr
                                                                                     Toowoomba         1hr 50min
                 Darwin                                                              Brisbane          1hr 55min
                                                                                     Sydney            2hr 35min
                                                                                     Darwin            2hr 45min
                                                         Cairns
                                                                                     Melbourne
                             Mount Isa
                                                         TOWNSVILLE                                    3hr
                                                           Mackay
                                                            Rockhampton

                                                  Toowoomba
                                                               Brisbane
                                                               Gold Coast

                                                           Sydney

                                       Melbourne

Airline Providers Currently Servicing Townsville Airport
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND - RAIGS REUNION 2020
TOWNSVILLE CITY MAP
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND - RAIGS REUNION 2020
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND - RAIGS REUNION 2020
Where to Stay
PROPERTY NAME                       DETAILS                                     CONTACT
The Ville Resort–Casino             The Ville Resort- Casino offers a variety Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville
                                    of hotel accommodation from deluxe        Ph: +617 4722 2201
                                    rooms to family suites. With a number     www.the-ville.com.au
                                    of superb restaurants on-site and
                                    centrally located to The Strand and city.
Mercure Townsville                  Family and hotel rooms available.        66-194 Woolcock Street
                                    Centrally located with beautiful resort  Ph: +617 4759 4902
                                    pool and restaurant on site. The         www.mercuretownsville.com.au
                                    Mercure is also walking distance to one
                                    of Townsville’s major shopping center’s.
Mariners North Holiday Apartments   Apartment style accommodation in            7 Mariners Drive, The Strand Townsville
                                    a magical location on The Strand.           Ph:+617 47522 0777
                                    Beautiful grounds and a short walk to       www.marinersnorth.com.au
                                    the city.
Rydges Southbank Townsville         Rydges Southbank Townsville is located 23 Palmer Street, Townsville Ph. +617
                                    along one of Townsville Restaurant       Ph: +617 4726 5265
                                    hubs. The hotel is also walking distance www.rydges.com
                                    to the City Centre
City Oasis Inn                      City Oasis Inn is centrally located in      143 Wills St, Townsville City
                                    Townsville City with motel style rooms      Ph:+617 4771 6048
                                    and larger rooms with a kitchenette.        www.cityoasis.com.au
Hotel Grand Chancellor              Located in Townsville’s city center, walk   334 Flinders Street, Townsville City
                                    to restaurants and bars or dine on-site     Ph. +617 3834 4865
                                    at the Sugar Shaker restaurant.             www.grandchancellorhotels.com
Grand Hotel and Apartments          Located on Palmer Street, Grand Hotel       8-10 Palmer Street, South Townsville
                                    and Apartments offer a variety of           Ph: +617 47532800
                                    hotel rooms, one and two bedroom            www.grandhoteltownsville.com.au
                                    apartments.
Park Regis Anchorage

Quest Townsville on Eyre            Close to the Strand and Gregory Street      19-21 Leichhardt Street, North Ward
                                    restaurants, Quest Townsville on Eyre       Ph: +617 4789 7400
                                    offer serviced apartment style hotel        www.questapartments.com.au
                                    rooms.
Quest Townsville on Palmer          Located in the heart of Townsville’s        30-34 Palmer Street, South Townsville
                                    dinning precinct Quest Townsville           Ph: +617 4726 4444
                                    offers apartment style hotel rooms.         www.questtownsville.com.au
Rowes Bay Holiday Park              Rowes Bay Holiday Park s located            46 Heatleys Parade, Belgian Gardens
                                    beach front at Rowes Bay - just a           Ph. +617 1800 751 845
                                    short drive to the Strand and City          www.rowesbayholidaypark.com.au
                                    Centre. Caravan and Camping sites are
                                    available as well as Cabins and Villas.
Central Holborn Apartments          Located in Townsville’s newly               4 Kingsway Place, Townsville City
                                    developed Central Precinct, these are       Ph: +617 4724 3378
                                    new stylish serviced apartments. With       www.vivoproperty.com.au
                                    several restaurants and cinema’s at
                                    your doorstep.
Central Kensington Apartments       Located in Townsville’s newly               3 Kingsway Place, Townsville City
                                    developed Central Precinct, these are       Ph: +617 47243378
                                    new stylish serviced apartments. With       www.vivoproperty.com.au
                                    several restaurants and cinema’s at
                                    your doorstep.
Central Islington Apartments        Central Islington Apartments are            4 Aplin Street, Townsville City
                                    located only 5 minutes walk from            Ph: +617 5341 6600
                                    Townsville CBD.                             www.vivoproperty.com.au
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND - RAIGS REUNION 2020
Where to Stay
PROPERTY NAME                                       DETAILS                                             CONTACT
Amaroo on Mandalay                                  Amaroo on Mandalay is located on                    Magnetic Island
                                                    beautiful Magnetic Island. Conveniently             61-79 Mandalay Ave, Nelly Bay
                                                    located in Nelly Bay and just a short               Ph: +617 47785200
                                                    taxi ride from the terminal. Enjoy the              www.amarooonmandalay.com.au
                                                    best of both Island and City life during
                                                    your stay.
Peppers Blue on Blue Resort                         Pepper’s Blue on Blue is conveniently               Magnetic Island
                                                    located at Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island.            123 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay
                                                    Jump on a Ferry in the city and be on               Ph: +617 4758 2414
                                                    the island in 20min. Peppers is located             www.peppers.com.au
                                                    less than 100m from the terminal
                                                    on Magnetic Island. Get the best of
                                                    both world’s! 1, 2 and 3 bedroom
                                                    apartments available.
Grand Mercure Apartments                            A mere 50 meters from Magnetic Island               Magnetic Island
                                                    Ferry Terminal access all the island has            146 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay
                                                    to offer while still being only 20min               Ph: +617 4758 2100
                                                    ferry ride from the city.                           www.grandmercure.com

Getting Around

Rental Cars and People Movers                        SeaLink - Magnetic Island                             Sunbus
You'll find the Townsville Airport Thrifty desk      SeaLink operates up to 18 daily services to           Sunbus is Townsville's public transport
in the arrivals area, so you can get straight off    Magnetic Island and will have you in                  service. For all Townsville bus timetable
your plane and pick up your car to hit the           paradise in only 20 minutes on one of their           information please visit their website -
road.                                                high-speed catamarans. Their terminal is
                                                     located walking distance from the City                wwww.sunbus.com.au
Ph: +617 4725 4655                                   Centre - no need to pre-book your ferry
www.thrifty.com.au                                   ticket, tickets are available at the terminal or
                                                     onboard the boast if the terminal is closed.
                                                                                                           Townsville Taxis
Detour Coaches
                                                     For Ferry timetables and more information             Book a safe, reliable ride with Townsville
Detour Coaches specialise in charters from                                                                 Taxi's professional drivers. Download their
                                                     please visit - wwww.sealinkqld.com.au
16 people to 600. If you're after more than                                                                app for quick, convenient bookings.
                                                     Ph: +617 4726 0800
just transport - the team can also assist with
tours in Townsville and North Queensland                                                                   Ph: 131 008
region.                                                                                                    www.tsvtaxi.com.au
                                                     Magnetic Island Ferries
Ph: +617 4728 5311
www.detourscoaches.com.au                            Magnetic Island Ferries run both a car and
                                                     passenger ferry service. If you are thinking
                                                     of heading over to Magnetic Island for a few
                                                     nights, or even a day trip and would like to
                                                     take your vehicle - check out Magnetic Island
                                                     Ferries timetable and booking process here -

                                                     www.magneticislandferries.com.au
                                                     Ph: +617 4796 9300
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND - RAIGS REUNION 2020
LIFESTYLE
WILDLIFE                      AND NATURE

DINING PRECINCTS
Palmer Street                                   Cannon Park                                       City Lane
Located on the city’s south bank, Palmer        Located a short distance from the Riverway        The dining scene in Townsville North
Street captures the essence of international    precinct and 1300Smiles Stadium – home of         Queensland has come alive with Townsville’s
cuisine and is a prime location to start your   the North Queensland Cowboys – Cannon             first creative laneway precinct. Offering
day or night out boasting award winning         Park offers diners a range of cuisine and         a variety of dining options, City Lane on
restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner.     a social atmosphere. You can catch a live         Flinders Street is a sophisticated, New York
Whether you desire Indian, Italian, French,     show at Riverway Arts Centre, see a movie at      inspired precinct complete with street art,
Mexican, modern Australian or locally caught    the cinemas, challenge your friends at tenpin     funky décor and an atmosphere to match.
seafood, this is Townsville’s premier eating    bowling or have a pint at the local Irish pub.
strip.

                                                Flinders Street                                   Central Village
Gregory Street and The Strand                   Revellers looking to keep the party going         For a fun night out, why not catch the latest
The alfresco dining and proximity to the        after dinner should look no further than the      movie at the cinema followed by dinner at
beach makes Gregory Street and The Strand       inner city. Flinders Street boasts an eclectic    Central Village. This new dining precinct
the perfect stop for a meal. Spoil yourself     mix of restaurants, nightclubs, pubs and          offers a collection of sidewalk cafes and
with a delicious gelato or have a relaxing      cocktail bars. Flinders Street East buzzes with   alfresco dining.
drink at one of the restaurants or bars found   a lively atmosphere with patrons enjoying
along The Strand. Gregory Street is also        cocktails, tapas and dancing the night away
home to several boutique shopping outlets       in the nightclubs.
and is the perfect spot to enjoy some retail
therapy after a bite to eat.

FOOD & DRINK
                       JAM                                                                         BRIDGEWATER
                       Experience Australia’s very best                                            Enjoy a meal by award winning chef
                       breakfast (Australian Savour Awards) .                                      Matt Merrin or a drink and small bite to
                                                                                                   eat at Bridge Bar.

                       www.jamcorner.com.au                                                        www.bridgewaterq.com.au

                       CBAR                                                                        THE PIER
                       The ocean breezes and views across to                                       Enjoy locally sourced seafood at a
                       Magnetic Island will give you that holiday                                  stunning waterfront location.
                       feeling in no time.

                       www.cbar.com.au                                                             www.pierrestaurantandbar.com

                        MISS SONGS                                                                 TOWNSVILLE BREWERY
                        Located at the Ville Resort - let Miss                                     Sit back enjoying a meal while you watch
                        Songs take you on a journey across the                                     the beer making process of the local
                        Orient.                                                                    Townsville Bitter.

                        www.the-ville.com.au                                                       www.townsvillebrewery.com

                       SHORE HOUSE                                                                 CITY LANE
                       Enjoy modern Asian Cuisine and watch
                                                                                                   City Lane is an absolute must visit,
                       the world go by from their ocean front
                                                                                                   offering a bevy of dining options to suit
                       deck.
                                                                                                   everyone’s tastes.
                       www.shorehousetownsvile.com.au
                                                                                                   www.citylane.com.au

                       LONGBOARD BAR AND GRILL                                                     WILD GOOSE
                       Dine with breathtaking views from                                           BREWS AND CHEWS
                       Townsville’s award-winning beachfront to                                    Loosen into holiday mode with a range of
                       Magnetic Island.                                                            food, beer and cocktails.

                       www.longboardbarandgrill.com                                                 www.wildgoose.net.au
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND - RAIGS REUNION 2020
LIFESTYLE
WILDLIFE      AND NATURE

FOOD & DRINK
        PALM HOUSE                                    CACTUS JACKS
        Change what you thought you knew              An outing to Cactus Jacks for a Mexican
        about buffet dining. Showcasing the           fiesta is guaranteed to be a fun night out
        freshest produce North Queensland             that the whole family will enjoy!
        has to offer with a little bit of flair.
                                                      www.cactusjacks.com.au
        www.the-ville.com.au

        A TOUCH OF SALT
                                                      OTTO'S FRESH FOOD MARKET
        Take in the waterfront views and
                                                      You will be spoiled for choice at
        enjoy one of Townsville's favorite
                                                      Otto's. Choose from their Deli,
        casual fine dinning restaurants.
                                                      Artisian Bakehaus, Pizza Palour or
        www.atouchofsalt.com.au                       order straight off the menu.
                                                      www.ottosmarket.com.au

        CELCIUS RESTAURANT                            RAMBUTAN
        Enjoy fresh food in relaxing poolside         Dine poolside at Rambutan on Flinders
        ambience at Celcius Restaurant and Bar,       Street, with cocktails, pool parties and
        located at Mercure Townsville.                delicious meals!

        www.mercuretownsville.com                     www.rambutantownsville.com.

         TIDE CAFE                                    SOUTHBANK GRILL
         A great place to grab coffee, breakfast or   Savour tasty grill selections and imbibe
         lunch, right on The Strand.                  classic cocktails at Southbank Grill at
                                                      Rydges Southbank Townsville.
        www.tidecafe.com.au
                                                      www.rydges.com

        PEPPERS BLUE ON BLUE                          Quarterdeck
        Fine dining meets island lifestyle at         Imagine relaxing with a chilled bottle of
        Peppers on Magnetic Island, with              wine or ice cold beer and tapas delights
        beautiful views across the marina.            as you gaze across to magnetic island.

        www.peppers.com.au                            www.the-ville.com.au

        CIRCA 20                                      COWBOYS LEAGUES CLUB
        Mix amongst the locals at Circa 20,           Soak up the atmosphere at the Cowboy’s
        located at the local rugby league Brothers    League Club, home of the North
        Leagues Club.                                 Queensland Toyota Cowboys.
        www.brotherstsv.com.au                        www.cowboysleagues.com.au

        HOOCH AND FELLOW                              HERBERT HOTEL
        Enjoy a signature cocktail at Hooch           With an extensive Pub Grub menu, It
        and Fellow but get in quick - the menu        doesn’t get more Australian than the
        changes every week!                           Herbert Hotel.
                                                      www.theherbie.com
        www.facebook.com/hoochandfellow

        FROSTY MANGO                                  HERVEYS RANGE
        Healthy, fresh, home-made food and            HERITAGE TEA ROOMS
        icecream made with love in                    Escape the hustle and bustle of city life as
        North Queensland.                             you enjoy this quaint cafe shop.

        www.frostymango.com.au                        www.heritagetearooms.com.au
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND - RAIGS REUNION 2020
FREE LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
 Driving Distance from City Centre

TOWNSVILLE
                  THE STRAND               3 MINS                      CASTLE HILL             11 MINS
                                                                       Just metres short of a mountain, Castle
                  Immerse yourself in the Townsville                   Hill is the giant pink granite monolith that
                  way of life and discover The Strand,                 stands proud in the centre of Townsville
                  Townsville’s thriving beach foreshore!               - a perfect place for visitors to orientate
                                                                       themselves.

                  CAPE PALLARENDA                  10 MINS
                                                                       BOTANIC GARDENS                   13 MINS
                  Walk or mountain bike the shared trails
                                                                       Explore Townsville’s popular botanic
                  throughout the park to see the World
                                                                       gardens including Anderson Gardens,
                  War II structures on the Cape Pallarenda
                                                                       Queens Gardens and The Palmetum.
                  headland and explore the beaches and
                  forested slopes of Many Peak Range.

                  JEZZINE BARRACKS                 6 MINS              TOWN COMMON                   14 MINS
                  Discover the military and Aboriginal                 Summer rains transform the Town
                  heritage of the Kissing Point headland               Common area into an immense wetland,
                  through artworks, displays and the                   attracting large flocks of waterbirds. For
                  restoration of the Kissing Point                     birdwatchers, the park is a paradise with
                  Fort complex.                                        up to 280 bird species recorded here.

MAGNETIC ISLAND                                20 MIN FERRY TRANSFER

                  ROCK WALLABIES                                       SNORKEL TRAILS
                  The sociable rock wallabies at Geoffrey              Discover amazing fringing coral reefs at
                  Bay are perhaps some of the cutest                   Geoffrey and Nelly Bay. Pick up a swim
                  creatures on Magnetic Island. Grab a bag             card to learn about the coral and fish you
                  of wallaby feed from the nearby Arcadia              may encounter along the way and walk
                  Newsagency.                                          right of the beach to start exploring!

                  THE FORTS WALK                                       KOALAS IN THE WILD
                  Don’t miss the remarkable Forts Walk on              Magnetic Island is home to North
                  Magnetic Island: the best vantage point              Australia’s largest colony of koalas living
                  for wildlife (including koalas), spectacular         in the wild, so keep your eyes peeled for
                  rocky coves and historic military sites.             koalas in the trees above.
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND - RAIGS REUNION 2020
FREE LOCAL AND
WILDLIFE   ATTRACTIONS
               NATURE

PALUMA AND HINCHINBROOK                              1.5 HRS DRIVE

        WALLAMAN FALLS                 2.5 HRS                       PALUMA NATIONAL PARK                  1 HR
        You’ll be amazed when you stand in                           Experience the thrill of spotting the rare
        front of Wallaman Falls, the Southern                        golden bowerbird and take a step back in
        Hemisphere’s highest permanent single                        time at Paluma village. Enjoy a rainforest
        drop waterfall, located in Girringun                         walk and breathtaking views from
        National Park.                                               McClellands Lookout.

        TYTO WETLANDS                 1.5 HRS
                                                                     PUB WITH NO BEER                  1.5 HRS
        Experience the natural beauty and
                                                                     Enjoy a cold one at Lees Hotel Motel,
        tranquil environment of TYTO Wetlands,
                                                                     made famous by Slim Dusty’s number
        a unique 90-hectare natural wetland.
                                                                     one hit song Pub ‘With No Beer’.
        Spot native Australian wildlife along the
        walkways and lookouts.

        JOURAMA FALLS                1.15 HRS
                                                                     LUCINDA JETTY              2 HRS
        Relax, camp, walk and spot native wildlife
                                                                     At 5.76 kilometres long, Lucinda holds
        amongst the rainforest at Jourama Falls.
                                                                     the longest service jetty in the Southern
        Enjoy a picnic, hike to lookout platforms
                                                                     Hemisphere, which follows the curved
        and take a dip in the creeks and
                                                                     contour of the Earth.
        rockslides.

CHARTERS TOWERS                    1.5 HRS DRIVE

        TOWERS HILL                                                  STOCK EXCHANGE ARCADE
        Immerse yourself in the history of                           One of Australia’s first regional stock
        Charters Towers on Towers Hill. Spot                         exchanges, the price of gold was once
        native wildlife and step back in time to                     set in this very Arcade. Today, you can
        learn about the 1871 Gold Rush.                              discover cafes, shops, galleries and
                                                                     displays in the historic building.

BURDEKIN      1 HR DRIVE

        CANE FIRES                                                   FISHING
        Witness a magnificent cane fire light up                     Fantastic fishing is on offer in the
        the evening in the Burdekin, one of the                      waterways of the Burdekin Delta. Tours
        few regions in Australia where cane is                       are available to catch barramundi, mud
        burnet before harvesting,                                    crabs, prawns, mangrove jack and more!
Pre and Post Touring
The best holidays are the ones that leave you feeling energised      A little further south is the Burdekin, the sugar capital of
and alive. Townsville North Queensland gives you that feeling        Australia. Sample the legendary Burdekin produce or try your
with a collection of destinations and attractions to spark           hand at barramundi fishing in the Burdekin River estuaries!
anyone’s curiosity.                                                  Or get even closer to marine life with a scuba dive on the S.S.
                                                                     Yongala shipwreck – one of the top ten dive sites in the world.
The best place to begin your exploration is Townsville City.
Beneath the protective presence of Castle Hill, Townsville City      The last destinations to explore are the ancient and awe-
combines federation architecture with modern fine dining like        inspiring rainforests of Townsville North Queensland. Swim
no other Queensland city. Stroll down The Strand and look over       in the crystal clear waterholes of Crystal Creek, stare with
the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, or better understand its        amazement at Wallaman Falls in the Hinchinbrook region –
beauty with a visit to Reef HQ Aquarium.                             the largest single-drop waterfall in Australia – or play
                                                                     hide ’n’ seek in the world’s oldest continually living rainforest
If it’s nature you like, don’t miss a walk around Magnetic Island,   in Paluma Range National Park.
where you can spot Northern Australia’s largest colony of wild
koalas. The remarkable Forts Walk is the best vantage point          Townsville North Queensland rewards your curiosity. Wander,
for wildlife, spectacular rocky coves and historic military sites.   ramble, peer and unearth, and you’ll leave with something
                                                                     more precious than gold: the feeling of being alive!
Your history lesson continues with a short drive to iconic
Charters Towers. Feel the fervour of the gold rush with a trip to
The Miner’s Cottage where you might just strike it lucky when
panning for gold. Or just wander the streets of this celebrated
Australian town and sample billy tea and damper straight from
the camp oven.
Discover Townsville North Queensland
                             Mayor Jenny Hill recommends...
                             • Indulge with a gelato on The Strand
                             • Day trip to Magnetic Island
                             • Watch one of our national sporting teams in action
                             • Walk up Castle Hill                                            Jezzine Barracks
                             • Dive the S.S. Yongala or skydive over The Strand
                             • E
                                njoy an exhibition at Perc Tucker Regional                   Located at northern end of The Strand,
                               Gallery and the Pinnacles Gallery                              Jezzine Barracks hold special significance
                                                                                              for the people of Townsville. The area
                                                                                              has been redeveloped and includes a
                                                                                              coastal path with magnificent views
                                                                                              of Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island,
                                                                                              with disability access to Kissing Point
                                                                                              headland. Interpretive artwork, way points
                                                                                              and lookouts also feature and a walkway
                                                                                              connects the popular Strand with the far
                                                                                              reaching Pallarenda beach front.
Castle Hill                                    Townsville CBD

Just metres short of a mountain, Castle        The Townsville CBD is growing its
Hill is the giant pink granite monolith        reputation as a centre for food and
that stands proud in the centre of             entertainment. Visitors can enjoy
Townsville – serving as the perfect place      boutique shopping, alfresco dining and
for visitors to orientate themselves with      Sunday local markets. The CBD is well
the city. Take the easy drive to the top for   connected with the Palmer Street dining
stunning panoramic views of Magnetic           and accommodation precinct located             Riverway
Island and Cleveland Bay, Townsville City      just a short walk from the central hub
and suburbs and the Northern Beaches.          of Townsville Bulletin Square over the         Two huge swimming lagoons, playgrounds,
Challenge yourself and join the 1,000+         historic Victoria Bridge. Make the most        parklands, a performance and arts centre
locals that run and walk up the Hill every     of the free Wi-Fi in Townsville Bulletin       and a sports stadium, all situated on the
day – if you’re up for it.                     Square and pop in to see the Volunteers        banks of the Ross River. The Riverway
                                               at the Visitor Information Centre.             precinct is perfect for families looking to
                                                                                              enjoy the great outdoor lifestyle that North
                                                                                              Queensland is famous for.

The Strand
                                               Flinders Street
Townsville’s famous foreshore, The
Strand, is the perfect place to relax          Those revellers looking to keep the            Reef HQ Aquarium
during your visit. Stretching 2.5km and        party going after dinner should look no
offering views across Cleveland Bay            further than the inner city. Flinders Street   Reef HQ Aquarium is the world’s largest
to Magnetic Island, The Strand is a            boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants,         living coral reef aquarium and the
favourite for locals and visitors alike.       nightclubs, pubs and cocktail bars.            National Education Centre for the Great
BBQ facilities, swimming enclosures,           City Lane is a great place to start your       Barrier Reef. Reef HQ Aquarium provides
freshwater showers, a waterpark,               night whether it’s for drinks or dinner.       the most outstanding Great Barrier
playgrounds and waterfront dining make         Flinders Street East buzzes with a lively      Reef experience through education,
this the obvious place to visit.               atmosphere with patrons enjoying               inspiration and entertainment. The Reef
                                               cocktails, tapas and dancing in the            HQ Aquarium Turtle Hospital provides
                                               nightclubs until late.                         a dedicated facility where sick and
                                                                                              injured marine turtles are cared for and
                                                                                              rehabilitated.
tells the story of the HMS Pandora, the       The Strand the perfect stop for a meal.
                                                ship sent by British Admiralty to capture     Spoil yourself with a delicious gelato
                                                the Bounty and her mutinous crew.             or have a relaxing drink at one of the
                                                The Museum also hosts a series of             restaurants or bars found along The
                                                visiting displays and touring exhibitions     Strand. Gregory Street is also home to
                                                throughout the year. The kids will love       several boutique shopping outlets and
Billabong Sanctuary                             the Enchanted Rainforest display.             is the perfect spot to enjoy some retail
                                                                                              therapy after a bite to eat.
On the outskirts of the city, Billabong
Sanctuary is an interactive wildlife park set
in 11 hectares of wilderness. Hold a koala,
cuddle a wombat, smile at a crocodile or
wrap a python around your neck. Animal
talks and feedings occur throughout the
day – don’t forget your camera.
                                                Dining, Drinking and Dancing
                                                                                              Cannon Park
                                                Whether it’s sipping cocktails
                                                overlooking The Strand, dining on trying      Located a short distance from the
                                                your luck at Jupiters Townsville Hotel &      Riverway precinct and 1300SMILES
                                                Casino, fine dining on Palmer Street          Stadium, home of the North Queensland
                                                or partying until late in Flinders Street     Cowboys, Cannon Park offers diners
Museums                                         nightclubs, there is plenty to do after       a range of cuisine and a social
                                                the sun sets.                                 atmosphere. You can catch a live show
Townsville offers a number of museums                                                         at Riverway Arts Centre, see a movie at
showcasing the rich history and                                                               the cinemas, challenge your friends at
stories of the region. As well as the                                                         tenpin bowling or have a pint at the local
award-winning Museum of Tropical                                                              Irish pub.
Queensland, other museums include
the Maritime Museum, the Townsville
Military Museum, the Townsville Royal
Australian Air Force Museum and the
National Heritage Trust Centre.                 Palmer Street
                                                                                              z
                                                Located on the city’s south bank,
                                                Palmer Street captures the essence of
                                                international cuisine. Palmer Street is a     Shopping
                                                prime location to start your night, or day,
                                                boasting award-winning restaurants for        Townsville boasts five major shopping
                                                breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whether you       precincts – the Central Business
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery                    desire Indian, Asian, Italian, French,        District, Domain Central, Castletown
                                                Mexican, modern Australian or locally         Shoppingworld, Stockland Townsville
Townsville’s premier regional art gallery,      caught seafood, this is Townsville’s          and Willows Shopping Centre. Visitors
offering a dynamic range of local,              premium eating strip.                         can find local fashion boutiques located
national and international exhibitions.                                                       in and around the CBD, as well as on
                                                                                              Palmer, Flinders and Gregory Streets.
                                                                                              Townsville is also home to popular
                                                                                              retailer, Myer, at Stockland, perfect for
                                                                                              those looking for the latest fashions.
                                                                                              Markets are regularly held throughout the
                                                                                              region, with fresh produce, homemade
                                                                                              sweets, plants, flowers, clothing and
Museum of Tropical Queensland                   Gregory Street and The Strand                 crafts available.

Located in the heart of Townsville city,        The alfresco dining and proximity to
the Museum of Tropical Queensland               the beach makes Gregory Street and
Discover Magnetic Island
Located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park just 8km
and a 20 minute ferry ride off the coast of Townsville, Magnetic
Island is the perfect tropical escape for a day or a week. With 23    Top Five ‘must do’ Experiences
beaches and bays, Magnetic Island has the natural beauty and
serenity of untouched paradise within a thriving community.

The rocky granite headlands fuse with sheltered bays and
beaches, studded with majestic hoop pines trees, creating a
dramatic coastline. Over two-thirds of the Island is protected
as National Park, providing a haven for native wildlife, including
rock wallabies, koalas, possums and over 100 species of
birdlife.

Explore the National Park from bay to bay on a network of
                                                                      1    Snorkel the fringing reefs around Magnetic Island’s
                                                                            most popular beaches on one of the designated
walking tracks through dry woodlands of wattles and eucalypts
                                                                            snorkel trails
and pockets of rainforest, viewing native animals up close in
their natural habitats. Snorkel or sail on one of the bays and
discover tropical fish and other marine life that live in the
surrounding reefs and tranquil waters.

                                                                      2   Explore the 25km of walking tracks on the Island

                                                                      3   Observe the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay in Arcadia

                                                                      4 See Northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas in
                                                                          the wild on The Forts Walk
Getting There and Around

Magnetic Island is only 20 minutes on the SeaLink Queensland
ferry from Townsville and once you’ve docked it’s straight into
Island life. If you haven’t brought your own vehicle over on
the Fantasea Cruising Magnetic barge, the public bus service
makes tripping around the Island a breeze. Alternatively, you
can hire a scooter, colourful topless car or baby four wheel drive.

Other options for the fitness conscious traveller include exploring   5 Sail around the Island to discover some secluded bays
the wilderness via walking tracks or bike riding from bay to bay.
Discover Paluma and the Northern Beaches

Northern Beaches

For a relaxing day out, Townsville’s northern beaches - just
60km north of the city - are the ideal getaway. Bushland,
Saunders, Toolakea, Toomulla and Balgal Beaches are perfect
for fishing, swimming, picnicking and bird watching.

Crystal Creek

For a pleasant change of climate and scenery, travel north
along the Bruce Highway and turn left to Crystal Creek in
Paluma Range National Park. With two swimming holes, Big
Crystal Creek and Little Crystal Creek, this area is a favourite
for Townsville locals and offers the perfect place to cool off
on a warm day. Big Crystal Creek, at the base of the Paluma
Range, features a large swimming hole, natural rock slides and
a picnicking area, perfect for families and larger groups.

Little Crystal Creek, located 11km up the winding road to
Paluma Village, is well known for its historic stone arch bridge
built in the 1930s. Cascading waterfalls feed into one of the
best freshwater swimming holes in the north.

Paluma

Embrace the natural beauty of the Paluma Range National Park
– the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
Escape the coastal lowland heat and relax in the cool mountain
air of the Paluma Range. Experience the thrill of being one of
the ‘lucky ones’ that spots the rare golden bowerbird, and take
a step back in history at Paluma, the village in the rainforest.
Absorb the exotic sounds of birdlife on a rainforest walk and
smile for the cameras at McClellands Lookout as you enjoy
stunning views along the coast.

Travelling on from Paluma, the diversity of flora and fauna
changes dramatically as you enter the dry open woodlands.
The small township of Hidden Valley is home to Hidden Valley
Cabins and Tours, an exclusive retreat offering daily platypus
tours and home cooked meals.
Discover the Great Barrier Reef

Accessible from Townsville, the central section of the Great        .
Barrier Reef offers some of the best diving sites on the east
coast, from shallow lagoons, pinnacles rising from 30m to 5m
from the surface, walls, swim throughs and wrecks.

Located a little further off the coast, the central section has
less impact from human activity. Day trips often visit Lodestone
Reef, home to a variety of habitats from shallow areas with
white sandy sea floor and large coral bommies (outcrops) to
steep slopes with deep crevasses hosting a great diversity of
fish life, including small damsels and butterfly fish to larger
animals like the giant trevally and occasional reef shark.

The multi-day trips mostly travel at night to maximise time on
the reef, visiting a variety of locations including Wheeler Reef,
with its white sandy cay and many pelagic species, Davies
Reef with pinnacles rising from 30m and shallower bommies
riddled with swim throughs and caves, Barra Bommie at
Little Broadhurst Reef, where you can spot an octopus, and
Australia’s best dive the S.S. Yongala Wreck, with the biggest
diversity of large marine life around the world - Queensland
gropers weighing over 300kgs, giant trevally, turtles, sea                                              Diving on the Great Barrier Reef

snakes, bull sharks and eagle rays just to mention a few.

S.S. Yongala

Experienced divers should visit the S.S. Yongala, a 28m
deep shipwreck, that sank off the coast of Ayr (just south of
Townsville in the Burdekin) during a tropical cyclone in 1911.
Rated the number one(1) dive site by Scuba Travel in 2017, the
SS Yongala is home to a captivating array of hard and soft
coral and spectacular marine life including sea turtles, sea
anemone and thousands of inquisitive reef fish. Dive trips to
the SS Yongala depart from Townsville, Magnetic Island and
Alva Beach in the Burdekin. This historic wreck will leave you
with memories that last a lifetime.                                     Exploring the S.S. Yongala shipwreck courtesy of Adrenalin Dive

Hinchinbrook Island

Separated from the mainland only by the narrow Hinchinbrook
Channel, the rugged peaks of Hinchinbrook Island National
Park rise abruptly from the sea, signalling the Island’s wild
nature. Hinchinbrook is home to the world renowned wilderness
walk, the Thorsborne Trail. Covering 32km, the Trail follows
some of Australia’s most scenic island coastline. Discover
sweeping bays, sandy beaches, extensive mangroves, fragile
heaths, dense forests and lofty summits - perfect for the
traveller with a thirst for adventure.
                                                                                                    Hinchinbrook Island by Paul Ewart
Orpheus Island

Charter a boat, take your own or jump on a helicopter to
unwind on Orpheus Island National Park in the Palm Group of
Islands. Book into the luxury resort or set up a self-sufficient
camp in one of the Island’s secluded camping areas. Snorkel
off the beach in blue-green reef waters to discover a marine
wonderland or look and listen for birds in the forest and on the                          Orpheus Island

shore. This is a true tropical island experience!

Palm Island

Located 65km north-west of Townsville, Palm Island is the
traditional country of the Manbarra people and, more recently,
home of the Bwgcolman tribal people. Palm Island’s assets are
its unique Indigenous heritage and its location within the World
Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The pristine
                                                                    Great Palm Island by Megan MacKinnon
waters of the area make it a great fishing spot for mackerel
and coral trout.

Sailing and Fishing on the Great Barrier Reef

Townsville North Queensland’s tropical weather provides
the perfect environment for sailing and boating. Experienced
sailors can charter a vessel to sail through the many secluded
areas. If you prefer group interaction, there are plenty of day
trips departing Townsville and Magnetic Island.

The Great Barrier Reef is a fisherman’s paradise with some of the
most succulent catches being spanish mackerel, coral trout, red
emperor and sweet lip. More than one-third of the Great Barrier
Reef is declared a ‘no-take zone’, so if you are looking to catch
and cook, check the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s                   Sailing by Cameron Laird

Zoning Regulations before you leave the shore.

                                                                                Clownfish by Jenny Huang
Discover Hinchinbrook

                            Mayor Ramon Jayo recommends...
                            • V
                               isit the unique and awe-inspiring               • T
                                                                                   ake a walk along the TYTO Wetlands
                              Wallaman Falls                                      walkway, keeping an eye out for the vast
                            • Take in the Island views from Lucinda Jetty, the   amount of wildlife that call the Wetlands home
                              longest in the Southern Hemisphere at 5.76km

If tropical rainforest, eco-adventures, cultural heritage and        Natural Experiences
beautiful beaches are on your list for the perfect holiday,
Hinchinbrook is a must-see destination. This scenic region is        You will be amazed when you stand in front of Wallaman Falls,
just an hour’s drive north of Townsville and is a wonderland of      the Southern Hemisphere’s highest permanent single-drop
nature based attractions in a vibrant cultural setting.              waterfall, located in Girringun National Park. In between the
                                                                     forest clad ridge tops and rainforest lined gullies and creeks,
Numerous walking tracks, historic sites as well as national          Wallaman Falls stands at almost 300m. Experience the beauty
parks for picnics, photography and bike riding beckon you to         of World Heritage rainforest and spectacular gorge views on
explore this piece of Townsville North Queensland.                   short walking tracks near the Falls.

Wetland Wonders                                                      Girringun National Park is also the gateway to the Wet Tropics
                                                                     Great Walks. Discover plunging waterfalls, lush gorges and
TYTO Wetlands is a unique 120ha natural wetland area that is         inspirational views as you tackle one of the two day walks
home to over 230 species of birds, tropical plants and native        that start from Wallaman Falls and trek down the Herbert River
wildlife. Extensive walking tracks allow visitors to explore the     Valley, on the Wallaman Falls section of The Great Walk.
park at their own pace. Enjoy the lagoons as you walk along
the boardwalk linking the TYTO Information and Wetlands              Ingham is the closest mainland connection to Hinchinbrook
Centre to TYTO and TYTO Regional Gallery. The precinct offers        Island with the neighbouring channel a protected environment
waterfront dining, a historical cane display and a bird’s eye view   for the dugong. The Hinchinbrook Channel is a picturesque
of the area by climbing the 11m observation tower.                   setting that offers some of the region’s best fishing.

                                                                     Indigenous

                                                                     The Hinchinbrook region also encompasses the traditional
                                                                     country of the Nywaigi, Warrgamay and Bandjin Aboriginal
                                                                     people. Visit Mungalla Station, near Forrest Beach, to hear
                                                                     stories about the Indigenous and European history of the area.
Discover The Burdekin

                             Mayor Lyn McLaughlin recommends...
                             • Boutique shopping                               njoying the wide variety of community
                                                                            • E
                             • Dining on quality produce at one of our many events throughout the year
                                eateries                                    • Fishing in one of the many waterways

Just one hour’s drive south of Townsville is the Burdekin Shire – the
sugar capital of Australia, fishing mecca, bird watching paradise
and traditional homeland of the Gudjuda Aboriginal people.

The district is made up of the neighbouring towns of Ayr and
Home Hill and includes over a dozen other smaller centres. It
is as famous for its rich, flat farmlands as it is for its amazing
waterways and scenic beauty. The Burdekin maintains a
healthy reputation for its friendly residents, great specialty
stores and laid back lifestyle.

Sugar

As producer of the biggest and sweetest sugar cane in the country,
the Burdekin is also one of the only cane growing regions left in
Australia where cane is burnt before harvesting. These magnificent
cane fires light up the skies every evening between June and
December and have become a tourist attraction in their own right.

Fishing

Fantastic fishing is on offer in the estuaries and waterways of
the fertile Burdekin Delta. Fishing tours are available to catch
barramundi, mud crabs, prawns, mangrove jack and more.

Icons

The Burdekin River Bridge, which links Ayr and Home Hill, is the
district’s best known landmark. Known as the Silver Link, the
1,103m crossing is the only bridge in Australia built without a
solid footing and is longer than the Sydney Harbour Bridge. An
Engineering Heritage National Landmark Award was unveiled
on the southern side of the Bridge in 2010.

The S.S. Yongala shipwreck lies just off the coast of Ayr and is
ranked one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. This is a must
do for experienced divers. Yongala Dive, based at Alva Beach,
is the fastest way to get to the site and discover the magnificent
marine life that calls the wreck home.

Wetlands

The Burdekin’s magnificent wetlands are home to an amazing
array of bird life, some of which are unique to the area. Bird
watchers shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Plantation Park or
Horseshoe Lagoon.
Discover Charters Towers

                            Mayor Liz Schmidt recommends...                            
                                                                                     • Strolling   the streets and taking in the
                            • Bunkers
                                     WW2 display on Towers Hill                      heritage feel of the town
                            • Venus Battery                                        • Picnic at Weir Park
                            • Shopping and also Eating at any of the               • Day trip to Ravenswood
                              many fine food outlets

Take a step back in time and explore the unique history             Ravenswood
and heritage of the gold rush towns of Charters Towers
and Ravenswood.                                                     A short 40km detour off the Flinders Highway, en-route to
                                                                    Charters Towers, you will find historic Ravenswood.
Charters Towers
                                                                    Formerly settled for gold mining, this unique heritage listed
Driving through the streets of Charters Towers is like viewing a    town looks like a movie set with its beautiful old buildings,
living montage of Australian history and heritage. Gold was first   mullock heaps and chimney stacks. The Court House Museum,
discovered in Charters Towers in 1871 by Aboriginal horse boy,      the restored School House, Thorp’s Building and Butler’s
Jupiter Mosman. Thousands flocked from across the globe in a        Cottage are just some of the treasures visitors can discover.
mad rush to the town, once the second largest in Queensland.
The town was believed to have everything a civilised person         Take a self-guided walk to visit them all or climb to the top of
could want and soon became known as ‘The World’.                    the local lookout to view the amazing open-cut mine – a great
                                                                    place to take a photo. Travel just 5km out of town to White Blow
The magnificent heritage buildings are testament to the             Conservation Park to admire the unusual geological formation
prosperity of the era. The heritage listed Stock Exchange           of a unique white quartz outcrop dating back 300 million years.
Arcade, World Theatre, City Hall and Post Office Tower will
have you reaching for your camera. Don’t forget to visit
the iconic drive-in cinema for flicks under the stars,
Towers Hill lookout, Venus Gold Battery - the largest surviving
battery relic in Australia – or learn to pan for gold at The
Miner’s Cottage.

Today, Charters Towers is known as a rural hub for graziers
and the mining industry and hosts the Southern Hemisphere’s
largest cricket carnival, the Charters Towers Goldfield Ashes,
each January.
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