Townsville - Queensland

Townsville, 1400km north of Brisbane is Australia`s largest tropical city. The hub of North Queensland, the reef, tropical rainforest, beautiful golden beaches, historical landmarks and naturally formed wonders are all within 2 hours of Townsville. Located firmly in the `dry tropics`, the region is renowned for its 300 days of clear skies, warm waters, and gentle tropical breezes. The city`s main beachfront, The Strand, is a promenade of activity offering a host of stylish restaurants and cafes, as well as covered picnic areas amongst picturesque parkland. A state-of the-art water park, complete with an assortment of wet and wild fun, also complements this area.

Only 20 minutes by ferry from the mainland is Magnetic Island. Characterised by 23 golden beaches and bays, a visitor to Magnetic Island can snorkel over fringing coral reefs or spend time water skiing or parasailing. There are many ways to explore Magnetic Island, including a circumnavigation on jet-ski, a Harley Davidson ride, mini moke or moped hire, or a ride in the world’s first stretch Jeep!

Three quarters of the island retreat is national park, criss-crossed with 20km of walking tracks that wind through pockets of rainforest and eucalyptus. A resident population of around 160 species of birds and a large community of koalas, possums and rock wallabies add a natural charm to the island’s rugged and unspoiled beauty.

Ninety minutes drive west brings you to historical Charters Towers where you step back in time a hundred years. The magnificent colonial architecture and wide streets preserve all the atmosphere of an elegant but definitively Australian gold rush era.

Highlights

	Museum of Tropical Queensland
	In a few hours at MTQ you’ll gain a lifetime of memories exploring the tropics in air-conditioned comfort. You’ll find out what weird and wonderful creatures lurk in the deep sea, the fossil past or a tropical backyard.

	Reef HQ
	Townsville is home to Reef HQ - the world’s best living coral experience – which houses hundreds of varieties of coral and species of reef fish.

	The Strand
	The Strand is a world-class beachfront promenade custom-built for enjoyment. Along this palm tree studded stretch are bike and rollerblade paths, safe swimming beaches, pretty picnic spots, a water park and chic restaurants and bars with to-die-for water views.

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