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Nestled within the Tropical North Queensland, with the Nice Barrier Reef to at least one facet and the towering peak of Mount Steward to the opposite, there are many adventures available in Townsville.
Townsville is finest recognized for being the gateway to Magnet Island, a distant island with pristine seashores and spectacular views, but it surely provides rather more than this. There are tons of enjoyable and thrilling issues to do in Townsville, making it a spot you need to cease and keep some time.
We even had mates who, on their journey to Australia, stopped in Townsville and stayed for about two years. So it should have had some issues going for it.
On our go to to Townsville, we realized that 27 levels is a traditional winter’s day, it’s Queensland’s second greatest metropolis, dwelling to the most important military base in Australia, it performed an enormous position in World Struggle II and it has the very best Aquarium in Australia.
It has an exquisite heritage really feel to it and as a city, it’s truly very fairly.
For those who’re making your approach right down to the favored Airlie Seaside, gateway to the Whitsundays, from Cairns, then Townsville is the proper midway level to spend a couple of days in your travels round Australia.
Issues to Do in Townsville
1. Chill out on The Strand
The Strand lifts Townsville up. It’s a 2.2km lengthy beachfront playground with water parks and playgrounds for the youngsters, a stunning strolling path, BBQ’s, cafes and eating places.
It additionally has a public swimming lagoon referred to as The Rock Pool, which is vastly in style and the place to be on a type of sizzling Far North Queensland days.
Take a stroll alongside the promenade, go to the Rockpool Water Park and funky off on the water slides, unpack a picnic on the seaside, or just take pleasure in a dawn or sundown. The Strand is the place to be if you wish to benefit from the tropics of Queensland and revel in being by the ocean.
2. Go to The Greatest Aquarium in Australia, Reef HQ
Reef HQ is unquestionably the very best aquarium I’ve been to in Australia, presumably the world. Talking of the world, it’s the largest dwelling coral reef aquarium on the planet!
Even should you plan on scuba diving or snorkelling the actual Nice Barrier Reef, I feel that is value a go to to see the colourful coral and sea life up shut and be taught a lot in regards to the reef system and the interconnectedness of all dwelling issues. I actually loved it, and so did our children.
There are many completely different shows to see all of the marine life and there’s additionally the Turtle hospital. It’s nice for the youngsters to study taking good care of the animals we stay beside and why they’re so necessary – even sharks though they could scare us just a little!
3. Hike Up Citadel Hill
Castel Hill is the pink granite monolith that makes you sit up and take discover of town.
This 286m excessive rock is the preferred strolling path in Townsville and there are numerous strolling tracks – referred to as the goat tracks that may take you to the summit.
You possibly can even be just like the locals and run up Citadel Hill. Or when you have children, you may simply need to drive up for the 360-degree views over Townsville and Magnetic Island.
4. Take A Townsville Navy Tour
I completely cherished my half day expertise with Townsville Navy Excursions. I wasn’t anticipating such a worthwhile perception into our nation’s army historical past from the Boer Struggle II to present operations in Afghanistan.
I used to be unhappy that in my years rising up we solely actually heard of Gallipoli when there have been so many troopers and RAF doing heroic issues throughout World Struggle II.
Townsville was essential throughout the Second World Struggle, and it’s now the most important military base in Australia. Toby, founder and information of the tour, comes from a army background and was so passionate and educated about our army historical past.
Toby made the tour come alive along with his tales and had the tears rolling down my face within the first half-hour. I used to be fascinated and walked away with such a larger pleasure and admiration for the energy and resilience of our nation and gratitude for many who serve.
The tour takes you to Kissing Level, the army museum, The Black Hawk Down tragedy memorial website and the army base (outdoors of it). You cease for cake and low on the Tumbetin Tea Rooms in Palmetum Gardens.
5. Chill out in Palmetum Gardens
Palmetum Gardens is one among Townsville’s 4 Botanical Gardens. It’s a 17-hectare botanic backyard displaying one of many largest and most various public collections of palms on the planet – 300 species of palm, many uncommon and threatened, and consists of most Australian palms.
I solely visited Palmetum briefly on the Navy Tour. I cherished the tranquility and jungle really feel of the park and particularly the memorial to the victims of the Black Hawk Tragedy that occurred in Townsville in 1996.
It’s a terrific place to see tropical crops and sit again and calm down beneath the shade of the timber.
6. Admire the Views from Kissing Level
The Kissing Level Fort has been become a stunning space for the group to take pleasure in with strolling tracks and views out over Magnetic Island and Cleveland Bay.
There are many outdated gun alternative bunkers and tunnels right here for the army historical past buffs. A brand new boardwalk that runs round to close by Rowes Bay is now open.
7. See the Animals at Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary
For those who’re in search of an interactive wildlife expertise with Australian animals then head out to the Billabong Sanctuary about 20 minutes outdoors of Townsville. It’s a tranquil tropical bush setting by the billabong.
There are interactive wildlife exhibits all day and convey your digital camera as you possibly can watch turtle races, pat a dingo, see some croc feeding, see the wombats, feed some kangaroos, and cuddle some koalas.
8. Take a Day Journey to Magnetic Island
It’s properly value taking the quick 20-minute ferry experience throughout to a small island filled with wildlife, gorgeous seashores, mountain climbing tracks and the possibility to pause time for awhile and simply chill and calm down.
With its pristine seashores, comparable to Horseshoe Bay and Balding Bay, it’s a terrific place to go to blissful seashores and do some sunbathing and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.
You may as well do some scenic strolling trails by means of rainforest and bays, together with the favored Forts Stroll, for an opportunity to see wild koalas.
The island’s laid-back environment and pure magnificence makes it the proper day journey – or higher but, keep a pair days!
9. See the Texas Longhorns
Solely a two-hour drive from Townsville is the Texas Longhorns Expertise simply outdoors of Charters Towers.
This is likely one of the final horse-drawn wagon experience experiences within the nation, and the one place to see Texas Longhorns on a safari.
We discovered it fascinating and we cherished the hosts Mick and Lynda. They have been so hospitable and enjoyable and are actually obsessed with their cattle and showcasing it and the tales with their friends.
You’ll be able to learn extra about our Longhorns expertise right here.
10. See Waterfalls in Paluma Vary Nationwide Park
For an opportunity to see the gorgeous rainforest landscapes that make this area well-known, head to Paluma Vary Nationwide Park, a brief drive from Townsville, for a pleasant escape into lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls.
The park is dwelling to the picturesque Little Crystal Creek and Massive Crystal Creek, each famend for his or her crystal-clear waters and scenic swimming holes. Chances are you’ll even see some freshwater turtles when you’re swimming!
The park can be well-known for its plethora of vibrant chicken species, from rainforest birds like chowchillas, mountain thornbills and golden bowerbirds, that are native to this area.
The park’s elevated place gives breathtaking views of the encompassing mountains and valleys, and tranquil environment and pure magnificence are in contrast to anyplace else.
11. Go to the Museum of Underwater Artwork (MOUA)
The Museum of Underwater Artwork (MOUA) is a novel museum that mixes artwork, marine conservation, and journey!
Take a brief boat experience to this distinctive underwater museum, which has a collection of gorgeous sculptures submerged within the crystal-clear waters of the Nice Barrier Reef.
Every set up is designed to advertise coral progress and supply habitats for marine life. One of many highlights is the long-lasting “Ocean Siren” sculpture, which you’ll be able to see by diving and snorkeling.
12. Admire The Wallaman Falls
One other must-see nature spot close to Townsville is Wallaman Falls, the tallest everlasting waterfall in Australia, with a drop of 268 meters!
Wallaman Falls is a spectacular sight, cascading dramatically right into a lush gorge surrounded by vibrant rainforest.
The falls are positioned within the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Moist Tropics and are accessible through a 3.2 kilometre trek with solely a 228-metre descent.
13. Dive the SS Yongala
For those who’re a diving fanatic, don’t miss an opportunity to see the SS Yongala, a sunken passenger ship that went down in 1911, who’s wreck now rests on the ocean ground off the coast of Ayr.
The wreck has been lined in a vibrant synthetic reef that’s teeming with various marine species.
Discover the remnants of the ship, adorned with colourful corals, which give feeding grounds for big groupers, sea turtles, and colleges of tropical fish.
It has been acknowledged as among the finest dive websites on the planet, making it a must-visit for diving fans!
14. Go to the Hinchinbrook Islands
One other island value visiting close to Townsville is Hinchinbrook Island. Only a quick boat experience away, this pristine island is famend for its rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and secluded seashores.
One of many highlights is the well-known Thorsborne Path, a multi-day mountain climbing observe that winds by means of the island’s various ecosystems, providing breathtaking views, hidden waterfalls, and alternatives to identify native animals comparable to wallabies and numerous chicken species.
The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are good for snorkeling and kayaking, making it a paradise for outside fans!
15. Museum of Tropical Queensland
We’re not huge on museums, however we discovered the Queensland Museum Tropics an enriching expertise.
The museum includes a various array of reveals that educate guests in regards to the wealthy biodiversity of the tropical surroundings, together with fascinating shows on the Nice Barrier Reef and the indigenous cultures of Northern Queensland.
It additionally has a surprising assortment of maritime artifacts, together with objects from the historic shipwreck of the HMS Pandora!
Locations to Eat in Townsville
1. Longboard Bar & Grill
A must-visit bar for views, beers, mojitos and superior finger meals is Longboard’s on The Strand.
Very American in flavour, Longboard’s is a spot we hope to return to. We haven’t had buffalo wings pretty much as good since we lived within the States. (They have been less expensive again there too!)
2. Juliette’s Gelateria
Our native buddy from North Queensland insisted now we have to go to Juliette’s. It’s an establishment for gelato and low.
The ice cream is available in many bizarre flavours. There’s a restaurant and a smaller kiosk alongside the Strand.
3. C Bar
Cbar has nice water views and good espresso. We didn’t cease right here for lunch, however we loved the raisin toast with our cuppa.
4. Townsville Brewing Co.
If there’s a brewery on the town you’ll usually discover us there, and The Townsville Brewing Co didn’t disappoint.
The constructing itself is spectacular and filled with character, it’s within the outdated publish workplace, and while we didn’t eat right here we dropped in for a beer and actually loved our couple of pints of native craft beer.
Metropolis Lane
Metropolis Lane is a laneway within the metropolis centre, and Townsville’s first artistic precinct with funky bars and eateries, together with my favorite, the Paleo Cafe.
Locations to Keep in Townsville
We stayed in two separate locations in Townsville throughout our go to. The primary couple of nights was on the Grand Resort and the placement was very central, proper on Palmer Avenue surrounded by a number of good cafes and eating places and a simple stroll to the CBD.
Then we stayed at first ever trip rental property, within the centre of town and straightforward to stroll to outlets and eating places and being proper close to the cinema was a bonus with two kids.
The bus stopped proper throughout the street which made it very straightforward to get to the Strand – though it’s additionally strolling distance.
If you need a extra lux, tropical resort lodging, The Ville Resort On line casino on the waters edge is vibrant and playful and comes extremely advisable
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