Townsville Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

Situated on the north side of the mighty Burdekin River, 85 kilometres south of Townsville, the prosperous rural community of Ayr is the main town in the Burdekin Shire.

This is prime sugar country, with about 80,000 hectares of land under sugar cane, and an annual production of about 1.25 million tonnes of raw sugar. The district also contributes one-third of the nation’s mango harvest and is a major producer of melons and a host of other fruit and vegetables.

The Burdekin sits on a vast natural aquifer which is artificially replenished with water from the Burdekin River. A rich network of creeks and mangrove-lined estuaries make the area a mecca for fishing and crabbing. The Burdekin is a known hotspot for fighting fish, the barramundi, as well as estuary species such as mangrove jack and trevally.

Nearby Alva Beach offers miles of unspoilt, sandy coastline and is a popular spot for beach fishing, birdwatching and windsurfing. It’s also a close launching point for a dive tour to the world-famous dive wreck, the 'SS Yongala'.

The Burdekin’s magnificent wetlands offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. About 280 species have been recorded in the area, including the cotton pygmy-goose, which is listed as endangered in New South Wales.

The spectacular Burdekin River Bridge is the district’s best known landmark and is the longest crossing of its type in the country. Known as the Silver Link, it is the only bridge in Australia built without a firm foothold.

Balgal Beach, just north of Townsville, is the kind of place you can take the whole family and create cherished holiday memories. Thanks to its wide creek mouth, this popular seaside community is famous for its superb fishing and glorious sandy beaches.

You and the kids can swim all day in clear blue waters thanks to the patrolled stinger net (November to May) and the first-rate boat ramp facility allows easy access to the nearby islands in the Palm Island group. Hire a boat, grab some bait from the kiosk and talk to a local to find out where the fish are biting.

Ample picnic, barbecue and camping facilities, along with a friendly cafe or two, allow you to enjoy the beauty of the area at ease and on budget.

15 minutes drive to the west you’ll find the Paluma National Park. Here you’ll discover lush rainforest, crystal-clear mountain creeks, rock pools and thundering waterfalls.
Golf and lawn bowls facilities are nearby. Or for a slower pace, grab a drink, put your feet up and enjoy the abundance of birdlife as you watch the waves roll in on your very own piece of North Queensland paradise.

Balgal Beach is an easy 15 minutes drive north of Townsville on the Bruce Highway.

Accommodation options in the area include self-contained units, bed-and-breakfasts and camping.

Located just off the Queensland coast midway between Townsville and Cairns lies Bedarra Island - a part of the Family Group of Islands. Bedarra Island offers unspoilt rainforests and palm-fringed beaches, where the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea meet pristine white sand.

Bedarra is Australia’s most exclusive island boasting a resort designed to blend in with the beauty of the natural surroundings and accommodating a maximum of just 32 guests at any one time. When it comes to relaxing in glorious seclusion, Bedarra Island is the perfect retreat. Guests rarely encounter their fellow escapees as they explore the pristine rainforest and bask in the sun on the secluded beaches.

This private island retreat provides many leisure activities taking advantage of the natural setting and is perfectly positioned close to the Great Barrier Reef. Guests can board a fast catamaran for a day trip to explore the wonders of the coral reefs or charter yachts are also available for sailing expeditions around the picturesque waters, visiting neighbouring islands including Dunk and Timana.

Other activities include tennis, bush-walking, snorkelling, fishing, paddle-skiing, catamaran sailing and massage are also on offer. One of the most romantic ways to spend the day on Bedarra is to take a delicious gourmet picnic, complete with chilled champagne, and venture off in a motorised dinghy to find a private beach – and there are so many to choose from.

Cardwell lies in the heart of the Great Green Way driving route, and is the gateway to Hinchinbrook Island – the largest Island National Park in Australia. Made up of a diverse range of landscapes, Cardwell is the perfect place to relax or be adventurous.

Settled in 1864, Cardwell was the first settlement north of Bowen and is the only town in the world where two world heritage listed areas adjoin. The first being the wet tropics world heritage area, starting north of Townsville and finishing south of Cooktown. And the second - the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park world heritage area.

Cardwell offers a range of attractions, site seeing, annual events and historical places to visit. The Cardwell Rainforest and Reef Visitor Information Centre has a magnificent interpretative display capturing all the flora and fauna native to the area. Staff at the Centre provide expert advice on points of interest, along with information on the region's history. Cardwell also offers a wide range of accommodation.

Cardwell's Port Hinchinbrook provides a state of the art Marina, public boat ramp and repairs and maintenance facilities for anglers and boaties. It is widely acknowledged that Cardwell is ranked second to none when it comes to all-weather and all-tide boating and fishing in the north. The public boat ramp is free of charge. With 22 islands off the coast and the spectacular Hinchinbrook channel offering 45 kilometres of fully protected boating and fishing- it's a boaties paradise.

Cardwell lies about an hour's drive south of Mission Beach.

A city built on gold, Charters Towers flourished during the bustling gold boom of the late 1800s. By the turn of the century it had become Queensland's second largest city, and the honour of having one of the first regional Stock Exchanges built in 1888.

For the visitor wishing to 'dig' further into Charters Towers' mining past, the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail is highly recommended. The self guided trail begins at the Visitor Information Centre with an Orientation Film and then follows on to the Stock Exchange. Next, make your way to the Venus Battery, the largest surviving battery relic. Complete your trail at Towers Hill, with a short drive or hike to the top giving panoramic views of the city. An evening screening of the film 'Ghosts After Dark' in the amphitheatre rounds off your Trail.

Other points of interest include the two cemeteries, Historic Ambulance Centre and the Charters Towers Folk Museum. The historic World Theatre is an architectural wonder that combines the past and the present. Or why not play a game of billiards on the original 100 year-old tables at the Civic Club. If you are more of an outdoors type, then the region offers a variety of recreational activities. Five self-drive tours throughout the region afford excellent opportunities as well.

A golden city with a colourful past, the lively heritage brings Charters Towers to life, and makes this town a must see on any itinerary. It lies 138 kilometres south-west of Townsville, on the Flinders Highway.

Dunk Island a stunning island just off the coast of Mission Beach in north Queensland.

Most of the island is national park, with unique tracts of rainforests, pristine beaches and abundant species of wildlife. There are plenty of walking trails on the island, so you can fully experience the beauty of the rainforests. Be sure to walk to the top of Mt Kootaloo for spectacular views of the Dunk, the mainland and the Hinchinbrook Channel.

While Dunk Island is perfect for daytrips, there are nine campsites in the national park and accommodation at the only resort on the island, Dunk Island Resort, if you’d like to stay for a couple days or more.

You can get to Dunk from Mission Beach by boat and bus transfer or from Cairns by airplane.

Hinchinbrook Island is Australia's largest National Park island. It is uninhabited except for the award-winning, environmentally friendly Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge at Cape Richards. The Island abounds in flora, fauna, palm-fringed beaches, mangrove waterways and rugged granite crags.

It is a short ride via ferry or private charter to Hinchinbrook Island. The long sandy beaches and extensive mangrove areas make Hinchinbrook Island an environmental haven for turtles, dugongs and many other marine creatures.

Hinchinbrook is a bushwalker's paradise. Located on the eastern seaboard of the island is the famous Thorsborne trail - a 32 kilometre wilderness walking trek, possibly one of the seven great walks of the world. Trail numbers are limited and camping grounds are provided in designated areas. You'll see rainforests of Milky Pine, Palm Figs, and vines, with more than 66 species of birds, 22 species of butterflies, 29 different mangroves and many varieties of fish and crustaceans.

Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge is the only accommodation on the island. The lodge blends into the spectacular natural surroundings and provides civilised benefits and comforts to give you the opportunity to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with easy access to beautiful rainforests.

Hinchinbrook is the perfect place to restore body, mind and spirit. This is the Island to choose if you want peace, beauty and tranquillity. Ferry connections depart from Lucinda or Cardwell.

Situated on the southern side of the Burdekin Bridge, Home Hill was established in 1913 from land carved out of Inkerman Downs Station. It is just 12 kilometres south of Ayr, and is linked to its larger neighbour by the famous Burdekin Bridge – the district’s best-known landmark.

With a landscape dominated by lush, green canefields and the Inkerman Sugar Mill, it’s easy to see that the local economy is driven by sugar. The town has most amenities to cater for the traveller and a range of sporting interests are catered for, including a golf club and a pistol shooting club.
This is the gateway to the popular Groper Creek fishing village – renowned for its barramundi, mudcrabs, prawns and other estuary fish. Good camping and caravan facilities, combined with the area’s laidback charm, have made Groper Creek a must-stop for winter pilgrims and grey nomads.

Back in town, visit the famous Ashworth's Tourist Centre. See the murals that depict the district's rural life and view original Islander artworks at Zaro’s Cultural Gallery.

Visit the new Silver Link Interpretive Centre, which opened in 2007 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Burdekin River Bridge. Located in the main street, the centre tells the history of the bridge through more than 120 photographs.

To walk across the famous landmark, park near the Lion’s Diorama at the southern approach of the bridge and head to the pedestrian walkway.

The Comfort Stop in the centre of town is a clean, modern facility with free restroom, shower and barbecue facilities. There is ample parking for caravans and motorhomes.

For panoramic views of the Burdekin’s towns, farmlands, wetlands, waterways and coastline, head to Inkerman Hill, 12 kilometres south of Home Hill. Other attractions include the historic World War Two radar station on Charlie’s Hill and Tom’s Toybox, a private collection of working farm machinery from yesteryear.

Located 110 kilometres north of Townsville and 220 kilometres south of Cairns, the country township of Ingham is located in the heart of the tropics. It is the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforests of Tropical North Queensland. West of Ingham is Australia's highest sheer drop waterfall, Wallaman Falls, at 305 metres. North-east of Ingham is the majestic Hinchinbrook Island. The region has no less than six recreational National Parks, State Forests and islands, making it a very special part of the North Queensland region.

800 metres south of the town centre is Tyto Wetlands Information Centre, showcasing the spectacular birdlife and natural attractions of the region. Within easy walking distance of the centre is Tyto Wetlands – a “Birdwatcher’s Paradise”. The wetlands are home to more than 230 different species, including the Eastern Grass Owl. Hundreds of Agile Wallabies also appear at the Wetlands in the afternoon and early morning, certainly adding to the wildlife experience.

The township of Ingham, known for its large Italian community, celebrates the Australian-Italian Festival in May - a feast of Italian wine, cuisine, music and culture.

Directly opposite the southern tip of World Heritage-listed Hinchinbrook Island is the sleepy seaside hamlet of Lucinda.

The eye-popping pride of Lucinda is a six kilometre jetty stretching far out into the Coral Sea. The jetty is the world’s largest bulk sugar loading facility and is so long it actually curves with the earth. When conditions are right, you can sometimes see the dugongs and sea turtles at play.

With the fertile Hinchinbrook Channel to the north and Coral Sea to the east, Lucinda is Shangri-La for keen anglers. Mangrove Jack, Coral Troat, big juicy mud crabs and the fighting Barramundi are all in plentiful supply. Hire a boat and head out to sea or try your luck in the estuary, mangroves, off the beach, or over the side of the jetty.

Looming large off the coast, breath-taking Hinchinbrook Island is a pristine natural wilderness, home to the famous Thorsborne Trail, internationally rated one of the top 10 walks on the planet. From Lucinda you can embark on a Hinchinbrook safari and explore the island’s mist-shrouded mountains, waterfalls and freshwater pools.

Lucinda is a two hour drive north of Townsville, and a three hour drive south of Cairns.

Accommodation in the area includes motels, hotels, caravans and self-contained cabins.

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. Wander through the eucalypts, catch a glimpse of one of the 2,500 free-roaming koalas and 166 different species of wildlife.

The island comprises self-contained accommodation as well as backpacker hostels. 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.

Mission Beach is a relaxed, yet vibrant beachfront town with over 14 kilometres of magnificent golden sandy beaches. Here two World Heritage areas, The Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, come together to form a tropical paradise. In many places, the rainforest literally fringes stretches of pristine golden beach, giving the destination a reputation as an ideal holiday choice.

The Great Barrier Reef is only 38 kilometres away making Mission Beach the closest mainland access to the Reef, just an hour or so away by boat.

There are four villages that are collectively known as Mission Beach: South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, North Mission Beach and Bingil Bay. Less than 5 kilometres offshore, Dunk Island and Bedarra Island make up an aquatic playground that is renowned along the coast of Queensland.

Fourteen kilometres of palm-fringed beach connect these four small townships, from Kennedy Bay in the south, to Garners Beach in the north, a favourite spot for naturalists. The Edmund Kennedy walking track at the southern end of the beach is part beach, mangrove and rainforest. Several creeks empty their waters at Mission Beach and locals can often be found fishing for barramundi and mangrove jacks.

Good fishing is also to be had at Clump Point jetty and the rock wall at Clump Point boat ramp. And for absolute seclusion, try Brooks Beach or Garners Beach at the northern end. It's quite likely that you'll catch a glimpse of the endangered Southern Cassowary in the rainforest nearby.

At Mission Beach you'll find a tranquil and very friendly tropical holiday township ideally suited to those who desire a true break from everyday life. It lies about 2 hours' drive south of Cairns.

Located approximately 45 minutes drive north of Townsville on the Bruce Highway, Mutarnee is a small peaceful hamlet nestled on the banks of beautiful Crystal Creek.
At the local caravan park there’s a small shop and service station and just a minute down the road you’ll find the Crystal Creek boat ramp. From this easy access point, boaties can safely navigate their way along Crystal Creek to the big blue Coral Sea beyond. It takes no more than a few minutes and the scenery makes it well worth the effort.

Conditions are great for serious sea fishing so remember to pack your line, bait and tackle.

On the other side of Mutarnee you’ll find the dramatic Paluma National Park. This Park is overflowing with beautiful natural attractions and things to see and do. The road up the mountain takes you through rich, lush rainforest and past cascading waterfalls, rockslides and clear water rock pools.

At the top of the mountain you can swim at the old stone bridge and admire this quaint hand-made structure up close. At plenty of spots throughout the park you’ll find picnic areas and barbecues to make your visit even more enjoyable.

Accommodation at Mutarnee is limited to camping, caravanning and self-contained cabins, however motels, hotels and backpacker hostels can be found at Ingham just 15 minutes drive north.

North Ward is one of the oldest and most popular suburbs of Townsville. Wedged between towering Castle Hill and the deep blue Coral Sea, North Ward overlooks the tourist drawcard of Magnetic Island and the Port of Townsville.

North Ward is best known for The Strand, a bustling seaside foreshore brimming with chic restaurants and cafes, legendary Queensland watering holes and glorious ocean views around every corner. The Strand is also home to a safe swimming beach, rock pool, palm fringed landscaping, free fun children’s water park, barbecues and picnic areas and a network of bike paths and walkways. The beaches have stinger enclosures and there’s good fishing to be had from the pier.

The Strand also contains fine examples of early Queensland architecture including pre-war hotels and church buildings dating back to the late 1800s. And for history buffs, Kissing Point at the northern end of The Strand has a military museum.

Not far from The Strand is Queens Garden, one of three fine botanical gardens in the city. Established in 1870, Queens Garden includes a formal rose garden, two small hedge mazes, a rainforest walk and a small aviary featuring peacocks, lorikeets and sulfur-crested cockatoos. Some of the original hoop pines and black beans are still there today.

North Ward is just minutes from the Townsville City Centre and offers a range of accommodation options including backpacker hostels, units and motels.

Orpheus Island is located just off the coast of Ingham in northern Queensland and is known for its beautiful fringing reef. The island is only 11 kilometres long and approximately one kilometre wide with the majority of the island composed of a national park.

Just off the coast of Orpheus, you’ll find reefs which offer excellent opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. You’ll also see several large coral bommies in Little Pioneer Bay, Cattle Bay and around the Yank's Jetty area.

There are just a couple accommodation of options on the island: Orpheus Island Resort is a luxury resort that promotes its connection with nature and isolation from the outside world, while the national park has three camping spots.

Orpheus Island is accessible by seaplane from Townsville or by launch from Lucinda.

Nestled in the lush rainforest of Mount Spec National Park, just north of Townsville, is the picturesque village of Paluma. 1000 metres above sea level and shrouded in misty cloud, Paluma has a rich and fascinating history. Much of the road leading to the village was built by hand during the 1930s Depresssion, as was the quaint stone bridge over Little Crystal Creek. Some time later Paluma became the site of a secret radar unit and tent camp for the United States of America army.

Today Paluma is a popular mountain retreat for romantic weekends and a secluded place to unwind. The streets are lined with cosy cafes, art galleries and nooks for local craft and produce. And with little or no mobile coverage, you can truly escape and leave those work-day worries behind.

Situated on the southernmost edge of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the lush rainforest surrounding Paluma is alive with a fascinating diversity of birdlife. See how many you can spy from the network of rainforest walks. If you’re lucky you just might spy the shy rifle bird perform its peculiar mating dance.

As you make your way up the road to the village, be sure to stop and enjoy the heady aroma of cascading waterfalls and two of the best freshwater swimming holes in North Queensland. With the hand-built stone bridge as a back-drop, the rock pool at Little Crystal Creek is something straight from a picture book, while the much larger swimming hole at Big Crystal Creek has picnic and barbecue facilities and is a great spot for family outings or camping.

Paluma is approximately 45 minutes drive north of Townsville. Accommodation in the village includes bed-and-breakfasts, cottages, self-contained units, motels and camping.

Around 130 kilometres south-west of Townsville lies the town of Ravenswood. The old gold mining settlement, tucked away amongst the rolling hills, is a living tribute to the history and heritage of western Queensland. Mullock heaps, tall chimneys, poppet heads and discarded mine machinery pepper the countryside, reminiscent of the town's century-old glory.

Beautifully restored hotels and public buildings will give you a glimpses of what the town was once like. Take the time to stop and explore because there's more to this historic town of Ravenswood than you would expect.

With spectacular views across the sparkling blue water to Dunk Island and World Heritage listed Hinchinbrook Island, South Mission Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful areas in Tropical North Queensland.

Whether you’re on it, under it or looking across it, at South Mission Beach it’s all about the water. Kayak to Dunk Island, fish from the beach, hire a boat and explore, go jet skiing or dive through the coral of the Great Barrier Reef.

Adrenalin junkies can go on a tandem skydive over the vast blue ocean and a little inland you can have the thrill of a lifetime on a white water rafting adventure on the Tully River. You can enjoy expansive water views from several lookouts and of course when it all gets too much, you can wind down and relax on a deserted beach.

When it’s time to dry off, explore The Wet Tropics rainforest on the spectacular Kennedy Walk or pay a visit to nearby Mission Beach and browse through the art galleries and shops. On the streets of Mission Beach you’ll find restaurants, cafes, beachside bars and takeaways.

Accommodation in South Mission Beach ranges from camping to luxury resorts. There are a number of holiday house rentals in the area as well as self-contained units and bungalows.

South Mission Beach is just two hours drive south of Cairns. Alternatively a scheduled flight can be taken to nearby Dunk Island followed by a water taxi to the mainland.

On the banks of Ross Creek just across the bridge from the Townsville city centre is the thriving precinct of South Townsville.

When the sun goes down, South Townsville’s Palmer Street comes alive! Following the river, this after-hours hot spot is brimming with groovy cafes and restaurants, cool cocktail bars and hip hotels. The atmosphere buzzes as the locals let their hair down.

Just across the river is the Townsville casino and even more restaurants, bars and nightspots to enjoy.

South Townsville is also home to the city’s Maritime Museum. The pride of the museum is a display on the SS Yongala, sunk in 1911 drowning all 122 people on board. The wreck, off the coast of Townsville, is now one of the world’s premier wreck dive sites.

Visitors to the museum can also take a guided tour of a real naval patrol boat, the HMAS Townsville, anchored near the mouth of Ross River. There’s also an extensive display of hand-made model boats that the kids will adore.

Accommodation at South Townsville includes backpacker hostels, motels and self-contained units. A number of well-known hotel chains also operate in the area along the river.

The expansion west of Townsville over the years has resulted in the birth of Thuringowa, now a city in its own right. It extends over an area of 4000 square kilometres and it is an engine of new industry and development. Importantly, care has been taken to preserve natural attractions including parks and gardens along the banks of Ross River. In the grounds of Thuringowa City Council located on Hinchinbrook Drive, there is a striking war memorial set in landscaped gardens.

Townsville combines the lure of the tropics with the attractions of a major city. From diving in the Great Barrier Reef, trying your luck at the Casino, rafting white water rapids or simply lazing on golden beaches, Townsville offers the best of all worlds.

Located in North Queensland's 'dry tropics', Townsville and Magnetic Island boast an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. Combining this glorious sunshine with a relaxed lifestyle and a diversity of attractions, Townsville is the perfect choice for a Queensland holiday experience.

The city and its precincts are continually evolving. Discover the latest redevelopment along Flinders Street East - a mix of funky nightclubs, bars and restaurants housed in beautiful heritage buildings.

Dining is a serious business in Townsville. Take a wander down Palmer Street and find restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, prepared using the freshest local seafood and produce.

The city is the perfect stepping-off point to experience the wonders of the region - the outback, rainforests, magnificent waterfalls, tropical islands and of course, the Great Barrier Reef.

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. The Strand is a world-class beachfront promenade custom-built for enjoyment. Along this palm-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.

Townsville is also one of Queensland's premier event destinations, with an exciting annual line up of sporting, aquatic, historical and cultural events.

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.

Townsville is a vibrant region that encompasses beautiful coastal towns, rainforests, rugged Outback and country terrain. Appreciate the beauty of the city and nearby Magnetic Island from Castle Hill, the mountain that gives Townsville a unique appeal. But the charm of this lovely region expands further from the city of Townsville… head in any direction and you’ll be rewarded. The Great Barrier Reef sprawls to the east, the Outback beckons west, islands and rainforest entice to the north while sugar cane and mango farming communities await in the south.

The Townsville region’s national parks are home to rare butterflies and birds, kangaroos, platypus and ancient trees. Many of these also boast beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes… exquisite areas that are reminiscent of a bygone era.

There is also a rich history in this region that has been 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 opportunities for exploration in the Townsville Region invite you.

Tully is a small town about 140 kilometres (or about two hours' drive) south of Cairns and has the reputation of being one of the wettest towns in Australia. With all that rain, the nearby Tully River is one of the best places in Australia to go white water rafting. The Tully River has excellent rapids that range Grade Three to the more challenging Grade Four.

Tully is also one of Queensland's largest sugar cane and banana producers and is very popular with the backpacker market who work seasonally on the farms. And don't forget to stop by for a photo of the 7.9 metre tall 'Golden Gumboot'!