Townsville

With the idyllic paradise of Magnetic Island right at your doorstep, it’s not hard to see why people are attracted to Townsville. With an eclectic mix of rainforest, reef, sandy beaches, outback bush and big city benefits, Townsville has something for every holiday itinerary. However, the city is more than a magnetic destination - it’s the very heart of life in the tropics, with the region extending north to captivating Mission Beach, south to the rustic Burdekin and west to historic Charters Towers.

The Strand is the perfect place to unwind for any holiday to Townsville. The popular foreshore stretches for 2.5km and offers views across Cleveland Bay to Magnetic Island. For a relaxing day out or a long secluded walk on the beach, Townsville’s five northern beaches 60 kilometres north of the city are the ideal getaway.

Maggie, as 2500 locals affectionately know her, is the perfect island escape. A short ferry ride to Magnetic Island lands you in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, where more than 2000 koalas roam wild and unique bird life inhabit the island. With 23 bays and beaches at various locations across the island, you are free to explore the splendour and beauty the island is renowned for.

Paluma Village located within the Mount Spec National Park, is the southernmost point in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. At 1000 metres above sea level, Paluma is a cool mountain retreat with a convenient lack of mobile phone coverage. With cosy accommodation, cafes, arts and craft, bird watching and a large network of rainforest walks, Paluma promises the perfect getaway for a quiet, romantic weekend, or place to unwind.

Further north, see hundreds of wallabies at Tyto Wetlands, a nature reserve perfect for the avid bird watcher. Dugongs laze around in the coastal waters and are often spotted near the islands of Magnetic and Hinchinbrook, with winter seeing the arrival of whales to breed in the warmer waters.

Heading west from Townsville will find you driving down the wide streets of Charters Towers, a montage of Australian heritage. Once the most populated town in Queensland outside Brisbane, Charters Towers is as rich in history as it is in gold.

So whether you’re looking for an action-packed tropical holiday, or just want to laze on a warm secluded beach, you can experience life in the tropics and more on your holiday to Townsville.