“Where all of Australia’s most iconic landscapes combine”

From the red dust of the outback, the lush green of tropical rainforests, crystal-clear oceans, and the multi-coloured patterns of the Great Barrier Reef, Townsville North Queensland combines some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes and experiences – all within a few hours’ drive from Townsville.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is nature’s greatest gift to the world and it’s right off our shores! Townsville is the gateway to the central section of the Reef with less boating traffic and impact from human activity, giving divers and snorkelers access to some of the world’s most spectacular coral and marine life. Certified divers can tick off the internationally-acclaimed SS Yongala wreck east of the Burdekin, best known for its world-class preservation and mega-marine life. If you’re interested in becoming a diver, a number of local operators offer beginner guided dives and certified courses – where better to learn than amongst the world’s most spectacular reef?

Animal Encounters

It’s no secret that Australia has a reputation for being home to some truly unique wildlife, and Townsville won’t disappoint with incredible wildlife encounters in every direction. For an all-inclusive experience, visit Billabong Sanctuary in Townsville or Magnetic Island’s Bungalow Bay Koala Village for the chance to cuddle a koala, smile at a crocodile and take part in daily tours and feedings, perfect for children and the young at heart. Home to Northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas living in the wild, you can spot cuddly creatures high in the trees above Magnetic Island or visit Geoffrey Bay to say g’day to the social rock wallabies. Even the waters surrounding the region are swimming with some of our most iconic creatures, including turtles, dolphins, dugongs and even migrating whales!

Awe of the Outback

Venture to the doorstep of the Australian Outback in Charters Towers, just 1.5 hours’ drive west of Townsville. When gold was first discovered in Charters Towers in the 1870s, the region flourished to become a thriving city centre, affectionately nicknamed ‘The World’ as it was said that anything you may need could be found there. Today, the region is a living montage of the bygone era and the grandeur that once was. You can experience everything you’d expect to find in the outback – regular rodeos with plenty of Akubras, impressive Longhorn bulls, iconic pubs with authentic country hospitality, and even a Drive-In Theatre! You may also be surprised to uncover a rich military history and stunning architecture, reminiscent of the prosperity of years past.

Ramble through the Rainforest

As the southern entrance to the Wet Tropics World-Heritage listed rainforests, you can go wild chasing waterfalls just an hour north of Townsville. Beyond the local hotspots of Big and Little Crystal Creek, you can hike down to Birthday Creek Falls from Paluma Village, uncover logging relics along the ‘H Track’ or extend your stay amongst the rainforest at Hidden Valley Cabins, the ultimate eco-adventure. Further north, witness the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest single drop waterfall, Wallaman Falls. After you admire the falls from the lookout, pick your jaw up off the ground and get your heart rate up hiking down to the base.

Island Escapes

With a home girt by sea, it’s no wonder Australia is internationally recognised as being home to some spectacular coastlines and neighbouring islands. The jewel in the crown of North Queensland, Magnetic Island, sits just a 20-minute ferry ride away and offers the natural beauty and serenity of an island paradise within a thriving community. Beyond ‘Maggie’, take on the Jurassic landscapes of Hinchinbrook Island, explore over 1,300 hectares of pristine National Park on Orpheus Island and uncover the rich Indigenous history and natural landscapes of Palm Island.