Tick off your bucket list with a tropical escape to paradise

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Tick off your bucket list with a​ tropical escape to paradise

​​TOWNSVILLE​

We’ve found a gem that’s ready for your next getaway. A place where you can tick off major bucket list must-do’s, and the best bit – it’s an easy train ride away!

Word on the street – or railway – says this bustling regional city is a destination that has it all, yet remains somewhat undiscovered.

With inner-city vibes to World Heritage nature at every turn, Townsville in North Queensland should be on your holiday hit list.

With its beautiful and bustling foreshore – The Strand, luxe resorts, 20-minute ferry access to Yunbenun (Magnetic Island), accessible historic outback towns, ancient rainforests and waterfalls all within easy driving distance, Townsville has adventures for those curious explorers ready to seek out a holiday to remember.

Go totally wild with epic encounters

Townsville is a nature lover’s haven. With its palm-fringed shores, unique rock formations and secluded island bays, it’s no wonder the region hosts an abundance of wildlife. Spot one of Northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas in the eucalypt trees as you make your way to historic WWII forts and enjoy panoramic views over the Coral Sea – on Magnetic Island.

Encounter the ocean’s ‘Great 8’ with giant clams nestled amid the magic of Magnetic Island's fish and coral species, all accessible directly off the shore – or journey to the central section of the Great Barrier Reef to see World Heritage nature at its best. A trip to the iconic Billabong Sanctuary will have you up close and personal with every Aussie animal you can imagine, including mainland Queensland’s biggest estuarine crocodile – Krakatoa, measuring a whopping 5.5m!​

​Wallaman Falls

​Longboard Bar and Grill food

​Hike from the reef to the rainforest​

Townsville has some excellent hiking trails and short walks to suit every fitness level, including the Magnetic Island Forts Walk (4km). A perfect day trip – chase waterfalls at Wallaman Falls in Girringun National Park (Hinchinbrook), part of the traditional lands of the Warrgamaygan Aboriginal people. And when we say waterfall, we mean Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall, topping 286m! For shorter, more leisurely walks, head to Castle Hill for stunning cityscape views of Townsville – best at sunset or sunrise.

Go sailing to a tropical island

​It’s not a tropical holiday without sunset sails to secluded beaches whilst soaking in watercolour skies. Fortunately, Townsville and Magnetic Island provide the perfect backdrop for this holiday dream – take a scenic cruise with Pilgrim Sailing or Big Mama Sailing.

Taste of the tropics​​

​With unique North Queensland flavours on the menu, be sure to enliven the senses with a tropical tasting tour around Townsville. Featuring pop-up food sweet spots, dining alleyways and coffee nooks – there’s something to suit every taste! Tropical tempters include mango sorbet and pineapple creations, exotic achacha fruits, a variety of freshly caught reef fish, and a bounty of other gourmet offerings.

Little known fact: Townsville is home to three award winning restaurants – A Touch of Salt, Bridgewater and JAM each offering the freshest local produce and unique flavour pairings. These restaurants all achieved an accolade at this year’s Australia’s Chef Hat Awards with Australian Good Food Guide.​

Find out more, visit townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au​​

Take the train​

Hop aboard the Spirit of Queensland to Townsville with fares starting from $50* one-way per person from Cairns or ​$189* per person one-way from Brisbane. Book online now​.​

​​​
​Back to Travel Blog​.