Charters Towers
Town
Population 7978
Charters Towers is in the Burdekin Basin south-west of Townsville. The town's gold rush began on 25 December 1871 when Aboriginal horse-boy Jupiter discovered gold while looking for lost horses. He brought gold-laden quartz to his employer, Hugh Mosman, who rode to Ravenswood to register the claim, and the gold rush was on. Between 1872 and 1916 Charters Towers produced ore worth £25 million. At the height of the gold rush it was Queensland's second largest city and was commonly referred to as 'The World' because of its cosmopolitan population. This rich history can be seen in the preserved streetscapes of 19th- and 20th-century architecture, with many beautiful buildings including the Bank of Commerce, now restored as the New World Theatre Complex. To the north-west of Charters Towers is the 120-kilometre Great Basalt Wall, a lava wall created from the Toomba basalt flow.
Visitor Information
74 Mosman St; (07) 4761 5533
Nearby national parks
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Paluma Range National Park National Park
Lying within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Paluma Range National Park offers mountain-top views and picturesque waterfalls. The Mount...more -
Girringun (Lumholtz) National Park
Girringun National Park, part of the traditional lands of the Warrgamaygan people, comprises three sections, Wallaman Falls, Mount Fox and...more -
Porcupine Gorge National Park
Looking like an oasis in the dry, flat plains north of Hughenden, Porcupine Gorge National Park features towering sandstone cliffs and a...more
Nearby towns
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Ravenswood
Once a boom town in the 1860s, today Ravenswood is home to a modest population and a range of historic buildings and ruins that recall the...more -
Townsville
Townsville is a bustling and vibrant tropical city boasting an enviable lifestyle, diverse landscapes, activities for all ages and a certain...more -
Ayr
This busy town south-east of Townsville is surrounded by sugarcane fields – the most productive in Australia – and is the largest...more
In Town
Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail This informative tour reveals the rich history of the town in the district known as 'One Square Mile'. Over 60 heritage-listed buildings are in the precinct. Of particular interest are the re-created workings of the Stock Exchange in Mosman St; the once heavily mined Towers Hill (1.5 km W) with interpretive walking trails and a film screening at night; and the Venus Gold Battery in Millchester Rd, an old gold-processing plant where the 'ghosts' come alive. Starts in the orientation centre behind the visitor centre.Charters Towers Folk Museum: local historical memorabilia; Mosman St. Civic Club: once a gentlemen's club, this remarkable building (1900) still contains the original billiard tables; Ryan St. Rotary Lookout: panoramic views over region; Fraser St.
Nearby
Dalrymple National Park This small national park on the Burdekin River comprises mainly woodland and is an important area for native animals including rock wallabies and sugar gliders. A highlight is the 4 million-year-old solidified lava wall, the Great Basalt Wall, parts of which are accessible from this park. The site of the old Dalrymple township is also of interest. Contact the ranger before setting out on any walks. (07) 4722 5224; 46 km N.Ravenswood: another gold-rush centre, but now 'not quite a ghost town'. Two hotels remain as magnificent examples of the prosperity of this town's wealthy beginnings. It's worth taking a stroll down Main St, which resembles a set from an old movie; 85 km E. Greenvale: near the Gregory Development Rd with a roadhouse, caravan park, golf course and the well-known Three Rivers Hotel, made famous by Slim Dusty's song of the same name; 209 km NW. Burdekin Falls Dam: recreation area with barramundi fishing; 165 km SE via Ravenswood. Blackwood National Park: a woodland park of undulating hills and stony ridges. See the Belyando blackwood trees that give the park its name, and walk on fire trails to discover the park's interesting birdlife including squatter pigeons and speckled warblers; (07) 4722 5224; 180 km S.
Fishing spots near town
Lake Proserpine 220 km
The closed season for barramundi in Queensland runs from November to February, but some of the best barra waters are exempt and this includes the fabulous Lake Proserpine, often called Peter Faust Dam, 26 km east of... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Reef HQ, Townsville 106 km
This eco-accredited, non-profit aquarium is a great spot to go before or after you visit the reef itself, as it will introduce you to some of the main characters out there and give you lots of great information about... Find out moreSwimming around Townsville and Cairns 121 km
Not far from Townsville there are a couple of popular swimming holes: Big Crystal Creek near Mutarnee, the icy Little Crystal Creek on the road to Paluma, and under the Rollingstone Bridge. Near Tully, you can cool off... Find out moreBushwalking on Magnetic Island 122 km
Magnetic Island has about 25 kilometres of walking tracks, many with outstanding views of the coast, or ending at isolated beaches. Do not miss the 2-kilometre Forts Walk, with a good chance of seeing a koala or two, and... Find out moreBirdwatching - Townsville to Cairns 159 km
You do not need to be a bird nerd to appreciate Tyto Wetlands near Ingham. It is a beautiful, peaceful spot for a picnic, a pleasant walk or a pre-dinner drink. But if you stop at one of the benches or bird hides and... Find out moreHiking the Thorsborne Trail 192 km
The 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail is a classic tropical bushwalk that weaves along the east coast of the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island National Park. There is a maximum of 40 people allowed on the track at a... Find out moreBushwalking around Townsville and Cairns 202 km
This entire region offers great delights to bushwalkers, although you are likely to get damp, either from the humidity or from a tropical shower (it is not called ‘rainforest’ for nothing). The Rainforest and... Find out morePicnicking around Bowen and Mackay 208 km
There is plenty of shade to go around at Mullers Lagoon in Bowen, a 24-hectare parkland with botanic gardens, wetlands, a bird hide and free barbecues. The lush Botanic Gardens at Mackay are also recommended.... Find out moreWildlife tours - Rockhampton to Townsville 245 km
Proserpine River Eco Tours runs an eco-accredited all-day wildlife safari in which you have a fairly good chance of seeing saltwater crocodiles, agile wallabies, mud crabs and frillnecked lizards. The tour combines a... Find out moreBreweries around town
Townsville Brewing Company 108 km
Based in an historic former post office building, Townsville Brewing Company has been brewing six regular beers (Townsville Bitter, Lager Lout, Burdekin Gold, Digger’s Pale Ale, Ned’s Red Ale and... Find out moreCampsites around town
Burdekin River camping area 34 km
Camp on the banks of the Burdekin River at this site, just 700 m from the entrance to the park. This site suits self-sufficient campers only; there are no facilities. Open fires are prohibited and generators are not... Find out moreFletcher Creek Camping Reserve 35 km
This camping reserve is beside Fletcher Creek, 45 km north of Charters Towers near the entrance to Dalrymple National Park; access is via Gregory Developmental Rd from the Flinders Hwy. The Charters Towers region is... Find out moreMagnetic Gateway Holiday Village 103 km
<p>Situated on the Bruce Highway at Cluden, just 8 km from Townsville, this tourist park has plenty of shady tent sites and an excellent range of facilities. Visitors can enjoy the swimming pool, spa, TV room and... Find out moreBurdekin Falls Dam Caravan Park 111 km
Well stocked with barramundi for excellent fishing, Burdekin Falls Dam on Lake Dalrymple is 120 km south of Mingela on the Flinders Hwy, with signposted access via Ravenswood Rd. The caravan park has good facilities and... Find out moreBig Crystal Creek camping area 121 km
This popular swimming and picnic area is off the Bruce Hwy, 2 km north of the Paluma turn-off; the 4 km road to the campground is partially unsealed. Bring a gas/fuel stove and drinking water, or treat the creek water... Find out moreBowling Green Bay camping area 122 km
Just 600 m from the main access gate, near the day-use picnic area, this site is the only campground in the Mt Elliot section of the park. You can explore around the creek area, hike along the Alligator Falls track, or... Find out moreLake Paluma camping area 125 km
Surrounded by World Heritage rainforest, Lake Paluma (12 km north-west of Paluma) is a popular spot for swimming, canoeing or kayaking, so bookings are essential. The lake is a well-known wildlife-watching area, with... Find out moreBush camping 133 km
Self-sufficient, experienced bushwalkers can camp in the national park in various remote areas. Bring a gas/fuel stove only.... Find out moreCann’s Camp Creek Campground 134 km
This campground is 11 km west of the Burra Range lookout and 19 km east of Torrens Creek. From Dec–Apr, the road is sometimes closed due to wet weather. Generators are not permitted; bring drinking water and a... Find out moreJourama Falls camping area 136 km
This campground, beside Waterview Creek, is about 300 m from the entrance to the national park. Nearby Jourama Falls Lookout Walk (3 km return, 1 hr) leads through dry open forest of poplar gum, bloodwood and Moreton Bay... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Dalrymple Tourist Van Park 2 km
Situated around 2 km north of the city, this is a well-established park with good facilities. It makes a good base for exploring this historic mining area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreAussie Outback Oasis Cabin and Van Village 2 km
This owner-operated park is located on the eastern side of town and has excellent facilities in a bush setting. It is only a few years old and has developed well. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreBIG4 Townsville Woodlands Holiday Park 102 km
This is a spacious park located about 15 km north of the city alongside the Bruce Highway. We find it a convenient friendly place to stop, and often stay here overnight. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreBIG4 Walkabout Palms Holiday Park 102 km
This is a good quality park with extensive facilities. Easy to find, it is behind the roadhouse near the junction of the Bruce and Flinders highways. There are a couple of dining opportunities within walking distance.... Find out moreMagnetic Gateway Holiday Village 103 km
This park is alongside the Bruce Highway on the southern approaches to Townsville. Access is a little complicated but worthwhile (follow the blue caravan signs). The place is well laid out and has good facilities.... Find out moreRowes Bay Caravan Park 108 km
This good-quality, owner-operated park is in a quiet off-highway location on the waterfront, ideal for a longer stay.... Find out moreRollingstone Beach Caravan Resort 120 km
This is a very new park with a fabulous beachfront outlook. It has a wide range of facilities, a selection of sites and a camping area. It does lack shade, but would be a great winter destination. Bookings are required... Find out moreBIG4 Silver Link Caravan Village 133 km
Easily accessible from the highway, this park is in a quiet, off-the-road position not far from the main shopping area. It has good facilities, and sites under numerous mango trees. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreWanderers Holiday Village 172 km
Close to the centre of town, this park is a popular holiday destination for those keen on fishing. There are covered barbecues and a boat parking area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreCardwell Beachcomber 203 km
The park is centrally located just a short distance from the centre of town and across the road from the beach (ideal for fishing). The park has good facilities and a licensed restaurant/cafe in the attached motel.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Bungalow Bay Koala Village 123 km
Declared Australia’s best backpacker accommodation, this low-key eco-accredited resort, with pool and family-style restaurant, has 2.8 hectares of camping area and 30 A-frame bungalows, 25 of which are... Find out moreHidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley 124 km
Acclaimed as being Australia’s first completely solar-powered resort, with a restaurant, pool and room for 31 guests, this serious environmental resort is in secluded dry forest well off the Bruce Highway. It is... Find out moreHinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 208 km
Revolutionary in terms of minimal-impact tourism when it was first established in 1974, this classy resort has no more than a toehold on the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island, and you can hardly see the treetop... Find out moreRest areas around town
Alligator Creek Camp Area 101 km
T/O 64 km N of Ayr (L) or 23 km S of Townsville (R) Small secluded camping area located 6 kilometres west of the highway in a pleasant bush setting in Bowling Green Bay National Park. Good shade and facilities. GPS:... Find out moreBluewater Rest Area 104 km
30 km N of Townsville (L) or 81 km S of Ingham (R) Large area well off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S19 10.512 E146 33.083... Find out moreSaunders Beach Camp Area 108 km
T/O 24 km N of Townsville (R) or 87 km S of Ingham (L) Small coastal camp area located 7 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the northern end of the village. Good facilities but shade is limited. ... Find out moreToomulla Beach Camp Area 112 km
T/O 43 km N of Townsville (R) or 68 km S of Ingham (L) Small grassy camp area located 2 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the south end of the village. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S19 05.0013... Find out moreRollingstone Rest Area 115 km
53 km N of Townsville (R) or 58 km S of Ingham (L) Large grassed area well off the highway accessed via the service road through Rollingstone. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S19 02.732 E146 23.664... Find out moreBalgal Beach Camp Area 119 km
T/O 52 km N of Townsville (R) or 59 km S of Ingham (L) Small foreshore campground located 5 kilometres east of the highway at the northern end of the road through the village. Good facilities but only limited shade. ... Find out moreSandy Corner Rest Area 126 km
8 km N of Ayr (L) or 79 km S of Townsville (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S19 34.273 E147 20.247... Find out moreHome Hill Rest Area 129 km
Middle of town Parking area in the street west of the main street near the tourist information centre. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S19 39.916 E147 24.849 ... Find out morePlantation Creek Park Area 131 km
South side of Ayr Large parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S19 35.175 E147 23.881... Find out moreJourama Falls Camp Area 136 km
T/O 88 km N of Townsville (L) or 23 km S of Ingham (R) Small secluded campground situated 6 kilometres east of the highway in the forest of Paluma Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Booking... Find out moreFrances Creek Rest Area 148 km
100 km N of Townsville (L) or 11 km S of Ingham (R) Large area adjacent to the road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S18 44.533 E146 08.159... Find out moreWhat's on around town
National Trust Markets: Stock Exchange Arcade; 1st and 3rd Sun each month.
Showgrounds Markets: Cnr Mary and Show
sts; 2nd Sun each month.
Goldfield Ashes Cricket Carnival: Jan.
Rodeo: Easter.
Ten Days in the Towers: festival including music and bush poets; Apr–May.
Country Music Festival: May Day weekend.
Charters Towers Show: July.
