Townsville

Reef HQ Home to the headquarters for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, this underwater observatory is both informative and visually breathtaking. Its living reef is the largest 'captive' reef in the world. Get up close at the touch pools or see marine feeding and dive shows; Flinders St East; (07) 4750 0800.

Museum of Tropical Queensland: featuring artefacts from HMAS Pandora, a British vessel wrecked on the reef in 1791; open 9.30am–5pm daily; 70-102 Flinders St; (07) 4726 0600. Maritime Museum: maritime items of historical significance; open Mon-Fri 10am–4pm, Sat–Sun 12pm–4pm; 42–68 Palmer St; South Townsville; (07) 4721 5759. Rock Pool Baths: year-round swimming; The Strand. Perc Tucker Regional Art Gallery: local and touring exhibitions; open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–2pm; Flinders Mall; (07) 4727 9000. Botanic Gardens: Anderson Park, Kings Rd. Imax Dome Theatre: excellent viewing experience in this theatre, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere; call for viewing times; Reef HQ Building, Flinders St East; (07) 4721 1481. Town Common Conservation Park: a coastline park with prolific birdlife, Aboriginal Plant Trail and forest walks; Cape Pallarenda Rd. Castle Hill Lookout: off Stanley St. Jupiters Townsville Hotel and Casino: Sir Leslie Thiess Dr; (07) 4722 2333. Ferry Terminal: for Magnetic Island, and daytrips and dive cruises to the Great Barrier Reef as well as extended cruises to the Whitsundays; Sir Leslie Thiess Dr. Coral Princess: cruise to Cairns via resort islands and reef on a luxury catamaran; contact visitor centre for details. Adventure activities: numerous tour operators offer scuba diving, jetskiing, waterskiing, abseiling, whitewater rafting and more; contact visitor centre for details.

Magnetic Island More than half of this beautiful island is covered by the Magnetic Island National Park. The sandy beaches, granite headlands and hoop pine rainforest make this an attractive daytrip, or stay overnight in the private accommodation on offer, which ranges from budget to deluxe. See the natural attractions by taking some of the many walks around the island or hire a bike for a different view. Snorkel and swim at Alma Bay and see spectacular views from the old WW II forts. Access from Townsville by fast cat, passenger ferry or vehicle barge; 8 km NE.

Bowling Green Bay National Park This coastal park offers much for the self-sufficient visitor. Granite mountains blend with a variety of landscapes including saltpans and mangrove country. Walk along Alligator Creek to see cascades and waterfalls. Stay overnight at the Alligator Creek campsite and go spotlighting to glimpse brush-tail possums and sugar gliders; call 13 74 68 for camping bookings; turn-off Bruce Hwy 28 km SE; park is further 6 km.

Billabong Sanctuary: covering 10 ha of rainforest, eucalypt forest and wetlands. See koala feeding and crocodile shows. Bruce Hwy, Nome; (07) 4778 8344; 17 km SE. Giru: small community with waterfalls, bushwalks and swimming nearby; 50 km SE.

Lake Proserpine 202 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 more

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Russell Heads 243 km

Russell Heads is the junction and estuary system of the Russell and Mulgrave Rivers, south of Cairns. I was fishing with Kieran Livingstone who had a Cairns Custom Craft aluminium, a solid boat ideal for river and... Find out more

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Bushwalking on Magnetic Island 16 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 more

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Swimming around Townsville and Cairns 66 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 more

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Birdwatching - Townsville to Cairns 97 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 more

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Hiking the Thorsborne Trail 115 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 more

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Bushwalking around Townsville and Cairns 138 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 more

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Picnicking around Bowen and Mackay 172 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 more

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Wildlife tours - Rockhampton to Townsville 224 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 more

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Hiking the Whitsundays Great Walk 230 km

In the past few years a 30-kilometre walking track – the Whitsundays Great Walk – has been established, from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach, through Conway State Forest. The two main camps, Repulse Creek and... Find out more

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Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 231 km

In the lush highlands of Millaa Millaa, overlooking Mount Bartle Frere, the certified biodynamic Mungalli Creek Dairy has a superb range of organic cheeses and yoghurts for sale and tastings. You can watch the delectable... Find out more

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Camping - Whitsundays and Keppel Islands 249 km

If you want to camp on one of the Whitsunday Islands but do not want to kayak and do not own a boat, Camping Whitsundays and Island Camping Connections run a drop-off and pickup service, supply camping gear and food if... Find out more

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Michel’s Cafe & Bar

Michel’s has been in Palmer Street for more than a decade, well before it became the city’s food precinct. Despite the onrush of newcomers it remains a favourite with locals and regular visitors, and is still... Find out more

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Watermark

Enjoy the sea views and if you really want a feast, order the seafood platter. It has steamed and barbecued Queensland prawns, red claw, a half crayfish, Sichuan pepper calamari, beer-battered red emperor, grilled... Find out more

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Magnetic Gateway Holiday Village 7 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 more

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Bowling Green Bay camping area 49 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 more

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Big Crystal Creek camping area 66 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 more

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South Beach camping area 75 km

This campground on the south-east coast has no facilities and suits self-sufficient campers only. Generators and open fires are not permitted. Note: the reefs and waters surrounding Orpheus Island National Park are... Find out more

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Yank’s Jetty camping area 76 km

Yank’s Jetty campground is just north of Harrier Point on the south-west coast of the island. The gas barbecue is free but open fires are prohibited (a gas/fuel stove is preferred). The campground has space for... Find out more

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Lake Paluma camping area 77 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 more

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Pioneer Bay camping area 82 km

This small campground on the north-west coast has a clearing for up to 12 people. Composting toilets and picnic tables are the only facilities, so bring all self-sufficient supplies including drinking water and a... Find out more

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Pelorus Island camping area 86 km

No permits or bookings are required for this free camping ground known as a great jumping-off point to fantastic snorkelling around the coral reefs off Pelorus Island’s west coast. The island is in the Great... Find out more

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Jourama Falls camping area 86 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 more

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Burdekin River camping area 96 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 more

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Rowes Bay Caravan Park 3 km

This good-quality, owner-operated park is in a quiet off-highway location on the waterfront, ideal for a longer stay.... Find out more

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BIG4 Walkabout Palms Holiday Park 6 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 more

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Magnetic Gateway Holiday Village 7 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 more

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BIG4 Townsville Woodlands Holiday Park 15 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 more

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Rollingstone Beach Caravan Resort 52 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 more

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BIG4 Silver Link Caravan Village 73 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 more

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Wanderers Holiday Village 96 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 more

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Aussie Outback Oasis Cabin and Van Village 104 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 more

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Dalrymple Tourist Van Park 105 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 more

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Cardwell Beachcomber 139 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 more

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Jupiters Townsville 
Hotel and Casino

On the Breakwater Marina overlooking Magnetic Island, this hotel has 177 rooms, 15 executive suites, a one-bedroom apartment and a presidential suite. It is in walking distance of the Magnetic Island ferry and Great... Find out more

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Balgal Beach Holiday Units

If you are looking for a friendly, low-key place to stay in a quiet and pretty seaside village with an 8-kilometre beach and a stinger-netted swimming enclosure, then this could be for you. Owners Terry and Roslyn... Find out more

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Hidden Valley Cabins

Australia’s first carbon-neutral resort runs on 100 per cent solar power. On the western slope of the spectacular Paluma Range, its mountain elevation provides a welcome relief from the heat and humidity of the... Find out more

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Bungalow Bay Koala Village 17 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 more

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Hidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley 87 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 more

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Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 133 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 more

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The Canopy, near Malanda 242 km

Located at Tarzali, this place comprises six beautiful glass and timber treehouses set in 40 hectares of rainforest that has never been logged, with Lumholtz tree-kangaroos creeping around, green ringtail possums,... Find out more

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Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 242 km

Near Millaa Millaa, the two secluded bush cabins here, on 62 hectares of bushland and rainforest, can sleep up to eight people each, and are completely powered by solar technology and a small water turbine in Possum... Find out more

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Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 246 km

By renting out nine elegant eco-accredited treehouses (near Malanda), the owners have funded a massive weed-clearing and revegetation program – including planting 20 000 trees – on their 92-hectare property,... Find out more

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Alligator Creek Camp Area 24 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 more

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Saunders Beach Camp Area 25 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 more

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Bluewater Rest Area 29 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 more

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Toomulla Beach Camp Area 40 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 more

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Rollingstone Rest Area 50 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 more

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Balgal Beach Camp Area 51 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 more

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Sandy Corner Rest Area 65 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 more

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Plantation Creek Park Area 72 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 more

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Home Hill Rest Area 78 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 more

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Jourama Falls Camp Area 85 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 more

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Frances Creek Rest Area 91 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 more

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Guthalungra Rest Area 131 km

49 km N of Bowen (L) or 56 km S of Home Hill (R) Small area just off the highway opposite the roadhouse. Limited shade. GPS: S19 55.440 E147 50.571... Find out more

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Five Mile Creek Rest Area 131 km

45 km N of Ingham (L) or 8 km S of Cardwell (R) Secluded area located 700 metres west of the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S18 19.387 E146 02.439... Find out more

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Cardwell Park Area 137 km

Middle of town Parking area on the foreshore. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 16.159 E146 02.051... Find out more

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