Townsville
The award-winning Museum of Tropical Queensland provides a snapshot of this diverse region, from World Heritage–listed rainforest and reefs to the story…
Must-see attractions in Townsville & Mission Beach
Townsville
A staggering 2.5 million litres of water flow through the coral-reef tank here at what they claim is the world's largest living coral-reef aquarium. It's…
Townsville & Mission Beach
Set beside a series of creeks and waterfalls 50km northwest of Mission Beach (and with at least one resident croc), this unusual tropical park is a…
Townsville & Mission Beach
The country's longest single-drop (268m) waterfalls, which lie within the traditional lands of the Warrgamaygan Aboriginal people, look their best in the…
Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre
Townsville & Mission Beach
Traditional woven baskets, paintings and colourful wooden sculptures are among the works for sale at this cooperative of Aboriginal artists from nine…
Magnetic Island
Horseshoe Bay, on the north coast, is the best of Maggie’s accessible beaches and attracts its share of young, hippy-ish nature lovers and older day…
Townsville
Just 17km south of Townsville, this eco-certified wildlife park offers up-close-and-personal encounters with Australian wildlife – from dingoes to…
Magnetic Island
Arcadia village is a conglomerate of shops, cafes and accommodation. Its main beach, Geoffrey Bay, has a reef at its southern end (reef walking at low…
Townsville & Mission Beach
Waterview Creek tumbles down Jourama Falls and other cascades past palms and umbrella trees, making this northern section of the park a fine place for a…
Townsville & Mission Beach
Climb up here for a panoramic view of town at sunrise or sunset. The view helps put the town in its context – it's surprisingly large, but nothing…
Townsville
This striking 286m-high pink granite monolith dominates Townsville’s skyline and offers stunning views of the city and and across Cleveland Bay to…
Townsville & Mission Beach
Tyto Wetlands is first and foremost a protected sanctuary for around 240 species of bird, including far-flung guests from Siberia and Japan, in almost 120…
Townsville & Mission Beach
From the car park at the end of Spiegelhauer Rd, it’s an easy 100m walk to Paradise Waterhole, a popular swimming spot with a sandy beach and lofty…
Townsville
If you fancy a lazy picnic, head to these formal, ornamental gardens at the base of Castle Hill, 1km northwest of town.
Magnetic Island
Picnic Bay is one of the most low-key spots on the island, dominated more by a community of friendly locals than anything else. There's a stinger net…
Magnetic Island
Magnetic Harbour in Nelly Bay will be your first taste of life on the island. There's a wide range of busy but relaxing eating and sleeping options and a…
Townsville & Mission Beach
Walk beneath the barrel-vaulted portico into a gorgeous little open-ended arcade (1888) which was the commercial hub of the second-largest town in…
Townsville & Mission Beach
For a real slice of local life, there are cattle sales at the Dalrymple Saleyards west of town on the road to Hughenden most Wednesdays – ask at the…
Townsville & Mission Beach
En route to Paluma, be sure to stop off at Little Crystal Creek, a picturesque swimming hole with a cute stone bridge, a picnic area and waterfalls. Try…
Townsville
Showcases the history, traditions and customs of the local Wulgurukaba and Bindal peoples with workshops, performances and exhibitions. Call for guided…
Townsville & Mission Beach
One of the loveliest beaches on the island, its Robinson-Crusoe feel helped by the fact that you can only reach it on foot.
Townsville & Mission Beach
Take a tour of the reputedly haunted Venus Gold Battery, where gold-bearing ore was crushed and processed from 1872 to 1980. It's an intriguing insight…
Townsville
One for the boat buffs, with a gallery dedicated to the wreck of the SS Yongala and exhibits on north Queensland’s naval industries. Tours of…
Townsville & Mission Beach
The Palmerston (Doongan) Section of Wooroonooran National Park is home to some of the oldest continuously surviving rainforest in Australia; visit the…
Townsville & Mission Beach
In the Mt Spec section of the park, Big Crystal Creek, accessible off the partially sealed Spiegelhauer Rd, is a gentle introduction to the park's charms…
Historic Cardwell Post Office & Telegraph Station
Townsville & Mission Beach
Check out the original postal room and old telephone exchange at this wooden building (built in 1870), which has survived cyclones and termites.
Townsville
Contemporary art gallery in a stately 1885-built former bank. Exhibitions focus on north Queensland artists.
Bungalow Bay Koala Wildlife Park
Magnetic Island
Cuddle koalas but keep your distance from the crocs at this decent wildlife park.
