Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island was named by Captain James Cook in 1770, when he
believed that the landmass of the island affected the magnetic
compass on his ship, 'Endeavour'. More than half of the island,
which is about five miles (8km) from Townsville, is a National Park
known for its rugged landscape of granite boulders, hoop pines and
eucalyptus trees. The island has 23 beaches and bays, some of which
can only be reached on foot. There are more than 12 miles (20km) of
walking trails marked out on the island. Part of the Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park fringes the island, which is also home to the most
northerly colony of free-ranging koala bears in Australia. The
island offers a wide range of accommodation and transport is
available on the island.
Magnetic Island
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The Strand
This 1.3-mile (2.2km) long tropical beach and palm tree-dotted
promenade is one of Townsville's most popular attractions. Visitors
can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the scenery from their bicycles,
take a dip at one of the safe swimming beaches, or enjoy a picnic
overlooking the ocean at one of the many designated picnic areas in
the gardens. Families travelling with their children in tow can
visit the nearby water park, while the trendy restaurants and bars
that line the strip make a wonderfully romantic and picturesque
setting at any time of day with views stretching out over to
Magnetic Island. The fourth Friday of each month also sees Strand
Park used for night markets - a great place to pick up some unique
souvenirs in Australia, such as Aboriginal arts and crafts and
boomerangs.
The Strand, Townsville
Fred von Lohmann
Riverway
This beautiful riverfront parkland stretches along nearly seven
miles (11km) of the Ross River, with nodes at Pioneer Park, Loam
Island, Apex Park and the Ross River Dam. The Riverway has fast
become one of Townsville's most popular tourist attractions.
Pioneer Park is the activity hub where visitors can enjoy sport,
entertainment, performing arts, visual arts, swimming in the two
huge lagoons, dining and shopping at the village precinct, and even
picnicking and barbecuing along the picturesque shores of the Ross
River. There is something to amuse and delight people of all ages,
making the Riverway popular with locals and tourists alike.
Address:
Village Blvd, Thuringowa
Riverway lagoons
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Reef HQ Aquarium
One of the largest living coral reef aquarium in the world, the
Reef HQ Aquarium was built as part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine
Park Authority. Featuring 130 species of coral, 120 species of fish
and plenty of star fish, sea urchins, sponges and sea cucumbers,
Reef HQ also features a predator exhibit, a children's section, a
gift shop and a café to provide refreshments. A trip to the Reef HQ
Aquarium is a must for all visitors who plan on taking a dive at
the Great Barrier Reef, to learn more about the species of marine
life they might encounter while exploring the miraculous underwater
world. The Aquarium is a great attraction for families in
Townsville, especially on a rainy day.
Address:
2-68 Flinders Street, Townsville
Reef HQ Aquarium, Townsville
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With around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year Townsville
experiences a tropical savannah climate. Its rainfall is not nearly
as high as other tropical regions like Cairns, with the majority of
the rain falling in the 'wet season', which runs from November
through April. Winters are mild and pleasant, moderated by
southeasterly trade winds and far from cold. July is the coldest
month of winter, with average daily temperatures still reaching
77°F (25°C). The summer months are warm and December is the hottest
month, with daytime temperatures soaring to 88°F (31°C). Townsville
is prone to tropical cyclones between November and May which form
mainly over the Coral Sea.
Townsville's public transport system incorporates bus services
operated by Sunbus, which provides regular and efficient services
between major points throughout the city. Taxis can generally be
found outside major hotels and tourist sites, are easily hailed on
the street, and usually operate 24 hours a day throughout the
metropolitan area. Ferries and water taxis operate regularly to
Magnetic Island and Palm Island. Car rental agencies can be found
in the city and travellers planning on exploring further afield
should opt for a rental car, which is the most convenient option
when exploring the wider region.
Townsville is one of Queensland's best loved holiday
destinations and boasts numerous attractions and activities for
tourists.
Those interested in the WWII history of the city, and all things
military, should visit the Army Museum of North Queensland. Animal
lovers shouldn't miss a visit to the Billabong Sanctuary to meet
some of the unique Australian wildlife. The Museum of Tropical
Queensland, which is interactive and state-of-the-art, tells the
tale of the maritime history of the region, as well as detailing
the natural and human history of tropical Queensland. The whole
family will enjoy Reef HQ, a huge aquarium, and the neighbouring
Cultural Centre, which documents the history and culture of the
Aboriginal peoples of the region.
Those who seek out heights will enjoy a hike up the magnificent
Castle Hill, which looms above Townsville and provides spectacular
views. Magnetic Island can clearly be seen from the granite
outcrop, situated nearly five miles (8km) away, and the island is a
very popular excursion from the city. Half of the island is covered
by the National Park of the same name, a haven for nature
lovers.