Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive
2019 Events and Insider Guide
Whether it's on the beach, the stage, or field, be prepared to experience world-class events in spectacular settings. View or download your 2019 Events and Insider Guide to start planning your perfect holiday to Townsville North Queensland.
Events
6th April 2019 to 10th November 2019
Natural Curiosity: Discovering the secrets of Queensland's Greatest Collections
An exhibition created by the Museum of Tropical Queensland. We are all curious about the natural world. We are intrigued by how things began, what they are like now and how they will be in the future. Venture across land and sea, over millions of years through Queensland’s State Collection to learn how researchers today work with the past to predict the future. From discovering new animal species, to understanding the effects of climate change, this vast collection of over a million specimens holds the secrets of Queensland’s natural heritage.
10th December 2018 to 20th December 2019
Volunteering and Tourism in Townsville
Make your travels a memorable experience by joining Conservation Volunteers Australia in Townsville for a day or two of volunteering on outdoor conservation projects. You will get to experience Townsville's nature and outdoors from a different perspective while helping with activities such as macroinvertebrate surveys, water quality monitoring, weed removal, beach clean ups and native plant propagation.
23rd October 2019
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Melbourne City Ballet will recreate the cherished story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz for audiences across Australia in 2019. The dancers will click their heels together and get a little bit wicked as they follow the classic tale of Dorothy Gale, a young country girl who is swept away to the magical world of Oz. Full of enchanting characters, some friendly and some truly wicked! The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will be imaginatively brought to life in this brand new production for Melbourne City Ballet. With stunning new sets and costumes and the company’s largest ensemble to date, this brand new ballet proves there is no place like home, and will be and enchanting event suitable for the whole family.
26th October 2019
Halloween Dance - Ravenswood
Dance the night away! You're going to have a frightfully great time! Live Band: Mystery Road, Awesome prizes for best dressed categories and lucky door prizes. Bar and Food available throughout the night. Accommodation available at: Imperial Hotel, Railway Hotel, Top Camp Hotel and Camping at the Campgrounds. The Halloween Dance is proudly supported by Resolute's Carpentaria Gold.
26th October 2019
Ingham Maraka Festival
Ingham Maraka Festival will feature steam train rides, cocktail night, Try-Athlon, rock and roll dinner dance, afternoon tea, pet parade, float procession, finishing with entertainment and fireworks in Rotary Park.
27th October 2019
Paluma Dam Good Trail Run 2019
Join them for the last trail run of the year in the village of the clouds, Paluma. The event offers a six kilometre, 10 kilometre and 20 kilometre course, taking you through the stunning rainforest scenery of Paluma, up and down hills and across creeks. The cooler temperatures make it perfect for running at this time of the year.
27th October 2019
Towers Rush
Participate in an Amazing Race style treasure hunt in Charters Towers where you will race to checkpoints and complete challenges to gain points. Be the team with the most points at the end of the race to take out the title at Towers Rush. Be part of the event which has captivated the community and led competitors to abseil heritage buildings, construct food masterpieces, paddle the river, completing puzzles and challenges and much more!
1st November 2019 to 9th November 2019
Queensland Country Home Hill Harvest Festival
The Queensland Country Home Hill Harvest Festival celebrates the rich agricultural industry and the laid back lifestyle of the Burdekin. The annual program of events runs from October through to early November each year and provides an array of fun, activities and experiences for all.
4th August 2018 to 7th December 2019
Mercer Lane Markets
Set against the stunning backdrop of Mercer Lane Mosaic, a 42 metre long homage to their heritage, this market brings to life Hinchinbrook's finest hand made local art and craft.
10th November 2019
November 4x4 Fun Day
Keen to try out your new 4x4 and don't know where to go? Had a 4x4 for years and have run out of new places? Don't have anyone to go with? CT 4x4 Club Fun Day allows novice and experienced drivers an area to test their vehicles in a range of terrain including soft sand and rocky outcrops, with the surety of having experienced Four Wheel Drive Queensland members on-hand to assist and guide where required or just for recovery. Located just nine kilometres from Charters Towers central business district, the Millchester Motor Sport and Recreation Facility has it all from winch walls to mud pits that host the NQ Off Road Challenge, participants can come for the weekend and enjoy all that the Towers has to offer. CT 4x4 Club is a family friendly club catering for all 4x4 enthusiasts.
14th November 2019 to 17th November 2019
4 Day 3 Night Coral Spawning Liveaboard
Coral spawning is a major event on the Great Barrier Reef calendar and occurs in November every year. In other parts of the ocean only a couple of colonies may spawn, but in Townsville they have 12 families of coral that are of the spawning variety. Up to 88 per cent of the coral may spawn during this event! For an ocean lover, there are few experiences more festive than watching the reef’s Big Bang. The Great Barrier Reef coral spawning has been likened to being in a snowstorm underwater! Immerse yourself as the future reef snows upwards towards the surface in a pink and white flurry, brushing your face and fingertips on their way. It is a magical, slightly disorientating once-in-a-lifetime experience on many divers’ bucket list. Snorkellers and divers are welcome. Guests will spend the day snorkelling and diving the reef and familiarising themselves with the reef. When the sun sets and the coral starts spawning divers will jump and an be in the thick of it all!
14th November 2019
Festival of Small Halls - Charters Towers
Festival of Small Halls is Australia’s largest music tour dedicated exclusively to regional, rural and remote Australia. Presented in partnership with major Australian festivals Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival and Queenscliff Music Festival, the Spring Tour 2019 starring the Jellyman’s Daughter (SCO) and Ash Bell and Sara Tindley (AUS), will kick off in the rolling hills of Dorrigo, NSW, cross the sunburnt outback of western Queensland and conclude on the sunny Victorian peninsula of Queenscliff. The route sees the popular regional music tour take in three states over four weeks in October and November and will include some of Queensland’s most alluring reasons to take a road trip this spring.
15th November 2019 to 16th November 2019
PBR Australia Grand Finals
Welcome to the roller coaster world of the adrenalin cowboy as they take on the nation’s most extreme bucking bulls in a three-hour action packed event that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first bull of the night through to the last. This is the final and deciding chapter of the PBR year-long race for National Titles. It’s a showdown like no other – 22 riders all eager for glory as they strive to overcome the power of the most extreme bucking bulls in a head to head battle of power, agility and the fight of the fittest eight seconds at a time over the course of two nights of competition. Choreographed with pyrotechnics, lasers, concert sound system and mega screen replays, with multiple camera angles that will take you behind the scenes and inside the bucking chutes as riders prepare for the ride of their life whilst delivering you the ultimate live event bull riding experience inside the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre. This is an event not to be missed. This is the one and only PBR National Finals.
16th November 2019
Ingham Family Race Day
An all age event that provides exciting horse racing, excellent fashion, live music and a great social day. The annual 'Family Race Day' race meeting is the start of the festive season and this late November race meeting is the perfect venue to celebrate. Whether it be Christmas parties, end of cane season celebrations or just an excuse to have some fun, don't miss this family race day.
15th April 2018 to 15th December 2019
Raintree Markets
Under the shade of Ingham's iconic raintrees of Rotary Park, right in the heart of Ingham. This market offers a diversity of offerings from local craft, bric-a-brac, fresh produce, real coffee, tropical plants and tasty treats. Markets are held on the third Sunday of every month from February to December and the first Sunday of February and March
20th November 2019
Reel Rock 14 - Townsville presented by The North Face
The Reel Rock Tour 14 presented by The North Face is coming to Townsville. The Reel Rock Film Tour, one of climbing's greatest celebrations, returns this November with a new collection of world premiere films. In “The High Road”, the powerful and bold Nina Williams tests herself on some of the highest, most difficult boulder problems ever climbed. She is among the only women who climb elite-level problems that are 30, 40, even 50 feet tall -- with no rope. In “United States of Joe’s” climbers collide with a conservative coal mining community in rural Utah, to surprising results. When a ragged band of punk rock climbers shows up, the two cultures inevitably clash. After years of antagonism, they work with locals to build a more harmonious future. And in “The Nose Speed Record”, legends Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold battle Yosemite dirtbags Jim Reynolds and Brad Gobright in a high stakes race for greatness. They competed for the coveted aped record on the 3,000-foot Nose of El Capitan, risking big falls to shave mere seconds off the fastest time. Don’t miss your local show to see this awe-inspiring film on the big screen. Tickets selling fast. Book now.
20th November 2019
Morning Melodies - Christmas with Karen Knowles
Karen Knowles, one of Australia's favourite singers, will return to Townsville for a special Christmas concert on 20 November 2019. Well known for her Carols and Christmas repertoire and regular performances as part of the Lord Mayors Carols broadcast throughout Queensland on Channel 7, Karen will perform with her musical director.
22nd November 2019
Dylan Moran - Townsville
Legendary Irish comedian Dylan Moran is returning to Australia with a brand-new show Dr. Cosmos. Moran will once again offer his unique take on love, politics, misery and the everyday absurdities of life, all served with poetical panache from one of the finest comedians of his generation. Moran has been called the Oscar Wilde of comedy and his famed style - deadpan, witty and crackpot lyricism - promises to be an unmissable journey through his interpretations of the world, swerving cliche to offer a cutting blow to our idiosyncrasies.
18th December 2019 to 22nd December 2019
Stable on the Strand
Townsville's Christmas Festival, Stable on the Strand, celebrates its 18th birthday in 2019 at Townsville's premier event location, Strand Park. Stable on the Strand is one of Australia's most spectacular Christmas events, delighting crowds of 40,000 people over five nights as Christmas is shared with story, song and festivity. Stable on the Strand will feature the Town of Bethlehem: the story of the birth of Jesus told interactively using live actors as wise men, shepherds, Roman soldiers, King Herod, and of course Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus; camels, chickens, goats, sheep, and a donkey for children to pat; huge carousel in the Stable Village; fabulous youth program; great children's activities; amazing entertainment on the Main Stage with local and guest artists; hospitality areas: enjoy the ambiance of Stable on the Strand while enjoying free tea, coffee and Christmas Cake. Entry is free!
29th February 2020
Elton John at North Qld Stadium - Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour
After more than half a century on the road and an unparalleled career, superstar icon Sir Elton John will perform his last ever Australian and New Zealand shows as part of the global Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. Beginning in Pennsylvania, USA in September 2018, Elton John’s three-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road global tour has already been hailed as energetic, dazzlingly-original, bombastic, and a musical masterpiece. The milestone itinerary comprises more than 300 shows across five continents, stopping off in Australia 2019/20 for record-breaking shows. Elton’s legendary catalogue, including beloved songs such as “Bennie and the Jets”, “Rocket Man”, “Tiny Dancer”, “Crocodile Rock”, “Philadelphia Freedom” and more, are showcased in this musical masterpiece – a reflection of his great career, and 51 year collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin. “I always love coming back to Australia. Ever since my first visit in 1971 it has held a very special place in my heart.” More than a concert; an unforgettable memory. Tickets will sell fast, so don’t miss your chance to say farewell to music’s greatest treasure.
7th April 2020 to 10th April 2020
Life Festival 2019
Life Festival will be held at 210 Palmerston Street, during the Easter School holidays from 7 April to 10 April 2020. Guest Artists: Pat Morgan - Award-winning Australian Indigenous Country Gospel Singer-Songwriter. More artist to come. Local Artists will also performing Activities will include carnival rides, jumping castles, children and youth activities and a resource expo.
10th April 2020 to 13th April 2020
2020 Townsville North Queensland Games
The North Queensland Games is the largest multi-sport event in regional Australia. The NQ Games is held biennial and shared between Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. The 2020 NQ Games will be staged in Townsville and surrounding regions and will be the 19th Games. There will be over 30 sports to choose from with an estimated 4000 plus participants to be involved. The 2020 Townsville NQ Games is an action packed weekend commencing with the official opening ceremony to be held on Thursday 9 April 2020. Athletes, supporters and officials participating in the games can enjoy one of the most picturesque coastal cities in northeastern Queensland, Australia. The Strand esplanade, with its pier and water park, is popular. The Reef HQ Aquarium has marine life and coral from the Great Barrier Reef, plus a sea turtle hospital. Southeast of the city, the Billabong Sanctuary wildlife park is home to koalas, wombats and crocodiles. Offshore, Magnetic Island has coral reefs and a national park full of wildlife.
22nd April 2020 to 26th April 2020
Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef
Travellers from around the world come to the Great Barrier Reef, an Australian World Heritage Area, to explore its extraordinary diversity of animal and plant life. Coral reefs face a growing number of threats, from climate change and storm damage, to sediment and nutrient run-off. Join them on an Earthwatch expedition in the water around Magnetic Island to help scientists develop best-practice methods for coral recovery. On this expedition, participants can get involved through scuba or snorkel activities. You will assist researchers in making baseline measurements of environmental conditions, actively removing algae, deploying coral recruitment (settlement) tiles and assessing fish and invertebrate diversity and abundance. By joining this expedition, you’ll be at the forefront of active reef restoration science. You will assist researchers in experiments that aim to develop best practice methods for removing this macroalgae and allowing coral to regrow. You will be directly involved in filling in the gaps that will enable reef managers to make evidence-based decisions about active interventions that support the recovery of the Great Barrier Reef, and reefs all over the world. All accommodation, meals, transfers and research activities included.
23rd May 2020
Tasman Turtle's Picnic Day
Enjoy a day of adventure and discovery of art, culture, nature and knowledge with Tasman Turtle and his friends at their annual family Picnic Day. The day will be filled with activities, workshops, games, food and entertainment for you and your family. Cost: Free entry.
28th May 2020 to 30th May 2020
Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival
Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival is now a three day festival that incorporates the First Fire of the crushing season, Burdekin Cultural Fair and the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships. The Burdekin region is one of the last regions in Australia to still burn sugar cane before it is harvested. The First Fire celebrates that fact and involves burning the purpose grown cane to be cut in the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships. The Burdekin Cultural Fair celebrates the many cultures that make the Burdekin the friendly, multicultural town it is and the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships is a test of skill and endurance, with thousands of dollars in prize money up for grabs for competitors. Bring the family to experience history coming back to life, in the sugar capital of Australia- the Burdekin region. The First Fire and Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships are held at the Home Hill Showgrounds, about one and a quarter hour's drive south of Townsville, and 15 minutes from Ayr. The Burdekin Cultural Fair is held next to the PCYC on Macmillan Street in Ayr.
30th May 2020 to 31st May 2020
Townsville Magneticon Cosplay and Gaming Expo
Townsville's first and largest Cosplay and Gaming Expo with exhibitors from all over Australia. A local event that allows those to find their alter ego and dress in their favourite character. Join in the fun and explore the many things to see and do over a massive two day fan fair.
11th June 2020 to 14th June 2020
Palm Creek Folk Festival
The Palm Creek Folk Festival is held annually on the first weekend on June starting on the Thursday and running until Sunday. The festival features live music from a cross section of musical genre's from artists and bands from all over Australia and internationally. The festival incorporates workshops, a Kids Festival, Youth live music stage, great market stalls, street theatre and performance art. The festival is snuggled at the foot of the Mount Surround at the Mountain View Caravan park on the Bruce Highway. The festival is run by the Townsville Folk and Acoustic Music Club.
26th June 2020 to 28th June 2020
Supercars Watpac Townsville 400
Soak up the colour and atmosphere of North Queensland’s largest annual sporting event at the 2020 Watpac Townsville 400, 26 to 28 June. The rivalry between Supercars teams has never been more intense, and at the halfway point in the Championship the racing is sure to be fierce including a stellar line up of support categories that will round out the on-track action. With a host of family entertainment both on and off the track, and free Trackside admission for kids 12 and under, you can bring the whole crew. Tickets at Ticketek.
15th July 2020 to 19th July 2021
Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef
Travellers from around the world come to the Great Barrier Reef, an Australian World Heritage Area, to explore its extraordinary diversity of animal and plant life. Coral reefs face a growing number of threats, from climate change and storm damage, to sediment and nutrient run-off. Join them on an Earthwatch expedition in the water around Magnetic Island to help scientists develop best-practice methods for coral recovery. On this expedition, participants can get involved through scuba or snorkel activities. You will assist researchers in making baseline measurements of environmental conditions, actively removing algae, deploying coral recruitment (settlement) tiles and assessing fish and invertebrate diversity and abundance. By joining this expedition, you’ll be at the forefront of active reef restoration science. You will assist researchers in experiments that aim to develop best practice methods for removing this macroalgae and allowing coral to regrow. You will be directly involved in filling in the gaps that will enable reef managers to make evidence-based decisions about active interventions that support the recovery of the Great Barrier Reef, and reefs all over the world. All accommodation, meals, transfers and research activities included.
26th July 2019 to 9th August 2020
Australian Festival of Chamber Music
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music presents the finest musicians from around the world in a wonderfully unique and innovative ten day program of 30 concerts set in the tropical winter warmth of Townsville, North Queensland. The Festival has been delighting audiences for almost 30 years and has earned an international reputation for the quality of its programming and performances along with its friendly, intimate and relaxed atmosphere. More than 40 musicians from all around the world travel to Townsville to perform in world exclusive combinations. There is truly nothing else like it in the world - the unique combination of music, winter warmth and tropical location create a special atmosphere that entices audiences and artists back year after year.
1st August 2020 to 2nd August 2020
McDonalds Townsville Running Festival
In a setting that sees the sunrise over Magnetic Island, the majestic coral sea, the sunset behind the iconic granite of Castle hill, they have picture-perfect prime real estate to bring you a Running Festival that stands like no other. The Townsville Marathon was started by a group of hardcore enthusiasts in 1972, who founded the “Townsville Marathon Club”. The name was a little exclusive and elitist so they toned it down somewhat to become “The Townsville Road Runners” which we all know and love today. In 1999, Townsville Road Runners aimed to raise the profile of running in the region by stepping into the unknown and hosting one of the countries first Running Festivals. The event has evolved into the premier and largest regional marathon in the state today. It is a regional event, with its own vibe, feel and unique welcoming allure, yet the certified racecourses, new race HQ at Jezzine Barracks and professionalism of the event coordinators bring a product on par, if not raising the bar, for major national events and a definite appeal for “race-chasers” and race hardened running purists alike. They are not just a run. They are an experience.
14th August 2020 to 23rd August 2020
Intersport Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival
Introducing the brand new Intersport Townsville Triathlon Festival Multisport Event. The TTF is entering its 18th year and is established as a significant race on the National Triathlon circuit as a World Age Group Qualifying Olympic Distance event. The Festival will host the Triathlon Queensland Club Championships North Queensland. The Townsville Triathlon Festival is the “Big Weekend” - a weekend of racing, fun and a full festival atmosphere with an array of events and activities to take part in across one massive weekend. Triathlon is one of the world’s fastest growing sports. Multisport events (Aquathon, Duathlon and Cross Tri) are set to be added to 2020 event schedule. The Festival will also offer dinner competitors entertainment options including the opening night ‘With The Stars’ dinner, the option to go to the North Queensland Cowboys home game on the Saturday night, and post event get together on the Sunday afternoon, as part of the “Big Weekend”.
14th August 2020 to 16th August 2020
North Queensland Elite Rodeo
North Queensland Elite Rodeo has changed to two nights of action packed Rodeo. 2019 Prize money was over $70,000. It is no longer invitational only. The aim of the event is to put the very best Rodeo athletes against the best Rodeo stock in the country. Our goal is to not only put on one of the greatest competitions for spectators but to also show junior and emerging rodeo stars that there is a pathway for this great sport.
29th August 2019 to 2nd September 2020
SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
Bringing together the excitement of competitive sailing and community events, along with the ambience of Magnetic Island each August/September, SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week offers an experience to remember. With top notch racing, live bands and partying galore, the shore side program of this annual regatta is sure to leave you wanting more year after year. You don't need to be a competitive sailor to participate in this great event, there is something available for everyone whether it be jumping onboard the a racing yacht or partying after dark with the crews at one of the social functions.
28th August 2020 to 30th August 2020
Townsville Expo 2020
Bring the family along and discover all the latest outdoor adventure gear and accessories plus home and lifestyle products at the 2020 Townsville Expo. Everything will be on display from the latest caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes to vehicles, camping accessories, holiday destinations and more! There’s so much to see across the weekend including great entertainment the whole family will love. They look forward to seeing you at the 2020 Townsville Expo.
12th September 2020 to 13th September 2020
Relay For Life 2020
Relay For Life is a fun and moving overnight experience that raises vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention, information and support services. Relay is a chance for the Townsville community to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, patients and their carers, to honour and remember loved ones lost to cancer and to raise money to help save more lives. Join the thousands of Australians who take part in Cancer Council’s Relay For Life each year in the fight against cancer: start or join a team in the Townsville 2020 Relay today!
19th September 2020
ICN Tropix North Queensland Championships
The Tropix is the largest regional fitness show in the country and continues to deliver the ultimate fitness experience to Townsville and surrounds. This event is the showcase of models, bikini divas, fitness models and body builders with something for the whole family of all ages. Now averaging over 350 entrants year on year the inspiration provided by this event is one you need to see. Situated in the iconic Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre the venue truly lends itself to showcasing the Townsville Region.
21st October 2020 to 25th October 2020
Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef expedition
Travellers from around the world come to the Great Barrier Reef, an Australian World Heritage Area, to explore its extraordinary diversity of animal and plant life. Coral reefs face a growing number of threats, from climate change and storm damage, to sediment and nutrient run-off. Join them on an Earthwatch expedition in the water around Magnetic Island to help scientists develop best-practice methods for coral recovery. On this expedition, participants can get involved through scuba or snorkel activities. You will assist researchers in making baseline measurements of environmental conditions, actively removing algae, deploying coral recruitment (settlement) tiles and assessing fish and invertebrate diversity and abundance. By joining this expedition, you’ll be at the forefront of active reef restoration science. You will assist researchers in experiments that aim to develop best practice methods for removing this macroalgae and allowing coral to regrow. You will be directly involved in filling in the gaps that will enable reef managers to make evidence-based decisions about active interventions that support the recovery of the Great Barrier Reef, and reefs all over the world. All accommodation, meals, transfers and research activities included.