Arts & Entertainment
Museum Of Tropical Queensland
Part of the Queensland Museum Network, Museum of Tropical Queensland delivers a snapshot of North Queensland with galleries telling the stories of World Heritage-listed rainforests, reefs and the tragic tale of HMS Pandora, the ship sent to capture the Bounty mutineers. Located in the heart of Townsville, the museum also explores life in the tropics from prehistoric times to the modern-day. The diverse range of exhibitions and displays are designed to captivate audiences of all ages, focussing on natural and cultural history, biodiversity, human science and much more. Relax and refuel waterside by enjoying a coffee, snack or light lunch during your visit at The Galley Cafe. Open daily from 10 am to 2 pm. The Museum Shop showcases a unique range of merchandise, contemporary homewares, jewellery, educational games and toys plus a variety of souvenirs to make your visit a memorable one! Townsville and regional residents receive discounted museum admission. All exhibitions are included with admission. Become an Annual Pass holder and receive unlimited entry to the museum for 12 months. Paid street parking is available outside the museum, and free parking (time limits apply) is available on The Strand, about 200 metres from the museum.
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Museum of Underwater Art - Coral Greenhouse
The John Brewer Reef ‘Coral Greenhouse’ is located in the heart of the Greater Barrier Reef Marine Park and is the largest MOUA installation thus far, sharing a message of reef conservation and restoration. It is the first-ever underwater building created by international underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, who hopes to advance education and offer opportunities for scientists, marine students and tourists to engage - either by snorkel or dive - in action-based learning and to conduct globally important research on coral reef restoration.
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Ancient Rome: The Empire that Shaped the World
Journey back in time and discover the legacy of the mighty Roman Empire in the nationally touring exhibition Ancient Rome: The Empire that Shaped the World. The exhibition highlights one of the most powerful civilisations in the history of humankind by showcasing replica art, machines and technology from the famous era. Created by internationally acclaimed Artisans of Florence, Italy the exhibition is made up of over 50 displays including frescoes, catapults, armour, busts and weapons all reconstructed from ancient Roman records. Visit to discover the lasting influence that the Roman Empire has had on modern society and technology.
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Antiquities Revealed
From the vault of the museum’s collection, Antiquities Revealed showcases objects from ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilisations, connecting you with the past and providing insights into daily life, personal dress, technology, beliefs, art and more. Marvel at the tiny, the intricate and the well-loved items of everyday life from centuries ago. Move through the Mediterranean, absorbing intriguing stories across space and time with more than 150 iconic objects. From the pottery used in daily life to the exquisitely adorned bell kraters (large mixing vessels) to fragments of mosaic pavement from Pompeii, see the remnants of peoples’ lives, passions, creativity and innovation.
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Australian Institute of Marine Science
The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is Australia’s tropical marine research agency. AIMS plays a pivotal role in providing large-scale, long-term and world-class research that helps governments, industry and the wider community to make informed decisions about the management of Australia’s marine estate. The Australian Institute of Marine Science's National Sea Simulator (SeaSim) is a world-class marine research aquarium facility for tropical marine organisms in which scientists can conduct cutting-edge research not previously possible in Australia. Members of the public are invited to join a free tour of their Cape Ferguson facility every Friday between March and November. Tours begin at 9.30am and end at approximately 11.45am. They include presentations on AIMS’ current research and a guided walk around the facilities, including a tour of the ‘world’s smartest aquarium’, the National Sea Simulator. Numbers are limited. Bookings are essential and close at 4pm on the Wednesday before the tour. Sturdy, closed footwear and a hat to protect against the sun are required. They also advise you to bring drinking water. A lunch is available for guests to purchase at the cafe after the tour. Please inform reception if you intend on staying for lunch when booking.
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Ayr Nature Display
The Ayr Nature Display is Australia's finest, preserved collection of butterflies, moths, beetles, crustaceans, seashells, reptiles, rocks, timber, aboriginal stone implements and fossils, especially ammonites, all under one roof. The Ayr Nature Display was conceived and arranged by Jess and Allan Ey. The display was opened to the public in 1966. The experience begins as you walk past feature walls decorated with North Queensland rocks at the front and the entrance of the display. 9,400 slabs cut with a lapidary saw were used. After traversing the entrance, you will walk into an exceptional display of thousands of specimens housed amazingly in a 4.9-metre by 28.4-metre room.
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Brandon Heritage Precinct
If your interests include machinery or history, make sure you visit the Brandon Heritage Precinct. With plenty on display, the complex is the base of the Burdekin Machine Preservationists. This group of machinery enthusiasts are happy to welcome visitors to view their collection of machinery, tractors and other relevant items of interest. The Brandon Heritage Precinct contains a Workshop area, Steam Shed and Blacksmith Shop and displays a collection of machinery that was used in the Burdekin District. The Burdekin Machine Preservationists have completed their restoration project of a 1910 Marshall C Class Tractor. This tractor, which is on display at the complex, is the only one of its class left in the world. Tours can be taken through the complex on Mondays between 9am and 4pm when the Burdekin Machine Preservationists are in attendance. Suggested entry is gold coin donation. They have a wealth of mechanical knowledge, so feel free to ask lots of questions.
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Burdekin Theatre
Located in the main street of Ayr - only one hour's drive south of Townsville - sits one of Australia's finest little proscenium arch Theatres. Every year, the Burdekin Theatre plays host to hundreds to live performances, conferences, meetings, festivals, exhibitions and local events. The Burdekin Theatre is undeniably the home of arts and entertainment in the Burdekin. Ensure you leave enough time before or after attending the live performance, conference or meeting as there is a number of art pieces to discover within the Theatre grounds.
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Central Village
Central Village showcases sidewalk cafes, open air dining, a pedestrian plaza, as well as abundant patron car parking. It's an ideal location to start your night out or take the family for dinner and a movie. Central Village includes: Birch Carroll and Coyle Cinemas, Flamin Good Pizza, Grand Central Cafe, Guzman Y Gomez, Hog's Breath Cafe, Sushi Kiyo, Snap Fitness and Touch of Utopia.
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Charters Towers Miner's Cottage
The Miner's Cottage is located in the historic precinct of old Charters Towers. Established in 1992 by the current owner, this quaint little cottage has become a "must see" attraction when visiting the city. Every year, over a thousand school children participate in the popular "gold panning" activity. for REAL alluvial gold. The cottage houses a private collection of unique curios from the district. Recently, a fully functioning blacksmith shop has been added to the range of things to experience. Handmade items are available for sale to help fund the enterprise. Bus groups are treated to a fascinating insight into the collection by the owner. Highly regarded on TripAdvisor due to the personal nature of the tours. The cottage is available for group bookings all year round. Opening hours vary depending on the time of year. The building itself is of historical significance, being a workers cottage with connections to early pioneering families. The tour guide is an experienced gold prospector with extensive knowledge in where to find gold. Gold Detectors are available for hire - on request, and training is part of the hire. This year, the blacksmith's shop has been commissioned to create a replica steam train/tram.
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Herbert River Museum
Learn about the history of the Hinchinbrook region and discover a treasure chest of historical artefacts at the Herbert River Museum. Located on Macrossan Street in Halifax, the Museum offers an interesting step back in time and is co-located with the local gallery. For those wanting to view more of their Local History, the Herbert River Museum and Gallery can be found in the old Shaw's Building, Macrossan Street, Halifax.
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Live Entertainment at Magnetic Island
Live music and evening entertainment is plentiful on Magnetic Island with terrific local talent ranging from rock to reggae. Base Magnetic Island hosts the IslandLife Party which has grown to become Australia's first Island based weekend festival! Headlined by Australian and international acts, the party brings a mix of locals and visitors to dance the night away. Magnetic Island also hosts the inaugural '40 hour Jammin' which consists of 40 hours of non-stop music where musicians are invited from around Australia are invited to attend and bring their instruments. For a night of family fun and a good laugh head to the Arcadia Island Tavern at 8 pm on a Wednesday night to witness the world famous Bufonidaes (cane toads) races. The concept of the race is simple. All the toads are placed in a plastic container in the centre of a circle, then the container is removed: the first toad to go outside the circle is the winner. If you love a good comedy cabaret show, enjoy a hilarious evening and delicious meal with the professional entertainers from Stage Door Theatre Restaurant.
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Maritime Museum of Townsville
Established in 1986 and located in Palmer Street, South Townsville, near the scenic mouth of Ross Creek, the Maritime Museum of Townsville collects and conserves objects and information about Townsville’s and North Queensland’s maritime heritage and presents and interprets its collections for the benefit of the local community, education and tourism.
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Museum of Underwater Art - Ocean Siren
The inaugural sculpture in the Southern Hemisphere’s first Museum of Underwater Art, the 'Ocean Siren' is installed alongside North Queensland’s iconic Strand Jetty in Townsville. 'Ocean Siren' is modelled on local Wulgurukaba Traditional Owner Takoda Johnson, with a vision to inspire reef and ocean conservation action and achieve positive environmental outcomes. The ‘Ocean Siren’ reacts to live water temperature data from the Davies Reef weather station on the Great Barrier Reef and changes colour in response to live variations in water temperature.
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National Trust Heritage Centre
Journey back to the late 1880s and discover a quaint collection of heritage houses and their stories at the National Trust Heritage Centre. The three heritage houses featured at the centre have been furnished and restored to their original period glory and include a Worker's Dwelling (1878), a grand villa residence known as The Currajong (1889) and an early North Queensland farm residence known as The Farmhouse (1921). Guided tours are available.
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Old Brandon Church
The Old Brandon Church is the place to go if you love historic buildings. Formerly Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, the building is listed on the Registers of both the National Estate and the National Trust of Queensland. This excellent example of a 'carpenter Gothic' church has stood on two sites in Brandon. After severe damage from cyclone Aivu in 1989, it was purchased by the Burdekin Shire Council, and in 1991 moved to its present site. It has been loving restored and is an excellent subject for structural photography. On Mondays, combine your visit to see this beautiful building with a visit to the Burdekin Machinery Preservationist's shed right next door. The Old Brandon Church is an hour's drive south of Townsville, and five minutes north of Ayr.
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Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Housed in one of Townsville’s finest heritage buildings, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is a dynamic visual arts centre and has a significant collection of North Queensland art. It is Townsville’s foremost gallery with an exciting and diverse program of local, national and international exhibitions, with a special focus on exhibitions featuring North Queensland artists. Floor talks, lectures, education programs and performances of music, theatre and dance supplement exhibitions. The Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is located in the heart of the city centre on the corner of Flinders Mall and Denham Street.
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Pinnacles Gallery
Pinnacles Gallery is a dynamic art space committed to offering a diverse exhibition program with a strong community focus. Pinnacles Gallery is located in Townsville's premier Riverway precinct in Thuringowa, providing a perfect backdrop for you to enjoy local and touring exhibitions of visual arts, craft, social history and more. Once you have browsed the latest exhibition, take a swim in Riverway lagoon, stroll along the riverfront under the shade of the large rain trees or catch a performance at the Riverway Arts Centre.
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Sciencentre
Unleash your inner scientist at the Sciencentre at the Museum of Tropical Queensland. A discovery-zone with plenty of fun where you can get hands on with a range of interactive exhibits and discover how science challenges the human body, exercises the brain and stimulates the senses. Explore the world of science through play. Follow your curiosity, ask questions, test your ideas and use your imagination in this exciting, interactive and experience-rich environment. Challenge your friends, solve puzzles and learn about how science is a part of the things we do every day. Be curious. Be a scientist at Sciencentre.
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Stock Exchange Arcade
Imagine back to the days of the 1800s, when the gold rush was at its prime and the township of Charters Towers was the second largest city in Queensland. An arcade was designed by Sydney architect Mark Day and built by Sandbrook Brothers of Sydney in 1888 for local civic leader and businessman Alexander Malcolm. Known then as the Royal Arcade, it housed one of Australia's first regional stock exchanges, the Charters Towers Stock Exchange from 1890. At one time the price of gold was set in that very Arcade, an indication of the importance of the Charters Towers' economy at the time. Today, the stockbroker's offices have been converted into shops and make for an interesting insight into the buildings history. Wander through the Don Roderick Gallery, enjoy the building's magnificent architecture and don't miss the "Calling of the Card," a ghostly reminder of Charters Towers' golden days.
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Street Art Trail - Augmented Reality
Discover the Street Art movement in Townsville’s CBD! The Street Art Walking Trail: Augmented Reality edition takes you on a virtual journey of street art. As you walk through the city’s streets and alleyways, watch out for stickers on the ground or wall nearby. Follow the instructions on the sticker to see the artworks transform! All artworks on the trail have been commissioned through a range of local, national and world-renowned artists by Townsville City Council. A must-see experience. Download your FREE map via the website. The Street Art scene is ever-evolving - for the specially dedicated urban explorer, keep your eyes peeled for new works.
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The Painting of Life by Mirka Mora
The Painting of Life, by renowned artist Mirka Mora, is a must-see. It is the largest of Mirka Mora's works on permanent public display in Queensland. It measures 5.7 metres across, and 6.1 metres in height. Brightly coloured, her unique style is seen in the animals, birds, patterns and designs. Take a close look at all the sections of the mural to see some of the history and stories of the Burdekin area. You may even find a mythical creature or two. The painting was created on scaffolding in the foyer of the Burdekin Theatre in 1983. The progress was viewed by many people who came to watch. Upon completion of the Burdekin Library the following year, it was installed in its current location. On show in the Burdekin Library Ayr, you are invited to view the artwork during opening hours, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 1pm.
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The World Theatre
Explore the World Theatre, a cultural complex where the unique blend of heritage architecture and state of the art technology meet. Browse at your own leisure and check with the friendly staff for details of the live shows, movie times, morning melodies and the free local and touring exhibitions of art, sculpture, photography and more. For an interesting insight into the past ask the staff to tell you the story of the 'Murder on Mosman'.
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Townsville Museum and Historical Society
The Townsville Museum and Historical Society has two large exhibition halls displaying artefacts relating to Townsville's medical, artistic, technological and social history. It is located in the suburb of Currajong, in the former Traffic Training Centre building. As well as its extensive artefact collections, the Museum also owns a large number of photographs and plans of Townsville and a more limited collection of documents and books relating to North Queensland. A recent new acquisition is a journal written by Elizabeth O'Brien, widow of Clifford O'Brien, who was drowned in the sinking of the Yongala off the north Queensland coast in 1911. This journal and Elizabeth's story is on permanent display in Hall 2.
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Townsville Street Art
Townsville's city centre has been transformed into a Street Art haven! Explore streets, alleys and laneways to see vibrant displays at every turn, from pops of colour to mega murals. Visit the Townsville Visitor Information Centre along Flinders Street to collect a free copy of your Street Art Walking Trail map, and be sure to have your camera at the ready.
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TYTO Wetlands
Experience the natural beauty and tranquil environment of TYTO Wetlands, a unique 90-hectare natural wetland which is home to over 245 species of birds, native Australian wildlife and numerous tropical plant species. Take a leisurely stroll along the four kilometres of walkways and stop along the way to enjoy the lookouts and viewing platforms. TYTO Wetlands is located just 500 metres from the township of Ingham and situated just a few hundred metres off the Bruce Highway down Cooper Street; TYTO Wetlands is a carefully preserved natural environment that integrates lagoons, walking tracks and native flora. The area is named after the endangered Eastern Grass Owl (TYTO Longimembris) TYTO meaning monkey faced owl that can be found in the Hinchinbrook Shire, one of the few places in the world where this owl can be spotted regularly. These owl can be seen leaving their grassy habitat just on dusk. The TYTO Precinct also features an interactive and informative Visitor Information Centre, Regional Art Gallery, Parklands, Conference Centre and Library.
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Zara Clark Museum
This National Trust museum houses a large collection of photographs, equipment and other memorabilia that reflects Charters Towers' golden and military past. Their friendly volunteers are only too willing to share their special stories and demonstrate some of the equipment that is housed in the historic Burns Philp building, built in 1888. Ask for a demonstration of the flying fox (the Lampson Aerial Cash System from the old Pollards building). There are many other items too that will pull you into the drama and excitement that was Charters Towers 130 odd years ago. History buffs and collectors can put themselves to the test with the Museum's display of objects that so far have defied efforts to identify or date and the volunteers are delighted to show them off. Charters Towers has a proud military history from the Boer to Vietnam wars, housed in the Charles Wallace Military display. One of the more poignant pieces from World War I is a pair of half knitted socks, abandoned when a mum received news that her son had been killed, they are displayed exactly as she left them 100 years ago. Allow half an hour at least.
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