Nature & Wildlife
Hinchinbrook Adventures
Hinchinbrook Adventures provides aerial scenic tours of the Hinchinbrook region. Their scenic tours showcase the regions natural beauty and offers their clients a chance to view all of the natural wonders in a timely and exciting way. They also offer a Helifishing tour into the remote and untouched wilderness of the Herbert River Gorge. This experience is unique to their company and immerses the client into this special location offering a very unique fishing experience. Hinchinbrook Adventures also operate a Mother ship fishing charter that operates in the magnificent Hinchinbrook Channel fishery. This fishing mecca is renowned for its many species of prized fish. This charter is an awesome way of accessing its many and varied fishing locations.
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Bungalow Bay Wildlife Experience
Eco Accredited Bungalow Bay allows guests to learn and importantly get up close and personal with our unique wildlife, a key principle in teaching important conservation messages. Daily tours conducted with onsite rangers offering local stories and personal experiences with our native Australian Wildlife. Currently, they are running one tour departing daily at 10:30 am with a local ranger showcasing Magnetic Island best wildlife experience. You will get the chance to interact and learn about turtles, pythons, wombats, lizards, crocodiles and importantly Magnetic Islands Icon – Our Koala’s Pebbles, Thor and new rescue koala edition Amaroo who has just turned three. -Educational wildlife experience’s and meet the rangers -Suitable for all ages – please note children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian -Small personalised tours - Family owned and operated for over 17 years on Magnetic Island - Advanced Eco Tourism status and member of Australia’s Zoo and Aquarium Association who advises of up to date covid plans for parks. Bungalow Bay's commitment is to deliver an informative presentation with our Australian Wildlife. Please note koala interactions are through education and our rangers, photos are not available during this tour with the welfare of our animals a priority for our local team of rangers.
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Townsville Helicopters
After a truly memorable holiday experience? At Townsville Helicopters, they're lucky enough to get to see the region's stunning natural features on a daily basis, and they'd love to show you its best-kept secrets! See Townsville City from a new perspective, explore secluded coastlines, join them for the ultimate fishing adventure, or be whisked away to your own private island. They've put together a wide range of experiences to accommodate different budgets and itineraries and have scenic tours and charters running 7 days a week. Popular trips include their half-hour tour of Magnetic Island, the Cape Cleveland Lighthouse scenic flight, a getaway with the Havannah Island Escape or the exclusive 9 Islands Experience. For the adventurers, you could do a Trial Introductory Flight and fly the helicopter yourself! They can also take you further afield with transfers and packages available for a range of sought-after holiday locations along the coast and inland, or let them organise a custom charter flight - the destinations are almost limitless! Townsville Helicopters is a 100% locally owned company providing a range of helicopter services including scenic flights, customised charters, island transfers, holiday packages, aerial work and helicopter pilot training.
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Pilgrim Sailing - Magnetic Island
Pilgrim Sailing is one of Magnetic Island's premium experiences provider offering exclusive sailing cruises on a luxury 58-foot yacht. Step on board and forget about the real world for a while. As the yacht sails peacefully along, you soak in the views of the stunning Magnetic Island coastline and enjoy some delicious local food and wine.
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Magnetic Islands BEST Bus Tours
Magnetic Islands BEST Bus Tours provide a comprehensive, personal day tour of beautiful Magnetic Island. Commentary by a friendly, knowledgeable local tour guide covers, wildlife, flora, geology, folk lore, attractions and more. Many creatures are sighted and there is even interaction with some. They depart from right outside the Island ferry terminal six days a week. Two tours a day are offered July to September.
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Aquascene Magnetic Island
One of Queensland's Signature Tour Experiences, multi award-winning Aquascene are renowned for their exceptional tour experiences. Discover special places you won't find on your own and create connections with real people and special places as family owned Aquascene share with you this beautiful Island they have called their home for over 35 years. They offer their guests fun, personalised and informative tours exploring the iconic beauty of Magnetic Island.....suitable for absolutely everyone! Discover secluded beaches and bays, snorkel fringing coral reefs and meet some local wildlife, above and below the water. Benefit from expert tuition for snorkelling in a safe and comfortable environment from people who understand individual needs. Your hosts are qualified patrolling lifeguards. Learn about the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef with a "Master Reef Guide". Aquascene's custom designed boat provides plenty of shade and comfort, easy access stairs in and out of the water and a toilet/change room. Suitable for guests who may have mobility challenges. There are no long travel times, just plenty of fun and relaxation. From the moment you arrive, to the moment you leave you will be looked after by the friendly caring team that Aquascene are renowned for.
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Big Mama Sailing
Big Mama Sailing is owned and operated by a small family (Stu, Lisa, Fletcher and boat dog Coco). They offer a personalised and memorable sailing experience for small exclusive groups on a Half Day, Full Day Tour, Sunset Sailing and Private Charters. They operate from both Townsville and Magnetic Island on board their two sailing vessels, Big Mama and Ragamuffin 111. Bring your own alcohol is welcome. Big Mama is a beautiful and well maintained Adams Ketch. They live on board, so they are welcoming you into their home. Big Mama has plenty of deck space to relax in a bean bag, a comfortable inside saloon area or join in the fun and action of sailing and other water activities. Ragamuffin 111 , has a colourful history of racing, well known for her involvement in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. This vessel has been restored and offers a unique experience for small groups, water activities included and Bring Your Own beverages and meals is welcome. Big Mama Sailing offers an unforgettable experience!
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Billabong Sanctuary
Billabong Sanctuary offers Australia’s Best Interactive Wildlife Experience! Located just 20 minutes south of Townsville on Highway 1A , Queensland, it features native animals in natural habitats of eucalypt forest, rainforest and wetlands. As a small boutique park, it specialises in memorable personal experiences. Get up close to a koala, pat a wombat, pose with a parrot, pat a dingo, and feed the cassowaries. You could even hold a baby saltwater crocodile! There are three walk-through enclosures where kangaroos and pademelons will hop up for a pat. Most interactive experiences are free-of-charge and you can use your own camera to capture the moment. Throughout the day Rangers present dynamic and impassioned wildlife talks, which are both inspiring and entertaining. A new Roving Rangers feature brings animals up close to family groups for a friendly chat and photo opportunities. Daily croc-feeding shows are thrilling to watch, as these mighty reptiles power out of the water to snatch their food. The focus on conservation has earned Billabong Sanctuary Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation.
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Yongala Dive
Yongala Dive is a PADI Dive Resort offering a full range of Dive Courses, Dive Accommodation and Day Trips to one of the world's top dive sites- the historic S.S. Yongala Wreck. In 1911 it sank without trace in a tragic cyclonic event. All 122 people on board died and a legend was born. It would be another 50 years before the coral encrusted structure was found and today it is one of the world's most renowned dive sites and an adventure from start to finish. Departing daily from the sleepy village of Alva Beach, only 16 kilometres from Ayr and 90 minutes drive south of Townsville, Yongala Dive will take you on an unique adventure - premier diving with a maximum of 12 people, experienced dive staff and a beach launch - getting there is half the adventure!
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Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks
Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks is an eco-friendly way to explore Magnetic Island up close and enjoy our beautiful island paradise. Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks two hour sunset kayaking adventure is great for paddlers that want to beat the heat, spotting turtles around the coral beds in Whitelady bay. A popular tour for paddlers of all fitness levels and we explore many locations that are only accessible by water! Their half-day morning tour is for the more adventurous with the tour taking you around the northern tip of the island to discover the rugged beauty of the coastline in Magnetic Island’s World Heritage National and Marine Park. Free photography is also provided on the tour and is sent to all guests at the end of the paddle.
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North Queensland Tours - World Heritage Rainforest
Join Award-Winning Local Tour Guides on Townsville's Ultimate Rainforest Experience, providing small personalised day tours in a luxury seven-seater 4WD. Discover this beautiful World Heritage Rainforest region as family-owned North Queensland Tours take you on a journey to embrace the natural beauty and forget about the world around you. Learn about the World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest with Wet Tropics Ambassadors. Escape the city and relax in the cool mountain air, taking in the spectacular views.
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Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive
Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive is one of Townsville's longest established dive training and marine tourism operators. They specialise in providing snorkelling and diving trips as well as training of divers. Join them today and dive the spectacular SS Yongala Wreck, or snorkel and dive the Great Barrier Reef. The SS Yongala Wreck is one of Australia's best dive sites! The Yongala Wreck is a national historical wreck that lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The wreck begins at 16 m below the surface and sits on a sandy bottom at 30 m. The artefacts, marine life and variety of corals that cover the wreck are spectacular. This is a must-do dive for all certified divers! Or visit the pristine Reefs located on the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef with their friendly and professional crew. Both snorkelers and divers will be exhilarated witnessing the spectacular marine life that our reefs have to offer whilst being immersed in tropical crystal clear water. As the first of its kind in the Southern hemisphere, MOUA will act to highlight reef conservation, restoration, and education on a global scale. The site located on John Brewer Reef is rich in history, with a strong connection to our indigenous culture and marine tourism. The Coral Greenhouse – is a bucket list trip no one should miss!
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Townsville North Queensland
The best holidays are the ones that leave you feeling energised and alive. Townsville North Queensland gives you that feeling with a collection of destinations and attractions to spark everyone's curiosity. The best place to begin your exploration is Townsville city. Beneath the protective presence of Castle Hill, Townsville City combines federation architecture with modern fine dining like no other Queensland city. If it's nature you like, don't miss a walk through Northern Australia's largest colony of wild koalas on Magnetic Island. The remarkable Forts Walk is the best vantage point for wildlife, spectacular rocky coves and historic military sites. Your history lesson continues with a short drive to iconic Charters Towers. Feel the fervour of the gold rush with a trip to The Miner's Cottage where you might just strike it lucky when panning for gold. A little further south is the Burdekin, the sugar capital of Australia. Sample the legendary Burdekin produce or try your hand at barramundi fishing in the Burdekin River estuaries! The last destinations to explore are the ancient and awe-inspiring rainforests of Townsville North Queensland. Swim in the crystal clear waterholes of Crystal Creek, stare with amazement at Wallaman Falls in the Hinchinbrook region - the largest single-drop waterfall in Australia.
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'9 Islands' Scenic Experience - Townsville Helicopters
A truly unique experience - take in the breathtaking views of the Greater Palm group of islands in your private helicopter before landing on a secluded beach on Havannah Island to soak up the atmosphere. An underappreciated natural beauty, this pristine group of islands feature mountainous peaks with lush rainforest descending to the edge of the ocean and are fringed by shallow reefs with abundant marine life. It's hard to put into words how spectacular it is - you really have to see it for yourself! Lifting off over Rowes Bay, you'll travel past the west point of Magnetic Island before crossing the open waters of Halifax Bay towards the Palm Island group. Once you arrive at Great Palm Island (Bwgcolman) you'll circle around the islands, the route taking you past: -Great Palm (Bwgcolman) -Curacao (Noogoo or Inoogoo) -Fantome (Eumilli) -Orpheus (Goolboddi) -Pelorus (Yanooa or Guyroogarrie) -Esk (Soopun) -Brisk (Culgarul) -Fly Island and multiple fringing reefs, before setting down on the sandy beaches of uninhabited Havannah Island. Here you'll have up to 45 minutes on the ground to explore, enjoy a picnic in paradise or dip you toes in the water before heading back, flying past Herald and Rattlesnake Islands and along the coast before landing in town. They can also depart from and drop off at Magnetic Island with slight alternations to the tour.
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Alva - Lynch's Beach
Alva is a relaxed Burdekin location, 15 minutes drive from Ayr. Holiday houses and permanent residences fill the township, with Alva Beach a short stroll over the sand dune. A lookout area is located to the right as you enter the township. At low tide Alva Beach makes for excellent exploring, with lots of small crabs, shells and birdlife. Outer sand bars create inshore lagoon areas popular with kite surfers on weekends. The beach is also popular for fishing, with many anglers bringing in decent catches to show off. On weekends during summer, the beach is patrolled by members of the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club. Located here since 1926, the club is one of North Queensland's oldest surf clubs. Care needs to be taken if swimming, due to changeable conditions and marine stingers. Alva's Yongala Dive operates a Dive Shop and accommodation, specialising in PADI dive courses, with day trips out to the SS Yongala wreck. This world renowned dive is one of the best on the Great Barrier Reef. Alva Beach Tourist Park has a kiosk. If you're spending the day at Alva, bring a picnic or barbecue lunch to enjoy in the park near the surf club.
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Anderson Park Botanic Gardens
Anderson Gardens is the largest of Townsville's botanic gardens, offering 25 hectares of fauna and flora to explore. Wander through the collection of garden displays or find a shady spot to sit back and relax. Centrally located in Mundingburra, the Garden contains fine specimens of tropical trees, palms and Pandanus. The World Cycad Garden, Grand Avenues and Tropical Orchard are of particular note. A representative collection of Cape York Peninsula rainforest specimens is displayed along with native plants and flora of the dry tropical regions of the world. Anderson Gardens were named in appreciation of the work of William Anderson, City of Townsville's first Curator of Parks from 1878 to 1934. Anderson Gardens is a quiescent beauty amongst Townsville's abundant natural attractions. The Gardens are open to the public between sunrise and sunset. Gates will be closed at other times.
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Anzac Park, Ayr
At the top of Anzac Park, the Ayr War Memorial takes pride of place. It commemorates those who died in service in various theatres of war including the First and Second World Wars, and Korean and Vietnam Wars. A rotunda is situated nearby. The all-abilities playground in Anzac Park has a variety of playground equipment, and is fully fenced. This is a fantastic place to let the children shake off a car trip, use up some energy, and get some fresh air. Stretch out and watch the kids enjoy themselves. The Sway Fun Swing allows children in wheelchairs to join in the fun. Only one street back from Ayr's main street, there are plenty of nearby meal outlets and cafes. Bring a picnic for the family, or use the sheltered barbecues.
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Arcadia at Magnetic Island
Arcadia is perfectly situated in the smallest of the four main bays on Magnetic Island, and is surrounded by the prominent Alma Bay and Geoffrey Bay. Geoffrey Bay is a Marine National Park Zone - which means no fishing or collecting - but is great for exploring during low tide. The old barge jetty is a great spot for feeding rock wallabies at dusk. Alma Bay is a very popular swimming spot for local and visitors alike. The Arcadian Life Saving Club patrols the beach on weekends and public holidays. Public amenities include a gas barbecue, picnic tables, shaded children's playground, changing areas and toilets. Alma Bay is famous for its ANZAC Day Commemorations. Real-life soldiers from the Thirty-Fifth Field Squadron (Reservist Engineers) annually re-enact the events that took place and make a dawn landing right on the beach.
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Arthur Bay
Arthur Bay is located on the north-east corner of Magnetic Island. With neighbouring bays Florence and just a short walk from the iconic Forts walk; Arthur Bay is the perfect location for lunch or a swim. With fringing reefs out-skirting Arthur Bay, don't forget to pack your snorkel gear. With less traffic than the main beaches, Arthur Bay is perfect for sun lovers to immerse and relax under the cover of the granite boulders and native hoops pines that surround the bay. Within a short walk, you can find one of the most iconic photo locations of Magnetic Island. Arthur Bay lookout is a 200 metre walk from the bay and showcases the island's natural untouched landscape. Koala's, rock wallabies, possums and more visit this bay and you can quite often see whales visiting these waters in the right season. The beach house at Arthur Bay is the only property in the whole of Arthur Bay and is located 20 metres from the home. The house is available to book as a holiday home.
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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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Balgal Beach
Balgal Beach forms part of the popular Northern Beaches district of Townsville North Queensland. Offering a superb sand beach and secure swimming in the stinger net from November to May, Balgal is ideal for a relaxing day by the ocean or a fun way to spend time with the whole family. The area is also a renowned river fishing location. For those wishing to explore deeper and head out to the Great Barrier Reef, Balgal Beach provides excellent boat ramp facilities and easy access to the spectacular Palm Island group. There are a number of licensed cafés and accommodation available in the area including holiday units and designated tent camping and vehicle camping areas. Please note, for access to the free RV camping site you must book online.
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Bluewater
Pack a picnic and relax by the picturesque fresh water creek at Bluewater. Access to the creek is via the Bluewater Store (near the bridge), or Bluewater Park. Facilities include barbecues, toilets, showers and play equipment and a designated area is available for limited free tent and vehicle camping. This must be booked online with townsville.bookable.net.au The Urban Forest is adjacent to Bluewater Park. There is a fitness trail over 800 metres long with eight activity stations located along a pathway surrounded by over 7000 trees. A boat ramp is also available off Bluewater Drive, via Jaloonda Road.
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Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest
In the scenic Herbert River Valley, Abergowrie State Forest features tropical rainforest, open eucalypt forest and exotic pine plantations adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Broadwater is a large grassy clearing, shaded by tall eucalypts, beside the cool waters of Broadwater Creek. Set up camp and relax in the peaceful surroundings. Book camping well in advance for holiday periods. Stroll along the 1.6 kilometre return Rainforest walk through endangered riparian rainforest and check out the huge old Broadwater fig. Try the longer three kilometre return Creek walk through eucalypt and riparian forest to the delightful pools along Broadwater Creek. Cool off with a swim in the pools in the creek. Birdwatch in the rainforest and look for wallabies in the open forest in the afternoons. Image credits: Qld Govt
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Bungalow Bay Wildlife Park
Eco Accredited Bungalow Bay allows guests to learn and importantly get close and personal with the unique Australian wildlife. Two tours depart daily at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm with local rangers showcasing Magnetic Island best wildlife experience plus Breakfast with the Koalas. You will get the chance to interact and learn about turtles, pythons, wombats, lizards, crocodiles and importantly, Magnetic Island’s Icon – Their Koala’s Pebbles, Thor and new rescue koala edition Amaroo who has just turned three.
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Burdekin Diorama
The Burdekin Diorama is a shady location to stretch your legs and discover the Burdekin's rich heritage. Easy to find, it's an interesting stop with pleasant surrounds. The Burdekin delta sits atop an amazing resource - the aquifer, a ground source of fresh water replenished by the Burdekin River. The Burdekin Diorama explains this managed system through maps, photos, diagrams and charts. Excellent resources and hard working people are what it takes to make a region prosper and the Burdekin district knows the good fortune of both. The local sugar cane industry, with its original hand cane cutters, plays a major role in the area's history and prosperity. The Burdekin Diorama provides a glimpse into the journey of the Burdekin's sugar cane industry. Five stainless steel informational panels shine a further light on the people, events and work that impacted the region's history. The Burdekin Diorama is located near Home Hill's Inkerman Sugar Mill, on the southern side of the Burdekin River Bridge and is just over an hour’s drive south of Townsville.
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Bushland Beach
Bushland Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach in a suburban area, with visitor accommodation and facilities available. Ideal for fishing, swimming, walking and water activities. Low tide uncovers an old wooden shipwreck. The beach is well serviced with a resort, barbecue facilities, playgrounds and a boat ramp. Bushland Beach is part of the Northern Beaches area of Townsville, located 25 minutes drive from Townsville's central business district. Access to Bushland Beach is via a turnoff along the Bruce Highway.
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Cape Cleveland Scenic Flight - Townsville Helicopters
Located at the eastern edge of Cleveland Bay, Cape Cleveland is a oft-overlooked natural local beauty, with stunning red cliffs, waters teaming with marine life, and a picturesque lighthouse at the tip of the cape. Your trip will start with views of Townsville City, The Strand and Magnetic Island as you lift off and head out over the open waters of Cleveland Bay towards the cape. Along the way you'll enjoy views of the coastline with creeks snaking through green coastal foliage and salt pans, and a backdrop of mountain ranges passing by. Once you've crossed the bay, the cape will show off it's varied coastline with views of Mount Cleveland, hidden sandy beaches and spectacular cliffs that tumble into the ocean. You'll end your visit with an aerial circuit of the Cape Cleveland Lighthouse - a heritage listed working lighthouse, built in 1879 and utilised during the second world war as an observation post. Keep an eye out for the sea turtles and dugongs that call the area home. You'll then head home back across the bay to Townsville City, with fantastic views of Castle Hill greeting you on arrival.
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Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park
Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park was a quarantine station in the early 1900s and a strategic defence location in World War II. Nestled in a scenic coastal location amongst open woodland and vine thickets, the historic quarantine station, established in 1915, was initially used to quarantine passengers on incoming ships. During World War II the area became a strategic defence location. Concrete structures were built on the headland in 1943 to protect Townsville and the harbour from raiding enemy ships. American and Australian armies set up camps on nearby beaches and used the Quarantine Station as a hospital. Spend time in the station's historic display centre to find out more about the quarantine days. Then set off on foot or by mountain bike to explore the shared Cape Pallarenda Trails to enjoy scenic coastal views and discover the historic World War II structures on Cape Pallarenda headland. Choose from short strolls to longer hikes or rides around the slopes of Many Peak Range. Explore picturesque beaches and forested slopes of Many Peak Range. Enjoy a picnic on the foreshore. Look for wallabies, lizards and many kinds of birds in the woodland.
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Castle Hill
Just metres short of a mountain, Castle Hill is the giant pink granite monolith that stands proud in the centre of Townsville - a perfect place for visitors to orientate themselves. Castle Hill offers vehicle access as well as a number of popular walking tracks, which are frequented by more than 2,500 locals a day! The 360-degree views of Townsville at the top are well worth the journey. Be sure to have a camera on hand, particularly for sunrise or sunset as these are photo opportunities that shouldn't be missed. Apart from being an iconic centrepiece for the city and a lookout for spectacular scenic views, Castle Hill has a significant history. The Hill's vantage was used by visiting American soldiers during World War II. According to local legend, the visitors famously offered to demolish the hill and use the rock to build a bridge to Magnetic Island. A World War II observation bunker sits on one corner of the Hill reminding visitors of Castle Hill's military history. Castle Hill facilities include car parking, public amenities, drink fountains and shaded seating to enjoy while taking in some of the best views of the city and across to Magnetic Island.
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Centenary Park
Step back in time to the days of the gold rush when you visit Centenary Park in Charters Towers. This popular park space features a gold discovery monument and a collection of sculptures created by Queensland Artist, Hugh Anderson. Make sure you take a picture of the Bat Statue created and designed as part of the 2013 LATTE Exhibition. Centenary Park features an interesting history, with the area first announced for public purposes in 1888. In 1941 the last Gazette Order in Council set aside the area as a reserve for park purposes and named it "Sayers Park" after Robert John Sayers. From the city's very early days, Centenary Park was called "Harvey's Reserve", no doubt because Joseph Harvey, a local butcher, built and lived in "Tower Villa", an old Queenslander style home that still faces out over the north east corner of the Reserve. During 1972 the Park was re-named "Centenary Oval" as part of the city's centenary celebrations. Centenary Park features picnic tables, toilets, gas barbecues, a children's playground, liberty swing, lit walking tracks and is always cool and shady.
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Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens
Throw down a picnic rug and relax by one of the many water features Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens offers while spotting the array of wildlife nearby. These lush gardens are home to a diverse range of wildlife, from long neck turtles, mangrove jack, barramundi, eels, redclaw and prawns to bowerbirds, barking owls, fig birds, ducks, cormorants, egrets, butterflies and a range of beetles and lizards. Whether you are walking the dog or taking the kids out for a ride on their bikes or scooters, Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens has a number of well maintained walking paths set amongst gorgeous scenery that is perfect for an afternoon stroll. Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens offers ample parking, wheelchair access and barbecue facilities.
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Fishing at Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is an angler's dream with a catch virtually guaranteed! Sit back, throw in a line and enjoy the rush of reeling in your latest bite. What a catch it can be; 22-pound Coral Trout and 44-pound Spanish Mackerel are among the trophies happy fishermen have taken home. If you want to gain some local insight, take a fishing tour. This is also a great option to explore areas only accessible by boat. Alternatively, head to one of the local stores and grab some fresh bait to try your luck at one of the beaches, rocky points and inshore waters. In these spots you are likely to discover bream, flathead, whiting, queen fish and trevally; not to mention the incredible beach views and rocky settings the environment offers. Head to Nobby Head, the rocks of Bright Point or the Picnic Bay Jetty for some of the best fishing locations. If you have a boat some of the best fishing spots around Magnetic Island include Middle Reef, West Point, Orchard Rocks and Palmosa and Argonant wrecks near Horseshoe Bay. Boats are available for hire if required and boat ramps are located in Picnic, Nelly and Horseshoe Bays.
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Fishing on Hinchinbrook Island
Discover an island with a Jurassic outlook which abounds in flora, fauna, palm fringed beaches and extensive mangrove lined waterways. Hinchinbrook Island offers extensive flats and channel systems which are home to many prime tropical sportfish. This region boasts one of the few places in Australia where that much prized fly fishing adversary, the Permit (Snub Nosed Dart), can be targeted with some level of anticipation. Fishing with the majestic backdrop of Hinchinbrook Island is spectacular enough, but to be able to target good quality sportfish including barramundi, mangrove jacks, trevally, queenfish, salmon, fingermark, grunter and cod, makes this a fishing experience you'll never forget. Due to the magnificent mangrove environment, relative isolation in comparison to waters closer to Cairns and the lack of fishing pressure, this region is renowned for producing quality sportfish that are of a better average size than more heavily fished locations. The surrounding areas of Lucinda and Cardwell also offer great land based fishing with Duncan Wharf, Lucinda Wharf, Taylor's and Forrest Beaches being popular hot spots.
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Forrest Beach
Escape life's hustle and bustle and spend some time relaxing on Forrest Beach. Enjoy the long sandy beach front which overlooks Orpheus Island and the Palm Island group, or take a swim in the patrolled beach which also features stinger net protection during the summer months. Forrest Beach has a hotel/motel, caravan park and self-contained units. There are a small number of shops where essential items can be purchased.
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Geoffrey Bay
This bay is a must do on Magnetic Island. Located in Arcadia, Geoffrey Bay has a number of activities suited to all age groups. The resident allied rock wallabies frequent Geoffrey Bay and can be often seen around sunrise and sunset jumping from rock to rock and greeting tourists. Recommended as one of the best 10 snorkelling spots in Queensland. Magnetic Island has developed two snorkel trails for visitors to enjoy. Before you head to the beach, pick up a self-guided snorkel trail card from one the surrounding retail outlets. The Geoffrey Bay Snorkel trail takes you to the Moltke wreck, and further passed a propeller off a WWII bomber jet. A variety of fish and coral life can be seen on the trail. Geoffrey Bay is a historic staple to Magnetic Island with the original car ferry ramp which is still used to this day. Follow underneath the teetering rock and make your way to the ruins of the old Arcadia Jetty. Don't forget to look over the edge and see if you can spot some of the tropical fish that frequent Geoffrey Bay.
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Groper Creek
Groper Creek is a laidback location, where you can sit back, relax and unwind. You can launch your tinnie from the boat ramp, or fish from the jetty. The area is well known for its fantastic fishing and crabbing. Groper Creek is located towards the mouth of the Burdekin River about 15 kilometres from Home Hill. Head out along Groper Creek Road and you'll travel past sugar cane farms, and through a wetland area full of birds and wildlife. Have a look around the Groper Creek settlement, at the huts built high on stumps. The kiosk and the public phone box are also up high. Bring your camera, as these buildings have their own personality! With the caravan park on the banks of the creek, if you decide to stay longer, check in, set yourself up and enjoy the surroundings.
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Gubulla Munda
A popular place in the Burdekin for visitors to take photos is located in Plantation Park, Ayr. The giant carpet snake is an impressive feature, and makes a fantastic backdrop. This 60 metre artwork depicts Gubulla Munda, the Aboriginal totem and the protective spirit for the Birri Gubba people. Gubulla Munda holds sacred cultural and spiritual significance to the Traditional Owners. Also, there are several plaques and a memorial stone. These mark the remains of Birri Gubba ancestors re-interred at this sacred site. The Gudjuda Reference Group commissioned the large sculpture Gubulla Munda Dreaming, which was constructed in 2004. It was painted by aboriginal artists. The monument was created to celebrate and promote indigenous culture.
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Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay is the premier location for watersports on Magnetic Island offering activities to excite the whole family. Along the shores of Horseshoe Bay is an array of equipment hire options including jet skis, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and more! The Bay also provides a great swimming enclosure as well as fantastic fishing and sailing opportunities, along with a shady foreshore with magnificent views across the rocky outcrops and blue ocean waters. If you are looking for a new way to explore the Island, why not consider a horseback ride from the bush to the beach. Swim with your horse in the cool clear waters of the Coral Sea and create a memory that will last a lifetime. After getting out on the water, sit back and relax at one of Horseshoe Bay's restaurants, cafes or bars. The selection of shops and eateries along the Horseshoe Bay beachfront is an ideal location for a meal with an ocean view. Alternatively pack a picnic and make use of the sheltered picnic tables while the kids enjoy the nearby playground facilities.
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Horseshoe Bay Water Sports
Horseshoe Bay Water Sports is an adventure tourism business that offers adventure activities in Water Sports. Horseshoe Bay Water Sports has been operating for approximately 40 years and is iconic and very popular with families and friends on Magnetic Island. Tourists from all over Australia and overseas international tourists love the activities that we provide in a fun safe manner. They offer ski boat ski biscuit tube rides and Hobie 14ft catamaran sailing hire. Ski biscuit tube rides are approximately 10 minutes long with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 4 people per ride. An observer/spotter can sit in a ski boat to observe ski biscuit riders for free and take photos and videos of the riders for great family and friends memories. Horseshoe Bay Water Sports also offers Hobie Wave 14ft catamaran sailing hire to experienced sailors with up to 4 people in the smooth waters of beautiful Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island.
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Ingham Memorial Gardens
At Ingham Memorial Gardens, find yourself relaxing amongst a collection of North Queensland landscapes. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you spy turtles and small fish swimming amongst the water lilies in the Garden's ponds. Wander through the numerous memorials featured in the Gardens and learn their fascinating stories. One such memorial is dedicated to Keith Payne, an Ingham local who was awarded the Victoria Cross in April 1970 by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, for his repeated acts of exceptional personal bravery and unselfish conduct during the Vietnam War. Another memorial is devoted to the 12 people who died when a United States Air Force Liberator B-42 Bomber, the "Texas Terror", crashed on Mount Straloch, Hinchinbrook Island.
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Inkerman Hill
Inkerman Hill, a 10 minute drive south of the township of Home Hill, has recently been upgraded! With funding received through the Queensland Government's Scenic Lookout Upgrade Program, the Burdekin Shire Council is now able to provide their valued visitors a more enjoyable experience. The road up to the lookout has widened and the carpark improved. With a new lookout platform, shelters, toilets, interpretive and directional signage, you must check it out! This has to be put at the top of the to-do list when visiting the region with a walking track for those who wish to stretch their legs and a breathtaking view once you reach the top.
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Jourama Falls, Paluma Range National Park
A picturesque waterfall on Waterview Creek, lush rainforest and fragrant woodlands are nestled in the foothills of the Seaview Range and protected as part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Set up camp beside Waterview Creek and head off along the Jourama Falls track to the lookout over the awe-inspiring falls. Explore the creek on the return leg and slip into the clear water to cool off before returning to camp. If just visiting for the day, set up in the shade in the picnic area and enjoy a barbecue lunch before heading off to explore the park.
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Keeper Reef Dive Site
Located off Townsville, Keeper Reef offers a wonderful dive for those that love to explore healthy coral gardens. It is easy to get lost at this dive site as the coral gardens are divided by ridges and bommies, creating a coral maze. Some of the best corals at Keeper Reef are the beautiful gorgonians and spikey soft corals. Going no deeper than 16 metres divers will see schools of fusiliers, coral trout, rabbitfish, batfish, turtles, whitetip reef sharks, sweetlips and barramundi cod. There are also plenty of ledges to investigate, which are home to crayfish, rock cods, squirrelfish and shrimps.
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Lake Paluma
Lake Paluma is an attractive lake surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest. It provides a water supply for approximately one third of the year. Weather proof shelters for day use with barbecues are available and camping sites for longer stays. Swimming and non-motorised vessels are allowed. If you are lucky you may see a platypus, peregrine falcon or eastern water dragon. Due to the popularity of Lake Paluma as a camping destination, there are a limited number of camp sites available and you must pre-book a permit. Access is via a 12 kilometres gravel road just past the Paluma township. All rubbish taken in must be removed, and no domestic animals are allowed.
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Lake Ross
Lake Ross stores over 200,000 million litres of water and supplies up to 80 per cent of the region's potable water supply. The dam wall stretches 8.3 kilometres across the Ross River flood-plain (longest in the Southern Hemisphere) providing an additional flood mitigation benefit to the downstream community. In recognition of its habitat values, Lake Ross is listed as a Wetland of National Significance. The extensive shallow margins of the lake provide habitat for a diversity of water birds. The lake is also surrounded by thousands of hectares of unspoiled open Savannah teeming with wildlife. Over 220 species of bird have been recorded on or around the lake to date.
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Lissner Park
While exploring Charters Towers be sure to take the time to discover Lissner Park. Lined with figs, jacarandas, eucalypts, tamarinds, burdekin plum, milky pines, palms and silky oaks, Lissner Park offers an ideal location to enjoy a shady picnic. Facilities and attractions include picnic tables, gas barbecues, Boer War kiosk, band rotunda, children's playground, WWI guns, Gudgal People Yarning Circle, duck pond and memorials to grazier William Hann and pioneer Jupiter Mossman. The Park was named after Isidor Siegfried Lissner who arrived in Charters Towers in 1873. During his time in Charters Towers Lissner developed a financial empire based on mining and commercial interests. He took a keen interest in community affairs and pushed for the establishment of sporting facilities and public amenities including Lissner Park.
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Little Crystal Creek
The crystal clear waters and pristine waterfalls of this freshwater creek are ideal for a refreshing swim. The mountain water cascades under a picturesque heritage-listed stone arch bridge built in the 1930s depression. It's bridge is a popular place amongst the Townsville locals on the weekend. Just above the bridge as some very spectacular waterfalls. It's also the most popular place in Little Crystal Creek and for good reasons. A perfect place to escape the summer heat by having a quick dip in refreshingly cool water. The rain forest has a good canopy so the vegetation isn't too dense.
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Lodestone Reef
Lodestone Reef is a popular dive site off Townsville visited by day boats that both snorkelers and divers will enjoy. This lovely reef has pretty hard coral gardens in the shallows that are overflowing with reef fish. This is a good location to see anemonefish, butterflyfish, angelfish and blue tangs. If you can look pass all the colourful fish you will also see octopus, nudibranchs, sea stars and many other invertebrate species. In deeper water at Lodestone Reef are coral canyons and bommies to explore in depths to 25 metres. In this area are wonderful soft corals, gorgonians and sea whips, plus larger reef residents like reef sharks, stingrays, sweetlips, gropers, trevally, barracuda and the occasional turtle.
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Lucinda
Directly opposite the southern tip of World Heritage listed Hinchinbrook Island is the sleepy seaside hamlet of Lucinda. The eye-popping pride of Lucinda is a six kilometre jetty stretching far out into the Coral Sea. The jetty is the world's largest bulk sugar loading facility and is so long it actually curves with the earth. When conditions are right, you can sometimes see the dugongs and sea turtles at play. With the fertile Hinchinbrook Channel to the north and Coral Sea to the east, Lucinda is Shangri-La for keen anglers. Mangrove jack, coral trout, big juicy mud crabs and the fighting barramundi are all in plentiful supply. Hire a boat and head out to sea or try your luck in the estuary, mangroves, off the beach, or over the side of the jetty. Looming large off the coast, breathtaking Hinchinbrook Island is a pristine natural wilderness, home to the famous Thorsborne Trail, internationally rated one of the top 10 walks on the planet. From Lucinda you can embark on a Hinchinbrook safari and explore the Island's mist-shrouded mountains, waterfalls and freshwater pools. Accommodation in the area includes motels, hotels, caravans and self-contained cabins.
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Magnetic Island Dive Site
Magnetic Island is a popular destination off Townsville for day trips or an extended stay. The island has many sheltered bays that are great to snorkel or dive, as they have a surprising amount of coral and some great marine life. Florence Bay, Arthur Bay, Alma Bay, Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay are all popular dive sites with a good variety of hard and soft corals in depths to 10 metres. The coral gardens in these bays are home to a wide range of reef fish and also a good place to see stingrays, crayfish, moray eels, nudibranchs, wobbegong sharks and the occasional epaulette shark. In Geoffrey Bay divers can also explore the wreck of the Moltke, a 50 metre long three-mast barque scuttled in 1911. The wreck rests in 8 metres, 100 metres off the beach, and is covered in corals and fish.
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Magnetic Island National Park
Rocky granite headlands and towering hoop pines stand sentinel over tranquil sandy bays on this rugged, mountainous island covered with open eucalypt woodlands and surrounded by coral reefs. Most of the island is protected as national park and features a 36 kilometre network of walking tracks. The island is easily accessible from Townsville and is noted for its abundant wildlife and varied history. Explore Magnetic Island's most picturesque spots on some of the island's walking tracks. Look for koalas, rock-wallabies, possums and a variety of birds. Swim or snorkel in secluded sandy bays and explore diverse reef and fish life. Discover the island's rich cultural heritage. Learn about the Wulgurukaba Aboriginal people's strong island connections. Visit historic sites linked to World War II.
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Magnetic Island Night Vision Tours
Many of Australia's native wildlife comes to life during the twilight hours, imagine being able to see koalas, wallabies, reptiles and endangered species like the illusive bettong in their natural habitat. Magnetic Island Night Vision Tours will give you an ecological non-intrusive unique experience, guided tour with top of the range night vision goggles to make the most of your twilight journey. Some other species one can expect to encounter on the Magnetic Island Night Vision Tours are the Bent-wing Bat, Rock Wallabies, Brushtail Possums, tree snakes, Death Adder, the Curlew Bird and many other wonderful animals that call Magnetic Island home. Your tour will be conducted by an experienced guide who will share with you interesting information, facts and wonderful stories told by the locals in the area, giving you an atmosphere of history and character. He will be able to show you the habitats in which particular animals frequent and why they continue to do so, whilst also sharing ways in which you yourselves can contribute to the continual survival of these species and ways in which to protect yourself from certain ones that can be harmful.
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Magnetic Jeep Tours
Stretch Jeep Tours: Magnetic Island. Make the most of your holiday time. Experience tropical Magnetic Island at its best in their unique, iconic and fun 4×4 stretched Jeep. At Magnetic Jeep Tours they have the perfect vehicle to showcase the beauty and diversity of Magnetic Island. Relax in comfort with tropical breezes cooling your skin through the open air windows, as they visit all the most popular and picturesque bays and locations. Their team are skilled in bringing the island delights and highlights to you in every tour. Experience animal interactions, history, amazing landscapes, pristine beaches and stunning sunsets. With a range of exciting tour options available, amazing adventures await you. Guided tours for ages 5 and over, morning tea or sunset snacks included. Ask about their prices for children, students, seniors and families.
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Magnetic Jet Ski Tours
The original (three hours) circumnavigation of Magnetic Island. Established in 1996, Magnetic Jet is Australia's first self drive tour company. Tours are designed to showcase the incredible, rugged beauty "Maggie" has to offer. Cruise the entire island coastline, riding luxury personal watercraft, (maximum, two average size people per ski), comfort/safety is paramount, opportunity to swap as drivers, if sharing. The scenery, breathtaking; the rock formations will amaze; the experience, exhilarating. All equipment supplied, instruction/tuition by local tour guide with over 20 years’ experience, chance wildlife encounters (including whales July - September). Top End Tour (2 hours); view the North East and North West aspects of Magnetic Island, approximately one-third of coastline). Enjoy stunning scenery of Five Beach Bay, Balding and Radical Bays, Orchard Rocks, Turtle nesting grounds and the thrill of offshore action. Perfect for day trippers with limited time; couples with younger families or larger groups. Family owned and operated, taking pride in their commitment to quality, affordable tourism. A privilege to share this amazing experience with people from all over the world, for the past 22 years, preferring the personal touch, talking directly to customers. Tours daily, weather pending, Families welcome - minimum age 10. Advance phone bookings highly recommended.
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Mount Elliot, Bowling Green Bay National Park
Rugged mountains rise abruptly from the wetlands, saltpans and mangroves of the coastal plain, south of Townsville, in the Mount Eliot section of Bowling Green Bay National Park. Mount Elliot reaches a height of 1,210 metres, jutting out of the surrounding coastal plain and dominating the landscape, and Alligator Creek descends in a series of cascades, deep pools and waterfalls. The park's wetlands are an important habitat for migratory wading birds. Camp amongst the gum trees at Alligator Creek camping area. Go birdwatching near the wetlands. Look for wallabies in the later afternoon and spotlight for possums around the camping area at night. Enjoy a short stroll along the boardwalk through riparian vegetation to the creek or tackle the 17 kilometre return Alligator Falls track. Have a picnic by the picturesque Alligator Creek. Take care near the creek as water levels can rise rapidly.
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Mount Fox
Located south-west of Ingham, Mount Fox was created by a violent volcanic explosion about 100000 years ago. In the explosion, a lava flow 10 metres thick spewed from the southern end of the crater and chunks of molten magma were thrown out of the volcano's vent. Today, the well formed crater, about 10 metres deep, is covered with sparse grasses and stunted trees amongst the eucalypt woodland environment. The pink and long-fruited bloodwoods are common in this area and vine thicket is found in a steep gully on the southern slopes. Mount Fox's tussock grass slopes shelter a number of small animals. On a cool day in the winter months, skinks and other reptiles can be seen basking on the volcanic bombs. During the hot summer months, the grass provides protection from the sun and are ideal nesting places for ground-dwelling birds like the little button quail. After sunset, rufous bettongs (small wallaby-type mammals) emerge to feed on herbs and grasses. The large wing span of a wedge-tailed eagle can also be seen, as this bird of prey soars above the Mount Fox crater.
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Mount Spec, Paluma Range National Park
Paluma Range National Park, the southern gateway for the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Mount Spec straddles the summit and escarpment of the Paluma Range, rising 1000 metres above the Big Crystal Creek floodplain. The upland rainforests are crisscrossed by a maze of streams and cascades. Open eucalypt forests dominate the lower slopes and casuarinas fringe the clear creeks. Set up camp at Big Crystal Creek and explore the surrounding tracks and waterways. Take in the views from McClellands lookout, and admire the 1930s stone bridge over Little Crystal Creek. Escape the summer heat by picnicking near the creek before slipping into the one of the many cool waterholes.
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Nautilus Aviation - Townsville
Nautilus Aviation is a privately owned and operated, proven helicopter specialist with over 25 years of flying experience and has grown to become one of Australia’s premier helicopter operators. Today their network of base spans Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Darwin and Torres Strait (Horn Island). Nautilus Aviation has built an outstanding reputation based on the quality and diversity of its fleet of helicopters and our commitment to the safety of all passengers and personnel at all times. Nautilus Aviation pride itself on their customer service from the delivery of commercial air work, pilot training and chartered flights all while working in partnership with a number of top tourism operators to deliver leisure experiences over some of the iconic natural landscapes of Northern Australia.
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Nelly Bay
A holiday on Magnetic Island is likely to start on Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island's main residential bay. Nelly Bay is the first point of access for the passenger and car ferries and is an easy location to access bus transfers, taxis, hire vehicles or jump on board a guided tour. Most of the Magnetic Island's shopping and amenities are located in Nelly Bay, and it's also a great place to go for that early morning run or a leisurely walk. It is a fantastic spot to go swimming or snorkelling on the fringing coral reef. Towards the northern end of the beach, you will find a children's playground and a coin-operated barbecue area and, further along, sheltered picnic tables and toilets.
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Paluma and Crystal Creek Rainforest
Embrace the natural beauty of the Paluma Range National Park, the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Here you can escape the coastal lowland heat and relax in the cool mountain air of the Paluma Range. Experience the thrill of spotting the rare golden bowerbird, and take a step back in history at Paluma village. Enjoy a rainforest walk and marvel at the breathtaking views from McClellands Lookout. Along the Paluma Range highway you'll come across Little Crystal Creek and Big Crystal Creek, both ideal locations to stop for a picnic lunch, swim, bushwalk, barbecue or pitch a tent and spend the night in the designated camping areas (permit required). Big Crystal Creek, features a large swimming hole and a large picnic area. Little Crystal Creek is well known for its historic stone arch bridge built in the 1930s and the cascading waterfalls which feed into one of the best freshwater swimming holes in the north. Past the Paluma village the diversity of flora and fauna changes dramatically as you enter the dry open woodlands. The small township of Hidden Valley is home to Hidden Valley Cabins, an eco-retreat offering home cooked meals and daily platypus tours.
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Pelorus and Orpheus Islands
Pelorus and Orpheus Islands are a popular location for day trips off Townsville. Part of the Palm Island Group, 80 kilometres north of Townsville, access to these continental island is from Lucinda. All around Pelorus and Orpheus Islands are rocky reefs covered in hard coral, soft coral, gorgonians and sea whips in depths from 12 metres to 25 metres. The coral coverage on these sites is surprisingly good, considering how close these islands are to the mainland. Popular dive sites around the islands include Bat Caves, The Maze, Moon Pools, Trenches and Black Coral Wall. At these sites divers can explore ledges, gutters, bommies and walls. Typical marine life in the area includes turtles, reef sharks, gropers, barramundi cod, batfish, stingrays and a good range of reef fish and invertebrates.
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Pelorus Island
Pelorus Island, located 800 metres north of Orpheus Island in the Palms Island group, is an untouched, pristine environment accessible by private boat or on a dive tour. Pelorus Island offers spectacular fringing reefs accessible straight off the beach, which make for a remarkable snorkel or dive experience on the Great Barrier Reef. For outdoor explorers camping is permitted on Pelorus Island, however all equipment must be carried with you as there is no access to fresh water and camping facilities are not available. No permit is required.
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Picnic Bay
With a sweeping beach, tranquil setting and the iconic jetty, Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island is a spectacular location to enjoy a relaxing swim, beachside dining or a spot of fishing on the jetty. Snorkel and explore the abundant marine life of Picnic Bay or see what you can spot from above while taking a stroll along the jetty. If you are lucky, you might spot a turtle or a shy dugong. With a number of shopping, dining and accommodation options, Picnic Bay is well suited to meet everyone's holiday desires and budgets. Enjoy a meal along the beachfront at one of the dining outlets or pack a picnic and find a shady spot to take in the picturesque views! Picnic Bay is also home to Magnetic Island's only golf course. With breathtaking views and curious wildlife including koalas, wallabies and birdlife, a game of golf on Magnetic Island will be one you never forget. The two bays either side of Picnic Bay are well worth visiting. Cockle Bay is where you will find the wrecked City Of Adelaide, and Rocky Bay is a local hot spot for sun-lovers and one of the Island's top beaches for swimming and snorkelling.
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Pioneer Park and Ross River
Pioneer Park is located in Townsville on the banks of the Ross River and Ross River Dam. The park provides recreational facilities and is a popular fishing location. Facilities include sporting fields, picnic and barbecue areas. This park is also home to the Riverway Precinct, a major community facility with integrated facilities and attractions including retail, community, environmental and entertainment precincts.
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Pipers Lookout
Embrace magnificent views of vast blue skies and boundless green scenery from Pipers Lookout. Travel up Hervey Range Road from Thuringowa Central, past the suburbs of Rangewood and Rupertswood to find Piper's Lookout near the top of the Range. You will be rewarded with stunning views over the bushland below Hervey Range and out to the ocean.
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Pro Dive Magnetic Island
Welcome to Pro Dive Magnetic Island, the only dive shop on Magnetic Island with a boat, offering the full dive experience. Dive and Snorkel Trips: Join them for a snorkel or dive trip to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, dive the Number One Shipwreck in Australia the SS Yongala or experience the magic of the Museum of Underwater Art at John Brewer Reef. Dive Courses: Learn to dive, continue your education or go pro! They have both SSI and PADI instructors and are an official SSI Instructor Training Centre! Sea School International – Marine Training: As the North Queensland representative of Sea School International they also offer a range of recreational and commercial boat courses.
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Queens Gardens
Established in 1870, Queens Gardens are the oldest botanic gardens in Townsville. Covering four hectares, the gardens are a lush green oasis set against the dramatic pink granite monolith of Castle Hill, offering a quiet, cool retreat from the nearby city centre. The garden is divided into quadrants, each with a central fountain. Special areas include a formal rose garden, the Herb Society's garden, the annuals garden beds, the two small hedge mazes, a rainforest walk and the black bean (also known as Moreton Bay chestnuts) avenue. There is also a small aviary featuring peacocks, lorikeets and sulfur-crested cockatoos.
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Rollingstone Park
Pitch your tent and relax by the freshwater creek at Rollingstone Park. With a free designated tent and vehicle camping area, this is a great spot for a weekend getaway and cool down in the freshwater swimming area. Please note you must book online to secure a spot in the free camping area. Regular community markets are also held there, on the first Saturday of each month from April to September from 8 am to noon. Rollingstone also boasts a Museum, the restored Rollingstone Railway Station filled with historical mementos of the area, as well as a network of interpretive historic signage. Contact the Rollingstone Historical Society for more information on the history of the area and the markets. Other facilities include the local pub which is a community landmark and a popular stopover for day visitors to enjoy local bands and arts and crafts markets. Rollingstone also has a beach caravan resort a little further down the Highway.
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Ross River
The Ross River hosts a wide range of sporting and leisure activities. Riverwalk, a three metre wide pathway which overlooks the beautiful Ross River, runs along the river and provides numerous opportunities to enjoy its natural beauty. The Riverway, Loam Island and Pioneer Park developments offer a dynamic combination of residential, commercial, cultural, sports and leisure activities. With two huge swimming lagoons, Riverway Arts Centre, Pinnacles Gallery, the Riverwalk, public art, village spine, restaurant and parklands there are plenty of activities here for everyone. The area is a year round visitor destination with an annual calendar of events including festivals, Christmas festivities, New Year's Eve, Australia Day Celebrations, as well as food, wine, art and sporting events. The precinct provides an excellent environment to enjoy a variety of water-based and waterfront activities. Skiing, wakeboarding and fishing are all popular activities on the water. Ross River also offers some excellent bird watching opportunities, particularly from Pioneer Park, Loam Island, Apex Park and Dam Park.
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S.S City of Adelaide
See the Instagram-Famous SS Adelaide, Australia.com’s most liked post of 2018. 186,502 (and counting) likes can’t be wrong, this shipwreck in the waters of Magnetic Island is a sight to behold. The city of Adelaide ran aground at Cockle Bay in 1916 while being transported. It is located 300 metres offshore and can be accessible during low tide. Hidden behind a sea of mangroves, the City of Adelaide is a off the beaten track experience but it sure does excite the senses! The City of Adelaide is a great wreck for viewing if you don't feel like getting in the water and the beautiful mangroves nestled in the middle of the exposed hull pose an amazing photo opportunity.
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Saunders Beach
Saunders Beach is part of the Northern Beaches precinct of Townsville. Saunders Beach has a residential community and some commercial accommodation. The beach is largely untouched and visitors frequently have the beach to themselves. With over six kilometres of beach to discover, take a long refreshing walk, drop a line in to fish, and claim a piece of paradise to yourself. Have lunch at the Cafe or Take-Away and store under a magnificent fig tree, then relax at the beautiful Saunders Beach Park. Stay on the beach at the Retreat House or Ocean View Units. A boat ramp is also available for the keen fisher. Saunders Beach Park is also a designated limited free vehicle camping area. You must book online to secure a spot.
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SS Yongala Dive Site
Situated near Cape Bowling Green off the coast between Townsville and Ayr, the SS Yongala is possibly the best wreck dive in the world. The ship, at 110 metres long, is one of the largest, most intact historic shipwrecks, as well as one of the most intriguing maritime mysteries - after sinking in 1911, the SS Yongala lay undiscovered for more than half a century. Due to being the only reef formation in the region, the ship attracts a much higher amount of sea life than other dive sites. Everything about the SS Yongala is massive: huge fish, enormous structures of coral and with so much of the ship still intact, it makes for a stunning sight and one that won’t compare to anything else. You will find eagle rays, turtles, giant Queensland gropers, schooling barracuda, sea snakes and much more living on board the SS Yongala.
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Taylors Beach
Taylors Beach is a quiet beachside community centrally located between Forrest Beach and Lucinda and known by locals as an angler's paradise. With Orpheus Island and fringing reefs only a short distance away, Taylors Beach offers a wide variety of fish. Grab a fishing rod and prepare for some serious relaxation when you head to Taylors Beach.
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Texas Longhorn Tours
Australia's "Texas in the Outback" experience. To view the magnificent herd of Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorn Tours features one of the last horse-drawn wagon ride experiences in Australia as well as the original Texas Longhorn Safari. These cattle are, without doubt, the most famous and iconic breed of cattle in history. See some of the longest horned cattle in the world that are direct descendants of the millions of Texas Longhorns that walked in the great trail herds from Texas in the late 1800s! Texas Longhorns are the old west cattle that were the salvation of Texas back in the late 1800's and as a result, the legend of the cowboy was born. Everyone has seen a cowboy or western movie and now you can see how the legend started…. Many steers have horns spanning more than 100 inches tip-to-tip and JR, who was a former Guinness World Record Holder, is on display in the JR Gallery of Horns with a horn span exceeding 10 feet 4 inches or 3.15 metres! You have heard that "Everything is bigger in Texas" so get yourself to Texas Longhorn Tours and you will see that sometimes "Things are bigger in Queensland" Located 10 kilometres from Charters Towers in North Queensland and offering two different experiences, Texas Longhorn Tours is a 'must do' when visiting the area.
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The Strand
Immerse yourself in the Townsville way of life and discover The Strand, Townsville's thriving beach foreshore! With a relaxed, yet energetic vibe, The Strand is bursting with activities to excite the whole family. The two and a half kilometre walkway offers spectacular views across to Magnetic Island and is popular for runners, walkers and kids with bikes and scooters. Enjoy the ocean breezes with a meal at one of the restaurants or cafes there. Alternatively treat the whole family to a barbecue or beach picnic. With a number of fantastic playgrounds and the popular Strand Water Park, The Strand will keep the kids entertained for hours. Take a swim in the ocean or the rock pool, test your balance on a Stand-Up Paddle Board or land on the beach after the adrenalin rush of skydiving! Enjoy the shade of the palm trees with a good book or grab a gelato and just enjoy the stunning views. For fishing enthusiasts, the jetty is a great spot to cast a line. At the end of The Strand, discover Jezzine Barracks and uncover the stories of Townsville's settlement. Learn of the regions significant military and indigenous history and enjoy the outdoor art.
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Toomulla Beach
This secluded beach is a great spot for birdwaters and family outings. With a designated free tent and vehicle camping area and views across the ocean, Toomulla Beach is a perfect beachside retreat. Launch for a day of fishing from the boat ramp. You must book online with townsville.bookable.net.au to secure a free camping site. Toomulla Beach is an ideal location enjoy the unwind and escape everyday hustle and bustle.
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Townsville Palmetum
The Palmetum is a unique tropical experience covering over 17 hectares. It is a botanical garden featuring one family of plants - the palms. Approximately 60 species of palms are native to Australia and most are represented in the Palmetum. The collection contains around 300 species, many rare and threatened in their natural habitat. The Palmetum has been designed to display plants in environmental context to habitat type from the dry tropics to the wet tropical lowlands. In addition to these recreated habitats there are expansive lawns and water features frequented by numerous bird species. The Palmetum features the magnificent 'Tumbetin Lodge'- a heritage building with a long history. Facilities include art exhibitions, public amenities, meeting rooms and restaurant and tea room. The Palmetum also features a Memorial to the Black Hawk Disaster.
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Townsville Town Common Conservation Park
Known locally as the Town Common, the park is close to the bustling city centre of Townsville and is a great place to enjoy nature and fantastic coastal views. Explore secluded beaches framed by rocky headlands, coastal woodlands bordering seasonal wetlands, and deep-water lagoons. Summer rains transform the park into an immense wetland, attracting large flocks of waterbirds. The walking and mountain biking trails, ranging from short easy walks to cross-country mountain bike rides, are a popular nature escape—and lots of heart-pumping fun—close to the city. Hike across the Many Peaks Range, enjoy expansive island views while riding the Under the Radar or Smedley's trails or take the trail to the beautiful and secluded Shelly Beach. This park is a birdwatcher's paradise! From bird hides and observation points, spy comb-crested jacanas and plumed whistling ducks in the wetlands, and double-barred finches and red-backed fairy-wrens in the grasslands. Look for magpie geese, brolgas and many other species that gather here to feed and nest, particularly as the wetlands dry out and food sources become concentrated in the remaining lagoons. Keep you eye on the skies and you might see brahminy kites and white-bellied sea-eagles scanning for prey.
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Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park
Discover Wallaman Falls, Australia's highest permanent single drop waterfall, in Girringun National Park, west of Ingham. Surrounded by World Heritage rainforest, Stony Creek plunges 268 metres in a clear single-drop, often through a rainbow-fringed cloud of mist. Gaze at Wallaman Falls from the main lookout then walk to the second lookout which provides stunning views of the gorge and the Herbert River Valley. Explore rainforest and enjoy spectacular gorge views on one of the short walking tracks near the falls. Wallaman Falls is within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Girringun National Park is also the gateway to the Wet Tropics Great Walks. Discover plunging waterfalls, lush gorges and inspirational views as you tackle one of the two day walks that start from Wallaman Falls and trek down the Herbert River valley. Visit for a day to view the falls and relax over a picnic in the day use area near the falls lookout, or stay longer with an overnight camp beside Stony Creek.
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Wheeler Reef Dive Site
Wheeler Reef, on the Great Barrier Reef, is an easy boat trip from Townsville in North Queensland. The site offers some of the most pretty reefs for exploring by snorkelers as well as divers of all experience levels. With the reef depth varying from two metres down to 18 metres, there is an abundance of coral and sea life coating every last surface. The impressive lagoon is home to large schools of reef, tropical and pelagic fish, all waiting to explore the many gullies, canyons, caves and swim-throughs that this reef is famous for with you.
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