We’ve put together our top picks of things to see and do in Townsville North Queensland.

Take a look at some of the hidden (or not so hidden) secrets we’ve found that will help you rediscover your happy place! #townsvilleshines

1. Jump on the SeaLink ferry to Magnetic Island – it’s only 20 minutes offshore.

2. Discover the flourishing bommies and historical wreck relics that lie beneath the waters off Magnetic Island on a self-guided snorkel trail.

3. Grab a scoop of cool creamy deliciousness at Juliette’s Gelateria on The Strand. Actually, make that two and walk it off with a stroll along the 2.5 kilometres of esplanade from the rock pools down to the Marina.

4. For a short and sweet cardio fix, hit up the Goat Track on Castle Hill – yes, it’s open and just in time for the weekend…winning!

5. If you’re in need of a nature escape, head to the misty mountain village of Paluma, where freshwater crystal creeks and Wet Tropics Heritage-listed rainforest walks await. 

6. Did you know it’s estimated over half the population of Ingham is of Italian descent? And what do Italians like to do? Eat. Stock up on continental delights at any one of Italian delicatessen or cafes – yes, they are doing takeaway!

7. From palms and pandanus to cacti and succulents, plant lovers will be in heaven exploring the city’s botanic gardens – Anderson Park, Queens Gardens, Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens and The Palmetum– all within a 20-minutes’ drive from the CBD.

8. Go old-school on date night with a trip to Stardust Drive-In Cinema in Ayr. Don’t forget your winter woollies so you can cosy up with a box of popcorn! #retro

9. Mountain bike through the open woodland and rocky shores of Cape Pallarenda on the ‘Under the Radar’ trail.

10. Don’t forget your camera as you stalk the alleys and laneways hiding the city’s secret street art trail. Feel like venturing further – check out the artist flair in the Burdekin as well, with mural dotted throughout the township.

11. On the hunt for some new threads and homewares? Shop ’til you drop at locally owned boutiques and speciality stores in the city.

12. Make a day out of the outdoor gallery at the Jezzine Barracks. With the parklands decked out with a scenic coastal boardwalk, an ethno-botanical trail, and over 30 specially commissioned art installations commemorating the military and Aboriginal heritage of the site, it’s sure to captivate the whole family.

13. Indulge in a restaurant quality takeaway option, which many of the region's top foodie spots now offering a full takeaway menu. If you're lucky to get a spot, some are even opening up indoor seating (in line with restrictions) with limited spaces available.

14. Take your camera on a landscape adventure through the farmlands and lush green canefields between Burdekin and Home Hill. Fun fact: On the way you’ll cross over the Burdekin River Bridge (also known as the Silver Link), which at 1,103m long is longer than the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

15. Spot wild koalas when you hike to military history on Magnetic Island’s Forts Walk.

16. Birdwatchers will be in paradise at the Town Common Conservation Park – up to 280 species have been recorded here, so be sure to keep a close eye at the bird hides and observation points along the Freshwater Trail. Twitchers got the itch to travel? Then you’re in luck because our region is home to many birdlife havens including the Cromarty Wetlands in the Burdekin, TYTO Wetlands in Ingham, and endless parklands and open horizons in Charters Towers.

17. The Ross River is the perfect backdrop for a weekend stroll or bike ride. Check out these maps for the different parkway circuits running from the CBD all the way down to Riverway.

18. Head to the TYTO Wetlands at dusk to spot the resident birds for which the wetlands was named after – the endangered Eastern Grass Owl (Tyto Capensis). Your best bet of spotting them is from the observation deck.

19. Catch a sorbet sunset from the best spot in Charters Towers, Towers Hill.

20. It’s not often one seeks out a giant carpet snake, but if you’re passing through Burdekin, you’ll want to take a look at this one. The 60-metre artwork is a depiction of Gubulla Munda, the Aboriginal totem and protective spirit for the Birri Gubba people.

21. We know we plug it in almost every Townsville post, but you can always rely on The Strand for delivering hours of family fun. You could easy spend a day to and fro-ing from the rock pools and water park all while taking in the views across to Magnetic Island.

22. Hanging out for a new book to read? Libraries are reopening from next week all throughout our region – check local council websites for opening times and conditions.

23. Looking for a reel-y good time? Then wet a line at Hinchinbrook’s very own Lucinda Jetty. Renowned for its fishing experiences, the only tall tale you’ll have to tell is the one about your epic catch!

24. The mighty Burdekin River near Charters Towers is a local hot spot for fishing enthusiasts. Pack the rod, and a picnic and make a day of it.

25. Lace up those walking shoes and take a stroll along the Juru Walk in the Burdekin’s Plantation Park- an important link to the region's Aboriginal history. Situated in what is believed to be the Burdekin's last remaining remnant rainforest, the area includes a lagoon teeming with wildlife as well as several art sculptures.

26. If taking in a view is your thing, then there are plenty of stunning vantage points right across our region, including Mt Inkerman (Burdekin), Mt Stuart or Castle Hill (Townsville), Towers Hill (Charters Towers), Hawkings Point (Magnetic Island) – just to name a few!

27. Take a walk on the ‘historical’ side of life with self-guided Heritage Town Walks in Ayr and Home Hill. Download the maps here.

28. Our region is made for road trippin’ and if you’re into taken the road off the beaten track, then Charters towers have you covered with regional trail guides for self-drive tours. Check out the maps online!

29. Makes some new friends – the furry kind of course. Head down to Geoffrey Bay (Magnetic Island) at dusk to feed the rock wallabies. You can also meet their cousins the Allied Rock Wallabies at Charters Towers along the Towers Walk (best at sunrise).

30. Take a road trip and explore our region! Check out the itineraries here!