Pre and Post Touring
North Queensland is one of the world’s greatest playgrounds with so much to see, do and experience. The urge to arrive early or stay on after your conference or main event will no doubt prove irresistible. Whether it’s a reef, rainforest, island or outback adventure, or even a combination of some or all, North Queensland has it all!
The Townsville Region offers a wealth of opportunities for accompanying partners and pre & post touring. Here are a few suggestions:
Here are a few suggestions:
Within Townsville
Half and full-day tours will incorporate some or all of Townsville’s top sightseeing attractions. Castle Hill, The Strand and Flinders Street East are ‘musts’. Pallarenda, the city’s parks and gardens, the university, and Mount Stuart also have great appeal. Most of the major museums, Reef HQ and Billabong Sanctuary take several hours to enjoy.
The Great Barrier Reef
Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef for swimming, snorkeling and diving are wonderful additions to any program. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the wonders of the world. No-one should visit North Queensland without experiencing the sheer magic of the reef. Divers are served by several alternatives. One of the most popular trips is to the SS Yongala wreck. For an extended reef experience, consider the four-day cruise from Townsville to Cairns.
Magnetic Island
Beautiful Magnetic Island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from the CBD. Up to 14 passenger and four car ferry trips are available each day. Once there, the island provides a wealth of interesting sights and experiences which suit everyone. Nearly 2,500 people call this home, so facilities are varied. Hotels, resorts and rentals offer accommodation while buses, taxis, bicycles and rental vehicles provide transport. Tours of many types operate each day.
Orpheus Island
Orpheus Island is home to an exclusive resort reached from Townsville by seaplane or fastcat. The island also has camping facilities and houses a James Cook University research facility. Day tours to a remote part of the island are available from Townsville, providing swimming, snorkelling, walking, sunbathing and relaxing opportunities
Hinchinbrook Island
Hinchinbrook Island is further to the north. A day trip from Townsville gives cruising opportunities in the Hinchinbrook Channel. The famous Thorsborne Trail draws walkers from around the world for a unique nature lover’s experience. Hinchinbrook Island Resort is reached from Cardwell. The small eco-resort sits on the beach at the northern end of the island in an area of forest.
Dunk and Bedarra islands
Dunk and Bedarra islands both house up-market resorts. Dunk Island Resort is large, active and exciting. Day trippers have facilities near the resort. Access is by boat from Mission Beach. Bedarra Resort is small, exclusive and private. No day visitors are allowed. Resort guests access the island by boat from Dunk Island.
The Rainforest
The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is justifiably world famous. Day trips to this area of thick rainforest, cool waterfalls and spectacular scenery operate from Townsville. Visit the Village of Paluma at the top of Mt Spec where food, accommodation and tours are available. Further north, the towns of Ingham, Cardwell, Tully and Mission Beach provide visitor facilities and access to areas of pristine forest and magnificent mountain scenery.
The Outback
Charters Towers and Ravenswood provide a time-tunnel to the past. These were boom gold towns late in the 19th century. Gold activity can still be seen but cattle, citrus fruit and other products have also since become important. See swinging saloon doors, bullnose verandahs and intricate iron lace work. Museums provide further insights into a past era.
Experience a working cattle station, visit Greenvale with its wonderful gorges, explore the dramatic White Mountain National Park or go underground into the Undara Lava Tubes.
The Burdekin
South of Townsville unfolds a rich agricultural region lined with rural townships framed by glorious beaches. Take the opportunity to try and land one of the ever elusive Barramundi.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
