There are lots of things to do in the Townsville region, and many of our guests comment that they wished they'd allowed for a longer stay. Have a look below to see what's on offer and don't hesitate to contact us if you want to know more. In the unlikely event that you can't find anything of interest, let me know the sort of activity you're looking for and I'll find out what's available.
PLACES TO VISIT - nearby
Stay close to ‘home’ and spend most of the day at Billabong Sanctuary, where you can cuddle a koala and see lots of Australian animals. Alligator Creek B & B guests get a 10% off voucher and if you wish you can go back next day FOR FREE – just ask us for the appropriate brochure and get it signed before you leave Billabong. www.billabongsanctuary.com.au
Before or after your Billabong trip drive just 4Km up the road from ACB&B to the Mount Elliott section of Bowling Green Bay National Park. Enjoy a dip in the swimming hole near the car park, spot rock wallabies and a wide range of birdlife (keen birders might find a Noisy Pitta or Spectacled Monarch), take a short stroll to the Lookout, or walk a couple of kilometres to pretty Cockatoo Creek. http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/bowling-green-bay/index.html Energetic guests may even want to walk the full track to Alligator Creek Falls – an 18Km round-trip with some scrambling over rocks towards the top, but well worth it for a dip in the pool under the falls. Allow an average of 4hrs and set out early to avoid the hottest part of the day.
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/bowling-green-bay/about.html
PLACES TO VISIT – Townsville is just 25mins drive away and has lots to see and do.
Central Townsville
Drive or walk along the Strand, enjoying the views of Magnetic Island and our beautiful beaches. Drop in for coffee or lunch at the Cbar, and watch the ferries going back and forth in the distance. A drive up Castle Hill is a must, walk to the lookouts or stay near the carpark for wonderful views of Townsville and its surrounds. Do this in daylight – and then go back after dark for a stunning panorama of lights.
Ask for our brochures and walk the Heritage Trail, looking at Townsville’s historic buildings.
Townsville’s museum precinct
Of course you can take a full day trip to the Barrier Reef from Townsville, but cheaper and quicker is a trip to Reef HQ ‘Your Window to the Reef’ http://www.reefhq.com.au/ – the Barrier Reef Authority’s aquarium, featuring live corals and the fish and other creatures from our beautiful reef. A new addition is the Turtle Hospital, where sea turtles recover before being returned to the wild. Right next door is the Museum of Tropical Queensland http://www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au/ with its life-size model of a section of the HMS Pandora, wrecked off the coast in 1791. In the same complex is the Cultural Centre http://www.cctownsville.com.au/ where you can enjoy the aboriginal artworks or watch a traditional dance.
Tour Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is a great day trip, just 20 mins ferry ride from Townsville with an excellent hop-on-hop-off bus service to help you explore the island. If you are keen to see everything the island has to offer, book a trip with award-winning Tropicana Guided Adventure Company. They offer a variety of island tours in their 4WD stretch jeeps and you can save money with a combined tour/ferry ticket. Check them out at www.tropicanatours.com.au/index.html
Townsville’s Botanic Gardens
Townsville Markets
Townsville has two weekly markets (every Sunday), the Strand Night Market (first Friday of the month between May and December) and now the extremely popular Farmers' Market (every Saturday morning)
Birdwatchers’ tour
Whether you’re an expert or just a ‘dabbler’ you mustn't miss the Town Common, near Townsville Airport http://www.soe-townsville.org/town_common/ There are good birdhides and always plenty to spot. If you don’t have your own binoculars we can lend you a pair, plus bird identification books. Other good haunts include Horshoe Lagoon (south of Alligator Creek – good birdhide right next to the road) or ask about our favourite spots on the ‘Cromarty Circuit’.
FURTHER AFIELD
Day trip to Charters Towers
Day trip to Paluma Rainforest
About 60Km north of Townsville is the beautiful Paluma rainforest. It’s a bit of a tricky drive up the range but take it carefully and it’s well worth the effort. Enjoy the stunning views across to the coast and be sure to stop for a break and perhaps a swim at Crystal Creek about half-way up. In Paluma itself there are good tracks through the rainforest and great lookouts http://www.palumarainforest.com.au/. Take the basics for a picnic or eat at the licensed cafe/restaurant ‘Rainforest Inn’.
Ingham district
Visit Mungalla Homestead near Ingham - learn to throw a boomerang or spear and enjoy a Kupmurri lunch with the local guides. See
http://www.mungallaaboriginaltours.com.au/default.aspx
Spend some time at Tyto Wetlands, which now includes a lovely cafe/restaurant looking out over the water.
EVENTS
TOWNSVILLE hosts lots of wonderful events, and where could you stay for a peaceful break from all the excitement? - Alligator Creek Bed and Breakfast, of course.
Annual events:
Groovin' the Moo 5 May 2013
For full line-up and tickets go to
2013.gtm.net.au/tsv-lineup.html
International Chamber Music Festival - 26 July-3 Aug 2013 .
For details go to
www.afcm.com.au/
V8 Supercars - Sucrogen 400 Townsville - 5-7 July 2013. For tickets/information go to
premier.ticketek.com.au/Shows/Show.aspx