Townsville is Australia's largest tropical city within one of the country's most diverse regions. Fertile farmlands of Bowen to the south, tropical hinterland stretching to the north and outback ranges to the west means it offers a host of unique holiday options. The area even gets 300 days sunshine a year! Perfect!

Gateway to the Reef
Regarded as the greatest natural playground on earth, the Great Barrier Reef lies just off the coast of Townsville. Dive or snorkel amid the rich clusters of coral, swim in the warm shallows of the ocean or search for seasonal fishing haunts. Visit the world'sbest living reef experience, Reef HQ and discover the beauty of the eighth natural wonder of the world without getting your feet wet.

Explore the Outback
Charters Towers,south west of Townsville, was once the second largest city in Queensland. Built on gold over a century ago, what was then one of the richest regions in the country is today a living museum of grand hotels, banks and heritage buildings.

Natural Paradise
Billabong Sanctuary is North Queensland's most spectacular wildlife sanctuary in which native animals roam freely in their natural habitats. Located just south of Townsville,Billabong is situated in ten hectares of native eucalypt, lush rainforest and tropical wetlands. Further inland, the great volcanic lava tubes of Undara spread across the rugged countryside. Over 190,000 years old, the volcanic eruptioin carved the landscape into masses of long, dark hollow tubes. Some 60 known caves and arches extend to form Austraila's largest and longest lava tube system.

Magnetic Island
Just a few miles from Townsville city centre, Magnetic Island lies in the calm waters of Cleveland Bay. The seaside suburb of Townsville, a 20 minute ferry ride from the mainland, is the only island on the north coast combining a national park with a permanent residency of 2000. There are 23 bays and beaches that frame the island, each with its own unique charm and character offering a diversity of water sports and relaxing activities.