Great Barrier Reef


The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef structure in the world and stretches over 2,000 kilometres. It can even be seen from the Moon! Protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, It covers an area of 348,000sq m, larger than the United Kingdom, Holland and Switzerland combined and half the size of Texas, .and harbours 400 types of hard and soft coral, sea creatures, brightly coloured fish and turtles, surrounding numerous exotic islands.

Fast catamarans depart daily from the mainland and island resorts to the outer reef where you can snorkel, dive or view the natural beauty of spectacular coral and tropical fish from a semi-submersible vessel.

Magnetic Island
Accessible by car ferry or fast catamaran from Townsville, more than 2,000 koalas roam free in this idyllic tropical setting offering superb views, palm-fringed beaches, a wide variety of accommodation and plenty to see and do, including bush walks to inspect World War II fortifications.

The Strand
Townsville is home to 'The Strand' - 2.5km of beachfront boulevard lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, barbeque/picnic areas, swimming enclosures/pools, sporting and recreational facilities, walking paths and the only water playground of its kind in Australia - all with sweeping view across Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island.

Charters Towers
Located just over an hours drive west of Townsville, Charters Towers is a city of history and charm that boomed following the 1872 discovery of gold in the area by an Aboriginal boy, Jupiter Mosman. Visitors can now relive the legends and history of this bygone era through the new 'Ghosts of Gold' experience, by panning for gold and visiting a host of other attractions in and around the city.

Other attractions
Townsville is home to the Reef HQ aquarium - the world's largest coral reef aquarium, the Imax Theatre and the Museum of Tropical Queensland. The city provides one of the most innovative tourist facilities. Also visit the magnificent Burdekin Dam, the historical gold-mining town of Ravenswood, and the many beautiful national parks, including the Paluma rainforests.