Townsville

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Climate
Average temperature: January max 31C (88F) - min 24C (75F) and high humidity; July max 25C (77F) - min 15C (59F). Average annual rainfall is 1194mm (47 ins) - wettest months January-March, with an average of 873mm (34 ins).

Characteristics
The second largest city in Queensland and main commercial centre of northern Queensland, Townsville sprawls along the shores of Cleveland Bay and around the foot of Castle Hill. It offers not only easy access to the attractions of the Magnetic North and the Great Barrier Reef, but also all of the facilities of a major city.

Careful zoning has ensured that the city retains much of its original architecture and character. A walk around town will show you what makes North Queensland so different. Old wooden, highset houses stand everywhere, built to allow cooling breezes under the house and to provide a refuge during the heat of the day. In the gardens, mango, paw paw and banana trees seem exotic to the visitor, but are the normal homegrown product of the Townsville backyard. Townsville is also a busy port that services Mt Isa, southern cities and south-east Asia. It has two metal refineries and other industrial enterprises.

How to Get There
By Air
Qantas, 13 1313, and Ansett, 13 1300, have flights to/from Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Sydney.
Ansett Airlines also have flights to/from Broome, Burnie, Devonport and Orpheus Island.
Sunstate Airlines, 13 1313, have flights to/from Brampton Island, Lizard Island, Mackay, Proserpine, Rockhampton and Thursday Island.
Flight West, 1300 130 092, is another airline that services Townsville.

By Coach
Greyhound Pioneer, 13 2030, and McCaffertys, 13 1499, both stop at Townsville on their Brisbane-Cairns services.

By Rail
The Queenslander and the Sunlander services connect Towns-ville to both Brisbane and Cairns four times weekly, 13 2235. Sleeping berths and motor rail facilities are available.

By Road
From Brisbane along the Bruce Highway, 1443km (897 miles); from Brisbane along the inland route, 1505km (935 miles). Townsville is 374km south of Cairns.
The Flinders Highway connects Townsville with Mt Isa and Alice Springs.

It is important to listen to a local radio station for reports on road conditions during wet weather, as roads in northern Queensland are often cut during heavy rain.

Visitor Information
The Townsville Enterprise Tourism Bureau is in Enterprise House, 6 The Strand, 4771 3061. There is also a Visitors Information Centre in Flinders Mall, 4721 3660, open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri and 9am-1pm Sat-Sun.

Accommodation
Townsville has over 30 motels, hotels, guest houses, hostels and half a dozen camping grounds. Here is a selection with prices for a double room per night, which should be used as a guide only. The telephone area code is 07.

Jupiters Townsville Hotel & Casino, Sir Leslie Theiss Drive, 4722 2333, jupiterstownsville. com.au. 192 rooms, 16 suites, licensed restaurant, bars, swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym, tennis courts, casino - $150.
Centra Townsville, Flinders Mall, 4772 2477. 158 rooms, licensed restaurants, bars, gym, rooftop swimming pool - $220.
Aquarius on the Beach Townsville, 75 The Strand, North Ward, 4772 4255. 100 rooms, licensed restaurant (closed Sun), bistro, swimming pool - $130.
Southbank Hotel, 23 Palmer Street, South Townsville, 4721 1474. 94 units, 4 suites, licensed restaurant, cocktail bar, swimming pool, spa, undercover parking - $100-110.
Castle Lodge, cnr Warburton & McKinley Streets, North Ward, 4721 2290. 24 units, licensed restaurant (Mon-Sat), pool - $95-105.
City Oasis Inn, 143 Wills Street, 4771 6048 or 1800 809 515 (toll free). 42 units, 2 suites, licensed restaurant, playground, pool, 2 spas - $95-170.
Historic Yongola Lodge, 11 Fryer Street, 4772 4633. 8 units, licensed restaurant, pool, next to National Trust restaurant - $90-110.
Shoredrive, 117 The Strand, 4771 6851. 30 units, unlicensed restaurant, pool - $70.
Bessell Lodge, 38 Bundock Street, Belgian Gardens, 4772 5055. 50 units, licensed restaurant, cocktail bar, live entertainment, barbecue - $85.
Aitkenvale, 224 Ross River Road, Aitkenvale, 4775 2444. 26 units, 2 suites, licensed restaurant, swimming pool, playground, undercover parking - $65.
Hotel Allen, cnr Eyre & Gregory Streets, 4771 5656. 45 units, 5 suites, pool - $70.
Adobi, 86 Abbott Street, 4778 2533 or 4778 2745. 12 units, pool - $50.

Caravan Parks
Sun City Caravan Park, 119 Bowen Road, 4775 7733. 132 sites, pool, barbecue, playground - powered sites $19 for two, on-site vans $35-40 for two, cabins $55-60 for two.
Magnetic Gateway Holiday Village, Bruce Highway, South Side, adjacent to Stuart Drive-in, 4778 2412. (No pets) 108 sites, barbecue, pool - powered sites $17 for two, villas $55 for two.
Coonambelah Caravan Park, 547 Ingham Road, 4774 5205. (Pets on application) 75 sites - powered sites $17 for two, on-site vans $35-40 for two, cabins $40-50 for two.
Town & Country Caravan Park, 16 Kings Road, 4772 1487. (No pets allowed) 72 sites, pool, barbecue, playground - powered sites $18 for two, on-site vans $35 for two, cabins $55 for two.

Eating Out
Townsville has many hotels serving counter lunches and takeaways, and some good restaurants. The international hotels have at least one restaurant, and the staff where you are staying can probably recommend a restaurant on the basis of price or cuisine. Following is a broad sample for all tastes and budgets.

Scirocco Cafe Bar & Grill, 61 Palmer Street, 4724 4508. Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, alfresco dining. Open Tues-Sat 6pm-midnight, and for lunch from midday-2pm, 10am-4pm on Sunday, closed Monday and Public Holidays.
The Pier Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, 4721 2567. Licensed restaurant with waterfront views. Seafood and steak, light lunches served. Open midday-2pm for lunch and 6pm-midnight for dinner 7 days.
Covers Restaurant, 209 Flinders Street, 4721 4630. Open 6pm-midnight Mon-Sat and for lunch Wed-Fri, closed Sunday and Public Holidays.
Flutes Restaurant, 63 The Strand, 4721 1777. Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days, in the Best Western Motel.
Hong Kong Restaurant, 455 Flinders Street, West Townsville, 4771 5818. A-la-carte menu with home-style cooking a specialty. Open 5pm-8pm Mon-Sat and for lunch Mon-Fri, closed Sunday and Public Holidays.
Wayne and Adeles Garden of Eating, 11 Allen Street, South Towns-ville, 4772 2984. Open 6.30-11pm Mon, Wed-Sat and Public Holidays, Sun 11am-3pm, closed Tuesday.
Metropole Hotel, 81 Palmer Street, South Townsville, 4771 4285. Seafood restaurant with gaming facilities and a beer garden in the complex. Open 24 hours, 7 days.
Taiping Chinese Restaurant, 350 Sturt Street, City, 4772 3619. A-la-carte, yum cha and buffet selections. Open midday-2pm and 5.30-midnight 7 days, closed Public Holidays.
Seagulls Resort, 74 The Esplanade, Belgian Gardens, 4721 3111. Open 6.30am-midnight every day.
Centra Townsville, Flinders Mall, 4772 2477. A-la-carte buffet menu and a cocktail bar. Open 7am-10pm every day.
Hogs Breath Cafe, 247 Flinders Street, 4771 5747. Open for lunch 11.30am-2.30pm and dinner 5.30pm-2.30am every day.
Pepperleaf at the Seaview, 56 The Strand, Townsville, 4771 5900.
McDonalds is on the corner of Flinders Mall and Denham Street.
KFC is in the Nathan Plaza Stockland Shopping Centre.
Pizza Hut is at 260 Ross River Road and on the corner of Charters Towers and Bayswater Roads, 13 1166.

Entertainment
First and foremost in this category would have to be the:

Sheraton Townsville Hotel & Casino, Sir Leslie Theiss Drive, 4722 2333. It was North Queensland's first licensed casino. Here you can try blackjack, the Sheraton wheels, two-up, roulette, keno, mini-dice, craps and mini baccarat. They also have video games and Sky Channel. To get the tourists in they offer a free courtesy bus service to most hotels and motels. The casino is hopen from noon to the early hours of the morning.

Townsville Civic Theatre is in 41 Boundary Street, South Townsville, 4727 9013 or 4727 9797 (box office), and can seat 1066 people. It offers culturally diverse programs.
The Entertainment & Convention Centre, 4771 4000, on Entertainment Drive, is primarily for indoor sport, such as basketball, but if a big-name performer or band hits town, this is where the concert will be.
Fisherman's Wharf in Ogden Street has live entertainment seven nights a week, a restaurant, coffee shop and a bar.
If you are in the mood for dancing, head for Flinders Street where there is a night club, Bullwinkles, 4771 5647.
For a pub night out try the Great Northern Hotel in 496 Flinders Street, 4771 6191.

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Shopping
Flinders Street Mall has several boutiques and specialty shops and Northtown on the Mall, 4772 1566, but the big shopping centres are out of town.
At Aitkenville, 20 minutes from the city centre is Stockland, 310 Ross River Road, 4779 6033, which has David Jones department stores as well as specialty shops. Nearby is K-Mart Plaza, Nathan Street, 4779 9277, which has food shops and, of course, K-Mart.
The suburb of Pimlico has Castletown, 35 Kings Road, 4772 1699, which has a variety of chain stores, including Target. The suburb of Kirwan has The Willows, Thuringowa Drive, 4773 6333.

North Queensland's largest arts and crafts market is held in Flinders Mall every Sunday 9am-1pm. Called Cotters Market it has pottery, jewellery, paintings, leadlighting, leatherwork, woodwork, crocheting and knitwear, original handicrafts, wooden toys, hats, homemade goodies, plants and preserves, islander crafts, timber, fishing lures, homemade chocolates, Devonshire teas, orchids, souvenirs, and seasonal fruit and vegies. What more could you want?

Points of Interest
Castle Hill (286m - 938 ft) offers a panoramic view of Townsville. It is topped by an octagonal restaurant which commands a 260 degree view of the town and the bay. Nearby Mount Stuart is also an excellent vantage point.
Flinders Mall is virtually the heart of the city. It is a landscaped pedestrian mall with a relaxed atmosphere.
The Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is in the mall, 4727 9011, and it houses an extensive collection of national and regional art in an impressive building that was originally a bank. It is open Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri 10-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-2pm, and admission is free. Nearby St Joseph's Cathedral in Fryer Street, North Ward, 4772 1973, is a reflection of the architecture of the past.

The Strand, Townsville's sea promenade, has many parks including the Sister Kenny Park, and the Anzac Memorial Park with its Centenary Fountains, waterfall and bougainvillea gardens. Also along The Strand is the Tobruk Memorial Swimming Pool.

Queen's Gardens next to Queen's Park, encompasses Kissing Point and Jezzine Army Barracks. An all-tide rock swimming pool, a restaurant and a kiosk are also in the gardens.

The Town Common Environmental Park is a flora and fauna sanctuary where visitors may see some rare water fowl, including the primitive magpie goose. In the winter months, at the height of the dry season, as many as 3000 brolgas, along with up to 180 other species of bird, flock to the Common's salt-marsh lagoons and waterholes. The brolga is famous for its courting ritual, and the park provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to see this dance at close quarters. The park is open daily 6.30am-6.30pm and barbecue facilities are available.

Great Barrier Reef Wonderland in Flinders Street East, is one of the most popular attractions in Townsville. It features the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, 4750 0891 - the world's largest living coral reef aquarium. Conceived and operated by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the aquarium includes a huge main tank containing a living coral reef, a smaller tank displaying sharks and other reef predators and an extensive area containing numerous display tanks, educational exhibits, a theatrette and a large touch-tank. You actually walk beneath the water through a transparent tunnel surrounded by hundreds of coral reef animals. Admission costs are $16 for adults, $8 children and $40 for families. This very popular attraction is open 9am-5pm.

Wonderland also houses: the operational headquarters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the federal government agency responsible for safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Reef HQ); a licensed restaurant featuring tropical cuisine; a shop with a variety of souvenirs and educational material; a post office; and an information centre with all you need to know about national parks, marine national parks, camping permits and locations,  walking trails, and wildlife.

An Imax Theatre, 4721 1481 is close to the aquarium, at 86 Flinders Street. The theatre is dome-shaped and uses a special type of projection so that the image is projected above and around the audience - a fascinating experience. The theatre seats 200 people, including facilities for the handicapped.

The Museum of Tropical Queensland, 78-102 Flinders Street, 4726 0600, has recently undergone a complete transformation. The former museum has been expanded and modernised into a new and improved complex, opened in June 2000. It has an extensive array of exhibits, from the life-cycle of the world's largest moth to various Aboriginal crafts, and is worth a visit.

From the Wonderland ferry terminal there are cruises leaving for Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef throughout the day. And while you are waiting to pick up your cruise, or the next show at the theatre, you can spend some time in the specialty shops in the complex.

Pangola Park, Spring Creek, 4782 9252, between Giru and Woodstock, is about 40 minutes' drive from Townsville. It has ideal swimming spots and adjoins a National Park with mountain streams and waterfalls. There is good bushwalking, picnic areas, barbecues, caravan and camping sites, a licensed kiosk, fishing spots, minibikes, and conducted horse and pony rides on weekends and public holidays. The park is open daily and an admission fee is charged. Camping and powered sites are available.

South of Townsville, in fact much closer to the town of Ayr, the wreck of the Yongala lies off Cape Bowling Green. A coastal steamer, she was bound for Cairns when a cyclone struck on March 14, 1911, and she went down with all hands - 121 people including officers and crew. The wreck was discovered in 1958, but has only been dived regularly since the 1980s. Diving the Yongala is rated as one of the best wreck-dive experiences in the world.

The wreck is 110m long, and supports a system of hard and soft corals and many different marine animals including pelagics, stingrays, gropers, turtles and sea snakes. She lies in 30m of water with her funnel only 15m below the surface. The Yongala is protected by the Historic Shipwreck Act as a memorial to all who went down with her, so nothing may be taken from the ship. This is a temptation as there are dinner plates, knives, forks, and some evidence of human remains, but where they are they must stay. See the Diving section under Sport for operators who will take divers to the wreck.

Sport
Swimming
There are three salt water mesh swimming enclosures, one at Rowes Bay, one at Pallarenda, and one next to the rock pool in Queen's Gardens. They provide safe sea swimming free from sharks, sea-stingers and other marine hazards.

Golf
Townsville Golf Club, Benson Street, Rosslea, 4779 0133. 27-hole championship course - equipment hire - open 6.30am-6pm, club-house open 10am-8pm.
Rowes Bay Golf Club, Cape Pallarenda Road, Pallarenda, 4774 1288. 18-hole par 72 course - equipment hire - open seven days.
Willows Golf Club, Nineteenth Avenue, Kirwan, 4773 4352 - 18-hole course - open daily.

Horse Riding
Ranchlands Equestrian School, 83 Hammond Way, Kelso, 4774 0124 - open week days and nights.
Saddle Sense Riding School, 95 Haynes Road, Jensen, 4751 6372 - trail rides and camping - open Wed-Sun.

Fishing/Yacht Charters
Tangaroa Cruises, 19 Crowle Street, Hyde Park 4772 2127. 50ft motor cruiser available for extended cruises, social outings, fishing and diving trips - support vessel.
True Blue Charters, 65 Gilbert Crescent, North Ward, 4771 5474. Charter boat for reef and game fishing, diving, snorkelling, island cruising - maximum 8 passengers - full boat charter - half day and other charters on request.
Farr Better Yacht Charters, 76 Allen Street, South Townsville, 4771 6294. Yacht and boat charter - bare boat or with sail guide - Hood 23ft yacht and Farr Star 40ft yacht - sailing training (AF) - 7 days. Special weekend trips to Palm and Dunk Islands.

Diving
Diving courses are not cheap, and you should expect to pay at least $400 for a comprehensive open water instruction program. If you are already a qualified diver, the cost for a guided dive is considerably less, and depends on the location and duration of the dive. Following are a few examples of companies operating in the area.

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, 252 Walker Street, 4772 3022 - internationally acclaimed 5 star PADI dive centre providing PADI instruction from entry level to Dive career programs - expeditions to Yongala wreck and Coral Sea, also Cod Hole - hopen Mon-Fri 8.45am-5pm, Sat 8.45am-noon.
The Dive Bell, 16 Dean Street, South Townsville, 4721 1155 - sport diving and dive shop - commercial diving school - diving trips to Yongala wreck and the reef - open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 9am-noon.
Pro-Dive Townsville, Great Barrier Reef Wonderland, Flinders Street, 4721 1760. PADI scuba diving school - 5 star Gold dive shop - charter boats, hire equipment, learn to dive - Yongala wreck dives (up to 3 days) - open daily 9am-5pm.

Skydiving
Coral Sea Skydivers, Shop 3, 14 Plume Street, Townsville, 4772 4889. Tandem and accelerated free fall dives for beginners and experienced jumpers - souvenir videos, photos and certificates - Tandem Dives: 8,000 feet $245; 12,000 feet $350 - Accelerated Free Fall Course: $500 - Complete Free Fall Course, including training and 12 jumps: $2400.

Tours
Detours, Shop 5, Great Barrier Reef Wonderland Complex, 4721 5977, offer the following trips.
Tropical Rainforest and Waterfalls - Mt Specs National Park, Balgal Beach, Little Crystal Creek rainforest walk, Frosty Mango fruit farm - 8 hours - $80 adults, $35 children - 9am Tues, Thurs, Sat.
The Real Outback - Charters Towers and outback country - 8 hours - $80 adults, $35 children - 9am Wed & Sat.
Billabong Sanctuary - wildlife sanctuary - 4 hours - $38 adult, $18 child (includes entrance fee) - 10am daily.
Tropical City Tour - more than 9 points of interest visited - 2 hours - $26 adult, $10 child - 11am weekdays.
Night Tour - Castle Hill, Casino, Entertainment Centre - 1 hour - $20 adults, $7 children - 6pm-7pm Mon-Thu May-Oct.
Hinchinbrook Island - coach to Cardwell, cruise to Hinchinbrook, self-guided walk - 12 hours - $115 adults, $50 children - 6am Tues, Thu & Sun.
Dunk & Bedarra Islands - Mission Beach to Dunk Island to Bedarra Island, lunch, boom netting, tropical fruit tasting - $110 adult, $50 child - 6am Thurs & Sun.

Raging Thunder, 52 Fearnlet Street, Cairns, 4030 7990. Although based in Cairns, this company has a 5-day tour that departs Towns-ville and takes in the best of the Tropical North. The highlight of day one is 5 hours of Tully River rafting then transfer to Cairns. Day two comprises a 5 hour reef cruise. Day three begins with a Hot Air Balloon flight above the Atherton Tablelands, a visit to Kuranda Markets, then a return trip to Cairns on the Skyrail. Day four is an exploration of Cape Tribulation and Daintree, including a Crocodile Cruise on the river. On day five you are taken to Fitzroy Island to relax or take the optional tour, then return later to Cairns. The cost of the tour is $520 per person, but you must arrange your own accommodation for the duration of the tour.

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Cruises
Coral Princess Cruises, Breakwater Terminal, Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, 4721 1673 or 1800 079 545 (free call), offer these trips.
Townsville/Barrier Reef/Islands - 4 days/3 nights Barrier Reef and Island cruise - departs Townsville 1pm - calls at resorts, uninhabited islands and reef - from $1350 per person twin share. 8 day/7 night cruise - combines 3 night Townsville with 3 night Cairns cruise - $2200 per person twin share.
Magnetic Island Ferry, Ross Street, South Townsville, 4772 5422, offer:
Cruise to Magnetic Island - open return ticket, free pick up from accommodation - bus or mokes available - $16 adult, $8 child.
Magnetic Island Cruise/Bus - open duration, pick up from accommo-dation, cruise and bus tour of island with commentary, exploring and swimming - $28 adult, $14 child.
Cruise/Moke Hire - return ferry fare with moke hire on the island - includes insurance and island map - $32 per person.
Pure Pleasure Cruises, Great Barrier Reef Wonderland, 4 The Strand, Townsville, 4721 3555 or 1800 079 797 (freecall), offer a:
Kelso Outer Reef Tour - 50 nautical miles north to Kelso reef on the Wave Piercer 2000 - includes swimming, snorkelling, fishing, glass bottom boat, buffet lunch, morning/afternoon tea all inclusive, bar and diving extra - $135 adult, $68 child - departs 9am daily.

Scenic Flights
Townsville Aero Club, Townsville Aerodrome, Garbutt, 4779 2069. Aircraft charter, joy flights, aerial tours.
Inland Pacific Air, Townsville Aerodrome, Garbutt, 4775 3866 - twin engine aircraft charter 4 to 11 seats - 7 aircraft available including pressurised executive Cessna - available all hours to any destination.
Also at Townsville Airport are Nautilus Aviation, 4725 6056, Bluewater Aviation 4725 1888, and Magnetic North Aviation, 4725 6227.

Festivals
Pacific Festival is held each September/October, and lasts for 10 days.
The Visitor Information Centre will advise on all current events at the time of your trip.   

Outlying Attractions
Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy has an area of 4 sq km, and is situated 26km south-east of Cairns. It is only 6km from the mainland and was named by Captain Cook after the Duke of Grafton, a politician of the time. In 1819 Phillip King reported that Welcome Bay, where the resort is, was a good anchorage for passing ships because of its fresh water and supplies of timber.

Fitzroy Island is not a great place for swimming as the beaches tend to be corally rather than sandy, although Nudey Beach has some sand. There are a few walking trails - the round trip to the lighthouse; a short rainforest walk to the Secret Garden; and the walk to Nudey Beach. Canoes and catamarans are available for use, and sailing is popular. There is good diving water right off-shore, and the Reef is not far away. The resort dive shop hires out all gear for snorkelling and diving, runs courses, and provides daily trips to Moore Reef. Contact the Fitzroy Island Resort on 4051 9588 or 1800 079 080 (toll free) or visit the website at www.fitzroyislandresort.com.au

Mission Beach
At Mission Beach, about halfway between Townsville and Cairns, a chain of Mountains runs down to the sea, and surrounds the small coastal settlements. Offshore lie the North and South Barnard, Dunk and Bedarra Islands, and beyond them, the Great Barrier Reef. Mission Beach is set on a stretch of 14km of coastline that includes Garners Beach, Bingil Bay, Narragon Beach, Clump Point and Wongaling Beach. There is a daily water taxi service from Mission Beach to nearby Dunk Island, and many visitors choose to stay on the mainland and visit the islands, rather than pay resort prices. The town is named after the Aboriginal Mission that was set up in 1912 at South Mission Beach, but the first settlers were the Cutten brothers who landed to the north at Bingil Bay in 1882 and founded a farming dynasty. They introduced pineapple growing to this part of Queensland and founded tea and coffee plantations. In 1918 the 'cyclone of the century' levelled the settlements and farms in the district. Nowadays the main industries are banana and sugar-cane growing, and tourism.

Four villages comprise the Mission Beach area: South Mission Beach, Bingil Bay, Wongaling Beach and Mission Beach. The region's attractions include 14km of pristine beaches, Dunk Island, the offshore Reef, rainforests, and rafting on the Tully River. The main activities in Mission Beach involve water sports and reef viewing, so if you wish to view land-based attractions, you will have to travel a little further afield. Here are a few suggestions, and the Visitor Centre can provide you with detailed directions to each.

The Australian Insect Farm, Davis Road, Gurradunga, 4063 3860, offers regular tours daily Tues-Sun, adults $10, children $8.
Paronella Park, Japoonvale Road, Mena Creek, 4065 3225, comprises historic rainforest gardens. It is open 9am-5pm and costs adults $14, pensioners $10 and children $7.
The Australian Sugar Industry Museum, Bruce Highway, Mouri-lyan, 4063 2656, has a wealth of memorabilia from old harvesters to historical photographs.
Johnstone River Crocodile Farm, Flying Fish Point Road, Innisfail, 4061 1121, facilitates crocodile breeding and displays wildlife. It is open 7 days 8.30am-4.30pm, adults $15, children $8, family pass $35.

In addition, trips can be taken to these popular environmental destinations: Tully Gorge, Hinchin-brook Island, Murray Falls and the Atherton Tablelands.

The Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre, Porter Promenade, 4068 7066, can be found 100 metres from the post office. The Centre has a wealth of information on every part of the area. They can be contacted by email at visitors @znet.net.au

Tully
With a population of around 3000, Tully is set at the foot of Mt Tyson, and is the centre of a large sugar cane and banana growing region. The Tully River rapids provide some very fine whitewater rafting and canoeing, and there is plenty of fishing for enthusiasts.

It should be noted that Tully has the highest annual rainfall in Australia (along with Innisfail) of around 3700mm. There is a definite Wet Season which begins in December and peaks in March. During this period it can rain every day, and sometimes all day. People intending to spend their holiday on either Dunk or Bedarra Islands should keep this in mind, since the paradise appeal of tropical islands is somewhat diminished when the rain just doesn't stop.

The Kareeya State Forest is accessible via a spectacular drive up the Tully River gorge.
The Tully Information Centre, is on the Bruce Highway in Tully, 4068 2288.

Cardwell
Cardwell is a fishing village situated between the mountains and the sea. It is in the middle of a natural wonderland, with world heritage rainforests, waterfalls, swimming holes, wilderness tracks, white-water rafting, canoeing, crabbing, fishing and prawning. The Cardwell lookout offers panoramic coastal views and there are very scenic drives to Murray Falls, Blencoe Falls, the Edmund Kennedy National Park, Dalrymple's Gap Track and Cardwell Forest. Cardwell is also the gateway to Hinchinbrook Island, the world's largest Island National Park.

Edmund Kennedy National Park, nestles into the coastline about 4km north of the township. Its features a range from mangrove swamps to open woodland to pristine rainforest. There is a 3km walking track, with wooden boards and bridges for an easy stroll, which serves as the best and safest way to view the region.

The Cardwell Forest Drive, is a 9km route that takes in outstanding coastal views, Attie Creek, safe swimming holes, Dead Horse Creek, Spa Pool, and barbecue picnic areas. Allow a full day to appreciate the sights and leisure opportunities along the way. Nearby natural wonders include Tully Gorge and Dalrymple's Gap, as well as the Falls: Murray, Blencoe and Wallaman (Australia's highest single-drop falls at 305m). For tourist information, contact the Development Bureau of Hinchinbrook & Cardwell Shires, 77 Townsville Road, Ingham, 4776 5381.

Paluma
61km (38 miles) north of Townsville, and 40km (25 miles) south of Ingham on the Bruce Highway, the Mount Spec Road turns towards the mountains of the Paluma Range, following the southern boundary of Mount Spec National Park. The road was built mainly by hand during the Great Depression. 7km along the road lies Little Crystal Creek, with picnic, barbecue and toilet facilities, and deep pools for swimming.

18km (11 miles) from the highway, at about 900m (2953 ft) is McClellands Lookout, also with picnic, barbecue and toilet facilities. Near the lookout is Paluma Village, with its Ivy Cottage Tea-rooms, 4770 8533. Also worth a visit is Paluma Rainforest House in Lennox Cre-scent, 4770 8560.

Dunk Island
Dunk Island, across the bay from Mission Beach, is mostly National Park land, but there is one luxury resort. The island is shaped by rolling hills and deep valleys. It is home to the famous Ulysses butterfly. Dunk Island is also part of the Family group of islands, and its Aboriginal name is Coonanglebah which means "isle of peace and plenty". Captain Cook named it Dunk after Lord Montague Dunk, the Earl of Sandwich, who was the First Lord of the Admiralty at the time. It is the largest island in the group and is sometimes called the Father of the Family Group (Bedarra is the Mother). The island's area is 10 sq km, but 7.3 sq km is national park. The Wet Season, when it is best not to visit, lasts from December to the end of March.

Dunk is very much a family resort and it has some good high tide beaches, but at low tide they are too shallow and have a lot of weeds. The island doesn't seem to have a significant problem with box jellyfish, but it is wise to keep an eye out during the November-March period. There are 13km of walking tracks, and the 10km walk around the island rates among the best of any on the Barrier Reef islands.

Bruce Arthur's Artists' Colony is situated just beyond the Resort garden. The colony's longest term resident is former Olympic wrestler Bruce Arthur, who produces large and beautiful tapestries. He and his cohorts lease the land, and have an open house 10am-1pm between Thursday and Sunday (small entry fee) when they chat about the island and their projects, and present their work for sale.

The Great Barrier Reef is an hour away by Quickcat, the high-speed catamaran, and there are four reefs to dive: Beaver, Farquharson, Yamacutta and Potter. They have some of the best coral and marine life on the Reef, and feature feeding stations, coral walls, caves, caverns and gardens. Trips to Beaver Reef include glass bottom boat, semi-submersible rides, lunch and onboard dive instruction.

Contact the Dunk Island Resort directly on 4068 8199, visit the website at www.dunkislandresort. com or email an information request at visitors@greatbarrier reef.aus.net

Bedarra Island
Part of the Family Group of Islands, Bedarra lies about 6km south of Dunk Island and about 5km offshore. It is privately-owned and is shown on marine charts as Richards Island. Bedarra has an area of one square kilometre, and is a rain-forest with natural springs and plenty of water. It has some very good sandy beaches. Note that it has a very definite Wet Season from December to the end of March, when it can rain every day and sometimes all day. There is a walking track from Bedarra Bay to the resort, which is in fact the only walking track.

Activities which are not included in the resort tariff are: Great Barrier Reef trips, boutique/shop, float plains, game fishing charters, hair salon (available on Dunk Island), private boat charters, sailing charters. The Bedarra Island Resort can be contacted on, 4068 8233. There is a web page at www.bedarra island-australia.com with an email address at visitors@greatbarrier reef.aus.net

Hinchinbrook Island
Hinchinbrook is the world's largest island national park, with over 45,000ha (393 sq km) of tropical rainforests, mountains, gorges, valleys, waterfalls and sandy beaches. It is one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world and offers some of the best bushwalking in Australia. A magnificent jagged mountain range drops to warm seas and coral reefs, dominating the skyline. The rainforests offer spectacular views.

The island is separated from the mainland by Hinchinbrook Channel, a narrow mangrove-fringed strip of water that is very deep. From further out at sea, the channel cannot be seen, and in fact, when Captain Cook sailed past he did not record the presence of an island.

The best walk on any of the Great Barrier Reef islands is the three to four day walk along the eastern side of Hinchinbrook, but it is strongly recommended that information be obtained from the National Parks and Wildlife Service in Cardwell (near the jetty), 4066 8601, before setting out. They can advise you on facilities on the island, give tips for climbing the mountains and protecting your supplies from the local wildlife, and issue permits for camping.

Remember that marine stingers may be around in the October-May period, and that crocodiles may be found in channel waters and estuaries. Apart from the resort, the island has limited camping at $3.50 per person per night (permit required, 4066 8601). Macushla Camping Area - patrols, picnic tables, shelter shed, toilets, fires prohibited. Walking tracks, ocean swimming beaches, fishing spots, rainforest areas. Goold Island - patrols, picnic tables, shelter shed, toilets, fires prohibited. Fishing and swimming.

For further information, contact the Development Bureau of Hinchinbrook & Cardwell Shires, 77 Townsville Road, Ingham, 4776 5381. Alternatively, call the Island Resort on 4066 8585. Updated information is provided at www.hinchinbrookresort.com.au

Orpheus Island
This island is mostly national park, but has a secluded resort at one end. Orpheus Island is encircled by wide beaches and a warm shallow sea. A fringe reef possesses a rich variety of marine life and provides excellent diving. Orpheus Island has an area of 14 sq km and is the second largest in the Palm Island group. There are ten main islands in the group, but eight of them are Aboriginal reservations and permission must be obtained to visit. Orpheus is National Park while Pelorus, the other island not part of the reserve, is Crown Land.

The island is 80km north of Townsville and roughly 20km off Lucinda Point near Ingham. It was named in 1887, after the HMS Orpheus - the largest warship in Australia, which sank off New Zealand in 1863 with the loss of 188 lives. Orpheus is long and narrow and its fringing reef is probably the best of all the resort islands. It is heavily wooded and is home to a large population of wild goats. The goats were introduced many years ago as food for people who might be shipwrecked on the island, but they have obviously not been needed and have multiplied to the point where they are causing some problems.

There are a few beaches on the island, although some, such as Hazard Bay and Pioneer Bay, are only suitable for swimming at high tide. When the tide is out they become wading pools. Mangrove Bay and Yankee Bay are good places to swim at low tide. Good reefs are found off Pelorus Island to the north and Fantome Island to the south. The Resort dive shop offers local dives and diving courses, but remember that these activities are not included in the Resort tariff. There are many opportunities for bush walking and rainforest study, and snorkelling, as always, remains popular.

As far as bushwalks are concerned, there is a shortage of them on this island. One traverses up to Fig Tree Hill, and the other winds from Hazard Bay through a forest to Picnic Bay. The zoning for most of the water around Orpheus is Marine National Park B, although part of the south-west coast is zoned 'A'. So limited line fishing is allowed in the 'A' part, but collecting shells or coral is strictly forbidden. The Orpheus Island Resort, 4777 7377, has 31 rooms that are rated 4-star.

Camp sites are found at Pioneer Bay and Yankee Bay. They are patrolled, and have picnic tables, toilets and drinking water. For further information and booking, get in touch with the Rainforest and Reef Centre, Bruce Highway, Cardwell, 4066 8601, or call Naturally Queensland on 3227 8187. Campers cannot buy meals at the Resort, and fires are not permitted on the island, so if you are intending to camp bring all your provisions, including water and a fuel stove.

Magnetic Island
Magnetic lies 8km across Cleveland Bay from Townsville, fifteen minutes by catamaran. It is roughly triangular in shape and has an area of 52 sq km. With 16 beaches, plenty of reasonably-priced places to stay, and an ideal climate, this is one of the most popular islands on the Reef. The island's first visitor was Captain Cook in 1770, and he declared it Magnetic Island, believing that it had interfered with his compass.  The island now has a permanent population of more than 2200 people, and draws millions of holiday-makers.

It is one of the largest islands on the Great Barrier Reef, and 70 percent of it is National Park. A high spine of mountains covered by forests of eucalypts and wattles, and strewn with granite boulders, runs across the island. Below the peaks lie sheltered white beaches, rocky coves and coral reefs. More than 22km (14 miles) of walking tracks lead over and around hills to secluded coves and quiet bays. The four small settlements of Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay offer a plentiful range of services for the visitor. You will also find an aquarium and a koala sanctuary.

Box jellyfish are present around Magnetic between October and April, so during this time it is wise to swim only in the netted areas at Picnic Bay and Alma Bay. The north coast of Magnetic is zoned Marine Park B, so fishing is not permitted. There are quite a few good diving locations on the island's southern and eastern shores.

For details about other attractions on the island, contact either the Magnetic Island Tourist Information Bureau and Central Booking Office, 26 The Grove, Nelly Bay, 4778 5596, or the Magnetic Island Holiday and Information Centre in Picnic Bay Mall, 4778 5155. They can advise on your tour bookings, accommodation, vehicle hire, travel arrangements and the best way to climb Mt Cook (497m).

Home Hill and Ayr
The twin towns of Home Hill and Ayr are 90km (56 miles) south of Townsville on the Bruce Highway, and sit either side of the delta of the Burdekin River, slightly inland from the coast. The Burdekin is the main waterway of the Magnetic North, and its catchment area in-cludes the mountains to the north and the goldfields to the west.

The Ayr Nature Display, 119 Wilmington Street, Ayr, 4783 2189, has stunning displays ranging from reptiles to butterflies, birds to insects and fossils to shells. Admission is $3 adults and $1.50 children, and the Nature display is open 8am-5pm daily.

The river and its tributaries offer some of the best freshwater fishing for barramundi, grunter and bream in Australia, while the river delta and Alva Beach tempt the salt water fisherman with whiting, flathead and salmon.

The Burdekin River is also the hub of other river-based activities from water skiing to picnicking.
The wreck of the SS Yongala lies 20km (12 miles) out to sea and is a fine diving site.

Cape Upstart National Park, some 70km (43 miles) from town, is an imposing granite headland rising from the sea.
The Burdekin Tourist Information Centre is in Plantation Park, on the Bruce Highway, Ayr, 4783 5988.

Charters Towers
The Outback is just on the other side of the mountains. If you wish to divert from your coastal holiday for a while, the old gold rush town of Charters Towers can be reached 135km (84 miles) south-west of Townsville on the Flinders Highway. Now a town of 12,000 people, Charter Towers was once home to more than twice this number.

Three itinerant prospectors discovered gold in 1871, and between then and 1911, some seven million ounces of gold were taken from the region. The memories may be growing dim, but the town looks much the same as it did a century ago. Historic buildings line the streets and remnants of the gold mining era dot the surrounding countryside. In recent years a few small scale operations recommenced, and some gold was extracted from the area.

The Venus Gold Battery, in Milchester Road, contains a restored gold crushing mill which operated for a century. It is open from 9am-5pm daily with guided tours available. Admission prices are $4 adults and $2 for children.

The Zara Clark Museum and Military Display is at 36 Mosman Street. The aim of the complex is to enshrine the history of Charters Towers, particularly the nostalgia of its gold rush era. There is a range of memorabilia, and some interesting period photographs. It is open from 10am-3pm daily and costs adults $4 and children $2.

Ravenswood is about 60km east of Charters Towers. It is also a heritage town and another centre of the gold rush. Although it once had no fewer than 55 pubs, it now has a population of less than one hundred. The town seems largely untouched by time.

Burdekin Falls Dam is a large catchment area that now provides the once dry cities of the coast with a plentiful water supply. Nearby, Burdekin Dam Holiday Park Motel, 4770 3178, offers accommodation and activities for patrons, $45-55 for two.

For more information contact the Charters Towers Dalrymple Tourist Information Centre, 74 Mosman Street, Charters Towers, 4752 0314. You can email them at tourinfocentre@httech.com.au

The Hinterland
The Hinterland is to the north, sweeping towards the Gulf. Volcanoes once peppered the area, and the vast underground Undara Lava Tubes have become a notable attraction. The trip from Charters Towers to Undara covers a distance of about 380km (238 miles). From Charters Towers, take the Gregory Development Road north to Greenvale, then on to Lynd Junction, then a further 93km (58 miles) along the same road. Turn left onto the Gulf Development Road and travel towards Mt Surprise before taking another left turn at the signposted Undara turn-off. From there it is 15km (9 miles) to the Undara Lava Lodge, which has bed & breakfast for $109 per person per night, 4097 1411. They offer several different tours of the Undara Experience, starting from $33 adults, $16.50 children for two hours, up to a full day tour for $93 adults, 1800 990 992 for reservations.

There is a website at www. undara-experience.com.au, which you can check out beforehand to see if you think the attraction is worth the long drive.

Bowen
Situated just north of the Whitsunday Islands, Bowen is a town where the ocean laps the edges of the main street. It is 210km (130 miles) south of Townsville on the Bruce Highway, and has one of the best climates in Australia. The surrounding coast is indented with innumerable small headlands and quiet coral beaches. Inland, the Don River Plain is a fruit growing region.

The Bowen Historical Society Museum, 22 Gordon Street, 4786 2035. In it you will find shipwreck relics, information on early pioneers and indigenous artefacts. It is hopen 10.30am-4pm Mon-Fri and 10.30am-12pm Sunday and costs $3 adults and $1 for children.   Bowen's stunning coastline encapsulates its attraction for visitors. Of particular note are idyllic Horseshoe Bay and Murray Bay. Queens Beach is also a popular haven.

In the southern area of Bowen, swimming, fishing, diving and snorkelling are year-round activities, and for those who prefer to stay on terra firma, there is fossiking for sapphires, amethysts, crystals and opalised woods.
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is on the Bruce Highway, Bowen, 4786 4222.