Well, damn, another summer has come and gone and how long did it last this time? What, like, two weeks? Where does the time go??? Life can be unfair sometimes, but what if I told you summer doesn’t need to end just yet?
What if I told you there was a magical faraway place where stunning weather, majestic backdrops, and ultimate relaxation were available year-round? Now, what if I told you that place wasn’t so far away, in fact, it’s right in our own backyard. Enter Townsville, North Queensland.
No, really, you should enter Townsville. It’s the gateway to paradise y’all are sleeping on and it’s time to end that, pronto.
So go on, pack your bags, and take this article with you cos we’ve made you a handy little guide on how to spend the perfect long weekend in Townsville, baby.
Day 1: Adventure
Day 1 is the perfect time for adventure because you are fresh, you are ready, and lucky you, you’re in Townsville. Adventure time starts now.
Townsville — as its official headquarters — is just a hop, skip, and a splash to the Great Barrier Reef, so why not head over and check it out? Snorkelling is the perfect way to get up close and personal with one of the planet’s most beautiful natural sights. Or check out the Coral Greenhouse, an underwater museum unique to Townsville.
The perfect way to dry off is to get way high in the sky, so book yourself a stunningly scenic helicopter ride with Nautilus Aviation or Townsville Helicopters for simply irresistible views of Townsville, Magnetic Island, and all its majestic surrounds.
Or if heights aren’t really your thing, check out NQ Cycle Journeys and discover rainforests and waterfalls on two wheels through some of Australia’s most scenic tracks.
Finally, if you feel like journeying further, and feeling like some rainforest action, travel an hour north to Hinchinbrook and marvel at Australia’s tallest waterfall — Wallaman Falls.
Day 2: Explore
Magnetic Island is just 8km off the Townsville coastline and it’s the perfect place for exploration. From National Park hikes, snorkel trails and koalas aplenty, there are a myriad of options to choose from. If you really want to treat yourself, take the luxe route with Pilgrim Sailing, which offers premium all-inclusive sailing cruises and private charters on a luxury 58-foot yacht.
Once on the island, the day is yours. You can enjoy the natural abundance of sheer beauty, explore the pristine beaches, check out a very cool wildlife park — yes the island has its own wildlife park, how neat!
If you’re looking to indulge your seeker spirit and uncover a raft of eclectic experiences, the bountiful Burdekin is the place for you. Known as the sugar cane capital of Australia, Burdekin is the home of the world-famous SS Yongala shipwreck, and is a stunning spot to snap some incredible holiday pics with its stunning natural wetlands and bountiful plains.
Day 3: Educate
OK, time to catch your breath and relax a little. You’ve had two action-packed days, now let’s take a moment to take it all in and have fun while you’re at it.
Billabong Sanctuary is the perfect spot no matter your age cos c’mon, who doesn’t love animals? Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most divine creatures — including mainland Queensland’s largest captive croc — and enjoy some seriously cool native animal shows and experiences while you’re there.
Some other fun options are Gudjuda Aboriginal Tours, Mungalla Aboriginal Tours, the Museum of Tropical Queensland, or step back in time to discover the region’s early story with a historical tour.
For a real dip back into the history books, head west to unearth the secrets of outback Charters Towers; just 90 minutes from Townsville.
Day 4: Rejuvenate
Time to relax, soak in that sweet vitamin D, granted by the 300 annual days of sunshine, and worry about absolutely nothing. Tempt the taste buds at one of three Chef-hatted restaurants — JAM, Bridgewater or A Touch of Salt; or one of the many fine dining or classic eateries that make up Townsville’s vibrant urban offering.
Sealink Queensland offers a super chill day tour to the stunning Orpheus Island. The relaxing journeys will see you embark on a 1 hour and 45 min scenic cruise passing through the picturesque Palm Island Group.
Or if you feel like lazing about on the mainland, you can enjoy a peaceful day in the sun at Queensland’s best beach, Townsville’s very own ‘The Strand’ — a 2.2km family-friendly stretch of wonderfully maintained coastline chock full of opportunities to relax and also have some fun in the sun.
For more info on how to have the perfect Townsville escape, head to the Townsville North Queensland website.
