In Townsville

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TOWNSVILLE IN

AND MAGNETIC ISLAND SEPTEMBER 2012 - FEBRUARY 2013 | 42

ACCOMMODATION | DINING | ATTRACTIONS | MAPS | ACTIVITIES

The Strand Townsville courtesy of TOWNSVILLE ENTERPRISE

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02 | september 2012 - february 2013

TOWNSVILLE

Our City

Nowhere else in the world will you find the fascinating diversity of North Queensland.

In just hours you can move from lush rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef, or from a luxurious resort on a tropical island to a cattle ranch in the golden Outback.

Townsville, Australia’s largest tropical city, is the focal point to this region which is bounded by Mission Beach to the north, Charters Towers to the west, and Bowen in the south. The resort islands - Magnetic, Orpheus, Hinchinbrook and Bedarra - are all different in character and all offer a unique experience for the holidaymaker.

Townsville’s many attractions include the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, a wildlife sanctuary, casino, beaches, museums, theatres, galleries, nightclubs and restaurants.

Many people who come to Townsville on a visit or short-term stay, like what they see and decide to live here. Little wonder that the Townsville region has one of the highest residential growth rates in Australia. The focal point these days is the wonderful beachfront ‘Strand’.

Beautiful Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes from the city centre by ferry. Day cruises and diving expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef, and white water rafting excursions also depart regularly from the city.

There are quiet places of natural beauty, including Mt Elliot National Park, Crystal Creek and Paluma, all a short drive away.

Within the city itself don’t miss a trip up Castle Hill, or some of the magnificent and well-kept shady gardens which include Queen’s Gardens, Anderson Park, Anzac Park and the Palmetum.

Heading west the rugged outback unfolds with the historic gold rush mining towns of Charters Towers and Ravenswood - time capsules of turn-of-the-century architecture. National Parks and World Heritage listed areas lie to the north of Townsville, with the seaside towns of Ingham, Cardwell and Mission Beach boasting rainforests, waterfalls, spectacular beaches and the sheltered waterways of the Hinchinbrook Channel.

Travelling south through the agricultural basin are the twin towns of Ayr and Home Hill. Bowen completes the southern boundary of this region which also features superb reefs, beaches and excellent fishing spots.

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Contents TOWNSVILLE LOOKOUTS CAR RENTALS SHOPPING CENTRES / MARKETS CARAVAN PARKS PUBS & BARS STRAND MUSEUMS + ART GALLERIES WHAT’S ON MAGNETIC ISLAND BALGAL BEACH (NORTH) PALUMA (NORTH) INGHAM (NORTH) BURDEKIN SHIRE (SOUTH) CHARTERS TOWERS (WEST) MATILDA HIGHWAY (WEST) 95 95

12 17 18 25 32 34 40 42 52 66 68 70 73 75 77

MAPS DINING MAP TOWNSVILLE CITY MAP TOWNSVILLE SUBURB MAP TOWNSVILLE SURROUNDS MAP MAGNETIC ISLAND MAP PALUMA MAP 22

28 46 48 72 62 67

TIMETABLES MAGNETIC ISLAND BUS TIMETABLE FANTASEA TIMETABLE SEALINK TIMETABLE

64 56 56

Phone Numbers MISSION BEACH. Tourism Queensland

TAXI SUNBUS EMERGENCY INFO HOTLINE

131 008 4725 8482 000 4796 1000

North Australian Publishing Co Pty Ltd. ACN 050418865 440 Flinders Street, Townsville Qld 4810 Postal Address: PO Box 1264, Townsville Qld 4810 Advertising | Warren Gardner Design & Layout | Red Leaf Creative Phone: 07 4772 3244 Fax: 07 4772 3250 Email: info@intownsville.com.au Web: www.intownsville.com.au In Townsville & Magnetic Island is published by North Australian Publishing Co Pty. Ltd. and produced every 6 months for the promotion of Townsville and regions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the company. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any of the contents herein.

04 | september 2012 - february 2013

www.intownsville.com.au | 05

Visit Reef HQ Aquarium’s Turtle Hospital where sick and injured turtles are cared for and rehabilitated. re ehabilitated.

TURTLE

hhospital tl

Check out Townsville’s Reef HQ Aquarium Turtle Talk, departing daily at 12noon. The Reef HQ Aquarium Turtle Hospital is designed to rehabilitate sick and injured turtles so they can be released back into the ocean, enhancing their long term survival and sustainability as a threatened species.

Join in r ou on one ofive Daily D g in and Feed Shows.

2-68 Flinders Street Townsville, 4810 Tel: 4750 0800 www.reefhq.com.au

As the National Educational Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Reef HQ Aquarium plays a lead role in educating visitors, through educational talks and guided tours on the plight of turtles and there importance to the Marine Park.

Six of the world’s seven species of marine turtle are found on the Great Barrier Reef and staff of the Turtle Hospital believes that local residents and visitors play a very special role in looking after them. Donations to the Turtle Hospital are welcome by phoning 07 47500 800 or visit Reef HQ Aquarium reception.

Anyone who finds a stranded turtle is urged to contact the Department of Environmental and Resource Management on 1300 ANIMAL.

museum of tropical queensland

must see Discover the cultural and natural heritage of North Queensland in the heart of Townsville. dŚĞ DƵƐĞƵŵ ŽĨ dƌŽƉŝĐĂů YƵĞĞŶƐůĂŶĚ ŝƐ ĮůůĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ĞdžŚŝďŝƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŐĂůůĞƌŝĞƐ ƚŽ ĐĂƉƟǀĂƚĞ

70-102 Flinders St, Townsville www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au 06 | september 2012 - february 2013

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www.intownsville.com.au | 07

TOWNSVILLE

from the sky

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An adventurous scenic flight over Townsville and Magnetic Island is a must do. Take in the stunning sights of the clear blue ocean, the sweeping aerial views of pristine white beaches on tropical Magnetic Island and the breathtaking landscape of Townsville.

TOWNSVILLE PANORAMIC With Red Baron.

Taking off on the waters adjacent to the Strand, you will get to see the vibrant Port and the Townsville CBD. Then follow the Ross river up towards James Cook University. Admire the impressive Mount Stuart before circling past Townville airport, back around the monolithic Castle Hill. Complete the journey with a breath taking low level pass at 50ft in front of the Strand before landing.

If you’re up for it, ask the pilot for some Adrenaline pumping maneuvers.

Duration: 40 mins 2 passengers per flight Flight Time (takeoff to landing): 15 mins CIRCUMNAVIGATE MAGNETIC ISLAND (Departing from Townsville) With Red Baron.

As its name suggests this flight entails the circumnavigation of the beautiful Magnetic Island. Rocky granite headlands, blanketed with Hoop Pine trees leading down to the 23 bays and beaches makes Magnetic Island truly extraordinary. Taking off and landing from the Strand, you will get a chance to view coral reef off Picnic Bay, the inaccessible Five Beach Bay and an abundance of marine life (including whales).

Duration: 50 mins 2 passengers per flight Flight Time (takeoff to landing): 25 mins

Helicopter and Seaplane charters direct from Townsville Airport.

Joy Flights and Special Occasions with Romance and Adventure, Photography and Island tranfers.

Open 7 days a week !

Hanger 15 Gypsy Moth Crt, Garbutt, Townsville 4814

www.nautilusaviation.com.au

NAUTILUS AVIATION SCENIC TOURS Nautilus Aviation operate Helicopter and Seaplane flights from their base at Townsville Airport. Nautilus Aviation operates daily to Orpheus Island Resort, and on-demand charter services to The Great Barrier Reef, and many other Coastal Islands and areas in North Queensland. Joy flights and scenic tours being their specialty.

Enjoy an unforgettable scenic flight or private charter. Meet at Townsville Airport and depart promptly to your destination of choice.

A must do while in Townsville is a Helicopter scenic flight in their brand new R44 Clipper Helicopter - Airconditioned, Leather seats and great visibility!

08 | september 2012 - february 2013

A

n o r a B d e R

SEAPLANES

Billy Zane flew in it... Catherine Zeta Jones flew in it... ... Now it’s your turn to fly in the Red Baron for an experience of a lifetime!

This movie star is now gracing the skies above beautiful Townsville and Magnetic Island. The historical Grumman Sea-Cat starred in the movie The Phantom and is now being cast in a new adventure.

It’s the only two passenger, open cockpit bi-plane on floats in the world!

n ly in the w o r u o y ole for a f ... 0412 896 770 k o o B tarring r Baron s Red www.redbaronseaplanes.com.au cplanes@bigpond.net.au

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All flights subject to pilot’s discretion, weather conditions & air-traffic control. Conditions: max 2 people per flight. Weight restrictions apply.

PARK PLAY BIG NGO BUCKS BI ance to For a ch WIN up to

$30,000 Ignatius Park Hall 368 Ross River Rd, Cranbrook BINGO BUS AVAILABLE

4796 0255 PICK UP & DROP OFF AT YOUR DOOR Please phone for bookings

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 7.30pm Sunday 1.00pm

ACCOMMODATION NEED A BED? Townsville • Magnetic Island Where’s the accommodation in Townsville and Magnetic Island?

Ask the PROFESSIONALS. We are the major booking agent in Flinders Square.

Nightly. Weekly. Corporate.

MASSAGE

Sports • Remedial • Relax • Cupping • Bowen Lymph • Reiki • Reflexology • Hot Stone (Couples Rooms Available)

SPA TREATMENTS

VICHY SHOWER • STEAM • INFRARED SAUNA Facials • Waxing • Tinting • Manis • Pedis Scrubs • Body Wraps

IONITHERMIE Cellulite control and weight loss Get smoother skin get toned

CITY - 3/291 FLINDERS ST

PLUS TOURS!

•Reef Cruises •Magnetic Island Tours •Dive Courses •Rainforest Tours •Charters Towers Tours •Car Hire

Let us make the calls!

Flinders Square, Townsville Phone: 4772 5800 www.tropicaltravel.com.au info@tropicaltravel.com.au

Or 2nd Entrance near Cowboys carpark directly behind 42 Sturt St

JUPITERS HOTEL & CASINO Mon - Sun 9am - 7pm (Including public holidays)

Mon - Sun 7pm - 9pm (By appointment)

CITY - 4772 0031 JUPITERS - 4722 2375 www.handsinharmony.com.au

10 | september 2012 - february 2013

DIVE

ttheh Yongala Y l Wreck W k & Great G t Barrier B Reef Rf

Tropical Townsville is a hot spot for those keen to check out the underwater scene, being the home to one of the world’s best wreck dives.

The centred section of the Great Barrier Reef, including Wheeler Reef and Lodestone Reef has crevasses to explore and beautiful white sands stretching into the depths of the Coral Sea.

The Yongala wreck and Great Barrier Reef are the diving drawcards. The north Queensland city offers the ultimate of dive experiences, great value accommodation and a year-round summer climate to round off the perfect diving stopover.

There are spectacular displays of tropical marine life and coral structures for divers to explore as they swim among giant clams, turtles and reef sharks on this truly magical reef.

The Yongala wreck, located about 89km east of the city, is Australia’s best dive site and one of the world’s top 10 wreck dives. Undiscovered for over 40 years, the coral-encrusted structure attracts a prolific variety of colourful marine life and is an unforgettable dive for both novice and experienced divers. A few of the local companies specialise in dives to the wreck. The day trip to the Yongala site includes a three hour boat cruise past Magnetic Island, historic lighthouse and the bird colonies of Cape Bowling Green.

Magnetic Island is another popular diving destination easily accessible from Townsville.

The World Heritage listed Reef is host to the most diverse collection of life forms found in one location anywhere in the world and Townsville is the best place to access it.

Whether it is day trips to view the spectacular snorkelling, specialist scuba dives or environmental expeditions, it’s all available on Townsville’s doorstep.

SNORKEL E & DIV LA & S.S. YONGA

GREAT BARRIER REEF Learn to Dive Day Trips

Book a trip.

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07 4724 0600 |1300 664 600 252 Walker Street, Townsville www.adrenalindive.com.au

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TOWNSVILLE

SOUTHERN HIGHWAY INFORMATION CENTRE Bruce Highway, Stuart Open: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm Phone: 4778 3555 www.townsvilleholidays.info FLINDERS SQUARE INFORMATION CENTRE Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm Phone: 4726 2700 www.townsvilleholidays.info

North

TYTO WETLANDS INFORMATION CENTRE Ingham.

Open: Mon-Fri 8.45am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm Phone: 4776 4792 www.tyto.com.au RAINFOREST & REEF INFORMATION CENTRE Cardwell.

Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm. Sat-Sun 9am-3pm (April-Oct) Sat-Sun 9am-1pm (Nov-March) Phone: 4066 8601 www.greatgreenwaytourism.com TULLY VISITOR & HERITAGE CENTRE Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.45pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm Phone: 4068 2288 www.ccrc.qld.gov.au MISSION BEACH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Porter Promenade, Mission Beach Open: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm Phone: 4068 7099 www.missionbeachtourism.com

South

BURDEKIN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Plantation Park, Ayr. Open: Mon-Sun 9am-4pm.

Phone: 4783 5988 www.burdekintourism.com.au BURDEKIN GATEWAY INFORMATION CENTRE Old Home Hill Railway Station, 12 Railway Ave Open: Mon-Sun 9am-4pm.

Phone: 4782 8241 www.burdekintourism.com.au

West

CHARTERS TOWERS VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Open: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm Phone: 4761 5533 www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

12 | september 2012 - february 2013

lookouts

CASTLE HILL Where: Access via Stanley Street, North Ward Castle Hill is a red rock monolith in the heart of Townsville offering panoramic views, and a slice of military history. There is a popular walking track for fitness focused locals, with a rocky ‘goat track’ a favourite for shedding those unwanted kilos. A road offers access for vehicles and pedestrians. The hill is just metres short of being classified as a mountain.

The rock face is home to Townsville’s iconic ‘saint’ - a graffiti rendition of the popular television show’s stick figure emblem. The Hill’s vantage was used by visiting American soldiers during World War II. According to local legend, the visitors famously offered to demolish the hill and use the rock to build a bridge to Magnetic Island. A World War II observation bunker sits on one corner of the hill, which also boasts public amenities, a function centre and car parking to those wanting to enjoy the best view of Magnetic Island.

KISSING POINT Where: North End of The Strand near the Rock Pool.

Despite its romantic name, Kissing Point was probably named after a feature in Sydney Harbour.

The area has long associated with the military and social history of Townsville. Kissing Point Fort, on the point, was designed by Major Edward Druitt of the Royal Engineers. Completed in 1891 to defend the harbour from the threat of foreign attack (at that time by the Russians). It was manned by One Battery Garrison and the Kennedy Regiment, composed mainly of volunteers.

They held annual encampments at Norman Park, the area behind the point, now known as Jezzine Barracks / Army Museum North Queensland.

During World War II Kissing Point was the headquarters of the 265th Australian Infantry Battalion, and landing ship tanks used the beach near the point to embark and disembark men and supplies.

Kissing Point also has a long association with recreation. In the first decades of the 20th century, the city’s first golf course stretched from Eyre Street to Warburton Street and occupied part of Jezzine Barracks.

MOUNT STUART Where: Access via Tarakan St off the Flinders Highway At the top of Mt Stuart is a first class viewing platform with panoramic views of Townsville City and the surrounding Tropical Savanna and Coast. In the distance you can see Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef World Hertiage Area. Looking up the coast you can see the Coastal Ranges of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. There is a short 20 minute walk around the summit with interpretative signage and spectacular views. The Mt Stuart summit is a 25 minute drive from the Townsville CBD. PIPER’S LOOKOUT Travel up Hervey Range Road, past the suburbs of Rangewood and Rupertswood to find Piper’s Lookout which is near the top of the Range, on your right. Piper’s Lookout offers stunning views over the bushland below Hervey Range and out to the ocean.

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CAPE PALLARENDA

Conservation Park

A scenic coastal park close to Townsville, Cape Pallarenda is the site of a former quarantine station dating from 1915. The buildings are typical Queenslander style; with high ceilings and wide verandahs. The park features ruins and relics from World War II, when the cape was part of Australia’s east coast defences.

Stroll through the old quarantine station and imagine life in a bygone era. Visit the small historical display and gain an insight into the history of the area. Walk along the beaches and over the rugged headland to take in sweeping views of Townsville and Magnetic Island. Inspect the World War II gun emplacements and searchlight positions. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue on the foreshore.

GETTING THERE Travel 10 kilometres north of Townsville City Centre at the end of Cape Pallarenda Road. Gates to the park are open from 6.30am to 6.30pm daily. The historic display is open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

ESSENTIALS TO BRING Rubbish bags, as there are no bins.

Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and a longsleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.

Insect repellent to repel mosquitoes and sandflies.

Short tracks lead to picnic spots and the beach. The track over the bridge beyond the historic display leads to the remains of an old jetty destroyed by a cyclone in 1971.

FORTS TRACK 2km return (1 hour) Moderate The remains of gun emplacements and searchlight positions can be found scattered around the headland. The track rises to provide sweeping views of Townsville and Magnetic Island.

GRAVES CIRCUIT 1.9km (1.5 hours) Easy The Graves circuit takes you through woodland and vine thicket and across a weir, built in 1925 to improve the water supply to the Quarantine Station. It then leads you down to the graves of the 13 unfortunate Vietnamese deck passengers who died at the Quarantine Station from meningitis in 1920. The track then passes behind the Quarantine Station before returning to the car park.

PICNIC AND DAY-USE AREAS The day-use area is located on the foreshore overlooking Magnetic Island.

Gas barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and parking are provided.

HISTORIC QUARANTINE DISPLAY A small display offers an insight into the quarantine history of the area. The display is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

nsville’s Town o ical Trop Hideaway

• 3 Acres of Lush Tropical Gardens • 2 Stunning Lagoon Style Swimming Pools • Hotel Rooms • Fully Self Contained Apartmentss • Luxury Spa Suites • 4 1/2 Star Superior Roomss • Fully Air-conditioned • Guest Laundry • Childrens Playground & BBQ Area • Wireless Internet Access • Free AUSTAR & DVDs

RESERVATIONS FREECALL

1800 079 929

74 The Esplanade, Belgian Gardens | Ph 07 4721 3111 | Fax 07 4721 3133 www.seagulls.com.au | resort@seagulls.com.au 14 | september 2012 - february 2013

www.intownsville.com.au | 15

TOWNSVILLE BIRCH CARROL & COYLE Cnr Sturt & Blackwood Streets, City MOVIE INFOLINE 4771 4101 Map Ref. 14, Page 46

Cinemas

READING CINEMAS Cannon Park, Kirwan MOVIE INFOLINE 4723 6666 WARRINA CINEPLEX Dalrymple Road, Currajong MOVIE INFOLINE 4779 8568 IMAX DOME THEATRE Reef HQ Centre, City MOVIE INFOLINE 4721 1481 Map Ref. 9, Page 46

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16 | september 2012 - february 2013

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Townsville Taxi

City Tours Available Air conditioned Taxis 1 to 11 Seaters Wheelchair Accessible

www.townsvilletaxi.com.au

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BATIK BAZAAR

SHOPPING Shopping is a popular past time. Three major shopping centres Willows, Castletown and Stockland - offer shoppers a wide range of stores in air-conditioned comfort.

Being only five minutes from the city centre makes Castletown Shoppingworld a handy place to stop and shop, and offers more than eighty stores.

Stockland is Townsville’s largest shopping centre and home to Myer. Centro is across the road and both are located in Aitkenvale on Ross River Road close to the hospital and central suburbs.

The Willows Shopping Centre is a very spacious centre with much on offer, with Sunland Plaza and Cannon Park over the road, host to a Cinema and many restaurants and shops.

Domain Central on Duckworth Street is an outdoor shopping experience and has much on offer, from fashion to homewares, even a fitness centre.

Flinders Street in the city heart has shops and attractions that are housed in restored historic buildings dating back to the region’s European settlement in the late 19th century. Be sure to check out the little arcades in Flinders Street for a unique shopping experience. Batik Bazaar and Batik 4 Guys on the Flinders Street has a large collection of sarongs, dresses and beautiful island wear that is pure North Queensland style.

265 Flinders Street • Phone 4772 4910 18 | september 2012 - february 2013

TOWNSVILLE

Markets

Sunday is market day in Townsville and what better way to kick off your morning than a leisurely stroll through either Cotters Market in the City or Willows Rotary Market in Kirwan.

Cotters Market located in the new Flinders Street is on between 8.30am and 1pm, while you can find Willows Rotary Market at Willows Shopping Centre between 7.30am and 11.30am.

Ease on down for breakfast or a freshly brewed coffee then wind your way through over 170 stalls offering fresh fruit & vegies, tropical flowers, fine handcrafted jewelery, pottery and home decor, gourmet preserves, cakes, nuts, honey, sauces, sweets and chocolates, fragrant handmade soaps and candles, original canvas and silk paintings, cards and framed prints, handturned woodcraft, basketry and leatherwork, knitted, crocheted, embroidered napery and linen, clothing, footwear, children’s wear as well as souvenirs, novelties, stuffed canetoads and sunglasses.

For those looking for something a little different, from May to December, on the first Friday of the month the Strand Night Markets turn Strand Park into a hive of colour, taste and activity.

Kick off your weekend with dinner at the outdoor eatery and enjoy culinary delights from around the globe while listening to world class musicians. With over 150 stalls there is sure to be something for everyone, from exotic fruits, original art and craft, homemade food, distinctive clothing, unique souvenirs and lots more. See you there between 5pm and 9.30pm.

UCE TS >> CRAFT >> PROD

LOCAL AR S WILLOWS ROTARY MARKET

GRAB A BARGAIN!

EVERY SUNDAY 7.30AM - 11.30AM WILLOWS SHOPPING CENTRE >>

COTTERS MARKETS EVERY SUNDAY FLINDERS STREET >> 8.30AM - 1PM

STRAND NIGHT MARKETS

TH MAY TO DECEMBER FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MON 5PM - 9.30PM >> PARK ND STRA For more information on Townsville’s markets visit www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au

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Shelly Beach

Walks Map

Freshwater Lagoon Birdhide

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Mount Marlow Lookout Bohle River

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Many Peaks Range

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Observation Tower Walking tracks include short easy walks and challenging longer hikes. Fitness levels should be considered before undertaking extended walks. Please note that that some tracks become flooded or over-grown during the wet season (December - April).

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Townsville Town Common Conservation Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Only minutes from the centre of Townsville - open woodland, grassland, swamps and vine thickets provide a habitat and refuge for as many as 280 bird species. Summer rains transform the area into an immense wetland, attracting large flocks of waterbirds. From bird hides, view flocks of magpie geese, brolgas, finches, wrens and cisticolas. Take the Many Peaks Range walking track to see sweeping views over the park and along the coastline, from Palm Island in the north to Cape Cleveland in the south.

GETTING THERE Townsville Town Common Conservation Park is 6km north of the Townsville city centre. The park entrance is reached by turning off Cape Pallarenda Road towards the Rowes Bay Golf Club. The gate is open from 6.30am to 6.30pm daily. There is an information shelter at the entrance to the park.

ESSENTIALS TO BRING Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit. Make sure you bring: • Enough drinking water for your visit • Appropriate clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses • Insect repellent to avoid mosquitoes and sandflies • Rubbish bags, as there are no bins.

20 | september 2012 - february 2013

FOREST WALK (1.9KM RETURN - 1hr return) Easy This walk, near the Barramundi waterhole, follows the edge of the billabong, which is fringed with melaleucas, eucalyptus and acacias. it is a good area for viewing honeyeaters, kingfishers and other forest birds.

BALD ROCK CARPARK to MOUNT MARLOW (2.5KM ONE WAY) Moderate From Bald Rock carpark ascend along the ridge tops of Many Peaks Range to the grassy summit of Mount Marlow. The lookout has inspiring 360 views of the park, Townsville, Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea. BALD ROCK CARPARK to PALLARENDA (4.5KM ONE WAY - 4-5hrs one way) Difficult (above average fitness req.)

This track continues from Mount Marlow, weaving through open woodland and pockets of vine-thicket to the park at the end of Cape Pallarenda Road. The section of track between Mount Marlow and Tegoora Rock is not well-defined in places and care should be taken to keep to the track.

PALLARENDA to TEGOORA ROCK (2KM - 1hr return) Moderate This track begins opposite the park at the end of Cape Pallarenda Road.

Walk through shady vine-thicket to the lookout at Tegoora Rock. View the wetlands from above and appreciate the full extent of the Town Common.

SHELLY BEACH CICUIT TRACK (9KM RETURN - 4-5hrs) Moderate Follow the signs from Bald Rock Carpark to the Shelly Beach circuit track.

Walk through flat country between the ranges, taking in scenic wetlands, to a series of isolated beaches.

p: 07 4778 0199 f: 07 4778 0199 a: 6 Thornton’s Gap Road, Hervey’s Range e: scones@heritagetearooms.com.au www.heritagetearooms.com.au OPEN DAILY 9am - 4pm (Excl Christmas Day) It’s history and nature. It’s an outback experience that will touch your soul. The perfect getaway 25mins from Willows Shoppingtown. Located at the top of Hervey’s Range, the former Eureka Hotel, built in 1865 has been lovingly restored and opened to the public as Hervey’s Range Heritage Tea Rooms.

It remains one of a few slab sided inns left standing in Australia. Once a welcome site to weary travellers and their horse and bullock teams en route to the gold fields, it stands on the original site and has been lovingly restored to its former glory, offering everyone the opportunity to not only experience the oldest building in North Queensland, but the peace and tranquillity of the country, great food, coffee and a very warm welcome. This multi-award winning business began as humble tea rooms in 2005.

JUST A FEW REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT • Great espresso coffees including Kopi Luwak ($50 per cup) • Famous award winning scones baked fresh daily • All day breakfast, light lunches, morning and afternoon teas • Gifts and souvenirs • North Queensland Oldest building split log construction built 1865 • Scenic range drive • Walking track and lookouts • Eftpos available • Licensed premises • Weddings and private functions • Up to 5˚ cooler all year round • Resident ghosts – Don’t be afraid to ask!

www.intownsville.com.au | 21

AUSSIE WILDLIFE TOURS Around Ross River Dam and local area Monday - Friday on demand

1 .5hr Tour

$30

per person

BOOKINGS: CALL POP SULLIVAN 0407 167 524

PASSENGERS Min 2 max 4 passengers | WHEN During the week | EXTRAS inc. morning or afternoon tea and full commentary No walking required DEPARTURE & RETURN POINT Ross River Dam Car park

22 | september 2012 - february 2013

www.intownsville.com.au | 23

AIMS

Tours

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is one of the most innovative and progressive research laboratories in the world with unparalleled capability in the field of cutting-edge tropical marine science and technology.

AIMS was established by the Australian Government in 1972 under the Australian Institute of Marine Science Act 1972 in recognition of the importance of marine assets, especially the Great Barrier Reef, to Australia.

Today AIMS is recognised worldwide for the quality of its research into marine environments, and their resources including biotechnology and aquaculture.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is located within a 207 hectare national park at Cape Ferguson, about 50 kilometres from the Townsville CBD. Conducted public tours, which cover the Institute’s research and its relevance to community interests, are available on Friday mornings from March to November (inclusive). The tours start at 10am and conclude at about 12 noon. Bookings are recommended.

Special tours on other weekdays can be prearranged for groups.

Bookings are essential. Refreshments are available for visitors at the AIMS canteen (during opening hours). In all cases, visitors must check into the reception upon arrival.

Unfortunately, there is no public transport to the Institute. You can reach AIMS from Townsville by travelling towards Ayr on the Bruce Highway for about 35 km until you get to the AIMS access road, which is indicated at the turnoff by a directional sign. The Institute is situated on the coast, 16 km at the end of this access road.

If you require more information about tours, or if you are interested in organising a special group tour to the Institute, please phone 4753 4444 during business hours.

It is a good idea to book tours as early as possible. Remember, when you visit AIMS please respect the national parks status of the area. No fishing, boating, camping or lighting of barbecues is permitted.

24 | september 2012 - february 2013

CAMPING

and Caravaning

Caravaning has become one of the most popular means of travel, whether it be up the coast for a holiday or travelling around Australia, you are likely to meet many travellers who are doing just that. Most caravan parks not only have the beautifully manicured shady sites, some with their own ensuites, but they have motel standard villas and cabins. If you are roughing it, grassed and shady tent sites are available along with well maintained camp and washing up facilities with tables and seats.

Townsville has many caravan parks to offer. Depending on your time available and how far you are travelling each day, there is a park for you. Don’t forget if you are travelling in the summer months it is important to have access to a pool, especially for the kids. So check out these great holiday and caravan parks guaranteed to make your stay in Townsville an enjoyable one.

THE LAKES HOLIDAY PARK Accommodation ht from $85 per nig le

ilab Weekly rates ava

Caravan available + Car Storagepri at a great ce!

• Fully self contained Cabins, Villas & Units • Ensuite tourist sites • Resort style pool • Camp kitchen • Kiosk / Public Phone • Tourist attraction Information • 2.5kms from City centre • Tennis court, day/night • Adjacent to McDonalds, Sizzler, Subway, Red Rooster, Bottleshop & Video Ezy • 5 min to major shopping centre • LPG Refill • DVD facility

Ph 4725 1577

Cnr Hugh & Woolcock St, Townsville Fax 4728 8918 | www.thelakesholidaypark.com.au

www.intownsville.com.au | 25

26 | september 2012 - february 2013

WOODLANDS HOLIDAY PARK

• Modern 2 Bedroom Ensuite Cabins • Open Plan Ensuite Cabins • 76 Ensuite Powered Sites • 40 Large Powered Sites with Amenities Block • Modern Laundry Facilities • Pool / 4 FREE Gas BBQs • Camp Kitchen / TV Room • Playground • Giant Jumping Pillow • Broadband Internet / Laptop Connection

548 Bruce Highway, Townsville (north side)

FREECALL 1800 251 485 PHONE 4751 6955

info@big4woodlands.com.au • www.big4woodlands.com.au

www.intownsville.com.au | 27

DINING OUT IN TOWNSVILLE Kissing Point

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Experience the feel of a real Aussie Heritage Hotel Friendly & Relaxed Atmosphere.

Great Food 7 Days Lunch & Dinner in a tranquil garden setting.

A Visit to the VIP Gourmet Cellar a must.

we’re more than just a veranda breakfast tuesday to sunday lunch tuesday to sunday dinner wednesday to saturday

upstairs 287 flinders street bookings: phone 4771 2255 www.thebalconyrestaurant.com

Heritage Listed

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www.intownsville.com.au | 29

DINING

in Townsville

Townsville’s dining diversity makes heading out for dinner an exciting venture. From the thoughtfully restored heritage restaurants, to the ambience of al fresco cafes, Townsville boasts four major dining precincts, each offering its own distinct experience.

PALMER STREET Located on the city’s south bank, Palmer Street captures the essence of international cuisine. Boasting award-winning restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Palmer Street offers mouth-watering flavours guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds. Whether you desire indian, Asian, Italian, Greek, French, Mexican, modern Australian or locally caught seafood, this strip is Townsville’s premium eat street. The central location offers proximity to public transport, the city’s vibrant nightlife hub and gorgeous views across Ross Marina.

FLINDERS STREET EAST Parallel to Palmer Street is Flinders Street East, which boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants, nightclubs, pubs and wine bars. The

30 |september 2012 - february 2013

strip is not only the nightlife precinct of the city, it’s an emerging hot spot for diners to meet for an evening out. Flinders Street East is a flurry of lively atmosphere and night-time activity with cocktails and tapas enjoyed until late.

GREGORY STREET The Gregory Street precinct near The Strand has a cosmopolitan village atmosphere. With exclusive boutique shopping and openair cafe dining, it is the perfect stop for lunch, coffee or cake after a long day shopping.

CANNON PARK Located a short distance from the Riverway precinct, Cannon Park offers diners a range of cuisine and a social atmosphere.

You can catch a live show at Riverway, see a movie at the cinemas or have a pint at the local Irish pub.

There are plenty of delicious choices around town - just follow your nose to discover them yourself.

www.intownsville.com.au | 31

AUSTRALIAN HOTEL 11 Palmer Street 07 4722 6999 BANK NITECLUB 410 Flinders St East 07 4721 3332 BELLEVUE HOTEL 17 Allen St 07 4772 4265 BOHLE BARN Cnr Shaws Rd & Bruce Hwy, Bohle. 07 4774 6322 BULLYS 108 Flinders St East, City CACTUS JACKS SALOON Flinders St East 07 4721 5705 CASA LOUNGE BAR 145 Flinders St East 07 4771 2173

COMMONWEALTH HOTEL 46 Allen St 07 4771 4215 CONSORTIUM 159 Flinders St East 07 4724 5122 COWBOYS LEAGUES CLUB 335 Flinders St 07 4724 5888 CRITERION TAVERN 10 The Strand 07 4721 5777 DALRYMPLE HOTEL 310 Bayswater Drv, Garbutt 07 4779 6344 EXCHANGE HOTEL 151 Flinders St East 07 4771 3335

FLYNN’S IRISH BAR Flinders St East 07 4721 1655

ROYAL HOTEL 56 Stagpole St, West End 07 4771 2549

GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL 500 Flinders St West 07 4771 6191 HERBERT HOTEL 102 Sturt St 07 4771 2641

SANTA FE GOLD 108 Flinders St East 07 4772 3700 SEAVIEW HOTEL 56 The Strand 07 4771 5005

HERITAGE BAR 137 Flinders St East 07 4771 2799 HERMIT PARK HOTEL 100 Charters Towers Rd 07 4721 4143

SOVEREIGN HOTEL 807 Flinders St West 07 4771 2909

HOTEL ALLEN Gregory Street, North Ward 07 4771 5656

THE AVENUES HOTEL 270 Kern Brothers Drv, Kirwan 07 4723 8000

IRISH FINNEGANS Cannon Park Centre,Kirwan 07 4723 7777

THE BREWERY 252 Flinders St 07 4724 2999

JUPITERS HOTEL & CASINO Sir Leslie Theiss Dr 07 4722 2333

THE CENTENARY HOTEL 35 French St, Pimlico 07 4779 2575

KIRWAN TAVERN 154 Thuringowa Drv, Kirwan. 07 4773 3366

THE SUN HOTEL 6 Ross River Rd, Mundingburra 07 4779 5233

MAD COW TAVERN 129 Flinders St East 07 4771 5727

TOMS TAVERN Nathan St, Aitkenvale 07 4772 9777

MOLLY MALONES Flinders St East 07 4771 3428

TOWNSVILLE RSL 139 Charters Towers Rd 07 4759 9500

MONSOONS 194 Flinders St East 07 4772 0900

VALE HOTEL 222 Ross River Rd, Aitkenvale 07 4779 0100

NEWMARKET HOTEL 499 Flinders St West 07 4721 1377 RHINO BAR 3 Palmer Street 07 4771 6322

32 | september 2012 - february 2013

SHAMROCK HOTEL 31 Palmer St 07 4771 4351

ROSS ISLAND HOTEL 99 Boundary St, Railway Estate 07 4771 4475

VICTORIA PARK HOTEL 266 Boundary St 07 4772 6687 WATERMARK 72 The Strand 07 4724 4281 WEST END HOTEL 89 Ingham Rd, West End 07 4771 2872

www.intownsville.com.au | 33

THE STRAND

and Rock Pool

One of the man-made wonders in Townsville is The Strand on the beachfront. Being close to the centre of town The Strand offers a variety of activities for all ages.

There are four rock headlands that you can enjoy, with fishing, parks, childrens playgrounds, scenic walks, kiosk, restaurants, coffee shops and an awesome view worth capturing on film from Kissing Point. The Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club has toilet facilities located on the Burke Street headland. An icecream shop is situated on the Landsborough St headland. You will find a restaurant and coffee shop on the Gregory Street headland.

With a bar and restaurant located at the Rock Pool.

The Strand has stunning views across to Magnetic Island from the promenade, with rollerblading, jogging and biking very popular activities along the pathways. Note that courtesy rules apply on the pathway. Three swimming areas obviously feature, being the Rock pool at one end of The Strand, and the Tobruk Pool at the other, and there’s plenty of beach in between. In the summer months the beach has two purpose built stinger proof nets out (November - May is the official stinger season) providing two safe swimming areas in the sea.

Weddings are popular on The Strand and in other Townsville parklands, with the most popular months being March to October. A hire fee of $68.40 applies to parkland weddings and bookings must be made at least six weeks prior to the wedding date. Contact the Strand Office for bookings on 4727 9000.

34 | september 2012 - february 2013

THE ROCK POOL The most popular saltwater swimming destination is the Kissing Point rock pool at the extreme northern end of The Strand in North Ward. Offering a sheltered environment, the rock pool is a marvel of natural engineering. Sea water is constantly pumped into the pool, after being strained from marine life and stingers into a natural beach setting.

A special pumping system was imported from Sweden for the rockpool and it pumps water in the pool 24 hours a day. The pool, which is about 10 times the size of an Olympic pool, has the entire water volume replaced every three hours.

The Rock pool is a great spot to get wet and cool down from the summer heat. The Rock pool is closed Thursdays for maintenance. Toilet and shower facilities are available and the lawns surrounding the pool provide a great place for a picnic or barbecue and a buzz on the flying fox. Lights in the pool are turned on every night for those wanting a moonlit dip.

Offering copious seating areas and parkland, with free electric barbeques, this is the perfect location to have a safe swim and a picnic during your stay.

There’s a second beach swimming enclosure half way along The Strand, and the waterpark is a favourite family outing.

EXEC DELUXE ROOM

ALL ROOMS HAVE SPECTACULAR OCEAN VIEWS OVERLOOKING THE CORAL SEA TO MAGNETIC ISLAND AND THE STRAND. ALL ROOMS AIR CONDITIONED, CABLE TV, WIRELESS INTERNET AVAILABLE, LIMITED COOKING FACILITES, RESTAURANT CHARGE BACK, SWIMMING POOL AND GUEST LAUNDRY Ask about our exec deluxe rooms for that extra bit of luxury.

www.intownsville.com.au | 35

Fully Self Contained Studios Ocean View Studios One Bedroom Apartments

waters

63-6

4 The S

edge

trand

Amenities: • Undercover Secured Parking • Spa • Pool • Barbeque • Sundeck • Wireless Internet Access • Guest Laundry

P: 07 4721 1777 • F 07 4721 1779 E: res@watersedgethestrand.com www.watersedgethestrand.com

Absolute Ocean Front Accommodation

• Every apartment has ocean views • 2 & 3 bedroom self contained apartments • Full kitchen & laundry facilities • Large swimming pool, spa & tennis court • Free wireless internet • Walking distance to the City, Casino & Ferry Terminal

P: 4722 0777 F: 4722 0700

7 Mariners Dve, The Strand, Townsville Email. info@marinersnorth.com.au www.marinersnorth.com.au 36 | september 2012 - february 2013

• Studio Apartments • Spacious 1 & 2 bedroom units • Fully Self Contained • Ducted A/C • Direct Dial Phones • Colour TV/Video/DVD (2 bedrooms and most 1 bedrooms have TV in bedroom) • All units have a Safe • Patio with Setting • Ocean Views from most Units • 100m to Beach • 300m walking distance to Restaurants, Hotels, Fast Food, BiLo and Shops • Lift to all Floors • Secure Undercover Parking

Entrance at 81 Mitchell Street, North Ward TOWNSVILLE

Phone 4729 8100 Fax: 4729 8189

www.oceanbreezebythestrand.com.au enquiries@oceanbreezebythestrand.com.au www.intownsville.com.au | 37

PHOTO: NQ ADVENTURE KAYAK TOURS

10 THINGS

to do on The Strand

1. Cool off in the sea... Swim in the Rock Pool or stinger resistant enclosures during the November to May northern stinger season. Swim between the flags at all times.

2. Cool off in the pool... At the famous Tobruk Pool where many former Olympic swimming stars trained.

3. Play... At the Water Park or one at the following playgrounds: Sunrise Rotary Sister Kenny Equal Access, Teenrager, Galaxy, or the Townsville Rotary playground.

4. Fish... Off the Strand Pier, Rock Pool or beach.

5. Enjoy... The many cafes, bars and restaurants.

6. Picnic... Relax with your family at a host of great spots and enjoy the fantastic views to Magnetic Island.

7. Participate... In the public activities and events in Strand Park. View the public artwork reflecting the significant heritage of The Strand.

8. Experience... Skydiving, rockwall climbing, beach volleyball, bicycle hire, yoga, coin operated binoculars and lockers.

9. Get fit... Enjoy walking, basketball, bike riding and ball sport activities.

10. Challenge yourself... On the eight exercise points positioned along the Strand promenade. Or sign up with Picnic Bay or Arcadian Surf Life Saving Clubs for some real action. There are also 3 outrigging clubs positioned on the Strand - Townsville, Magnetic Island, and Coral Sea. The Townsville Sailing Club operates from the southern end of The Strand.

38 | september 2012 - february 2013

www.intownsville.com.au | 39

TOWNSVILLE

Museums

ARMY MUSEUM NORTH QUEENSLAND Where: Jezzine Barracks. Kissing Point.

Mitchell Street, North Ward Open: Sunday, Wednesday, Friday 9am - 1pm (other times by arrangement) Phone: 07 4721 1495 or 07 4772 7276 The Army Museum of North Queensland is located within Jezzine Barracks, Kissing Point in Townsville. The Museum displays the proud Army history of units and personnel within the North Queensland area. The Museum houses weapons, uniforms, photographs and equipment from as far back as Colonial times through to the present day. Entry to the Museum is free. Donations are greatly appreciated.

CULTURAL CENTRE Where: 2/68 Flinders St East, Townsville (Map Ref 9. Page 51) Open: 9.30am - 4.30pm daily Phone: 07 4773 7679 Web: www.cctownsville.com.au A unique collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture and history.

MARITIME MUSEUM Where: Palmer Street, South Townsville (Map Ref. 11. Page 51) Open: Weekdays 10am - 4pm, Weekends 12pm - 4pm.

Last entry 3pm.

Phone: 07 4721 5251 Web: www.townsvillemaritimemuseum.org.au The complex was completed in 2000, and consists of two galleries, a model boat building room, boatshed and BBQ area.

The original building houses the SS Yongala shipwreck collection and was once the pier masters office when located at the port.

The lighthouse was relocated from Bay Rock and dates from 1886.

MUSEUM OF TROPICAL QUEENSLAND Where: Flinders Street East, City (Map Ref 10. Page 51) Open: Daily 9.30am - 5pm (Closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and the morning of Anzac Day, 25 April) Phone: 07 4726 0600 Web: www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au Discover the natural and cultural heritage of North queensland at the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Located in the heart

40| september 2012 - february 2013

MUSEUM OF TROPICAL QUEENSLAND

of Townsville, the Museum is filled with exhibitions to captivate visitors of all ages.

Learn about HMS Pandora, the ship sent by British Admiralty to capture the Bounty and her mutinous crew, explore a typical North queensland rainforest environment in the Enchanted Rainforest, admire historic dive helmets in the Langley Collection: Heritage of Helmets, or test your skills at the interactive science centre, Mindzone.

NATIONAL TRUST HERITAGE CENTRE Where: 5 Castling Street, West End Open: Wednesday 10am - 2pm, Weekends 1pm - 4pm Entry: $8 Adult, $2 child, $5 Concession Phone: 07 4771 5873 Web: www.heritagecentre.org.au RAAF TOWNSVILLE MUSEUM Where: Ingham Road, Garbutt Open: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am - 12pm and Sundays 10am - 4pm or by appointment 4752 1712.

Web: www.raafmuseum.com The RAAF Townsville Museum promotes and preserves the military aviation history of North Queensland from WWII to present time and includes all theatres of conflict associated with the area.

TOWNSVILLE MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY Where: 231 Hugh Street, Currajong Open: Mon, Wed - Friday 10am-3pm, Sunday 1.30pm - 3.30pm Phone: 47 757838 Web: www.townsvillemuseuminc.com QUARANTINE MUSEUM Where: Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park 1 The Esplanade, Pallarenda Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 3.30pm Phone: 4722 5224 The historic Quarantine Museum at Cape Pallarenda is an interesting place. The hill behind it contains World War II gun emplacements you can explore along a good walking track from the museum.

ART

Galleries

CULTURAL CENTRE - FINE ARTS GALLERY Flinders Street East, Townsville (Map Ref. 9. Page 51) Open: Mon - Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Phone: 4772 7679 www.cctownsville.com.au NQ POTTERS WORKSHOP NQ Potters workshop at 15 Flowers Street, Railway Estate. Fully equipped workspace for members, classes and workshops.

Phone 07 4772 3458 for more info.

PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY (Shown) Cnr Denham Street & Flinders Street (Map Ref. 12. Page 51) Open: Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat & Sun 10am - 2pm Phone: 4727 9000 PINNACLES GALLERY Riverway Arts Centre, Kirwan Open: Wed - Fri 11am - 7pm, Sat 11am - 6pm, Sun 11am - 2pm Phone: 4773 8566 STUDIO 2: GALLERY & STUDIO 486-488 Flinders Street West, Townsville Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm, Sat & Sun 9am - 12pm Phone: 0418 936 927 www.studio2townsville.org SYLVIA DITCHBURN FINE ART Metro Quays, 86 Ogden Street, Townsville (Map Ref. A. Page 51) Open: Tues - Fri 10am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 1pm Phone: 4724 3953 www.sylviaditchburnfineartgallery.com THE SWEATSHOP 181 Flinders Street, Townsville Open: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 4pm, Sat 9am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 2pm www.thesweatshop.com.au TOWNSVILLE ART SOCIETY Shops 6 & 7, 203 - 205 Kings Road, Pimlico Open: Mon 10am - 2pm, Tues - Fri 9am - 4pm , Sat 10am - 2pm Phone: ‘Art on Kings’ 4725 0250 UMBRELLA STUDIO 482 Flinders Street, Townsville Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sun 9am - 1pm Phone: 47727109 www.umbrella.org.au URBAN COTTERS Urban Quarter Shopping Centre Cnr Ogden & Stanley Streets, Townsville Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm, Sun 8am - 1pm Phone: 0487 305 266 www.urbancotters.net

Original art for sale at ‘Art on Kings’ Eftpos and lay-by facilities available

Open everyday Saturday - Monday 10am - 2pm Tuesday - Friday 9am - 4pm Shop 6 & 7, 203-205 Kings Road, Pimlico

Phone 4725 0250

www.townsvilleartsocietyinc.org.au Email: tasarts@bigpond.com www.intownsville.com.au | 41

WHAT’S ON Regular Events FULL MOON DRUM CIRCLE Monthly (weather permitting) Venue: Gregory Street Amphitheatre Time: 6pm - 7.30pm Contact: Alex: 0414 803 666 www.therhythmconnection.com

COTTERS MARKETS Venue: Flinders Street, City Time: Every Sunday 8.30am - 1pm www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au TOWNSVILLE CITY MARKET Venue: Flinders Square, City Time: Every Wednesday 10am - 2pm www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au WILLOWS ROTARY MARKETS Venue: Willows Shoppingtown, Herveys Range Road, Kirwan Time: Every Sunday 7am - 11am (Excl. Christmas and New Years) www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au STRAND NIGHT MARKETS May - December Venue: Strand Park, The Strand Time: 1st Friday of the month 5pm - 9:30pm (Except July & August - 2nd Friday) www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au NORTH QUEENSLAND FARMERS MARKET Venue: Main Street, North Shore Time: 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month 6am - 12pm www.nqfarmersmarket.com.au

42 | september 2012 - february 2013

September.

FINUCANE & SMITH’S CARAVAN BURLESQUE 5 September Venue: C2 @ Townsville Civic Theatre Time: 8pm Cost: $60 Adult Contact: Ticketshop 4727 9797 A travelling emporium that fuses Parisian nightclub with jaw-dropping cabaret and seductive spectacle, tipping a velvet wink to Australia’s wild past of touring vaudeville and variety. Rated 15+. Contains nudity, strobe lighting and smoke effects.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS 5, 12, 19 September Venue: Pinnacles Gallery, Riverway Arts Centre 20 Village Bvd Thuringowa Central Time: 6pm-9pm Cost: $90 ($75 Concession/Student ID) Contact: 4773 8871 REFLECTIONS - ART EXHIBITION 5 September - 3 October Venue: Pinnacles Gallery, Riverway Arts Centre 20 Village Bvd Thuringowa Central An exhibition exploring the entity of Mother Nature and life in the past.

MAGNETIC ISLAND - BAY DAYS FESTIVAL 7 September - 7 October A fantastic month of live music, art exhibitions, gallery openings, environmental walks and talks, workshops, mega markets - the Festival has something for everyone!

WINE AND CHEESE NIGHT 14, 28 September Venue: Old Courthouse, Cnr Stokes & Sturt Sts Time: 4.30pm (music at 5pm) Contact: 4721 5433 Enjoy a few drinks while listening to top-notch live music with a relaxed atmosphere. www.fullthrottletheatre.com

TOWNSVILLE TRIATHALON FESTIVAL. INSIGHT CREATIVE

PACIFIC MAINSTREAM JAZZ BAND 23 September Venue: Townsville PCYC, Wellington St Aitkenvale Time: 5.30pm-9pm Cost: Members $10, Non members $15 Contact: Marie Gibson 0413 456 542 1920s theme night. www.jazztownsville.com CUSTOMIZE YOUR CANVAS SHOES WORKSHOP 25 September Venue: Pinnacles Gallery, Riverway Arts Centre 20 Village Boulevard, Thuringowa Central Time: 11am-1pm Cost: $15 ($10 Kids Club Members) Contact: 4773 8871 Suitable for age 9 - 13 years.

TOWNSVILLE TRIATHALON FESTIVAL 15-16 October Venue: Strand Park Time: Sat 7am & Sun 12pm Contact: 4796 5416 www.townsvilletrifestival.org.au KING LEAR - SHAKESPEAR UNDER THE STARS 18-29 September Venue: Queens Gardens, North Ward Contact: 0467 245 478 www.shakespeare-under-the-stars.com

MOVIES THAT MATTER “HOME” 29 September Venue: Riverway Arts Centre Time: 7pm Cost: $5 (Free for members) Food for Thoughts Feast in foyer at 5.30pm. www.permaculturetownsville.org

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD: A COLLECTORS DISPLAY 22 September - 25 November Venue: Museum of Tropical Queensland Time: 9.30am-5pm Daily www.mtq.qld.gov.au DOROTHY THE DINOSAUR’S BEACH PARTY 23 September Venue: Riverway Arts Centre Time: 10am and 12.30pm Cost: $22.50, Under 12months free on lap Contact: Ticketshop 4727 9797

MAGNETIC ISLAND BAY DAYS FESTIVAL

www.intownsville.com.au | 43

FUNNY CHOKERS

October.

1RAR BAND TUNES AT 11 3 October Venue: Riverway Arts Centre Time: 11am Cost: $5 Donation goes to “Townsville Legacy” Not to be missed is the first in a series of three performances by the outstandingly talented 1RAR band.

THE FLOOD 6 October Venue: Riverway Arts Centre Time: 8pm Cost: $45 Adult, $40 Concession Contact: Ticketshop 4727 9797 Bristling with dark humour and edge-of-the-seat performances by three of our finest actresses, The Flood is startlingly authentic writing, plunging audiences into the lives of characters so real you feel you know them; a web of family intrigue against the haunting Australian outback.

WELCOMING BABIES 7 October Venue: Rositter Park, Aitkevale Time: 10am-1pm Contact: 1300 878 001 Free family entertainment and children’s activities.

POP, ROCK, OPERA 10 October Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre Time: 7.30pm Cost: $42 Adult, $39 Concession Contact: Ticketshop 4727 9797

44 | september 2012 - february 2013

XSTRATA GREEK FEST 13-14 October Venue: Riverway Precinct Time: Sat 11am-Late, Sun 10am-6pm www.greekfest.com.au PINNACLES GALLERY ARTIST MARKET 13 October Venue: Riverway Arts Centre LATIN BASIC/STYLING CLASS + CHA-CHA CLASS 13-25 October Venue: Orchid Society Hall, 381 Charles St Kirwan Time: Thursday evenings Cost: 30min Latin basics/styling class $5 1hr cha-cha class $10 Contact: Elizabeth 0428 523 337 www.salsaeville.com.au MOVIES THAT MATTER “PLANEAT” 19 October Venue: Riverway Arts Centre Time: 7pm Cost: $5 (Free for members) Food for Thoughts Feast in foyer at 5.30pm. www.permaculturetownsville.org ROCKWIZ “SOME KIND OF GENIUS TOUR” 19 October Venue: Townsville Entertainment Centre Time: 7pm Cost: $79.90 www.rockwizlive.com.au THE COMEDY GENERATION 19-20 October Venue: Old Courthouse, Cnr Stokes & Sturt Sts Time: 8pm Contact: 4721 5433 www.fullthrottletheatre.com

XSTRATA GREEK FEST

RUSSIAN BALLET

FUNNY CHOKERS 20 October Venue: Riverway Arts Centre Time: 6pm and 9pm Cost: $30 Adult, $25 Concession Contact: Ticketshop 4727 9797 Don’t miss the latest offering from Eteuati Ete and Tofiga Fepulea’I, one of New Zealand’s most successful comedy duos – better known as The Laughing Samoans.

RHYTHMS OF IRELAND 23 October Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre Time: 8pm Cost: $69.90 Adult, $59.90 Concession Contact: Ticketshop 4727 9797 TOWNSVILLE FASHION FESTIVAL 25-27 October Venue: Townsville CBD and surrounds Cost: Saturday CBD event Free, Thursday and Friday events will be ticketed www.townsvillefashionfestival.com.au THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA 31 October Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre Time: 8pm Cost: $74.90 Adult, $69.90 Concession Contact: Ticketshop 4727 9797

November.

SLEEPING BEAUTY: RUSSIAN BALLET 3 November Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre Time: 8pm Cost: $87.40 Adult, $77.40 Concession Contact: Ticketshop 4727 9797 CYCLONE SUNDAY 4 November Venue: Strand Park www.townsville.qld.gov.au REMEMBERANCE DAY SERVICES 11 November Venue: Anzac Park + Thuringowa Cenotaphs MOVIES THAT MATTER “DIRT! THE MOVIE” 24 November Venue: Riverway Arts Centre Time: 7pm Cost: $5 (Free for members) Food for Thoughts Feast in foyer at 5.30pm. www.permaculturetownsville.org STOKES NICHOLSON BIG BAND 25 November Venue: Townsville PCYC, Wellington St Aitkenvale Time: 5.30pm-9pm Cost: Members $10, Non members $15 Contact: Marie Gibson 0413 456 542 www.jazztownsville.com

December.

STABLE ON THE STRAND 18-22 December Venue: Strand Park Time: 5.30pm - 9.30pm www.stableonthestrand.com.au

www.intownsville.com.au | 45

Kissing Point

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Fishing Deck Rock Pool

Army Museum North Queensland

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46 | september 2012 - february 2013

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6 Kissing Point Lookout 7 Water Park 8 Anzac Park - War Memorials 9 Reef HQ/Cultural Centre 10 Museum of Tropical Queensland 11 Maritime Museum 12 Perc Tucker Gallery 13 CityLibrary Flinders Street 14 Movie Cinema 15 Historic Railway Station 16 Entertainment Centre 17 Castle Hill Lookout 18 Strand Park

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Free Unlimited Car Park

www.intownsville.com.au | 47

To Bushland Beach

MT LOW

TOWN CO

GARLAND RD

To CAIRNS A1 Woodlands

BR

UC

GEANEY LANE

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DEERAGUN

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BOHLE PLAINS

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Townsville Karting Club

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Townsville Dragway

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Riverway

HERVEY RANGE RD HERVEY RANGE RD Cannon Park

To RUPERTSWOOD

Black Weir

RIVERSIDE GARDENS

Gleesons Weir

DOUGLAS ARTERIAL RD ANGUS SMITH DRIVE

TOWNSVILLE Suburbs Map

48 | september 2009 - march 2010

To KELSO & Ross River Dam

RIVERWAY DRIVE

BECK DRIVE

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Rowes Bay Golf Course

Rock Pool

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TOWNSVILLE AIRPORT

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Service Station

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Public Swimming Pool

V8 Supercar Track www.intownsville.com.au | 49 *Map is not to scale. Main roads shown only

PARKS

and Gardens

THE STRAND Where: The Strand Townsville’s fantastic beachfront promenade, The Strand incorporates a jetty, recreational park, restaurants, cafes, a series of headlands, a free water park, picnic areas and swimming pools and enclosures.

ANDERSON PARK BOTANIC GARDENS Where: Gulliver Street, Pimlico (Vehicle access) Fulham Road, Balls Lane, Gulliver and Wellington Streets (Pedestrian access) Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, internal car parking, 10,000 steps circuit.

Anderson Gardens is the largest botanic garden in Townsville covering 25 hectares. Centrally located in Mundingburra, the garden contains fine specimens of tropical trees, palms and Pandanus. The World Cycad Garden, Grand Avenues and Tropical Orchard are of particular note. A representative collection of Cape York Peninsula rainforest specimens are displayed along with native plants and flora of the dry tropical regions of the world. Anderson Gardens was named in appreciation of the work of William Anderson, Townsville’s first Curator of Parks from 1878 - 1934.

RIVERWAY LAGOONS

TOWNSVILLE PALMETUM Where: University Road, Douglas.

Facilities: Toilets, botanical displays, tourist information, selected art exhibitions and Café are all located in Tumbetin Lodge.

The Palmetum is a 17 hectare Botanic Garden displaying one of the largest and most diverse public collections of palms in the world. It has a range of habitats to suit flora originating from the dry tropicas through to the wet tropical lowlands. In addition to the recreated habitat zones, there are expansive lawns and water features frequented by numerous bird species. A ‘Birds of Palmetum’ brochure is available in the foyer of the Tumbetin Lodge.

Located in Townsville on the magnificent Ross River, Riverway offers a dynamic combination of cultural, sports, leisure, residential and commercial activities. With two huge swimming lagoons, the Riverway Arts Centre, Pinnacles Gallery, the Riverwalk and parklands, there truly is so much to explore.

DAN GLEESON MEMORIAL GARDENS Thuringowa Drive, Kirwan.

The gardens feature a wide range of native flora situated amongst large lawn parks and paved pathways.

RIVERWAY - RIVERWAY LAGOONS Where: Riverway Drive, Kirwan The Riverway Lagoons cover an area in size of more than three Olympic swimming pools. The lagoons are nestled among shady raintrees, with the picturesque Ross River providing a peaceful backdrop. Water cascades connect the two distinct lagoon areas, which vary in depth up to 2 metres.

PIONEER PARK & ROSS RIVER Riverway Drive, Thuringowa.

The park provides recreational facilities and is a popular fishing location.

Unlike coastal beaches there are no waves or stingers to bother you and you can feel comfortable knowing that the lagoons are patrolled by professional lifeguards seven days a week, 365 days a year.

QUEENS GARDENS Where: Paxton Street, Gregory Street & Kennedy Lane, North Ward.

Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, children’s playground, aviaries.

Initiated in 1870, Queens Gardens is the oldest Botanic Garden in Townsville. Now covering 4 hectares, reduced from an original 40Ha, it is considered a fine example of a tropical garden for European settlement, plantings included timber and fruit trees and collections of Dracaena, Codiaeum and Cordyline. Today the emphasis of the collection is on the colonial ornamental plants with colourful, attractive flowers, foliage or fruit.

RIVERWALK The Riverwalk overlooks the beautiful Ross River and is a great place to view the prolific birdlife in this area. A 3-metre wide pathway runs along the river and provides numerous opportunities to enjoy its natural beauty.

50 | september 2012 - february 2013

After taking a stroll, all the family can enjoy the nearby barbecue facilities provided or have a game of footy in the beautifully landscaped open space.

SNORKEL OR DIVE THE OUTER BARRIER REEF

RECK DIVE THE YONGAL A SHIPW pecialists!

With your Booking S

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Full Moon Party Tickets Available Here!

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www.intownsville.com.au | 51

Lovers Bay Maud Bay

FIVE BEACH BAY Huntingfield Bay Wilson Bay

ay Bay Ba is B Norris

ce yce oyce Joyc Joyce y ay a Bay Ba B

HORSES Endeavour Creek

Rollingstone Bay

West Point

MAGNETIC ISLAND NATIONAL PARK MT COOK

Retreat Creek

Young Bay

493m

Bolger Bay

Duck Creek

Gustav Creek

SOON

MAGNETIC ISLAND Road

Reef

Road restricted to private vehicles

Shipwreck

Walking track

Surf Life Saving Patrol

Lookout

Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal

National Park Beach

Helipad Marine National Park

MAGNETIC ISLAND

Ned Lee Creek

N Butler Creek

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Rocky Ba

Nobby Head

PICNIC BAY

by name and nature

Magnetic Island is magnetic both by name and nature. Originally named for its interference to Captain Cook’s compass, it now draws visitors from far and wide, and for good reason. With more than 22 secluded bays and beaches, spectacular fringing reefs and a flora and fauna filled National Park, Magnetic Island is a nature lover’s paradise and with an average of 320 fine days every year, Magnetic Island is the sunniest spot on the Queensland coast.

The Island is a charming holiday destination characterised by the fact that it is an island community with a resident population of over 2000, and has a wide variety of environmental experiences and attractions.

52 | september 2012 - february 2013

There are tracks meandering all over the island, and perhaps the most popular of them is the one that leads to the now disused World War II emplacements that face out to sea from the camouflage of huge granite boulders. The Command Post offers a breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view of Townsville, Cape Bowling Green and Palm Island.

A huge variety of wildlife can be seen on Magnetic Island. In fact the Island is sometimes known as the ‘Koala Capital of Australia’. There are also large numbers of possums, rock wallabies, curlews, hawks, eagles and parrots, to name a few.

The more observant visitor should be able to spot most of the

Haw

White Lady Bay

Balding Bay Radical Bay

HORSESHOE BAY Gowrie Bay

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CD PACIFI

HORSESHOE BAY RD

Florence Bay MAGNETIC ISLAND SEA KAYAKS

Arthur Bay

Petersen Creek

ARCADIA E RIN

ALMA BAY

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Geoffrey Bay

Bremmer Point

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Whitfield Cove

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Gorge Creek

Bright Point

NEL N NE NELL NELLY BAY

Rocky Bay

Hawkings Point

BUNGALOW BAY KOALA VILLAGE

160 species of Magnetic Island birdlife. The vegetation on the Island is also diverse, with pockets of lowland, tropical rainforests, mudflats, freshwater lagoons, eucalypt woodlands and mangrove fringes supporting an abundance of habitats.

You can get to the island by the car and passenger ferry located on Ross Street, South Townsville, or you can jump aboard the ferry service Sunferries, taking only 25 minutes, with the terminal located near the city centre on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive.

Come over and enjoy the most relaxing stay you will ever experience.

Visit Townsvlailnled’splayground! is

| 53 www.intownsville.com.au ADRENALIN JET SKI TOURS

NELLY BAY

and Picnic Bay

Nelly Bay is the main access point for transport into Magnetic Island. The people mover Sealink, transfer hundreds of tourists and locals daily to this point where buses, taxis, mokes, scooters, and bikes disperse their passengers onto all the other many busy locations found on the island. The car and passenger ferry, Fantasea also docks next to the terminal.

with water, sunscreen, good shoes etc.

As you step off the ferry and pass through the modern terminal, within walking distance you will find shops including an ice-cream shop, supermarket, cafés, bottle shop, pharmacy, hairdresser, service station, real estate, photo shop, travel agency, and car/ moke/scooter hire.

Have a game of golf at the island’s only golf couse. The views are breathtaking so you won’t be in any hurry to finish the course.

You’ll have plenty of company as the course is home to all sorts of wildlife including wallabies, curlews and koalas who all enjoy watching a casual game of holiday makers.

Walking tracks winding up through the hills start or end here.

These walks may take a little while to complete so be prepared

Head along the western track to discover West Point. An ideal fishing spot and a chance to escape from everyone.

54 | september 2012 - february 2013

Picnic Bay is now the most tranquil of the bays. It is well worth a stroll along the old jetty; now that there are no ferries, the fish life abounds, turtles are frequent visitors and occasionally you may see a shy dugong come round the point from Cockle Bay.

www.intownsville.com.au | 55

MUST DO We Snorkel. We Fish. We Explore

Magnetic Island 360o

See all 23 beautiful bays Full Circumnavigation $105pp

Ph 07 4778 5911 or 0427 900 028 Nelly Bay Harbour | Magnetic Island

www.aquascenecharters.com.au

56 | september 2012 - february 2013

on Maggie

• Navigate your way around the island by road, or learn more about island life with a tour • Explore the walking tracks through the National Park • Take The Forts walk to spot a koala, see the World War II ruins and the amazing view of the Coral Sea • Observe the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay in Arcadia • Snorkel the fringing reef surrounding the island • Cuddle a koala or kiss a croc at Bungalow Bay Koala Village • Visit the local artists and art galleries • Take the 4WD road and picnic at secluded West Point • Sail around the island to discover it’s 23 hidden bays • Test your fitness level or just have fun with a great selection of water sports at Horseshoe Bay • Feed the kookaburras at All Seasons Resort • Stop at Horseshoe Bay, West Point or the end of Picnic Bay Jetty and catch a brilliant sunset • Climb the island’s spectacular rocky outcrops • Back a toad at the weekly cane toad races on Wednesday nights at Arcadia Hotel • Grab a bargain at one of 3 markets - Friday nights at the RSL Club, every second Sunday at Alma Bay and on the last Sunday of the month at Horseshoe Bay • Take in a cabaret dinner at Stage Door Theatre Restaurant • Play a round of golf at the Picnic Bay Country Club • Test out the greens at the Magnetic Island Bowling Club • Gallop from the bush to the Coral Sea on horseback • See the island from the air with the Red Baron • Try a bush tucker breakfast at Bungalow Bay Koala Village

www.intownsville.com.au | 57

MAGNETIC ISLAND

Walks

HAWKINGS POINT Distance: 1.2km return Time: 1 hour Grade: easy From the eastern end of Picnic Street in Picnic Bay, a track winds to the top of a large boulder, affording views over the island to Nelly and Geoffrey bays and back towards Townsville.

PICNIC BAY TO WEST POINT Distance: 16km return Time: 5 hours Grade: easy This walk follows an unsealed road that links the bays on the western side of the island. The track starts at Yule Street near the golf course, passing a tidal wetland, mangroves, paperbark swamps and savanna grasslands.

NELLY BAY TO ARCADIA BAY Distance: 5km one way Time: 2.5 hours Grade: moderate From the end of Mandalay Avenue in Nelly Bay, this walk passes through a vine-thicket pocket, climbs gradually to the saddle between Nelly and Horseshoe bays and then follows a ridge with views over Horseshoe Bay. The track then branches, with one track leading to Arcadia Bay and the other to Horseshoe Bay Road, where you can continue on to other tracks. A 400m return sidetrack to the Sphinx lookout branches from the main track, 750m from Arcadia.

THE FORTS WALK Distance: 4km return Time: 1.5 hours Grade: moderate One of the most popular tracks on the island, the Forts walk leads to historic WWII fortifications and infrastructure. Lookouts along the way afford excellent views to the Palm Island Group in the north and Bowling Green Bay National Park in the south. Koalas are often seen in trees along the track. The walk culminates in 360 degree views from the top of the fortifications. Starting on Horseshoe Bay Road at the turn-off to Radical Bay, the track ascends, sometimes steeply, to follow a ridge behind the bays before arriving at the ruins of the Forts complex operated during World War II. ARTHUR, FLORENCE AND RADICAL BAYS Distance: 1.4km - 6 km return Time: 30 mins - 2 hours return Starting from the Forts carpark, an easy track leads down to these undeveloped bays, which provide excellent swimming and snorkelling.

58 | september 2012 - february 2013

HORSESHOE BAY LAGOON Distance: 200m return Time: 15 mins Horseshoe Bay Lagoon is a popular area for birdwatching. The track begins on Horseshoe Bay Road, about 200m from the beach, and leads to a lagoon where a number of waterbirds can be seen.

HORSESHOE BAY TO BALDING AND RADICAL BAYS Distance: 3.4km return Time: 60 mins return Grade: moderate The track begins at the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay beach and climbs through a steep gully of closed forest to an open eucalypt ridge. One branch of the track leads down to the secluded Balding Bay (popular with ‘sun lovers’) and the other continues onto Radical Bay north facing so it’s cool in summer and warm in winter. Both bays offer excellent swimming opportunities. From Radical you can continue on along the ungraded road to end up at the Forts carpark.

FOR THE FIT AND ADVENTUROUS Time: A few hours (depends on drink and rest stops) Take in a day of walking from Nelly Bay to Horseshoe Bay and discover the entire beauty of the Island. Stop at the many views and see wildlife along the way, including rock wallabies, koalas and an abundance of birdlife. All tracks join at various points with distances well marked. Be prepared for some uphill climbs, the views are rewarding. Once at Horseshoe Bay, reward yourself with a cold refreshing drink while waiting for the bus for the return trip.

SAFETY TIPS To help protect the environment, and to make your stay more enjoyable: Take your time, stop often for rest breaks. On hot days, you can suffer heat exhaustion. Avoid the heat of the midday sun.

Stay on track and take care on uneven or loose surfaces. Take care around cliffs, steep slopes and rock faces along the tracks and at lookouts. Always carry plenty of drinking water. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Wear sturdy footwear, not thongs. Take care for the environment as most of the island is National Park.

www.intownsville.com.au | 59

VIEW NATURE

from the sea

With a simple philosophy of “View Nature in the Wild from the quiet of your Kayak” Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks has become a multi award winning operation winning 21 tourism and environmental awards including the Queensland Tourism Awards for “Adventure Tourism” and the Townsville Environmental Sustainability in Business Award. Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks became one of the first businesses in the country to be awarded Australian Business Climate Action Certification and are part of Queensland Tourisms Sustainable Regions Business program.

National Bird count at the start of December.

As summer approaches the last of the whales are migrating south past the island heading back to Antarctica, it is also the start of the turtle breading season where we may be lucky enough to see more turtles mating in the warm waters around the island. In December the females will crawl slowly up a few of our beaches to dig a large hole to lay and bury their eggs before crawling back into the sea to continue their solitude nomadic existence.

The Sooty Oyster Catcher, Striated Heron, Eastern Reef Egret and Osprey will be viewed and recorded while participating in the

Our 2 hour sunset tours take a leisurely paddle out to the point in Horseshoe Bays’ calm waters, before drifting back over the coral gardens and sea grass beds looking for turtles as you soak up the last rays of the sun. Just before you reach shore you will stop to have drinks and watch the sunset behind the anchored sailboats.

60| september 2012 - february 2013

The sea kayak adventure starts in Horseshoe Bay at 8:00am, full instruction and safety brief is given before a guided tour takes you around to either Balding or Radical Bays for a tropical breakfast on the beach. You then have the chance to explore the bay on foot, take photos or learn more about the Island’s history and ecology. On the way back you get to paddle within metres of the island’s huge granite boulders before returning by approximately 12:30pm.

For bookings or further information phone Steve or Lucy on 07 4778 5424, or checkout their website at www.seakayak.com.au

www.intownsville.com.au | 61

ADVENTURE

island style

Water sports are popular all year round. Plunge into the tranquil waters, or snorkel along the fringing reef and explore the island shipwreck trail. Go on a scuba dive tour to discover the marine life - it’s a great way to see the tropical fish and coral reefs. See the splendour of the dolphins, turtles, and sea eagles by taking a guided sea kayak tour exploring the beautiful bays. Jet ski or water ski around the island or hire a yacht and sail the secluded waters.

You can go horse riding on the beach at Horseshoe Bay or for the ultimate views try skydiving over the island. And when the sun goes down you can still enjoy the beaches. Every month there’s a Full Moon beach party.

Take in the natural wonder of the island and tour around by bus or taxi. For the more adventurous cruise the island in a Mini Moke or a Harley Davidson and feel the fresh air on your face. You can even hire trail bikes, scooters or bicycles. Get off the beaten track with a 4WD drive tour or there’s the 25 kilometres of walking trails through the National Park.

HORSESHOE BAY WATER ADVENTURE Horseshoe Bay is the islands’ largest beach and it’s northerly aspect shelters it’s waters, making it the premier location for all the island’s water activities. Hire a jet ski for the family or cut loose on your own. Go for a wild tube ride or water ski. For the more adventurous paragliding or skydiving is available. Or take a scenic experience over Maggie in the Red Baron seaplane.

Discover nature from the sea with Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks.

HORSESHOE RANCH Trekking on horseback through the Horseshoe Bay hinterland to the beach is an experience exclusive to Horseshoe Ranch Magnetic Island, with the opportunity to unsaddle your horse and go bareback riding into the blue waters of the bay or Coral Sea. Celebrating their 29th year of Horseshoe Ranch (formerly Blueys), they are Magnetic Islands longest established Adventure activity from 1982 to 2011.

ADRENALIN JET SKI TOURS Adrenalin Jet Ski Tours are The Ultimate in Jet Ski experience.

Established in 1996, they are definitely NOT just another Jet Ski Hire. There are tours to suit all budgets and flexible timetable.

The scenery and rock formations will blow you away, chance encounters with the local wildlife will certainly make your day.

The unrestricted power of Luxury 4-stroke personal watercraft is sure to leave a lasting impression. Total exhilaration; either the 3 hour Circumnavigation or the 75min Top End Tour. Both; value for money, no license required, all equipment included.

Your qualified local guide will showcase all the beauty Magnetic Island has on offer.

Open 7 days a week, weather permitting.

Bookings highly recommended, families welcome. Phone Pete or Sharon 4778 5533 or AH 0407 785 533. (See back cover)

on HORSESHOE

4778 5117 13-15 Pacific Drive Horseshoe Bay

• Luxury self-contained beachfront apartments • Close to cafés, restaurants, bar and bus • Watersports on the beach • Car and scooter hire • wheel chair friendly apartments available

www.sailsonhorseshoe.com.au www saiilsonhorsesh sa il • info@sailsonhorseshoe.com.au

62 | september 2011 2012 - february 2012 2013

www.intownsville.com.au | 63

magnetic island Magnetic Shores AUTO RENTALS Enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Alma Bay Car Hires from...

$

30

We have Budget Cars at per day Budget prices!

Weekly Hires fr

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Phone for bookings

0439 723 244 or book online

www.magneticislandaccommodation.com.au

64 | september 2012 - february 2013

om...

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Convertibles from $60 per day 4WDs from $70 per day Price includes GST, Km’s, Insurances Competitive prices on mechanical repairs Shop 7, Bright Ave, Arcadia Shopping Centre, ARCADIA

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www.intownsville.com.au | 65

BALGAL

Rollingstone Beach Caravan Resort

Frosty Mango RD EACH 12km MP B A C N HE

Fishermans Landing Stinger Enclosure (Nov - May)

Boat Ramp & Pontoon

BALGAL BE

Studio 26

PDE

BP

ACHERON DRV

Villa 3 OCEAN

General Store

ACH RD

Balgal Beach Holiday Units

Rollingstone Hotel OC

EA

NP

DE

MYSTIC AVE

Golf Course

A1 To CAIRNS 300km

To TOWNSVILLE CBD 50km

66 | september 2012 - february 2013

and Rollingstone

A beachside community with plenty to offer, Balgal is the ideal location for a day trip or holiday. The beach has many attractions and includes a patrolled swimming enclosure during marine stinger season from November to May, licensed café and store, picnic/BBQ areas and camping facilities. The BP Service Station, located on the Bruce Highway at Rollingstone, also provides fuel, tourist information, cappuccinos and a selection of homemade food. The beach and creek are great fishing spots and there are excellent boat ramp facilities available.

The natural bush surrounds cater for the native wildlife or bird watching enthusiast. Other popular activities and attractions in the area include a nine-hole golf course, lawn bowls, war memorials, museum and network of interpretive historic signage that showcases the area’s colourful history. Vincent ‘Bushy’ Parker Park, a well shaded designated camping area located right next to a scenic freshwater creek, is ideal for swimming.

A variety of accommodation is available, including beachfront holiday units and cottages, a caravan park and the Rollingstone Hotel which is located on the Bruce Highway. Designated free vehicle and tent camping is available for a maximum of 48 hours.

BALGAL BEACH MARKETS Venue: Fishermans Landing, Balgal Beach Time: Every First Saturday of the Month (Mar - Dec) 3pm - 5.30pm Fruit & veges, homemade cakes, preserves, arts & crafts, plants, homemade soaps, lotions & oils, books and bric-a-brac.

Contact: Phone 4770 7227

www.intownsville.com.au | 67

Witts Lookout 3km return Cloudy Creek Falls 6km return

PALUMA VILLAGE Walks Map

SM

ES

McClelland’s Lookout Village Green

P Sensory Trail 100m

MO

UN T

SPE C

RD

P

CR

LOOKOUT RD

ITH

Paluma Rainforest Walk 580m

P MOUNT

SPEC RD

To Bruce Highway

P

CAVILL

SPEC RD

CRES

X CRES LENNO

To Lake Paluma Turnoff 3km, Hidden Valley 26km

MOUNT

The ‘H’ Track 1.3km

MCCLELLAND’S LOOKOUT (100M) is a National Park picnic area adjacent to Paluma. Turn right into the carpark as you reach the top of the range. Wheelchair access to McClelland’s Lookout is available from the passenger set-down area above the carpark. McClelland’s Lookout has ample car parking, bus parking, wheelchair accessible toilets, a shelter shed, free gas barbecues, picnic tables and potable water.

You will need to take your rubbish away with you, as no bins are provided. The Lookout itself provides a panoramic view of Halifax Bay and the Palm Island group and was the site of the US Army’s radar station during the Second World War. PALUMA RAINFOREST WALK (580M) is a circuit walk through rainforest south of the village. Limited parking is available at either end of the track. At the eastern end of the track is Paluma’s ‘Village Green’, an excellent venue for a family picnic (shelters, tables, toilets, playground). This walk takes less than half an hour but unfortunately has no interpretive information provided.

Features to look for (from east to west) are - buttress roots, the layers of the rainforest (forest floor, understorey, canopy), strangler fig, king fern and a ‘tin race’ (beneath the western boardwalk you will find a stone-pitched channel constructed by tin-miners to move permanent water through the forest).

68 | september 2012 - february 2013

NORTH PALUMA HISTORICAL WALK (2KM) For an introduction to Paluma’s history, there are 10 interpretive storyboards throughout the village, each with a photograph taken during the 1930s or 1940s from the location and direction of the sign. Eight of the storyboards are along Mt Spec Road, the main road through Paluma. Of the other two storyboards, one sign is in Lennox Crescent along from the Paluma Pottery, and the other is in the National Parks carpark. Park your car near one of the signs and complete the round trip walk of the village at a leisurely pace.

BIRTHDAY CREEK FALLS TRACK (500M) is a short walking track in National Park branching off the gravel road to Lake Paluma, a water storage facility for Townsville operated by NQ Water. Allow about 15 minutes to walk down to the Falls. Car parking is available just off the access road. While all the walking tracks around Paluma offer excellent opportunities for serious or casual birdwatching, the Birthday Creek Falls Track is favoured by those keen to see a Golden Bowerbird. Several active bowers exist in the vicinity of the track.

LITTLE CRYSTAL CREEK, PALUMA

PALUMA

Village in the clouds

Paluma Range National Park is at the southern end of the World Heritage Wet Tropics. Although this area was settled approximately 120 years ago, its scenic beauty ensured its national park status. Today, Paluma Range National Park and the mountain settlements of Paluma and Hidden Valley are popular retreats which have never been exploited or overdeveloped.

About 60kms north of Townsville, or 40kms south of Ingham, the Mt Spec Road leaves the Bruce Highway and turns inland towards the beautiful mountains of the Paluma Ranges. Separating the National Park from the Mt Spec State Forest, this scenic road is a monument to human effort as it was built mostly by hand during the 1930’s Great Depression.

Along the winding mountain road can be found examples of original stonework and ingenuity, the most popular of which is the photogenic stone bridge over Little Crystal Creek 7kms from the bottom of the range. This historical arch was the first of its kind in Queensland and spans the icy cold crystal clear water rushing down the gorge. The clear pools, huge granite boulders and lush rainforest vegetation make Little Crystal Creek a popular stopover on the way up to the village of Paluma. Picnic, BBQ and toilet facilities are available both at Little Crystal Creek and at Paluma.

Walking tracks, some of which provide stunning views, wind through the National Park.

LAKE PALUMA Lake Paluma is an attractive lake surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest. It provides a water supply for approximately one third of the year. Access is via a 12 kilometres gravel road just past the Paluma township. There are weather proof shelters for day use with barbecues and camping sites for longer stays. All rubbish taken in must be removed, and no domestic animals are allowed.

Swimming and non-motorised vessels are allowed. If you are lucky you may see a platypus, peregrine falcon or eastern water dragon. Due to the popularity of Lake Paluma as a camping destination, there are a limited number of camp sites available and you must pre-book a permit.

PALUMA POTTERY 29 Lennox Crescent | Phone 07 4770 8530 www.lencookpottery.com Paluma Pottery was established in 1983 by Len Cook. All of Len’s work is sold exclusively from his studio. He has won many Ceramic Awards and is represented in Regional Galleries in Queensland for his highly individual pieces which are inspired by the Coral Reef. Paluma Pottery has a diverse range to choose from. Len’s gas fired range is well designed and is decorated with a special layered glaze technique giving great depth, individuality and beauty to each piece.

RAINFOREST INN 1 Mt Spec Road | Phone 07 4770 8688 | Closed Tuesdays www.rainforestinnpaluma.com The Rainforest Inn opened in December 2006 and is the licensed restaurant servicing Paluma’s new motel units. The Rainforest Inn offers all visitors to Paluma selections from its modern menu both during the day and in the evening. There is ample room at the Inn to cater for larger groups, weddings, functions etc. Credit card facilities.

www.intownsville.com.au | 69

INGHAM Located 110 kilometres north of Townsville and 220 kilometres south of Cairns, the country township of Ingham is located in the heart of the tropics. It is the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforests of Tropical North Queensland.

To the west of the township, at 305 metres, is Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest sheer drop waterfall. This is an area of World Heritage listing and home to the cassowary and platypus.

Lookouts, bushwalks, freshwater swimming and camping grounds can all be found at this National Park. If open, the walk to the bottom of the Falls is well worth the effort although the walk can be quite strenuous and slippery at times. Care must be taken at all times on the road as Cassowaries often wander out and will sometimes have their chicks with them.

To the east of Ingham is Hinchinbrook Island, the world’s largest Island National park. Steeped in mystery and adventure, her cloud covered peaks dominate the skyline. Houseboat hire, boat charters and wilderness cruises are all available from Dungeness to the islands, plus camping and trekking along the Thorsborne Trail. The protected waters of the Hinchinbrook Channel offer anglers 365 days a year fishing opportunities. With the beautiful Hinchinbrook Island National Park as a back drop, the Hinchinbrook Channel is an angler’s paradise.

The beaches of Lucinda, Taylors Beach and Forrest Beach offer a wide range of holiday parks and accommodation plus stinger resistant nets. All are encased by the beautiful Palm Island Group including Orpheus Island National Park.

The Italian Heritage of the region is celebrated annually with the Australian Italian Festival. This heritage is clearly seen by visiting the New Ingham Cemetery and its spectacular mausoleums.

Mungalla Station is a historic property which offers visitors the chance to travel back in time and explore the rich history of the site as the birthplace of Droughtmaster cattle and a safe haven for the traditional Nywaigi Aboriginal people. Take a tour of the property and learn about the “Captive Lives Story”, throw a boomerang or ride in a horse drawn wagon. A BBQ Lunch is available or Mungalla can prepare a delicious “Kup Murri” - a traditional underground feast of meat, fish and vegetables slow cooked underground.

South of Ingham you will find the Paluma Range National Park, home to Jourama Falls and Mt. Spec recreational areas.

Both parks are well known for their fresh water swimming holes, rainforest walks and lush tropical camp grounds.

These are all part of the Great Green Way, which is an outstanding coastal and hinterland region between Townsville and Cairns.

What’s on!

Contact the Information Centre about the many events held in the region.

• Australian Italian Festival • Sugar City Rodeo • Hinchinbrook Fishing Classic

70 | september 2012 - february 2013

HINCHINBROOK SHIRE Welcome to Hinchinbrook Shire, Southern Gateway to the Wet Tropics, and host to some of the most renowned rainforest and wilderness areas in the world.

Located 500m south of Ingham on the Bruce Highway is Tyto Wetlands and Tyto Wetlands Cultural Precinct. The main wetlands are within easy walking distance from the Tyto Precinct and have been revegetated and repaired to attract a variety of birdlife, at last count 236 different species had been spotted – it is a birdwatcher’s paradise! Hundreds of Agile Wallabies have also made the wetlands home, adding to the Experience.

The wetlands integrates lagoons, interpretive signs, lookouts and hides, to entice visitors to spend more time at the Tyto Wetlands.

The extensive walking tracks throughout the wetlands allow visitors the unique opportunity to view wildlife closely without interference or disturbance to wildlife and their habitats. The

Tyto Wetlands name of the wetland comes from the endangered eastern Grass Owl (Tyto Capensis). The observation deck allows visitors a chance to see the Grass Owl as it flies out at dusk. Visitors also have the opportunity to see the Osprey nest site.

The Tyto precinct comprises an award winning Visitor Information Centre, Man Made Lagoons, Boardwalk, Bird Observation Tower, Water Front Restaurant, Library and Art Gallery. All within easy walking distance from the main CBD of Ingham.

Our award winning, accredited visitor information centre, houses innovative displays showcasing the spectacular natural values of the nearby Tyto Wetlands and Hinchinbrook Shire attractions.

The centre will also introduce you to all the birds at the wetlands as well as how you can become a ‘true’ birdwatcher! Many of the displays are very interactive which are proving very popular with little (and not so little) travellers.

• Tyto Wetlands and Cultural Precinct • Wallaman Falls • Hinchinbrook Island and Channel Jacana

Tyto Wetlands Cent

re

Call in and see us on the Bruce Highway, southern approach to Ingham or contact us for your FREE information package.

OPEN 7 DAYS 8.45am - 5pm weekdays 9am - 4pm weekends

Phone (07) 4776 4792 Email: ceo@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au

Agile Wallaby

www.tyto.com.au www.intownsville.com.au | 71

Ravenshoe

To CAIRNS & Kuranda

INNISFAIL

Australian Sugar Industry Museum

Tully Falls

Etty Bay Mourilyan Harbour

A1

Paronella Park

TOWNSVILLE

Cowley Beach

Silkwood

Kurrimine Beach

MISSION BEACH

TULLY

South Mission Beach

Silky Oak

Dunk Island Tully Heads

Bedarra Island Murray Falls State Forest

Rockingham Bay

Goold Island National Park

CARDWELL Girringun National Park

A1 Hinchinbrook Island

Abergowrie Wallaman Falls

Long Pocket

Hinchinbrook Lucinda Beach

Trebonne

Halifax

INGHAM

Upper Stone

Taylors Beach Toobanna

Forrest Beach

Orpheus Island

Hidden Valley Jourama Falls

Halifax Bay

Paluma Frosty Mango

Crystal Creek Paluma Range National Park

Balgal Beach

Rollingstone

Bluewater

Surrounds Map

Great Palm Island

Palm Islands

Paluma Dam

RRIER R E E F GREAT B A

Japoonvale

Toolakea Saunders Beach

A1

Bushland Beach

Magnetic Island

TOWNSVILLE

Swimming

Lake Ross

A1

Lookout

Bowling Green Bay National Park Alligator Creek

Cungulla

Camping

A6

Hiking

Bowling Green Bay National Park

AYR Burdekin

Boat Ramp

Home Hill

Accredited Information Centre

A1

Cape Upstart National Park

Information To BOWEN

To HUGHENDEN, RICHMOND, JULIA CREEK & CLONCURRY

CHARTERS TOWERS

72 | september 2012 - february 2013

Ravenswood

BURDEKIN RIVER BRIDGE

BURDEKIN SHIRE

Ayr & Home Hill

An hours drive south of Townsville, you can discover the friendly residents and laid-back atmosphere of the Burdekin. The Burdekin district is the sugar capital of Australia and is one of the most prosperous rural communities in the country. The shire’s two main towns of Ayr and Home Hill make great stopover points, with their tree-lined main streets, ease of parking, great cafes and restaurants, host of specialty stores, shady parks and excellent public amenities.

Ayr and Home Hill lie just 12km apart and are linked by the landmark Burdekin River Bridge. Also known as the Silver Link, the 1103 metre bridge is the longest of its type in Australia.

Although it took hundreds of men 10 years to build, not a single life was lost in the construction.

The Burdekin is becoming more and more famous for its wealth of water. Local farms are drought-proof because of the mighty Burdekin River, the huge reserves of the Burdekin Falls Dam and a massive underground aquifer which lie just 10 metres below the surface. This ‘liquid gold’ allows Burdekin farmers to produce the biggest and sweetest sugar cane in Australia, as well as mangoes, melons, capsicums, zucchinis, tomatoes and many other small crops.

By far the district’s greatest claim to fame is its fishing. The Burdekin is well-known for its barramundi, mudcrabs, other estuary species and off-coast reef fishing. The district has one of the highest rates of boat ownership per head of population and many locals have fishing huts at Ocean Creek, Plantation Creek, Groper Creek or Wunjunga.

AYR • Visit the recently-revamped Burdekin Theatre and take a look at the Living Lagoon sculpture in the forecourt.

• Park under the trees at Plantation Park and see Gubulla Munda, a 60m carpet snake sculpture which is the totem for the Juru Tribe, the original inhabitants of the area. Also wander along the Juru Walk.

• Stop at beautiful Anzac Park where you can stretch out in the

Burdekin Visitor Information Centre Plantation Park, AYR. Ph 07 4783 5988

shade while the kids enjoy the modern playground.

• Play a round of golf at the Ayr Golf Course, the original training ground of former Ayr woman and world champion golfer Karrie Webb.

• Do some birdwatching at Horseshoe Lagoon or one of the district’s other wetlands.

• See the working agricultural machinery at Ye Olde Machinery Place in Brandon.

• Visit Hutchings Lagoon, a popular water-skiing venue.

• Drive up to Mount Kelly for great views of the surrounding farmlands.

• Take a barramundi fishing tour.

• See a majestic canefire, any evening or early morning between June and December.

• Head to Alva Beach for a swim, stroll or spot of beach fishing.

• Take a dive tour to the world-famous Yongala Wreck.

HOME HILL • Visit the Silver Link Interpretive Centre, which opened in 2007 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Burdekin River Bridge.

• Stop at the famous Ashworth’s Tourist Centre, which houses Ashworth’s Jewellers, the Rock Shop and the impressive Treasures of the Earth Display.

• Park near the Lions Diorama and walk across the Burdekin River Bridge.

• See original islander artworks at Zaro’s Cultural Gallery.

• Walk around town and see the large, colourful murals depicting rural life.

• Visit the Comfort Stop and use the free restroom, shower and cooking facilities.

• Check out the collection of working machinery from yesteryear at Tom’s Toybox.

• Drive to the historic WWII radar station on Charlie’s Hill.

• Head up to Mount Inkerman for unparalleled views of the district’s farmlands, wetlands and coastline.

• Go to the fishing village of Groper Creek, famous for mudcrabs and barramundi.

Burdekin Gateway Visitor Information Centre, Railway Avenue, HOME HILL. Ph 07 4782 8241

For more information on the Burdekin, visit www.burdekintourism.com.au www.intownsville.com.au | 73

OVERLANDER’S WAY

KURANDA CAIRNS GORDONVALE

MAREEBA GULF OF CARPENTARIA WOLLOGORANG

ATHERTON

Lyn d

KARUMBA HELL’S GATE

NORMANTON

INNISFAIL

RAVENSHOE

Riv er

BURKETOWN TIRRANNA

Nicholson River

Savannah Way

1

MOUNT SURPRISE

DOOMADGEE

RN RY

CROYDON

1

Undara 62 Volcanic NP

A1

Great Tropical Drive Matilda Highway

THE LYND JUNCTION

83

Leich

GREENVALE

er t Riv

Flin d

83

MOUNT ISA

Paluma State Forest

TOWNSVILLE AYR

WOODSTOCK

QUEENSLAND

Overlander’s Way

Magnetic Island

ive r 63

CAMOOWEAL

ive r

Bur dek in R

GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK INGHAM

BURKE AND WILLS ROADHOUSE

hard

AVON DOWNS POLICE STATION

Ran kin R

Lumholtz NP Herber t River

GEORGETOWN

ers

CHARTERS TOWERS

Riv er

Porcupine Gorge NP

QUAMBY

CLONCURRY A2

A6

JULIA CREEK

A6

MACROSSAN

RICHMOND

HOMESTEAD White Mountains NP

Bur dek in R

A1 RAVENSWOOD

ive r COLLINSVILLE

TORRENS CREEK

HUGHENDEN

PRAIRIE

Lake Dalrymple al

A2 McKINLAY

MOUNT COOLON

KYNUNA DAJARRA

MIDDLETON

The Overlander’s Way is rich with authentic heritage experiences that are linked together. The attractions explore the legends, characters, colourful tales and rich landscapes of our fascinating past, in a modern, interactive way.

NORTH QUEENSLAND GATEWAY, TOWNSVILLE The Discover Tropical Queensland Gallery at Townsville Museum of Tropical Queensland provides visitors to the region with a good introduction to life in the tropics, telling the stories of North Queensland through powerful interactive displays.

CHARTERS TOWERS – “GHOSTS OF GOLD” More than a century ago, the discovery of gold triggered a massive gold rush to Charters Towers, which grew to become the second largest city in Queensland.

FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE, HUGHENDEN Flinders Discovery Centre is home to Hughie, the skeletal Muttaburrasaurus, surrounded by a large fossil and gem display of international standards.

KRONOSAURUS KORNER, RICHMOND Discover the fascinating pre-historic evidence of when Richmond was once

74 | september 2012 - february 2013

WINTON

part of the ancient inland sea.

JULIA CREEK VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE, JULIA CREEK While you are at the Centre take a look at the mounted Julia Creek Dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) Display. The Dunnart is a small nocturnal marsupial thought to be extinct until 1992. It is a feisty yet endearing endangered species.

MARY KATHLEEN MEMORIAL PARK AND MUSEUM, CLONCURRY Mary Kathleen Memorial Park and Museum houses history and memorabilia of Cloncurry, Mary Kathleen and the surrounding district.

OUTBACK AT ISA, MOUNT ISA The exciting world of mining is a highlight of the Hard Times Mine, Outback at Isa. Guided tours descend the 1.2km of working mines directly below the tourist precinct.

BATTERY HILL MINING CENTRE, TENNANT CREEK At Battery Hill overlooking the township, the 1930’s site echoes the soul and spirit of the miners and is named after the original working ten-head stamp battery.

DISCOVER

Charters Towers Covering an area the size of Tasmania, the Charters Towers region offers travellers a unique snapshot of country life as it was in the gold rush days of the 1870’s right through the war years and into the new century, where it now enjoys a legacy rich in heritage and character.

Situated just 90 minutes south west of Townsville, the city of Charters Towers, once known as “The World”, is a bustling rural centre that celebrates its grand history through wonderfully preserved heritage buildings, pubs, museums and streetscapes. And not a traffic light in sight!

Ask the staff at the Visitor Information Centre about the ‘ghosts of gold’ Heritage Trail, the One Square Mile and the Venus Gold Battery - each of them a ‘must see’. You can also pan for gold at The Miner’s Cottage, visit one of the museums, go to a Drive In movie or take a wagon ride amongst a herd of Texas Longhorn Cattle.

Around ‘The World’ there are a number of driving trails which will take you to the beautiful heritage listed town of Ravenswood, to Dalrymple National Park and to Greenvale where you can have a coldie at the Three Rivers Hotel made famous in Slim Dusty’s song of the same name. Head west through the tiny townships of Balfes Creek, Homestead and Pentland on your way to the Burra Range Lookout and White Mountains National Park. The list goes on and on. So make sure you allow plenty of time to explore.

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EVENTS. There’s always plenty going on!

Sept - Key to The World Festival Oct - Charters Towers Amateurs Race Day Nov - Pentland Race Day

Dec - Christmas Fair Jan - Goldfield Ashes Feb - Showground & Centenary Park Markets

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR LOTS MORE EVENTS!

FREE! E! Spend $25 on tours or souvenirs and either of these books s is yours for FREE Present this guide at our

ghosts of gold Gift Shop in the Stock Exchange Arcade to receive this special offer.

Valid to 28 February 2013

CHARTERS TOWERS VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 74 Mosman Street, Charters Towers QLD 4820

PHONE: 07 4761 5533 www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au www.intownsville.com.au | 75

HUGHENDEN Welcome to the Flinders Shire, covering an area of 41,632km2.

Hughenden is the main business centre for the shire which also encompasses the smaller communities of Prairie, Torrens Creek and Stamford..

Hughenden is situated on the banks of the Flinders River, Queensland longest river. Hughenden has direct road access to a number of major centres and tourist attractions within the region.

The Flinders Highway runs through Hughenden connecting to Townsville (376km) in the east and Mount Isa (519km) in the west, with a southern sealed road access via the Dinosaur Way to Winton and Longreach. For those wanting to travel north there is the Kennedy Developmental Road, a gravel and bitumen sealed road to the Atherton Tablelands and Cairns.

The Flinders Shire is predominantly a grazing area, with some emerging irrigation pockets. North of the Flinders River is predominately red and black volcanic basalt country and to the south of Hughenden is black soil downs country with open natural grass lands.

Call into the Flinders Discovery Centre to find out more about this region and the extensive and diverse range of attractions in the area including national parks, gemfields, mountainous volcanic basalt country, sweeping black soil plains, rich fossil, dinosaur areas and the history arts and culture of the region.

JULIA CREEK

Julia Creek is a true ‘outback town’ of Aussie legend. This is the central town of McKinlay Shire, located 650 km west of Townsville on the route to Mount Isa and the Northern Territory known as the Overlanders Way. At the Creek, the new Visitor Information Centre in Julia Creek was officially opened in December 2009. Come and visit At the Creek to engage in an ecological and cultural journey through the unique McKinlay Shire environment. The local eco system and habitats of Julia Creek have been re created on the site for you to gain awareness and encourage respect for the surrounding environment. The message of water and land conservation is portrayed throughout the site through audio and visual means.

The Dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) is a very cute, tiny nocturnal marsupial found only in the Mitchell grass plains of the Shire.

Sightings are rare but the vast plains are alive with emus, kangaroos and hawks. Bird watching is also excellent. In town you can enjoy the birdlife on the 45 minute nature walk along the creek.

If you’re looking for a true-blue Aussie bush event, you can’t beat the Dirt and Dust Festival held in Julia Creek each April. It includes one of Australia’s major triathlon events, the Artesian Express Horse Race – the richest horse race in the North West, PBR Bullride and Australia’s Best Butt competition. Other events in the Shire throughout the year include the Julia Creek Campdraft in May, McKinlay Races in June, Saxby Roundup in June, Julia Creek Races in July, August and November and the Sedan Dip Races, Campdraft and Rodeo in August.

‘A the Creek’ Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre ‘At 34 Burke Street, JULIA CREEK Ph: 07 4746 7690 Fax: 07 47467 005 Ph Email: tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au Em

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MATILDA HIGHWAY COOKTOWN

Stretching more than 1700 kilometres from Cunamulla to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Matilda Highway is custom-made for travellers keen for a taste of the outback, its unique heritage, legendary hospitality and friendliness.

GULF OF CARPENTARIA CAIRNS ATHERTON

KURUMBA Savannah Way

INNISFAIL 62

NORMANTON

GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK

1 1 INGHAM

Great Tropical Drive TOWNSVILLE

BURKE AND WILLS JUNCTION 83

CHARTERS TOWERS

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BOWEN

QUAMBY

Overlander’s Way

JULIA CREEK

MOUNT ISA

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MCKINLAY

MACKAY KYNUNA

Matilda Highway WINTON CLERMONT ILFRACOMBE ROCKHAMPTON

LONGREACH BARCALDINE

EMERALD GLADSTONE BLACKALL

QUEENSLAND

TAMBO

BUNDABERG

A1 AUGATHELLA

CHARLEVILLE

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

GYMPIE ROMA

CHINCHILLA

TOOWOOMBA

BRISBANE ST GEORGE

CUNNAMULLA

TWEED HEADS GOONDIWINDI

The Matilda passes through an ever-changing landscape - from undulating Mulga plains in the south to open Mitchell grass plains and desert uplands in the central west and gulf plains in the north. There are picturesque billabongs and vast inland river systems, rugged gorges and escarpments and many scenic national parks.

The towns along the highway offer varied experiences for visitors, each with their own story and history as varied as the colourful Outback characters you’ll encounter along the way.

You’ll also find authentic heritage attractions along the way.

CLONCURRY In Cloncurry, home of the Royal Flying Doctor (RFDS) at John Flynn Place, the Portrait of Cloncurry, a visitor orientation exhibition, will present an understanding of the history, heritage and local characters of this town that prides itself as the ‘Friendly Heart of the Great North West’.

WINTON In nearby Winton, the Waltzing Matilda Centre plays host to

the ghost of Banjo Paterson and the legend surrounding the creation of a national song. South of Kynuna, explore the Combo Waterhole Conservation Park, believed to have inspired Banjo Paterson to write Waltzing Matilda. A 40 minute return walk from the car park leads to picturesque waterholes on the Diamantina River, perfect for a picnic. Also well worth the one hour detour is a visit to the Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways, believed to be the world’s only preserved dinosaur stampede.

LONGREACH The Qantas Founders’ Outback Museum traces the history of our national airline and its very important links to the Outback and its towns. The new building, which links to the original heritagelisted 1922 Qantas Hangar, houses the museum, theatrette and exhibition hall, a visitor information centre and restaurant. The displays eloquently tell the inspirational stories of an Australian business success and the people that made it happen.

For more information go to: www.outbackholidays.info/getting_ around/highways-&-byways/matilda-highway.cfm or see the nearest Information Centre.

www.intownsville.com.au | 77

PREHISTORIC JOURNEY The Australian Dinosaur Trail incorporates the towns of Hughenden, Winton, and Richmond providing visitors with the rare opportunity to step back in time and experience our country’s amazing prehistoric past.

First stop on the trail is Hughenden; an outback town rich in fossil remains and ancient landscapes, with over 3,000 fossil specimens from the cretaceous period found around the Hughenden district. The Flinders Discovery Centre has a full skeletal Muttaburrasaurus replica plus a large display of local, national and international fossil specimens. At Porcupine Gorge National Park, see the layers of time forever preserved in the rock walls of ‘Australia’s Little Grand Canyon’.

Home to two world class dinosaur attractions, Winton is the dinosaur capital of Australia. Situated only 110km from town in Lark Quarry Conservation Park, the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument is the only known Dinosaur Stampede on the Planet.

Protected by an ecologically sustainable building, the site features 3,300 stampeding dinosaur footprints, and provides an amazing window into our dinosaur past. Interpretive guided tours of the site are at 10am, 12noon and 2pm daily. 24km south-east of Winton, The Australian Age of Dinosaurs is a working research facility housing the world’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur Fossils. Sixty minute guided tours are hosted daily between 9am and 4pm. Join a Dig-a-Dino or Prep-a-Dino program to experience the thrill of working with real dinosaur bones for yourself.

Visit Kronosaurus Korner, in Richmond, to discover an ancient time when this area was a great inland sea. Begin your self-guided tour with the assistance of audio guides and learn the basic facts about fossils, what to look for when fossicking, the preparation process and the lab techniques used. Let the kids play and learn in Krono’s Kids Corner. Once you have been infected with fossil fever, head out to one of the dedicated fossicking sites to find a fossil of your own! Any finds can be taken back to Kronosaurus Korner to be identified by the Kronosaurus Korner staff.

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At Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, located 23km southeast of Winton, you’ll see the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaurs and the biggest dinosaur laboratory in the southern hemisphere. You can even sign-up and help prepare real dinosaur bones in the laboratory!

ghost gho h stt tells t lls tell tel ls his hi side sid si ide de off the th story sttory off Waltzing Waltz Walt Wa ltlttzzing ltzi inngg Matilda. in Matil Ma Matil ttiililda tild da Visitors Visi i itor isit tors can tors can learn the truth, myth and romance behind Australia’s favourite song in the interactive Home of the Legends room, on further is the Qantilda Museum, dedicated to the aviation and pioneering history of Winton, It honours some of the country’s great pioneers and icons, also while visiting we have the Outback Regional Gallery, with new exhibitions every six to eight weeks celebrating the Outback through art.

Winton is also home to the world’s only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede on the Planet; Dinosaur Stampede and Lark Quarry Conservation Park. More than 95 million years old, 3,300 stampeding fossilized footprints are on display inside a huge protective building, located 110km south-west of Winton. It is an iconic National Monument not to be missed.

Winton’s history can be further explored with a visit to the Royal Open Air Theatre Museum, where visitors can discover the history of the theatre and its operation. Step back in transport history with Winton Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum where they are dedicated to preserving and presenting Australia’s unique road transport industry heritage.

The Corfield & Fitzmaurice Building in town, houses displays of a life-size Diorama of the stampede, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs mini-museum, a mining display and Combo Crafts.

Make sure you visit some of the other free attractions, including the world’s first permanent Musical Fence, and Arno’s Wall, an architectural marvel over 10 metres long, in which everything can be found – including the kitchen sink!

Want to Want Wan to see see Australian Austra Aust Aus tralilian dinosaurs trali dino di inosau inosau saurs rs in in spectacular spe ppecta cta t cul cular lar natural natura nat tura urall surroundings? Then visit the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.

The legend of Waltzing Matilda began when A.B. ‘Banjo’ Paterson penned the ballad at nearby Dagworth Station in 1895.

The first performance of our national song was at the North Gregory Hotel in the same year. Several decades later, Winton was the birthplace of QANTAS, with the Winton Club playing host to the first board meeting in 1921, and with one of the original landing fields located just outside of town.

Winton honours its history with sculptures and artworks located throughout town, and through the Waltzing Matilda Centre, where visitors and locals alike can discover the romance and legend behind our national song. While at the Centre, Pull up a stump by the waters edge, in the Billabong Theatrette where the

Winton Visitor Information Centre

50 Elderslie Street, WINTON Q 4735

Ph: 1300 665 115

Drive your own natural adventures in Winton Shire at Bladensburg National Park, located only 7km from Winton, or further off the beaten tracks is Old Cork, Cawnpore Lookout and Diamantina National Park or try your luck fossicking for opals at Queensland’s Capital of Boulder Opal, Opalton.

Winton is known for friendly hospitality and big smiles and boasts a selection of good affordable accommodation, caravan parks, great food outlets, craft shop, gift and gem store and general stores for all your traveling needs.

To plan your visit to Winton, contact the Winton Visitor Information Centre or just drop in after you make your way to Winton. www.experiencewinton.com.au www.matildacentre.com.au www.dinosaurtrackways.com.au

www.intownsville.com.au | 79

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