ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of the Townsville North Queensland region. The stunning natural beauty of our region has been carefully nurtured for generations of First Nation’s people; their enduring connection to land, sea, and sky country makes Indigenous Australian heritage the oldest continually living culture in the world, and of this our region is truly proud.

The Townsville North Queensland region extends across 80,000km2 and includes traditional custodians across diverse landscapes with Townsville at its heart, Hinchinbrook to the north, Charters Towers to the west, the Burdekin in the south and across the Great Barrier Reef and its islands along the east coast, including Palm Island.

The traditional custodians of Townsville are the Bindal and Wulgurukaba peoples.

The Bindal people call the country “Thul Garrie Wadja” and neighbours Wulgurukaba country along the Ross River. An important symbol for the Bindal people is the shooting star – wherever the star fell, or the direction the star fell, meant there was either danger coming or someone from that direction was in need of help.

Wulgurukaba – meaning ‘Canoe People’ call their country “Gurrumbilbarra” and continue to nurture a deep and respectful relationship to land and sea. The Wulgurukaba people’s creation story tells the tale of the creation snake, which left the Herbert River toward the ocean, creating the Hinchinbrook Channel, and travelled down to the Palm Island Group and Magnetic Island (Yunbenun), where his body broke and left parts along the coast.

Of the Charters Towers region, the Gudjal people’s country extends along the Burdekin and Broughton Rivers, around the basalt country and its lagoons and west to the magnificent White Mountains National Park. Gudjal country shares its borders with the Gugu Badhun, Birrah and Jangarra peoples.

The Bandjin, Warrgamay, and Nywaigi peoples collectively remain the traditional custodians within the Hinchinbrook region, extending across mainland townships –including Ingham and south to parts of the Paluma Range National Park, and across to the largest national park island in the Great Barrier Reef – Hinchinbrook Island (Munamudanamy).

The Bindal and Juru peoples of the Burdekin region covers a diverse region from the Whitsunday Islands to Townsville, and also takes in one of the largest and richest river catchments in Australia –the Burdekin River.

Traditional custodians of the Palm Island Group are the Manbarra peoples. The group of islands, including Great Palm, is also home to a residential Indigenous community – the Bwgcolman peoples, meaning ‘many people’ because of the more than 50 different tribal groups sent to the island during European settlement.

We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future and value and respect the traditional cultures and aspirations of First Australians on this land.

The Townsville North Queensland region is transforming; continuing to grow and evolve, to boldly command our position as the capital of North Queensland. A quintessential tropical paradise with a thriving urban metropolis and renowned hub for sports and events.

We’re the big smoke of regional Queensland, and yet one of the North’s best kept secrets, with an unrivalled power to surprise. Experience something new, different or familiar – but with a twist. Discover something you didn’t know you were looking for and leave inspired with a fresh perspective.

Meet The Townsville North Queensland Region

Our diversity is our distinction. We’re the keepers and preservers of our authentic Australian history, culture and national wonders.

Home of untouched and untamed landscapes, people and places of significance – Townsville North Queensland is a region you can explore deeper without going far.

Contents

Acknowledgement of Country Getting Here

Townsville Region

Magnetic Island

Burdekin Region

Charters Towers Region

Hinchinbrook Region

Wildlife Encounters

Great Barrier Reef

Water Activities

Islands

Produce & Event Calendar

Family Friendly Activities

Luxury Experiences

Climate

With over 300 days of sunshine every year, Townsville North Queensland likes it bright and makes for perfect conditions year-round.

SUMMER (DEC-FEB) 25-31° degrees

AUTUMN (MAR-MAY) 20-28° degrees

WINTER (JUN-AUG) 15-25° degrees

SPRING (SEPT-NOV) 22-29° degrees

*Temperatures included are averages only. Source: Bureau of Meteorology – Townsville Aero Station.

Bars & Dining

Arts & Culture

Street Art

National Parks Gardens

Hiking Trails

Indigenous Experiences

History & Heritage

Fishing

Camping & Caravaning

Itineraries

Visitor Information Centres

Shopping & Markets

Rail

With regular services each week, rail is a great and sustainable way to travel. Enhance your

Discover

DISTANCE to TOWNSVILLE

TOWNSVILLE to CAIRNS 347km 55 min

AIRLIE BEACH 272km

MOUNT ISA 904km 1hr 35min

BRISBANE 1349km 2hr

SYDNEY 2076km 2hr 40min

MELBOURNE 2473km 3hr

AYR - HOME HILL 88km

INGHAM 112km

CHARTERS TOWERS 136km

MAGNETIC ISLAND 10km

Sea

The Port of Townsville’s Quayside terminal welcomes over 20,000 domestic and international cruise ship passengers each year, with cruise liners including Viking Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Seaborn Cruises to name a few.

Getting Around

Public bus transport services operate in Townsville, including Sunbus and TransLink – check online for timetables and accessable services. Alternatively, 13cabs, Townsville Taxis and Checker Cabs, along with ride share services and rental cars are also a great option! Want to try something new? E-scooters are available throughout Townsville city and Magnetic Island, with flexible hire options.

By Road

An ultimate drive destination, Townsville North Queensland is the gateway to more - with diverse landscapes within 1.5 hours drive of the city centre. Make the most of your visit by taking short road trips to explore wetlands, Great Barrier Reef islands, wet tropics rainforests and glorious beachfront. Travel south from Cairns, east from Mount Isa, or north from the Whitsundays to begin your adventure in the heart of regional Queensland. See road trips, page 80.

Islands Await

Only 8km from Townsville is Magnetic Island. Take a short 20-minute ferry ride with the regular passenger service - SeaLink Queensland. Or opt to take your vehicle on the only car ferry service to the island with Magnetic Island Ferries. Both services operate daily – check online for timetables. Access to Orpheus Island is serviced exclusively by Nautilus Aviation for heli-transfers. Islands in the Palm Island (including Orpheus and Pelorus) group can be accessed with Townsville Helicopters, or via Sealink Queensland (Palm Island service) seasonal tours.

Hinchinbrook Island, to the north, is accessible by booking a tour, or personal recreational vessel – permits apply.

Open your eyes to the world around you with these Insta worthy backdrops with awe-inspiring nature and eclectic twists – let's take your social feed to the next level in Townsville North Queensland.

There’s a lot to love about the Townsville North Queensland region. We’re a destination that has been growing and transforming, while at our authentic heart remaining true to who we are, without compromise.

The big smoke of regional Queensland, the official capital of North Queensland with an unrivalled power to surprise. We’re for the curious explorer seeking new experiences – serendipitous surprises, new stories, raw nature. A quintessential tropical paradise proudly ranked as one of the globe's top 100 sustainable destinations

From the majestic Great Barrier Reef to the wonders of the World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest. Dusty outback drives and tropical island experiences - we’re proud of it, we preserve it.

Here you’ll discover something you didn’t know you were looking for or think possible. We’d love to share our hidden treasures with you.

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