Townsville
The city of Townsville is regarded by some as the capital of North Queensland. The area provides the northern link for State and Federal Governments, as well as for private enterprise in primary and secondary industries, mining, commerce, retail, and community and cultural services.
The City is serviced by Townsville International Airport which is 5km west of the city centre.
With a population of some 160,000 people the Townsville region encompasses beautiful coastal towns and islands, tropical rainforests and waterfalls, historic gold mining towns in rugged Outback terrain and rich farming lands growing mangoes and sugarcane.
The spectacular Great Barrier Reef sprawls to the east of Townsville and just across the bay is an island paradise called Magnetic. Magnetic Island is only 25 minutes from the city centre by regular, fast cat ferries. Two thirds of Magnetic Island is National Park with secluded but easily accessible bays and golden beaches. There is a vast range of activities available including: parasailing, Harley Davidson tours, water sports, golf, diving expeditions, jet skiing, great fishing and horse riding.
Townsville is home to Reef HQ the world's largest living coral reef aquarium. Billabong Sanctuary is a place where one can learn all about Australia's fascinating native wildlife. One of the many cultural and heritage attractions is the Brolga Dreaming Aboriginal Centre.
Around 130 kilometres south-west of Townsville are the historic towns of Ravenswood and Charters Towers. Here one can see the fully restored heritage buildings and streetscapes of the gold mining settlements as they were at the turn of the twentieth century.
For nature enthusiasts and "eco-tourists", the Townsville region offers a feast of natural and diverse environments, flora, fauna and eco friendly, sustainable recreational activities.
