Townsville

Townsville is often overlooked as a tourist destination for its more well-known northern neighbour, Cairns. However, it remains an elegant and charming city with a lively, vibrant and youthful atmosphere, and well worth adding to any Queensland itinerary.

Part of Townsville’s attraction is obviously its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, with scuba and snorkelling opportunities galore, the highlight being the wreck of the SS Yongala. It is also a short ferry ride away from the beautiful Magnetic Island, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers. For the more active traveller the hike up the majestic Castle Hill is worth it for the views from the top alone.

Townsville has a large student population, which always makes for a lively atmosphere, and contributes to a buzzing nightlife. The Heritage Exchange combines old school elegance with a great ambiance, cocktail fans are well served by the offerings at Hooch and Fellow, and nothing beats a cold beer with a sea view at Shorehouse.

Townsville also boasts an impressively diverse and eclectic restaurant scene. Modern Queensland cuisine is well represented by Jam Corner and A Touch of Salt, while Donna Bionda and GYO bring variety and influences from further flung cultures.

All in all, Townsville is an often under-appreciated gem in Queensland, and its elegance and charm make it a truly lovely holiday destination.