Joanna James
Crystal clear streams, gorgeous rain forests and red outback's are just a few of the natural wonders Townsville is proud of; best of all they are all within an hour's drive from the CBD.
This is the Niagara Falls of Queensland. Located about 51kms from Ingham this is the highest single drop cascade in the entire state falling a staggering 268 metres into a pool below. Chasing this waterfall has many options that depend on your fitness level. You could try the 800 metre walk down into stony creek and a 3.2km hike into the gorge. Alternatively you could opt for the marathon type Wallaman Falls Walk section of the Wet Tropics Great Walk which is 56.5kms. Either way there is plenty of refreshment awaiting you at the end of the trail; do take along a bathing suit as the pool at the end of the falls deserves due justice and is tipped to be the purest in the world.
This fabulous location is just 60 minutes from Townsville. This is a rainforest village located in the clouds and offers all the allures of a hinterland hamlet. Hence look forward to beautiful boutiques, cosy B&B's and best of all no cell phone coverage; that's right you go there to relax. But this is not all we are selling; the area is home to the Paluma Range National Park. This heavenly sanctuary is home to the Wet Tropic Heritage Forest and a walk through this lush wonderland is sure to invigorate mind body and soul. Then there is Little Crystal Creek and Big Crystal Creek, very inviting for a refreshing dip; as a bonus look out for sights of the platypus that enjoy paddling along these crystal clear streams.
Magnetic Island is just that; a magnetic enclave to explore. Just 20 minutes from the city the islands sits in the midst of the Great Barrier Reef. Made up of hills, granite boulders and beautiful eucalyptus forests this place has been called the Galapagos of Queensland. And indeed you are rewarded with sights of rock wallabies, wild koalas and turtles curiously popping their heads above the waves as you chill on the palm fringed sandy beaches. If you are up for some adventure consider a hiking tour that takes you to the islands 23 beaches and bays.
This park boasts two different species of birds for every hectare. The park is named after the eastern grass owl a rare species of bird often spotted in this wetland. The place is not strictly a bird watchers haven as the park is home to a thriving wallaby population; so take along those binoculars folks.
Castle Hill is a mere 5 minutes' drive from the Oaks Gateway on Palmer; one of the closest attractions to popular Townsville holiday apartments. Castel Hill is a granite mound that just falls short of being categorised as a mountain but at 286 metres the rock is a fabulous view point and a favoured exercise run for the many fitness buffs of the area. The 360 degree views of Townville are ample rewards for trekking to the summit of the hill while basking under the glorious sunshine is an added bonus.
Hinchinbrook is Queensland largest national park located on an island that detached itself from the mainland over 100,000 years ago. The surroundings are kept virgin and unspoilt due to a 40 visitors at a time policy adopted by authorities. The landscape is varied and changes quite fast from granite mountains to rainforest and sandy beaches which you will observe when taking on the 32km Thorsborne Trail.
Charters Towers is Townsville's outback located about 138kms from Townsville City. Popular for its stunning sunsets and beautiful environs this charming town first woke up with its gold rush. An immediate calm settles over you in Charters Towers where cows grazing in the fields, sights of vintage buildings and packed horses take you deep into the lazy countryside.
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