Joanna James
North Queensland's gem of an attraction, Townsville, boasts 320 days of sunshine per year and some marvellous attractions that coincidently, are just a few hours from the city centre.
The Wallaman Falls are considered the Niagara Falls of Queensland, and indeed the gorgeous cascade is an impressive sight. Established as the states highest single drop falls, the cascade drops from a height of 268 metres to a gorgeous pool at the base. It's easy to reach 51kms south west of Ingham and has two trails to choose from. Selecting the treks to depend on your fitness level; decide on the 800 metre walk to the shores of Stony Creek followed by a 3.2km hike into the ravine or choose to push your fitness levels to the max with a 56.6km marathon hike on the Wallaman Falls sector of the famed Wet Tropics Great Walk.
The rainforest village of Paluma could easily pass off as part of magical Na'vi, on earth; Avatar fans will relate well to this. Easy to reach just 60 minutes from Townsville, this beautiful hinterland village has it all; explore the boutiques, dine at quaint cafes and totally relax, for there is no cell phone coverage there. The place however is much more than the usual tourist lures; its home to the Paluma Range National Park. There you can look forward to invigorating dips in Big Crystal Creek and Little Crystal Creek as well as hikes across the verdant confines of Wet Tropics Rain Forest, a heritage listed enclave. Do take along the cameras for it easy to spot platypus paddling along the crystal clear streams of the rainforest.
Just 20 minutes from the city centre and easy to reach from [Oaks M on Palmer], Magnetic Island is located right in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. The place is justifiably referred to as the Galapagos of Queensland, due to the abundant and vibrant selection of flora and fauna there. It's quite easy to spot wild koalas, see turtles bobbing about in the ocean and even hand feed rock wallabies there. The beautiful sandy beach is just the ticket for lying down and doing absolutely nothing while plenty of attractions are available in case you do decide to explore. Take on the Forts Walk tour which covers the WWII military bases and stunning view points that offer panoramic vistas of the islands beautiful beaches and 23 bays.
A good reason to leave your comfy hotel in the early hours of the morning, the Tyto Wetlands is a birders paradise. The place boasts 2 species of bird for every hectare of forest, the name itself acting as an ode to the rare eastern grass owl, often spotted there. This urban wetland, easy to get to from the best hotels Townsville has to offer, is not limited to bird watching; there is a wallaby population that's well established and a treat to observe.
This beautiful granite hill falls short by a few meters to being classified as a mountain. Head over to the hill on a weekend and join the myriad of joggers and fitness freaks that enjoy running up and down the 286 metre rock. Even if you are not interested in jogging uphill, do take a leisurely amble to the top for 360 degree views of Townsville; make it at sunset and be doubly rewarded.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
