Paul Wagnor
As one of Australia's lesser known tourist hubs, Townsville is an engaging area with a plethora of attractions. From diving sites to scenic parks, Townville's top highlights are as follows.
The brainchild of the Botanic Gardens Masterplan of Australia the Anderson Park Botanic Gardens is another must-visit point of interest for visitors touring Townsville. Offering nature lovers not one but three gardens in one sprawling space the venue is a popular stopover for locals as well as tourist in search of a lush, tranquil spot surrounded by vibrant blooms. The flora species occupying the Anderson Park Botanic Gardens mostly includes Cape York Peninsula flower varieties as well as collections from rainforests and Northern Queensland. The venue's impressive arboretum contains a plethora of tropical trees including fruit plants, palms, ferns and pandanus spread out across a whopping 20 acres the public space is a recreational hub like no other in Townsville.
As one of four central bays surrounding Magnetic Island Arcadia in turn encircles two captivating bays known as Geoffrey Bay and Alma Bay. A well-known stopover for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts Arcadia's Geoffrey Bay is a protected Marine National Park Zone that is ideal for those who wish to explore the beauty of the bay's natural attributes and interact with local wildlife such as rock wallabies. With no commercial fishing enterprises harming the environment this pristine marine reserve is a must-explore highlight for first time visitors to Townsville while Alma Bay is a great swimming area serviced by the Arcadian Life Saving Club lifeguards. Perfect for a day at the beach Alma Bay houses a variety of recreational facilities including picnic spots, bathrooms, barbeques and a kiddie's playground within its breathtaking confines.
Regarded as a must-visit point of interest for marine life enthusiasts the Australian Institute of Marine Science is a one of a kind institution that is worthy of exploration when vacationing in Townsville. As a highly specialized research institute the internationally renowned institute is an edutainment attraction like no other with guided tours and data projection showcases highlighting the venue's valuable contributions to marine life conservation.
Occupying pride of place inside the Jezzine Barracks the Army Museum of North Queensland is located in Kissing Point and is revered as one of the most intriguing museums in the region. Documenting the rich history of military engagement the venue showcases vast collections of exhibits and items from various conflicts and platoons over the decades. Visitors based in Chifley Plaza Townsville or other Townsville hotels that provide convenient Townsville accommodation will enjoy easy access to the museum.
Tipped to Townsville's premier diving and snorkelling operator Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive is a popular stopover for seasoned holidaymakers hoping to explore the underwater wonderlands off the coast of the vacation Mecca. Home to marine creatures including manta rays, turtles, eagle rays sharks sea snakes a variety of tropical fish species the submerged coral gardens of Townsville are open visitors thanks to the diving and snorkelling expedition available and organized by Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive. As the most reputed water sports operator in Townsville the Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive provides professional & personalized services to explore the best diving sites in Townsville and the finest in all of Australia, known as the SS Yongala Wreck. Located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park this iconic wreck 29m below the surface is one of the true highlights of a visit to Townsville which is also home to the Lodestone Reef, a near perfect snorkeller's hub.
