Many backpackers and tourists skip Townsville. They fly over the coastal port town or stop for just a moment and drive right on by.
Travelers prefer to head to tourist hot-spot Cairns up North or down to the popular Whitsundays and Arlie Beach destinations, 300 kilometers south.
However, these tourists are missing out.
Townsville's Scenic Esplanade on the City's Waterfront
The Esplanade here is much more attractive than the Cairns swampy Esplanade, which is invaded by too many tourist-targeted restaurants.
Townsville has an attractive man-made beachfront; a (stinger) filtered ocean lagoon for swimmers; more trees and perfectly manicured tropical gardens; and the Esplanade is much longer than the one in Cairns.
The waterfront also faces the wild and rugged landscape of Magnetic Island.
Reef HQ is also close to the Esplanade, enabling visitors who lack the sea legs or the fortitude to venture out into the Great Barrier Reef, an opportunity to see the marine life that Australia’s sunny coast has to offer.
Drive or Walk to Castle Hill Reserve
Castle Hill is easily accessible, approximately five blocks back from the Esplanade and there is a car park at the peak of the hill.
As you head up to Castle Hill Reserve along Stanley Road and then Castle Hill Road, you will be surprised to see locals running up to the top of this steep rise.
The popular site has three smallish summit lookouts, providing a bird’s eye 360-degree view of the flat Townsville sprawl; the winding rivers; and mountainous Magnetic Island, which dominates the shoreline.
From the Summit Loop Track you will see the undeveloped stretch of Pallarenda Beach to the left, some airfields and a local cemetery.
Forget bird watching. Keep an eye out for the occasional Chinook and other forms of military aircraft flying into your view, which spectators often revere.
(You are bound to see some form of army air action, whether it is up on Castle Hill or when you are strolling down the Esplanade.)
Crystal Creek (Big and Little)
A pleasant day trip to Crystal Creek(s) to cool off in the freshwater pools, searching for a lone turtle hidden in the rocks, will increase your appreciation of the Townsville area.
The creeks receive few visitors and are a fun activity destination for those who want to slide down Little Crystal Creek’s natural rock slide or are daring enough to jump into the pool at Big Crystal Creek. However, beware of slippery rocks and water depth.
To get to the creeks, take the Bruce Highway (1) traveling north from Townsville and follow the signs to Paluma.
Diving the Famous Yongala Wreck and the Great Barrier Reef
The sunken luxury vessel, the Yongala Wreck, now inhabited by big schools of fish is located off Bowling Green Bay south of Townsville.
However, you will need to depart with a dive company to visit the wreck from either Townsville City or Magnetic Island.
Unfortunately, a dive trip is a difficult trip to organize as the number of dive companies in the area have dropped off over the years, the trips are not regular and windy seas can play a big factor in whether you will be able to go on the day. it is especially difficult during the dry season, due to the south-east trade winds.
However, if you are lucky enough to get there, you will have an impressive dive story to tell.
Companies available to dive with include Pleasure Divers and Adrenalin Dive.
Magnetic Island, Just a Ferry Ride Away From Townsville City
If you are one of the few tourists to step off a plane into Townsville, then it is likely that you are heading to Magnetic Island.
The pristine bays and beaches, the bountiful choice of natural attractions to see and explore, and the (almost) all-year round hot and sunny weather, make it a one-stop holiday destination in its own right.
To read more about the islands, read the Suite101 article Magnetic Island, Australia, the Magnetic Attraction for Tourist.
Branching Out of Townsville
This booming mining and defense coastal town has the potential to become like Cairns, a base-point for tourists traveling to the Great Barrier and other surrounding destinations.
With Bowling Green Bay National Park just south of Townsville City and the Northern Beaches and estuaries, such as Bushland Beach and Sanders Beach, there are numerous natural sites to explore.
Read other Australian travel articles by Danielle Ryan: Cairns Beaches and Waterhole Hopping and Garie Beach, Outer Sydney's Little Beauty.
