11 Jun 2020
Where can you find more than 300 days of sunshine each year? Townsville in sunny Queensland, that‘s where!
With warm tropical weather all-year round, it's no wonder Discovery Parks – Townsville park manager Sarah, jumped at the chance to head up this resort among the palms.
Being new in town and having managed the park for a short 5-months, she’s still getting her local Townsville bearings and learning all about the must-see attractions and top-secret spots. She took some time out of her busy schedule to investigate and experience the best that Townsville and its surrounds has to offer. Here’s her list of the top things to see and do while staying at her park, Discovery Parks – Townsville.
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THE STRAND
Kelly, our Front Office Receptionist, absolutely loves The Strand, and it’s fast becoming one of my favourite places to go and unwind. The 2.2km stretch of walkway on the foreshore has gorgeous views of Magnetic Island, is great for a stroll, has a waterpark and rock pool for the kids to play in, there are local cafes you can stop for a bite to eat, and there are picnic tables where you can just sit and enjoy the beach.
JEZZINE BARRACKS
If you’re looking for somewhere to head after The Strand, there is a boardwalk that starts at this headland and connects to Rowes Bay, this is the Jezzine Barracks. The 15-hectare precinct is a commemorative site for the local Aboriginal People and Australian Military. There are lots of artworks, traditional plantings and stunning coastal views to take in on your walk.
BILLABONG SANCTUARY
Just a short 15-minute drive up the Bruce Highway from the park, you can meet some of Australia’s cutest, scaliest and fluffiest wildlife. One for the families, this is a great day with something for all ages to love; you can pat a koala or take in the excitement of the croc feeding shows!
CRYSTAL CREEK
Another one of Kelly’s favourite local places. She really enjoys taking a day trip out to Crystal Creek with her family, it’s the perfect spot for a BBQ lunch. She says the water is crystal clear and icy cold, which in summer is an ideal spot for a dip. Big Crystal Creek is great for families with its large picnic area and freshwater swimming hole. The more adventurous should take the short hike to Little Crystal Creek, as there are plenty of rocks to jump off into the clear waters below.
MAGNETIC ISLAND
The lure of Magnetic Island is too great for the team at Discovery Parks – Townsville and it’s a real staff favourite! Staff members Trevor (Groundskeeper) and Marhilia (Housekeeping) think it’s the best and most relaxing day trip in the region. And, it’s only a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville. With 23 magnificent beaches and bays to explore, Maggie (as it’s known to locals) has heaps of native wildlife to spot, island tours and is the perfect spot to snorkel, dive and explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. For something really fun, hire one of the topless barbie cars!
DIVE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
This one is a bucket list item for many Australians as well as for many of my staff! The best way to explore the GBR is with a diving company and we recommend booking in with Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive. These guys are Townsville’s oldest diving and snorkelling operators and are suitable for beginners to more savvy underwater enthusiasts. Their tours depart from Townsville or Nelly Bay Marina on Magnetic Island and they’ll take you to explore the coral reef which is home to an abundance of wildlife and Australia’s Best Dive site, Yongala Wreck.
CASTLE HILL
According to our Groundskeeper Trevor, this is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset surrounded by some great scenery. The giant pink granite rock that is Castle Hill is the place to take in a spectacular 360-degree view of Townsville. There are heaps of popular walking tracks but, if you’re not that fit, there is also vehicle access. I’d suggest not letting the sun go down on your stay without a visit to the Castle Hill Lookout.
REEF HQ AQUARIUM
If you’re not too keen to get in the water, there is another way to see the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, just visit Reef HQ Aquarium. Just over 15-minutes from the park by car, this is another great day out for families where you’ll see heaps of beautiful marine life and coral living together in one massive aquarium.
WALLAMAN FALLS
You’ll need a full day out for this one along with a packed picnic lunch. The 2-hour drive from the park is well worth it, as Wallaman Falls is the longest single-drop waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Follow the walking tracks through rainforests and stop for lunch with a view of the gorge near the Wallaman Falls main lookout.
STREET ART WALKING TOUR
Hit the pavement with your comfiest sneakers and follow the amazing street art trail. You can pick up a free trail map at the Townsville Visitor Information Centre on Flinders Street and it’ll take you through the heart of the city centre along streets, alleys and laneways. The walking tour will take about 30 minutes, so take time along the way to stop and browse the local shops or have a coffee at one of the local cafes.
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Townsville’s got it all – a vibrant foreshore, cute Australian wildlife, natural wonders, white sand, and crystal-clear beaches. Now all it needs is you!
Make your way to come say G’DAY and stay at Discovery Parks – Townsville.
