Townsville combines the lure of the tropics with the attractions of a major city. From diving in the Great Barrier Reef, trying your luck at the Casino, rafting white water rapids or simply lazing on golden beaches, Townsville offers the best of all worlds.

Located in North Queensland's 'dry tropics', Townsville and Magnetic Island boast an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. Combining this glorious sunshine with a relaxed lifestyle and a diversity of attractions, Townsville is the perfect choice for a North Queensland holiday experience.

The city is the perfect stepping-off point to experience the wonders of the region - the outback, rainforests, magnificent waterfalls, tropical islands and of course, the Great Barrier Reef.

Townsville's many attractions include reefHQ - the world's largest living coral reef aquarium, Billabong Sanctuary - an Australian native wildlife sanctuary, Jupiters casino, the Museum of Tropical Queensland with the interactive displays of the HMS Pandora, the spectacular Strand beachfront promenade, art galleries, museums, parks and restaurants.

Townsville is also one of Queensland's premier event destinations, with an exciting annual line up of sporting, aquatic, historical and cultural events.

Using Townsville as a holiday base, visitors can experience the natural wonders of the diverse North Queensland region through the availability of day tours, cruises or adventure excursions - all operating out of the city.

Magnetic Island is the Island playground of Townsville featuring prominently in the profile of the city. The Island is only 20 minutes from the city centre by regular fast cat ferries.
Two thirds of Magnetic Island is National Park with secluded but easily accessible bays and golden beaches. The Island has nearly 25 kilometres of walking tracks meandering through the protected national parks that are home to stands of eucalypts and wildlife including koalas.
It comprises self-contained accommodation as well as cheaper backpacker hostels. Boat trips around the Island, parasailing, Harley tours, watersports, golf, diving expeditions, great fishing, horse riding, and moke hire are all available, as well as, 166 different species of wildlife to observe.

Distance from Brisbane (State Capital): 1,438 kilometres.