Townsville is a lovely city at north Queensland. Great Barrier Reef on one side and National Parks on the other side... How much more amazing can the paradise be?

Townsville has a dry tropical climate. The wet and dry seasons are clearly distinguished and during the dry season (April to October) almost no rain falls. Wet season is also dryer than typical tropical climate. The people in the surroundings enjoy around 300 sunny days per year. Therefore, Townsville gets a flood of visitors all year around.

Townville has a bunch of fantastic beaches that offer endless water sports possibilities. Besides, the area is home to amazing waterfalls, rainforests, creeks and wildlife. To be able to see all at once, head to Paluma Range National Park. The walking trail in the park leads to the picturesque view of Jourama Falls in the rainforest. There is also a lookout just across the waterfall. Ideal to take a few pictures...

Magnetic Island is a true paradise very close to Townsville. Captain Cook has named this island after his compass started to malfunction while sailing in the surroundings of the island. He claimed that the island has a magnetic power. It has been scientifically proven that this was not the fact. However, the island is still like a magnet that attracts every visitor who drops by to Townsville. It is only 25 minute boat ride from Townsville and is a great place to spoil yourself. Eucalypt woods and vine forests backed with Mount Cook, 23 stunning bays, over 100 bird species, heaps of koalas, rock wallabies etc... No need to mention the fantastic marine life of the reef and the spellbinding sights under the water, waiting for you. A great nature that can not be found at anywhere else so easily...

Another interesting place in the surroundings is Undara Volcanic National Park. It is around 400km northwest of Townsville but if you have time, you can make a great experience walking through lava tubes. Incredible but true! Undara Volcanic National Park contains Earth's longest flow of lava tube originating from a single volcano. It has been formed following a strong eruption 190,000 years ago and even today the soil is so fertile that rainforest plants have grown and many rare species live in the area. Not only the lava tube but also the lava caves in the surroundings will also be a part of this unique experience. The tour through the lava tube can be taken only with a guide since the collapsed parts of the tube and high carbon dioxide levels inside can be dangerous otherwise. There are also some walking tracks outside the tube. Take a walk through Kalkani Crater Rim Walk and climb on the saddle of the crater. In fact, without having to follow a guide. You can make great shots from the top.

The city centre is also rich from interesting sights and architecture point of view. Take a walk through the city through the colorful streets and enjoy your life 24 hours a day. cafes, restaurants and pubs are abundant. If you seek the perfect spot to take a great picture, Castle Hill would be the right one with views over the city and the Magnetic Island on the horizon.

Townsville is over 1300km north of Brisbane and 350km south of Cairns. Direct flights are available to Townsville Airport. Another very popular option is simply taking Greyhound from almost anywhere on the east coast.