Townsville (Thul Garrie Waja) has always had nature on its side. Still, this slice of paradise parked on the Great Barrier Reef has gone from up and coming to a seriously hot destination.
The beating heart of Townsville, this magical 2.5 km promenade of palm-fringed beach has netted pools, barbecues, and picnic tables positioned under shady trees. Only a short ride from Townsville's CBD, the Strand is also home to some of the city's better restaurants.
Cutting a swathe on the foreshore, the 132-key Ardo is Townsville's first 5-star hotel and a stylish sibling to the Ville Hotel & Casino next door.
My Ocean Room's all-white minimalism is splashed with travertine and terrazzo, while floor-to-ceiling glass brings in a lotta Coral Sea blue. Ardo-branded gin and vodka add a touch of glamour to the gourmet mini bar, and the hotel's deets are all at your fingertips on the bedside tablet.
Crowning Ardo is a magnificent sky-high infinity pool, but come late afternoon, it's all about the rooftop bar. Judging by the buzz on a Friday evening, this is the spot Townsville has been waiting for.
For an adrenaline rush like no other, Trike it Like It offers a thrilling ride through Townsville's streets on a powerful open-air trike built for two passengers in absolute comfort. Buckle up because there's no better way to see the sights.
Picture: Trike It Like It
For divers and snorkelers MOUA is a must. Across 3 locations, MOUA contains 20 reef garden sculptures, including the above-water, ocean temperature beacon Siren.
Jason deCaires Taylor has created an underwater gallery committed to reef conservation, restoration, and education. Most importantly, it preserves the stories of the region's Indigenous community.
Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland
Minutes from Townsville's CBD, Billabong Sanctuary (pictured) is not only Australia's most interactive eco-sanctuary, but it's also fun.
Meet mischievous meerkats, take a koala selfie, feed kangaroos, and don't miss daily crocodile feeding that will send shivers up your spine. Billabong creates the most amazing wild memories through education and understanding of wildlife's fragile future.
In prime position on the Strand, Shorehouse is built for long afternoons that segue into evenings with cocktails, cool breezes, and an even cooler Pan-Asian menu.
Polola in City Lane's colourful Mexican cuisine is a welcome surprise in the centre of town. Ardo's Rooftop Bar's Castle Hill and island views are second to none, and the light bites and drinks menu is perfect for balmy nights.
There's nothing that a bit of paint can't fix, and in the hands of some of Australia's finest muralists, Townsville's streets have gone from drab to fab. Adnate, Fintan Magee, HA HA and 25 other artists have added more than colour to the CBD; they've added soul and an opportunity to enjoy monumental art. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland
Like Perth is blessed with Rottnest Island, Townsville has Magnetic Island (Yumbenun) on its doorstep. Rock scramblers, bird watchers and hikers alike will immediately feel at home here.
Only twenty minutes by Sealink ferry, Maggie feels like a chilled-out extension of Townsville. Two-thirds National park with 24km of dedicated walking trails and nearly two dozen unspoilt beaches and bays it's unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Magnetic Island's less visited West Side is where secluded beaches meander into mighty mangroves and towering eucalypt forests. Over three fascinating hours, MI Ride Discovery Tours Tim Hempstead shares his knowledge of the island in a specially designed 4WD bus to negotiate Maggie's western creeks, mangroves and off-road wide-open spaces.
How best to describe sailing aboard the custom-built Pilgrim at sunset in Magnetic Island's sheltered bays? It is transformative. Think of it as self-care at sea.
Once the sails are up and the sun is making room for the stars, the crew makes sure you have an organic wine or beer in hand and a local cheese and fruit platter close by.
It's easy to imagine Pilgrim is your skippered clipper with only 12 onboard as the sun sets over Cleveland or Horseshoe Bay. Bookings are a must. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland
The writer was a guest of Townsville Enterprise Limited.
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