Travellers are flocking to this underrated Aussie holiday destination
It is a spot that may not immediately come to mind when you think of tropical Aussie getaways, but this hidden gem is seeing an influx of travellers.
When you think about booking a coastal Queensland holiday places like Noosa, Cairns or the Gold Coast may be the first to come to mind.
But there is one city that has been attracting an increasing number of visitors, and for a very good reason.
Townsville is the largest city in Northern Australia, with a thriving regional population of 300,000.
It is situated between two UNESCO World Heritage listed ecosystems – the Great Barrier Reef and Paluma Rainforest – making it the perfect place for visitors who want to explore some of the best landscapes and scenery Australia has to offer.
With its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, multitude of cultural and entertainment offerings and its buzzing strand that is home to a plethora restaurants, bars and breweries, it is no surprise this hidden gem is becoming not so hidden.
Lisa Woolfe, Townsville Enterprise’s director of Visitor Economy and Marketing, revealed tourism in the region is booming as more people discover everything the city has to offer.
“To March 2024, Townsville North Queensland is proud to have achieved a record $1.2 billion in overnight visitor expenditure off the back of an almost a 5 per cent year on year growth in visitation,” she told news.com.au.
“Our region was the only Queensland destination to see an increase in holiday visitors over this period.”
There is plenty to do in Townsville, but here are just some of the experiences the area has to offer.
For the explorers
It wouldn’t be a trip to North Queensland without making the most of the beautiful natural surroundings.
A day trip out to Crystal Creek is the perfect way to explore the Paluma Range National Park area.
Along the Paluma Range highway you’ll come across Little Crystal Creek and Big Crystal Creek, both of which are ideal locations to stop for a picnic, with a multitude of swimming and bushwalk options.
Big Crystal creek features a large swimming hole and picnic area, with the smooth, slippery rocks also creating a natural slip ‘n’ slide for the thrill seekers.
Little Crystal Creek features a series of pristine waterfalls that cascade under a historic stone arch bridge built in the 1930s.
The water falls down, creating multiple freshwater swimming holes and, as you continue to explore the area, it is likely you will find a swimming or basking spot you can enjoy all to yourself.
It is the ideal place to set up for lunch. I recommend pre-ordering a grazing platter from Whites Corner Store and picking that up on your way out to Crystal Creek.
You can then make use at one of the many picnic tables or find a spot on one of the large rocks overlooking the swimming holes and enjoy your lunch in the sun.
There is a lot to see in the area, so if you find you want more time to explore, you can grab a permit and spend the night in one of the designated camping areas.
It also wouldn’t be a trip to Townsville without checking out beautiful Magnetic Island.
Situated just a 20 minute ferry ride from Townsville, the island boasts 23 bays and beaches, fringes coral reefs, has kilometres of unique bushland hikes and is home to the largest colony of koalas in northern Australia.
Ms Woolfe branded Magnetic Island the “jewel in our tourism crown”, saying it is world heritage island like “no where else on the Great Barrier Reef”.
“Magnetic Island plays a significant role in our tourism sector and supports more than 25 per cent of Townsville North Queensland’s tourism jobs, injecting more than $300 million into the regional economy each year,” she said.
“It is a place where you can live like a local and dive into immersive, personalised, and unforgettable experiences.”
Relax and recharge
After a day of exploring everything the area has to offer, you’ll likely be needing somewhere to recharge before heading back out.
Located in the heart of Townsville, The Hotel Grand Chancellor is the perfect base for your visit to the city.
The 4-star accommodation puts you in easy access of the best Townsville has to offer and is the perfect place to unwind after a big day.
Locally known locally as the “Sugar Shaker” due to its unique shape, the hotel is the tallest building in Townsville and offers unparalleled city and water views.
Take in the sights while enjoying a dip in the rooftop pool or head down to the on site-restaurant and bar for a bite to eat and a drink.
If you’re keen to see more of Townsville, you can take a relaxing stroll along The Strand, a 2.5km beachfront promenade that offers spectacular views across to Magnetic Island.
Along the palm tree lined walkway you will find picturesque picnic spots, safe swimming beaches and rockpools, playgrounds, exercise stations and, of course, many bars and restaurants.
For the foodies
Townsville has a thriving food and drink scene, with the city full of buzzing restaurants, cafes, bars, breweries and distilleries.
If you’re into spirits, then you can’t look past Tan Lines Distilling, located in the Rockpool Pavilion restaurant on The Strand.
Tan Lines Distilling is a homegrown establishment, with the vibrant essence of North Queensland captured in its range of gins and vodkas.
Founder Aaron Rieniets chose Townsville as the base for his business after falling in love with the laid-back beach culture and the vibrant natural beauty of the region, which inspired him to create a line of spirits that captured the essence of the area.
With a space that opens up onto beautiful waterfront views, it is the perfect place to unwind with a gin and tonic before heading out to dinner.
Just across the road you will find Shorehouse, which combines modern Asian cuisine with the best of Townsville’s local flavours.
The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, craft beer on tap and a variety of fresh, modern cocktails that pair perfectly with the mouth-watering menu.
If you are overwhelmed by the choices and don’t know how to decide, then the ‘Just Feed Me’ option on the menu is an excellent choice.
For $63 per person you will be served up a selection of Shorehouse’s most popular and best dishes, which can be adjusted to suit any dietary requirements.
This way you can sit back and relax on the large outdoor deck and sip on your cocktail while being brought out a selection of local, fresh food that will be sure to leave you more than satisfied.
This writer visited Townsville as a guest of Townsville Enterprise.
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