Townsville Enterprise launch ‘explore next door’ campaign to boost North Queensland tourism

Stuck for ideas of what to do these school holidays? Residents are being encouraged to book a staycation. Read about the best bucket list activities that are only a short drive from home.

Charters Towers mining cottage

North Queensland residents are being encouraged to explore their own backyard these school holidays and reconnect with nature in Hinchinbrook, take a step back in time in Charters Towers or dive under the sea in the Burdekin.

Townsville Enterprises has teamed up with North Queensland councils to bring the ‘Explore Next Door’ campaign to life.

Aligning with the upcoming school holidays, this campaign is highlighting the many adventures that await in nearby towns including the miners cottage in Charters Towers, Australia’s highest drop waterfall in Hinchinbrook or the sunken shipwrecks of the Burdekin.

Townsville Enterprise Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing Lisa Woolfe said that winter in the tropics provides the perfect opportunity to take a road trip to our neighbouring regions.

“We are so lucky to have some of Australia’s most incredible natural wonders right here on our doorstep,” she said.

Charters Towers wall of history

“The Townsville North Queensland tourism economy supports over 6,000 local jobs and

contributes more than $1bn to our local economy.

Our regional areas in Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook and the Burdekin are important contributors to this region – strengthening our experience offering.”

Sunset at Inkerman Hill.

If a short road trip is on your to-do list then visit Australia’s sugarcane capital, The Burdekin and take the family for a picnic and play at Plantation Park, get the chance to catch a Burdekin Barra, experience a sunset on the Mount Inkerman hike or visit one of the many local cafes, eateries or markets.

Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said her region was right on the doorstep for people in Townsville.

“From witnessing cane fires to enjoying beautiful beaches, exploring numerous creeks, indulging in amazing food, and experiencing great shopping, the Burdekin offers something for everyone,” she said.

Visitors to Charters Towers can step back in time and pan for gold, take a walk through the miners memorial, visit Ravenswood or the Railway Hotel or hike up Towers Hill.

Towers Mayor Liz Shmift said the region had a “diverse: range f attractions and promised a memory-filled holiday.

For all the nature lovers Hinchinbrook is the place to go with its vast tropical rainforest, the impressive Wallaman Falls and dormant volcano Mount Fox.

Hinchinbrook councillor Mary Brown said the region took “immense pride” in the Explore Next Door campaign.

“With idyllic sunny days now gracing our region, there’s truly no better moment to discover the natural beauty right on our doorstep in Hinchinbrook,” she said.

For more information visit townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au

Originally published as Townsville Enterprise launch ‘explore next door’ campaign to boost North Queensland tourism