In Townsville and Magnetic Island - March - August 2014 Edition by Nikki Hammon

FR EE

GU ID E

M A R C H - AU G U ST 2 0 1 4 | 4 5

ACCOMMODATION | DINING | ATTRACTIONS | MAPS | ACTIVITIES

TOWNSVILLE

10.00am 10.15am 10.30am 11.00am 11.45am 12.15pm 12.45pm 1.00pm 1.15pm 2.00pm 2.30pm 3.00pm

bong Life of the Billa ing ed Cassowary Fe nce** rie Wombat Expe nce** Koala Experie nce** Reptile Experie Lunch Break Turtle Feeding e nc Dingo Experie ocodile Feeding Salt Water Cr iends Feathered Fr ake Show * Venomous Sn t Experience* ba om W & Koala y

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**Souvenir Ph

sville

m Town ay. Pick up fro Monday - Frid or Ferry Terminal. ion at od m accom ings 8344 for book Phone 4778

Open every day 9.00am - 4.00pm (Closed Christmas Day)

Bruce Highway, Townsville QLD | Phone: 07 4778 8344 rangers@billabongsanctuary.com.au

www.billabongsanctuary.com.au

Photo: The Strand, courtesy Townsville Enterprise

WELCOME TO TOWNSVILLE

Nowhere else in the world will you find the fascinating diversity of North Queensland. In just hours you can move from lush rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef, or from a luxurious resort on a tropical island to a cattle ranch in the golden Outback. Townsville, Australia’s largest tropical city, is the focal point to this region which is bounded by Mission Beach to the north, Charters Towers to the west, and Bowen in the south. The resort islands - Magnetic, Orpheus, Hinchinbrook and Bedarra - are all different in character and all offer a unique experience for the holidaymaker. Townsville’s many attractions include the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, a wildlife sanctuary, casino, beaches, museums, theatres, galleries, nightclubs and restaurants. Many people who come to Townsville on a visit or short-term stay, like what they see and decide to live here. Little wonder that the Townsville region has one of the highest residential growth rates in Australia. The focal point these days is the wonderful beachfront ‘Strand’. Beautiful Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes from the city centre by ferry. Day cruises

and diving expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef, and white water rafting excursions also depart regularly from the city. There are quiet places of natural beauty, including Mt Elliot National Park, Crystal Creek and Paluma, all a short drive away. Within the city itself don’t miss a trip up Castle Hill, or some of the magnificent and wellkept shady gardens which include Queen’s Gardens, Anderson Park, Anzac Park and the Palmetum. Heading west the rugged outback unfolds with the historic gold rush mining towns of Charters Towers and Ravenswood - time capsules of turn-of-the-century architecture. National Parks and World Heritage listed areas lie to the north of Townsville, with the seaside towns of Ingham, Cardwell and Mission Beach boasting rainforests, waterfalls, spectacular beaches and the sheltered waterways of the Hinchinbrook Channel. Travelling south through the agricultural basin are the twin towns of Ayr and Home Hill. Bowen completes the southern boundary of this region which also features superb reefs, beaches and excellent fishing spots. intownsville.com.au | 3

CONTENTS

INFORMATION CENTRES 9 SHOPPING CENTRES 18 MARKETS 21 TOWNSVILLE LOOKOUTS 20 PUBS & BARS 24 GREAT OUTDOORS / CARAVAN PARKS 26 DINING IN TOWNSVILLE 30 STRAND 34 WHAT’S ON 47 PARKS AND GARDENS 50 MUSEUMS + ART GALLERIES 52 & 53 MAGNETIC ISLAND 56 BALGAL BEACH & ROLLINGSTONE (NORTH) 68 BURDEKIN SHIRE (SOUTH) 70 HINCHINBROOK SHIRE (NORTH) 71 CARDWELL (NORTH) 73 OVERLANDER’S WAY (WEST) 74 CHARTERS TOWERS (WEST) 75 HUGHENDEN & JULIA CREEK 76 MATILDA HIGHWAY (WEST) 77 WINTON (WEST) 78 MAPS CAPE PALLARENDA MAP TOWN COMMON WALKS MAP TOWNSVILLE CITY MAP TOWNSVILLE SUBURB MAP TOWNSVILLE SURROUNDS MAP MAGNETIC ISLAND MAP

16 22 42 40 69 54

TIMETABLES FANTASEA TIMETABLE SEALINK TIMETABLE

60 60

PHONE NUMBERS TAXI 131 008 SUNBUS 4771 9800 EMERGENCY 000 Photo: Magnetic Island, courtesy Townsville Enterprise

North Australian Publishing Co Pty Ltd. ACN 050418865 440 Flinders Street, Townsville Qld 4810 | PO Box 1264, Townsville Qld 4810 Advertising | Warren Gardner Design & Layout | seventy9design Phone 07 4772 3244 Fax 07 4772 3250 Email info@intownsville.com.au Web www.intownsville.com.au Cover Photos: Crystal Creek and Magnetic Island, courtesy Townsville Enterprise In Townsville & Magnetic Island is published by North Australian Publishing Co Pty. Ltd. and produced every 6 months for the promotion of Townsville and regions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the company. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any of the contents herein.

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ACCOMMODATION NEED A BED?

Townsville • Magnetic Island Where’s the accommodation in Townsville and Magnetic Island? Ask the PROFESSIONALS. We are the major booking agent in Flinders Square. Nightly. Weekly. Corporate. PLUS TOURS!

• Reef Cruises • Magnetic Island Tours • Dive Courses • Rainforest Tours • Charters Towers Tours • Car Hire

Let us make the calls!

Flinders Square, Townsville

Phone: 4772 5800

www.tropicaltravel.com.au info@tropicaltravel.com.au

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CINEMAS EVENT CINEMAS TOWNSVILLE CBD Cnr Sturt & Blackwood Streets, City MOVIE INFOLINE 4771 4101 READING CINEMAS Cannon Park, Kirwan MOVIE INFOLINE 4723 6666 WARRINA CINEPLEX Dalrymple Road, Currajong MOVIE INFOLINE 4779 8568

Visit Reef HQ Aquarium’s Turtle Hospital where sick and injured turtles are cared for and rehabilitated.

Join in r ou on one ofive Daily D g and Feedin Shows. 2-68 Flinders Street Townsville, 4810 Tel: 4750 0800 www.reefHQ.com.au

A meeting of

LIFE AND LIVES IN THE NORTH Discover the history, culture and natural wonders of North Queensland in the heart of Townsville. Visit www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au to see what’s on! 70-102 Flinders Street East Townsville Qld 4810 Ph 4726 0600 Open daily 9.30am to 5pm (closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and until 1pm on ANZAC Day)

TURTLE HOSPITAL

Check out Townsville’s Reef HQ Aquarium Turtle Talk, departing daily at 12noon and 3.30pm. The Reef HQ Aquarium Turtle Hospital is designed to rehabilitate sick and injured turtles so they can be released back into the ocean, enhancing their long term survival and sustainability as a threatened species. As the National Educational Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Reef HQ Aquarium plays a lead role in educating visitors, through educational talks and guided tours on the plight of turtles and their importance to the Marine Park. Six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles are found on the Great Barrier Reef and staff of the Turtle Hospital believes that local residents and visitors play a very special role in looking after them. Donations to the Turtle Hospital are welcome by phoning 07 4750 0800 or visit Reef HQ Aquarium reception. Anyone who finds a stranded turtle is urged to contact the hotline on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).

DISCOVER TROPICAL QUEENSLAND The award-winning Museum of Tropical Queensland is a showcase of this amazing region. The iconic building located in the Flinders Street tourism precinct houses exhibits that range from the rainforest to the reef, and back in time to the ancient inland seas of the age of dinosaurs. The centrepiece of the museum is the HMS Pandora display, which tells one of the great tales of maritime adventure, when the ship sent to capture the mutineers from the Bounty ran aground off the Great Barrier Reef in 1791. Throughout the year the museum hosts an ever-changing program of visiting displays, talks, activities and holiday programs. The Discover Tropical Queensland gallery features fascinating natural history specimens, fossils and minerals, corals and sea creatures, and the spectacular Enchanted Rainforest exhibition.

TIPS

• Allow yourself a few hours to explore the displays • Take a break in the café, open from 10am to 3pm • Wear covered shoes to join the cannon-firing crew at 11am and 2.30pm.

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INFORMATION CENTRES FLINDERS SQUARE INFORMATION CENTRE Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm Phone: 4721 3660 | www.townsvilleholidays.info

NORTH

TYTO INFORMATION AND WETLANDS CENTRE Corner Bruce Highway and Cooper St, Ingham Open: Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat-Sun 9am - 4pm Phone: 4776 4792 | www.tyto.com.au RAINFOREST & REEF INFORMATION CENTRE Cardwell. Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm. Sat-Sun 9am-3pm (April-October) Sat-Sun 9am-1pm (Nov-March) Phone: 4066 8601 www.greatgreenwaytourism.com TULLY VISITOR & HERITAGE CENTRE Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.45pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm Phone: 4068 2288 www.ccrc.qld.gov.au MISSION BEACH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Porter Promenade, Mission Beach Open: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm Phone: 4068 7099 | www.missionbeachtourism.com

MASSAGE

Sports • Remedial • Relax • Cupping • Bowen Lymph • Reiki • Reflexology • Hot Stone (Couples room available at our City location)

SOUTH

BURDEKIN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Plantation Park, Ayr. Open: Mon-Sun 9am-4pm. Phone: 4783 5988 www.burdekintourism.com.au BURDEKIN GATEWAY INFORMATION CENTRE Old Home Hill Railway Station, 12 Railway Ave Open: Mon-Sun 9am-4pm. Phone: 4782 8241 www.burdekintourism.com.au

WEST

CHARTERS TOWERS VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Open: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm Phone: 4761 5533 www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au ‘AT THE CREEK’ JULIA CREEK VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Open: Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm (Oct - Mar) Mon - Fri 9am-5pm, Sat & Sun 9am-12noon (April - Sept) Phone: 4746 7690 | www.atthecreek.com.au\ WINTON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Phone: 1300 665 115 | www.experiencewinton.com.au

R A P K

SPA TREATMENTS

VICHY SHOWER • STEAM • INFRARED SAUNA Facials • Waxing • Tinting • Manis • Pedis Scrubs • Body Wraps

IONITHERMIE

Cellulite control and weight loss Get smoother skin get toned

CITY - 3/291 FLINDERS ST

or 2nd Entrance near Cowboys carpark directly behind 42 Sturt St

JUPITERS HOTEL & CASINO Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm

PLAY BIG NGO BUCKS BI ance to For a ch WIN up to

$30,000

Ignatius Park Hall 368 Ross River Rd, Cranbrook

(Including public holidays)

BINGO BUS AVAILABLE

CITY - 4772 0031 JUPITERS - 4722 2375

PICK UP & DROP OFF AT YOUR DOOR Please phone for bookings

Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm

www.handsinharmony.com.au

GIFT VOUCHERS • HI CAPS available 24hrs cancellation policy or a fee will be charged

4796 0255

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 7.30pm Sunday 1.00pm intownsville.com.au | 9

DIVE THE YONGALA WRECK & GREAT BARRIER REEF Tropical Townsville is a hot spot for those keen to check out the underwater scene, being the home to one of the world’s best wreck dives. The Yongala wreck and Great Barrier Reef are the diving drawcards. The north Queensland city offers the ultimate of dive experiences, great value accommodation and a year-round summer climate to round off the perfect diving stopover. The Yongala wreck, located about 89km east of the city, is Australia’s best dive site and one of the world’s top 10 wreck dives. Undiscovered for over 30 years, the coral-encrusted structure attracts a prolific variety of colourful marine life and is an unforgettable dive for both novice and experienced divers. The day trip to the Yongala site includes a three hour boat cruise past Magnetic Island, historic lighthouse and the bird colonies of Cape Bowling Green. The centred section of the Great Barrier Reef, including Wheeler Reef and Lodestone Reef has crevasses to explore and beautiful white sands stretching into the depths of the Coral Sea.

SNORKEL E & DIV LA &

There are spectacular displays of tropical marine life and coral structures for divers to explore as they swim among giant clams, turtles and reef sharks on this truly magical reef. Magnetic Island is another popular diving destination easily accessible from Townsville. The World Heritage listed Reef is host to the most diverse collection of life forms found in one location anywhere in the world and Townsville is the best place to access it. Whether it is day trips to view the spectacular snorkelling, specialist scuba dives or environmental expeditions, it’s all available on Townsville’s doorstep.

S.S. YONGA

GREAT BARRIER REEF Learn to Dive Day Trips

07 4724 0600 |1300 664 600 252 Walker Street, Townsville www.adrenalindive.com.au

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TOWNSVILLE FROM THE SKY An adventurous scenic flight over Townsville and Magnetic Island is a must do. Take in the stunning sights of the clear blue ocean, the sweeping aerial views of pristine white beaches on tropical Magnetic Island and the breathtaking landscape of Townsville. TOWNSVILLE PANORAMIC With Red Baron. Taking off on the waters adjacent to the Strand, you will see the vibrant Port and the Townsville CBD and follow the Ross River up towards James Cook University. Admire the impressive Mount Stuart before flying past Townsville International airport, back around the monolithic Castle Hill. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up for it, ask the pilot for some Adrenaline pumping manoeuvres. Complete the journey with a breath taking low level pass at 50ft in front of the Strand before landing. Max 2 passengers per flight Flight Time (takeoff to landing): 15mins Allow approx 40min for the whole experience

CIRCUMNAVIGATE MAGNETIC ISLAND With Red Baron (Departing from Townsville) This flight circumnavigates beautiful Magnetic Island. You will see Rocky granite headlands, blanketed with Hoop Pine trees leading down to the 23 bays and beaches that make Magnetic Island truly extraordinary. From the open cockpit Red Baron Seaplane view coral reefs, the inaccessible five beach bay and an abundance of marine life (Whales AugOct). Red Baron Seaplanes is an eco-friendly aviation business that embraces the concept of minimal environmental impact while at the same time providing a unique experience for our customers Price includes Great Barrier Reef Marine Park environmental management charges. Max 2 passengers per flight Flight Time (takeoff to landing): 20 mins Allow approx 45min for the whole experience

the only 2 passenger open cockpit biplane on floats in the world... Billy Zane flew in it... Catherine Zeta Jones flew in it... Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your turn to fly in the Red Baron for an experience of a lifetime!

n o r a B d e R

SEAPLANES

0412 896 770 www.redbaronseaplanes.com.au intownsville.com.au | 11

Townsville Taxis

City Tours Available Air-conditioned Taxis 1 to 10 Seaters Wheelchair Accessible

www.townsvilletaxi.com.au

Serving High Tea Luncheon Devonshire Teas Tea Time Treats Our speciality and passion is Tea although we are CF (Coffee friendly)

Absolute Tea & Reflections Tea Room Wed - Sun: 9.30am - 3.30pm 269 Flinders St, Townsville | 4721 2311 | info@absolutetea.com.au | absolutetea.com.au

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CAPE PALLARENDA

Shelly Beach Cove

PARK MAP

Townsville Town Common Conservation Park

X X X

Parking Toilets Picnic Table/Gas BBQ

Old Quarantine Station

Graves Circuit

Dam

Historical Display

Fortifcation

Graves

Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park

Dangerous stinging jellyfish (stingers) may be present in the waters surrounding Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park at any time of the year but occur more frequently in the warmer months. A full-body lycra suit provides a good measure of protection against stinging jellyfish and sunburn.

Pallarenda 0

100m

16 | March - August 2014

200m

300m

400m

CAPE PALLARENDA CONSERVATION PARK

A scenic coastal park close to Townsville, Cape Pallarenda is the site of a former quarantine station dating from 1915. The buildings are typical Queenslander style; with high ceilings and wide verandahs. The park features ruins and relics from World War II, when the cape was part of Australia’s east coast defences. Stroll through the old quarantine station and imagine life in a bygone era. Visit the small historical display and gain an insight into the history of the area. Walk along the beaches and over the rugged headland to take in sweeping views of Townsville and Magnetic Island. Inspect the World War II gun emplacements and searchlight positions. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue on the foreshore. GETTING THERE Travel 10 kilometres north of Townsville City Centre at the end of Cape Pallarenda Road. Gates to the park are open from 6.30am to 6.30pm daily. The historic display is open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. ESSENTIALS TO BRING Rubbish bags, as there are no bins. Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days. Insect repellent to repel mosquitoes and sandflies.

Short tracks lead to picnic spots and the beach. The track over the bridge beyond the historic display leads to the remains of an old jetty destroyed by a cyclone in 1971.

Forts track

2km return (1 hour) Moderate The remains of gun emplacements and searchlight positions can be found scattered around the headland. The track rises to provide sweeping views of Townsville and Magnetic Island.

Graves circuit

1.9km (1.5 hours) Easy The Graves circuit takes you through woodland and vine thicket and across a weir, built in 1925 to improve the water supply to the Quarantine Station. It then leads you down to the graves of the 13 unfortunate Vietnamese deck passengers who died at the Quarantine Station from meningitis in 1920. The track then passes behind the Quarantine Station before returning to the car park.

Picnic and day-use areas

The day-use area is located on the foreshore overlooking Magnetic Island. Gas barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and parking are provided.

Historic quarantine display

A small display offers an insight into the quarantine history of the area. The display is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

SPECIAL OFFER FREE bot*tle of wine

TOWNSVILLE’S TROPICAL GETAWAY

• 3 Acres of Lush Tropical Gardens • 3km from the city • Stroll to Strand Beach • 2 Swimming Pools • Hotel Rooms • Fully Self Contained Apartments • Luxury Spa Suites • Restaurant and Bar • Wireless Internet • Guest Laundry • Children’s Playground & BBQ Area • Free AUSTAR & DVDs

*Free bottle of house wine when you mention this advertisement when booking direct with the Resort 4721 3111. One bottle per stay. Not valid in conjunction with any other special offer.

74 The Esplanade, Belgian Gardens | Ph 07 4721 3111 | Fax 07 4721 3133 www.seagulls.com.au | resort@seagulls.com.au intownsville.com.au | 17

SHOPPING

BATIK BAZAAR

Shopping is a popular past time. Three major shopping centres - Willows, Castletown and Stockland - offer shoppers a wide range of stores in air-conditioned comfort. Being only five minutes from the city centre makes Castletown Shoppingworld a handy place to stop and shop, and offers more than eighty stores. Stockland is Townsville’s largest shopping centre and home to Myer. Centro is across the road and both are located in Aitkenvale on Ross River Road close to the hospital and central suburbs. The Willows Shopping Centre is a very spacious centre with much on offer, with Sunland Plaza and Cannon Park over the road, host to a Cinema and many restaurants and shops. Domain Central on Duckworth Street is an outdoor shopping experience and has much on offer, from fashion to homewares, even a fitness centre. Flinders Street in the city heart has shops and attractions that are housed in restored historic buildings dating back to the region’s European settlement in the late 19th century. Be sure to check out the little arcades in Flinders Street for a unique shopping experience.

265 Flinders Street • Phone 4772 4910 18 | March - August 2014

Batik Bazaar (located opposite the Brewery on the Flinders Street) has a large collection of sarongs, dresses and beautiful island wear that is pure North Queensland style.

intownsville.com.au | 19

TOWNSVILLE LOOKOUTS

MOUNT STUART

CASTLE HILL Where: Access via Stanley Street, North Ward. Castle Hill is a red rock monolith in the heart of Townsville offering panoramic views, and a slice of military history. There is a popular walking track for fitness focused locals, with a rocky ‘goat track’ a favourite for shedding those unwanted kilos. A road offers access for vehicles and pedestrians. The hill is just metres short of being classified as a mountain. The rock face is home to Townsville’s iconic ‘saint’ - a graffiti rendition of the popular television show’s stick figure emblem. The Hill’s vantage was used by visiting American soldiers during World War II. According to local legend, the visitors famously offered to demolish the hill and use the rock to build a bridge to Magnetic Island. A World War II observation bunker sits on one corner of the hill, which also boasts public amenities, a function centre and car parking to those wanting to enjoy the best view of Magnetic Island. KISSING POINT Where: North End of The Strand near the Rock Pool. Despite its romantic name, Kissing Point was probably named after a feature in Sydney Harbour. The area has long associated with the military and social history of Townsville. Kissing Point Fort, on the point, was designed by Major Edward Druitt of the Royal Engineers. Completed in 1891 to defend the harbour from the threat of foreign attack (at that time by the Russians). It was manned by One Battery Garrison and the Kennedy Regiment, composed mainly of volunteers.

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They held annual encampments at Norman Park, the area behind the point, now known as Jezzine Barracks / Army Museum North Queensland. During World War II Kissing Point was the headquarters of the 265th Australian Infantry Battalion, and landing ship tanks used the beach near the point to embark and disembark men and supplies. Kissing Point also has a long association with recreation. In the first decades of the 20th century, the city’s first golf course stretched from Eyre Street to Warburton Street and occupied part of Jezzine Barracks. MOUNT STUART Where: Access via Tarakan St off the Flinders Highway At the top of Mt Stuart is a first class viewing platform with panoramic views of Townsville City and the surrounding Tropical Savanna and Coast. In the distance you can see Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef World Hertiage Area. Looking up the coast you can see the Coastal Ranges of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. There is a short 20 minute walk around the summit with interpretative signage and spectacular views. The Mt Stuart summit is a 25 minute drive from the Townsville CBD. PIPER’S LOOKOUT Travel up Hervey Range Road, past the suburbs of Rangewood and Rupertswood to find Piper’s Lookout which is near the top of the Range, on your right. Piper’s Lookout offers stunning views over the bushland below Hervey Range and out to the ocean.

MARKETS MARKETS

Sunday is market day in Townsville and what better way to kick off your morning than a leisurely stroll through either Cotters Market in the City or Willows Rotary Market in Kirwan. Ease on down for breakfast or a freshly brewed coffee then wind your way through over 170 stalls offering fresh fruit & vegies, tropical flowers, fine handcrafted jewelery, pottery and home decor, gourmet preserves, cakes, nuts, honey, sauces, sweets and chocolates, fragrant handmade soaps and candles, original canvas and silk paintings, cards and framed prints, hand-turned woodcraft, basketry and leatherwork, knitted, crocheted, embroidered napery and linen, clothing, footwear, children’s wear as well as souvenirs, novelties, stuffed canetoads and sunglasses. Cotters Market located in the new Flinders Street is on between 8.30am and 1pm, while you can find Willows Rotary Market at Willows Shopping Centre between 7.30am and 11.30am. For those looking for something a little different, from May to December, on the first Friday of the month the Strand Night Markets turn Strand Park into a hive of colour, taste and activity. Kick off your weekend with dinner at the outdoor eatery and enjoy culinary delights from around the globe while listening to world class musicians. With over 150 stalls there is sure to be something for everyone, from exotic fruits, original art and craft, homemade food, distinctive clothing, unique souvenirs and lots more. See you there between 5pm and 9.30pm.

E >> CRAFT >> PRODUC

LOCAL ARTS S WILLOWS ROTARY MARKET

GRAB A BARGAIN!

EVERY SUNDAY 7.30AM - 11.30AM WILLOWS SHOPPING CENTRE >>

COTTERS MARKETS EVERY SUNDAY FLINDERS STREET >> 8.30AM - 1PM

STRAND NIGHT MARKETS

TH MAY TO DECEMBER FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MON STRAND PARK >> 5PM - 9.30PM For more information on Townsville’s markets visit www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au intownsville.com.au | 21

TOWN COMMON

Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach Circuit Track

WALKS MAP

Freshwater Lagoon Birdhide

Jacana Birdhide

Wetlands Trail

Bald Rock Birdhide EWAY

CAUS

Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park

Tegoora Rock Lookout

Mount Marlow Lookout Bohle River

Cape Pallarenda

RAAF Radar Station

Many Peaks Range

Pallarenda

NORTH

Little Snaggy Creek

P C AP E PA LLA

Forest Walk

RD DA REN

Wildfire Viewing Point

LAG

Walking tracks include short easy walks and challenging longer hikes. Fitness levels should be considered before undertaking extended walks. Please note that that some tracks become flooded or over-grown during the wet season (December - April).

Cleveland Bay

R ATE HW

Wildfire Viewing Point

S FRE

Snaggy Creek

Observation Tower

P 0

1km

2km

TOWN COMMON CONSERVATION PARK Townsville Town Common Conservation Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Only minutes from the centre of Townsville - open woodland, grassland, swamps and vine thickets provide a habitat and refuge for as many as 280 bird species. Summer rains transform the area into an immense wetland, attracting large flocks of waterbirds. From bird hides, view flocks of magpie geese, brolgas, finches, wrens and cisticolas. Take the Many Peaks Range walking track to see sweeping views over the park and along the coastline, from Palm Island in the north to Cape Cleveland in the south. GETTING THERE

Townsville Town Common Conservation Park is 6km north of the Townsville city centre. The park entrance is reached by turning off Cape Pallarenda Road towards the Rowes Bay Golf Club. The gate is open from 6.30am to 6.30pm daily. There is an information shelter at the entrance to the park. ESSENTIALS TO BRING

Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit. Make sure you bring: • Enough drinking water for your visit • Appropriate clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses • Insect repellent to avoid mosquitoes and sandflies • Rubbish bags, as there are no bins.

22 | March - August 2014

RAAF BASE

To Townsville City

FOREST WALK (1.9KM RETURN - 1hr return) Easy This walk, near the Barramundi waterhole, follows the edge of the billabong, which is fringed with melaleucas, eucalyptus and acacias. it is a good area for viewing honeyeaters, kingfishers and other forest birds. BALD ROCK CARPARK to MOUNT MARLOW (2.5KM ONE WAY) Moderate From Bald Rock carpark ascend along the ridge tops of Many Peaks Range to the grassy summit of Mount Marlow. The lookout has inspiring 360 views of the park, Townsville, Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea. BALD ROCK CARPARK to PALLARENDA (4.5KM ONE WAY - 4-5hrs one way) Difficult (above average fitness req.) This track continues from Mount Marlow, weaving through open woodland and pockets of vine-thicket to the park at the end of Cape Pallarenda Road. The section of track between Mount Marlow and Tegoora Rock is not well-defined in places and care should be taken to keep to the track. PALLARENDA to TEGOORA ROCK (2KM - 1hr return) Moderate This track begins opposite the park at the end of Cape Pallarenda Road. Walk through shady vine-thicket to the lookout at Tegoora Rock. View the wetlands from above and appreciate the full extent of the Town Common. SHELLY BEACH CIRCUIT TRACK (9KM RETURN - 4-5hrs) Moderate Follow the signs from Bald Rock Carpark to the Shelly Beach circuit track. Walk through flat country between the ranges, taking in scenic wetlands, to a series of isolated beaches.

HEAD FOR THE HILLS, TASTE THE HISTORY PHONE 07 4778 0199 6 Thornton’s Gap Rd, Herveys Range www.heritagetearooms.com.au OPEN DAILY 9am - 4pm The perfect getaway 25 minutes from Willows Shoppingtown. Located at the top of Herveys Range, the former Eureka Hotel, built in 1865 has been lovingly restored and opened to the public as Hervey’s Range Heritage Tea Rooms. It remains one of a few slab sided inns left standing in Australia. Once a welcome site to weary travellers and their horse and bullock teams en route to the gold fields, it stands on the original site and has been lovingly restored to its former glory, offering everyone the opportunity to not only experience the oldest building in North Queensland, but the peace and tranquillity of the country, great food, coffee and a very warm welcome.

JUST A FEW REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT • Great espresso coffees including Kopi Luwak ($50 per cup) • All day breakfast, light lunches, morning and afternoon teas • Gifts and souvenirs • North Queensland Oldest building split log construction built 1865 • Scenic range drive • Walking track and lookouts • Eftpos available • Licensed premises • Weddings and private functions • Up to 5˚ cooler all year round

intownsville.com.au | 23

PUBS, CLUBS & BARS AUSTRALIAN HOTEL 11 Palmer Street 07 4722 6999

CASA LOUNGE BAR 145 Flinders St East 07 4771 2173

FLYNN’S IRISH BAR Flinders St East 07 4721 1655

BANK NITECLUB 410 Flinders St East 07 4721 3332

COMMONWEALTH HOTEL 46 Allen St 07 4771 4215

GREAT NORTHERN 500 Flinders St West 07 4771 6191

BELLEVUE HOTEL 17 Allen St 07 4772 4265 BOHLE BARN Cnr Shaw Rd & Bruce Hwy, Bohle 07 4774 6322 BULLYS 108 Flinders St East 07 4771 5647 CACTUS JACKS SALOON Flinders St East 07 4721 5705

COWBOYS LEAGUES CLUB 335 Flinders St 07 4724 5888 CRITERION TAVERN 10 The Strand 07 4721 5777 DALRYMPLE HOTEL 310 Bayswater Drv, Garbutt 07 4779 6344 EXCHANGE HOTEL 151 Flinders St East 07 4771 3335

HERBERT HOTEL 102 Sturt St 07 4771 2641 HERITAGE BAR 137 Flinders St East 07 4771 2799 HERMIT PARK HOTEL 100 Charters Towers Rd 07 4721 4143 HOTEL ALLEN Gregory Street 07 4771 5656 IRISH FINNEGANS Cannon Park Centre, Kirwan 07 4723 7777 JUPITERS HOTEL & CASINO Sir Leslie Theiss Dr 07 4722 2333 KIRWAN TAVERN 154 Thuringowa Drv, Kirwan. 07 4773 3366 MAD COW TAVERN 129 Flinders St East 07 4771 5727 MOLLY MALONES Flinders St East 07 4771 3428 MONSOONS 194 Flinders St East 07 4772 0900 NEWMARKET HOTEL 499 Flinders St West 07 4721 1377 ROSS ISLAND HOTEL 99 Boundary St, Railway Estate 07 4771 4475 ROYAL HOTEL 56 Stagpole St, West End 07 4771 2549

24 | March - August 2014

SANTA FE GOLD 108 Flinders St East SEAVIEW HOTEL 56 The Strand 07 4771 5005 SHAMROCK HOTEL 31 Palmer St 07 4771 4351 SOVEREIGN HOTEL 807 Flinders St West 07 4771 2909 THE AVENUES HOTEL 270 Kern Brothers Drv, Kirwan 07 4723 8000 THE BREWERY 252 Flinders St 07 4724 2999 THE CENTENARY HOTEL 35 French St, Pimlico 07 4779 2575 THE SUN HOTEL 6 Ross River Rd, Mundingburra 07 4779 5233 TOM’S TAVERN Nathan St, Aitkenvale 07 4772 9777 TOWNSVILLE RSL 139 Charters Towers Rd 07 4759 9500 VALE HOTEL 222 Ross River Rd, Aitkenvale 07 4779 0100 VICTORIA PARK HOTEL 266 Boundary St 07 4772 6687 WATERMARK 72 The Strand 07 4724 4281 WEST END HOTEL 89 Ingham Rd 07 4771 2872

Magnetic Shores Enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Alma Bay

• Modern, clean, air-conditioned • Easy access • 2 bedroom unit very close to beach • Fully self contained, TV, DVD player, Austar, Fridge, BBQ, cutlery, linen etc. • Close to hotel, shops and restaurants

Phone for bookings

0439 723 244 or book online

www.magneticislandaccommodation.com.au intownsville.com.au | 25

GREAT OUTDOORS CARAVAN PARKS & CAMP GROUNDS

Wallaman Falls

CAMPING

Caravaning has become one of the most popular means of travel, whether it be up the coast for a holiday or travelling around Australia, you are likely to meet many travellers who are doing just that. Most caravan parks not only have the beautifully manicured shady sites, some with their own ensuites, but they have motel standard villas and cabins. If you are roughing it, grassed and shady tent sites are available along with well maintained camp and washing up facilities with tables and seats. Townsville has many caravan parks to offer. Depending on your time available and how far you are travelling each day, there is a park for you. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget if you are travelling in the summer months it is important to have access to a pool, especially for the kids. So check out these great holiday and caravan parks guaranteed to make your stay in Townsville an enjoyable one.

26 | March - August 2014

BOWLING GREEN BAY NATIONAL PARK Campgrounds: Alligator Creek 25km south of Townsville; Cape Cleveland 33km south of Townsville; Bowling Green Bay 64km south of Townsville and 26km north of Ayr. Rugged mountains rise abruptly from the wetlands, saltpans and mangrove forests of the coastal plain. Alligator Creek descends in a series of cascades, deep pools and waterfalls. MOUNT SPEC, PALUMA RANGE NATIONAL PARK Campground: 71km north of Townsville and 46km south of Ingham. Rising high above the coastal plains, cloaked in tropical rainforest and dissected by numerous streams, Mount Spec is the southernmost national park section in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. JOURAMA FALLS, PALUMA RANGE NATIONAL PARK Campground: 91km north of Townsville or 24km south of Ingham, via the Bruce Highway. Fringed by rainforest, Waterview Creek tumbles down many picturesque cascades and rapids, offering beautiful spots to relax, camp, walk and enjoy watching birds, butterflies and other native wildlife. For more information: www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/index.php

Paluma

THE LAKES HOLIDAY PARK Accommodation ht from $95 per nig le

ilab Weekly rates ava

Caravan available + Car Storagepri at a great ce! • Fully self contained Cabins, Villas & Units • Ensuite tourist sites • Resort style pool • BBQ • Kiosk • Tourist attraction Information • 2.5kms from City centre • Pet friendly • Adjacent to McDonald’s, Sizzler, Subway & Red Rooster • 5 min to major shopping centre • Laundry Facility x 2

Ph 4725 1577

Cnr Hugh & Woolcock St, Townsville Fax 4728 8918 | www.thelakesholidaypark.com.au

intownsville.com.au | 27

WOODLANDS HOLIDAY PARK

• Modern 2 Bedroom Ensuite Cabins • Open Plan Ensuite Cabins • 76 Ensuite Powered Sites • 40 Large Powered Sites with Amenities Block • Modern Laundry Facilities • Pool / 4 FREE Gas BBQs • Camp Kitchen / TV Room • Playground • Giant Jumping Pillow • Broadband Internet / Laptop Connection

548 Bruce Highway, Deeragun (Townsville north side)

FREECALL 1800 251 485 PHONE 4751 6955

info@big4woodlands.com.au • www.big4woodlands.com.au

28 | March - August 2014

Ross River

intownsville.com.au | 29

DINING OUT DINING OUT IN TOWNSVILLE

Townsville’s dining diversity makes heading out for dinner an exciting venture. From the thoughtfully restored heritage restaurants, to the ambience of al fresco cafes, Townsville boasts four major dining precincts, each offering its own distinct experience.

Experience the feel of a real Aussie Heritage Hotel Friendly & Relaxed Atmosphere. Great Food 7 Days Lunch & Dinner in a tranquil covered garden setting. A Visit to the VIP Gourmet Cellar a must.

PALMER STREET Located on the city’s south bank, Palmer Street captures the essence of international cuisine. Boasting award-winning restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Palmer Street offers mouth-watering flavours guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds. Whether you desire indian, Asian, Italian, Greek, French, Mexican, modern Australian or locally caught seafood, this strip is Townsville’s premium eat street. The central location offers proximity to public transport, the city’s vibrant nightlife hub and gorgeous views across Ross Marina. FLINDERS STREET EAST Parallel to Palmer Street is Flinders Street East, which boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants, nightclubs, pubs and wine bars. The strip is not only the nightlife precinct of the city, it’s an emerging hot spot for diners to meet for an evening out. Flinders Street East is a flurry of lively atmosphere and night-time activity with cocktails and tapas enjoyed until late. GREGORY STREET The Gregory Street precinct near The Strand has a cosmopolitan village atmosphere. With exclusive boutique shopping and open-air cafe dining, it is the perfect stop for lunch, coffee or cake after a long day shopping.

Heritage Listed

VICTORIA PARK HOTEL & BISTRO established 1895

266 Boundary Street, South Townsville Ph (07) 4772 6687 www.vicparkhotel.com 30 | March - August 2014

CANNON PARK Located a short distance from the Riverway precinct, Cannon Park offers diners a range of cuisine and a social atmosphere. You can catch a live show at Riverway, see a movie at the cinemas or have a pint at the local Irish pub. There are plenty of delicious choices around town just follow your nose to discover them yourself.

JUPITERS

H OT EL & C A S I N O YOUR ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION

Multi-award winning hotel 3 restaurants and 4 bars Sports lounge Regular line up of entertainment and shows

PLUS ALL THE EXCITEMENT OF THE CASINO For bookings or venue information phone 4722 2333 www.jupiterstownsville.com.au

Guests must be aged 18 years and above to enter casino and sports lounge. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.

Railway Hotel

Burdekin Bridge

Mission Beach

Hughenden

32 | March - August 2014

Ravenshoe

To CAIRNS & Kuranda Australian Sugar Industry Museum

Tully Falls

SURROUNDS MAP

Etty Bay Mourilyan Harbour

Paronella Park

TOWNSVILLE

INNISFAIL

Cowley Beach

Silkwood

Kurrimine Beach

MISSION BEACH

TULLY

South Mission Beach

Silky Oak

Dunk Island Tully Heads

Murray Falls State Forest

Bedarra Island

Rockingham Bay

Goold Island National Park

CARDWELL Girringun National Park

A1 Hinchinbrook Island

Abergowrie Wallaman Falls

Long Pocket

Hinchinbrook Lucinda Beach

Trebonne

Halifax

INGHAM

Upper Stone

Taylors Beach

Toobanna

Forrest Beach Hidden Valley

Jourama Falls

Orpheus Island

Paluma

Halifax Bay Frosty Mango

Crystal Creek Paluma Range National Park

Balgal Beach

Rollingstone

Bluewater

Toolakea Saunders Beach

Swimming Lookout

Great Palm Island

Palm Islands

Paluma Dam

ARRIER REEF GREAT B

Japoonvale

Bushland Beach

Camping Hiking Boat Ramp Accredited Information Centre Information

Magnetic Island

TOWNSVILLE

Lake Ross

Bowling Green Bay National Park Alligator Creek

Bowling Green Bay National Park

Cungulla

AYR Burdekin Home Hill

Cape Upstart National Park

To BOWEN

To HUGHENDEN, RICHMOND, JULIA CREEK & CLONCURRY

CHARTERS TOWERS

Ravenswood

March - August 2014 | 33

THE STRAND AND ROCK POOL

One of the man-made wonders in Townsville is The Strand on the beachfront. Being close to the centre of town The Strand offers a variety of activities for all ages. There are four rock headlands that you can enjoy, with fishing, parks, childrens playgrounds, scenic walks, kiosk, restaurants, coffee shops and an awesome view worth capturing on film from Kissing Point. The Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club has toilet facilities located on the Burke Street headland. An icecream shop is situated on the Landsborough St headland. You will find a restaurant and coffee shop on the Gregory Street headland. With a bar and restaurant located at the Rock Pool. The Strand has stunning views across to Magnetic Island from the promenade, with rollerblading, jogging and biking very popular activities along the pathways. Note that courtesy rules apply on the pathway. Three swimming areas obviously feature, being the Rock pool at one end of The Strand, and the Tobruk Pool at the other, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of beach in between. In the summer months the beach has two purpose built stinger proof nets out (November - May is the official stinger season) providing two safe swimming areas in the sea. Weddings are popular on The Strand and in other Townsville parklands, with the most popular months being March to October. A hire fee of $68.40 applies to parkland weddings and bookings must be made at least six weeks prior to the wedding date. Contact the Strand Office for bookings on 4727 9000.

34 | March - August 2014

THE ROCK POOL The most popular saltwater swimming destination is the Kissing Point rock pool at the extreme northern end of The Strand in North Ward. Offering a sheltered environment, the rock pool is a marvel of natural engineering. Sea water is constantly pumped into the pool, after being strained from marine life and stingers into a natural beach setting. A special pumping system was imported from Sweden for the rockpool and it pumps water in the pool 24 hours a day. The pool, which is about 10 times the size of an Olympic pool, has the entire water volume replaced every three hours. The Rock pool is a great spot to get wet and cool down from the summer heat. The Rock pool is closed Thursdays for maintenance. Toilet and shower facilities are available and the lawns surrounding the pool provide a great place for a picnic or barbecue and a buzz on the flying fox. Lights in the pool are turned on every night for those wanting a moonlit dip. Offering copious seating areas and parkland, with free electric barbeques, this is the perfect location to have a safe swim and a picnic during your stay. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a second beach swimming enclosure half way along The Strand, and the waterpark is a favourite family outing.

EXEC DELUXE ROOM

ALL ROOMS HAVE SPECTACULAR ALL ROOMS HAVE OCEAN VIEWS OVERLOOKING THE SPECTACULAR OCEAN VIEWS CORAL SEA TO MAGNETIC ISLAND OVERLOOKING THE CORAL SEA TOAND MAGNETIC ISLAND THE STRAND. AND THE STRAND. ALL ROOMS AIRCONDITIONED, CABLE TV, WIRELESS INTERNET ALL ROOMS AIR CONDITIONED, AVAILABLE, LIMITED CABLE TV, COOKING FACILITIES, RESTAURANT CHARGE WIRELESS INTERNET AVAILABLE, LIMITED COOKING FACILITES, BACK, SWIMMING POOL AND RESTAURANT CHARGE BACK, GUEST LAUNDRY SWIMMING POOL AND GUEST LAUNDRY

Ask about our exec deluxe rooms Ask exec rooms forabout that our extra bitdeluxe of luxury. for that extra bit of luxury.

intownsville.com.au | 35

10 THINGS TO DO ON THE STRAND 1

2 3

COOL OFF IN THE SEA... Swim in the Rock Pool or stinger resistant enclosures during the November to May northern stinger season. Swim between the flags at all times. COOL OFF IN THE POOL... At the famous Tobruk Pool where many former Olympic swimming stars trained. PLAY... At the Water Park or one at the following playgrounds: Sunrise Rotary Sister Kenny Equal Access, Teenrager, Galaxy, or the Townsville Rotary playground.

FISH... Off the Strand Pier, Rock Pool or beach.

ENJOY... The many cafes, bars and restaurants.

PICNIC... Relax with your family at a host of great spots and enjoy the fantastic views to Magnetic Island.

PARTICIPATE... In the public activities and events in Strand Park. View the public artwork reflecting the significant heritage of The Strand.

• Studio Apartments • Spacious 1 & 2 bedroom units • Fully Self Contained • Ducted A/C • Direct Dial Phones • Colour TV/Video/DVD (2 bedrooms and most 1 bedrooms have TV in bedroom) • All units have a Safe • Patio with Setting • Ocean Views from most Units • 100m to Beach • 300m walking distance to Restaurants, Hotels, Fast Food, BiLo and Shops • Lift to all Floors • Secure Undercover Parking

Entrance at 81 Mitchell Street, North Ward TOWNSVILLE

Phone 4729 8100 Fax: 4729 8189

www.oceanbreezebythestrand.com.au enquiries@oceanbreezebythestrand.com.au 36 | March - August 2014

EXPERIENCE... Skydiving, rockwall climbing, beach volleyball, bicycle hire, yoga, coin operated binoculars and lockers.

GET FIT... Enjoy walking, basketball, bike riding and ball sport activities.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF... On the eight exercise points positioned along the Strand promenade. Or sign up with Picnic Bay or Arcadian Surf Life Saving Clubs for some real action. There are also 3 outrigging clubs positioned on the Strand - Townsville, Magnetic Island, and Coral Sea. The Townsville Sailing Club operates from the southern end of The Strand.

STAY ON THE STRAND

Self Contained Studios | Ocean View Studios | One Bedroom Apartments

AMENITIES • Undercover Secured Parking • Spa • Pool • Barbeque • Sundeck • Wireless Internet Access • Guest Laundry

waters edge 63-64 Th e Strand

P 07 4721 1777 • F 07 4721 1779 • E res@watersedgethestrand.com www.watersedgethestrand.com intownsville.com.au | 37

THE STRAND JETTY, TOWNSVILLE.

Breezes by the Bay Self-contained Apartments 3 Primrose St, (off Howitt St) North Ward, Townsville

on the strand (Gregory St corner)

FRESH REEF SEAFOOD WILD BARRA, REEF FILLETS SUCCULENT PLATTERS of PRAWNS, CRABS, OYSTERS MORETON BAY BUGS LEGENDARY FISH & CHIPS

Our popular Breakfasts

Includes: Bacon & Eggs, Coffee & Toast for $12 EVERYDAY

PHONE ORDERS WELCOME

4724 1322

38 | March - August 2014

• Spacious 1 & 2 brm units • Fully self-contained • Pool • D/dial phones • Individual courtyards • Air-con • Full kitchen • U/cover park • Great rates • Beside Coastal Boardwalk • Central between 2 beaches with walking/bike tracks • Close to the Strand, shops, Rockpool, Waterfront restaurants, ferry, sports ground, fishing & airport

Phone: (07) 4772 3335 Email: chris@breezesbythebay.com.au

www.breezesbythebay.com.au

intownsville.com.au | 39

To Bushland Beach

MT LOW

TOWN

GARLAND RD

To CAIRNS A1 Woodlands

GEANEY LANE

IGH

DEERAGUN

WA Y

INGHAM RD

BAYSWATER RD

R TOI RD

Townsville Karting Club

WOOLCOCK ST

T ABA

S RD

TOMPKIN

MATHER ST

Townsville Speedway

Townsville Dragway

P YM

LR DA

KIRWAN

B RO TH

CRA

Willows

Federation Footbridge

HERVEY RANGE RD Cannon Park

To RUPERTSWOOD

Riverway

Black Weir

RIVERSIDE GARDENS

S RI ROS

RIV GOW AD

DAIRY FARMERS STADIUM

THU

RIN

RIV E GOLF LIN KS D

HERVEY RANGE RD

BAMFORD LANE

KE RN

Willows Golf Course

FULH

IVE DR ERS

THE RING RD

DALRYMPLE

MOUNT LOUISA

BANFIELD DR

SHA WR

Gleesons Weir

DOUGLAS ARTERI

ANGUS SMITH DR

TOWNSVILLE SUBURBS MAP 40 | March - August 2014

CONDON To KELSO & Ross River Dam

RIVERWAY DRIVE

BECK DRIVE

THE RING RD

Main Road

Major Shopping Centres

Parks/Gardens, Golf Course

Rowes Bay Golf Course

Rock Pool

To PALLARENDA

N BU

Queens Gardens

INGHAM RD

PIMLICO

Centro

Anderson Park

LLS

MUNDINGBURRA

ND STUR ER T S S ST TW

ROSSLEA

OONOONBA

Townsville Golf Course

ABBOT D

BA R NOON

T ST

RY ST BOUNDA

Aplins Weir

M R ST PALME Transit Centre

EEN

Car Ferry Terminal

RAILWAY ESTATE

S ST

LOVE LANE

AITKENVALE M

RS R D

TOW E

RD ROSS RIVER

Stockland

ANBROOK

IVE R

GULLIVER ST

S ANNE

CHARLES ST

HERMIT PARK

ACKE R

MYSTERTON

Mater Hospital

EN RD

RLE

PALMERSTON ST

FULHAM RD

T SS

Park Haven Private Hospital

BOW

HEATLEY

HYDE PARK

RTER S

CURRAJONG

GULLIVER

NATHAN

HAM

Railway Station Civic Theatre

CHA

BAYSWATER RD

MOONEY ST

KINGS RD

MP LRY

HUGH ST

PILKINGTON

DUCKWOR TH ST

Domain

WOOLCOCK ST

Coach & Ferry Terminal

FLINDERS ST E

FLI

WEST END

Convention Centre

Casino

T M

CASTLE HILL

M Castletown

THE STRAND M

TOWNSVILLE

NLE

CASTLE HILL

RAAF BASE

STA

PERCY ST

GARBUTT

S ST

TOWNSVILLE AIRPORT

WA RBU M RTO NS

BELGIAN GARDENS

DER

S CK

MAGNETIC ISLAND

NORTH WARD

DEAN ST

ROWES BAY

SAU N

N COMMON

ANNANDALE

MAC R

YOLANDA DR

Murray Sporting Complex

D RT UA

Palmetum

DOUGLAS

IDALIA

UR DRIV

UNIVERSITY RD

A1 Townsville Hospital

IAL RD

RIVE

BRUCE HIGHWAY

Cluden Racecourse

To AYR & Billabong Sanctuary

JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY

Y WA

IGH

WULGURU

ER ND

FLI

LAVARACK ARMY BARRACKS

A6 To Mt Stuart Lookout & CHARTERS TOWERS *Map is not to scale. Main roads shown only. For a more detailed map, see the nearest Information Centre

Accommodation

Hospital

Bike Way

Library

Service Station

Railway Line

Caravan Park

Public Swimming Pool

V8 Supercar Track March - August 2014 | 41

TOWNSVILLE CITY MAP

Kissing Point

Fishing Deck Rock Pool

Jezzine Barracks Redevelopment completion February 2014

ST H OR OU G

WA RB

URT ON

OR OU G

Sports Reserve

GA DR

EY RE

BU RK ES

YARRAWON

BELGIAN GARDENS

ITC

UA R

ND SB

M GIL

Jacobs Ladder

T M RAN D

YS M CK IN LE CO O

port

ST ITT

OSE S

ST J

NORTH WARD

Landsborough Headland

EY IS L

PRIMR

LIT

BUND

EN ED

To A ir

T OCK S

ALL

Soroptomist EY SP DE Park

PRIMROSE ST

ST RYAN

NADE

ESPLA

AT L

SH MAR

HO W

To Rowes Bay & Pallarenda

HA YE SS

ESP LAN

ROWES BAY

AD E

Army Museum North Queensland

Queens Park

PAX TO

NLE

Reservoir

STA

NIC CE

E DRIV

NT ON

Castle Hill Lookout

STA Walking Trail

RY S

MUR ST

STA

DRA

QU E

WES

EG O

Queens Gardens

XAN

ALE

NED YS

Y ST

KEN

NLE

CASTLE HILL RD

ST STA

STU ART

Reservoir

TC E

17 HIL

CASTLE HILL

STA GP ST

FRANCIS ST

42 | March - August 2014

T FRANCIS ST

ILL

L WA

Information Centre located in Flinders Square

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Fishing Jetty

Public Bus Terminal Taxi Rank Car Ferry Terminal / Fantasea Passenger Ferry / Sunferries Coach Terminal Kissing Point Lookout Water Park Anzac Park - War Memorials Reef HQ/Cultural Centre Museum of Tropical Queensland Maritime Museum Perc Tucker Gallery CityLibrary Flinders Street Movie Cinema Historic Railway Station Entertainment Centre Castle Hill Lookout Strand Park

SWIMMING ENCLOSURE

TOURIST INFORMATION

BARBEQUE

HOTEL

PUBLIC TOILETS

MOTEL

FERRY DEPARTURE

A ART GALLERY

FISHING

RT H

TO MAGNETIC ISLAND 8km

Burke St Headland

Via Sealink & Fantasea

CLEVELAND BAY Gregory Headland

Entertainment Centre

M H

DR NN

THI LIE

R OS S ST

T GS

HER

2 Transit T Centre AITH S R ILW C M

ST MER PAL H

SOUTH TOWNSVILLE CAN

NAN

EY S

INS S

MAC RO

T SS DER

MOR

FFIT

GRI

EN T OG

DE N

SS IND ER

ST IND ER

ARC

Free Unlimited Car Park

NE JO

LIN

B H

ST KE R

Victoria Bridge (Footbridge)

SS TW

Urban Quarter ES

Citilink Metway

UR T

AC K

WI LL SS T

WA L

HA R

SID EC

ATM

EEK

ST ME PLU

N ST

ATM

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Woolworths

S CR

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Northtown

Fantasea Car Ferry Terminal

SAU N

B M M

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ERS ST ATM FLIND 2 P P

HA NR

4 5

Sealink Passenger Terminal

KIN

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ST OK

CE B N TATM AST LTO ST E ME

WICK HAM

HERBERT ST WILLMET ST

CLEVELAND TCE

RRAY ST

LES

SIR

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Marina

SSAN

TRA

Tobruk Pool

N ST

T DT S HH AR LE IC

ESS

OXLEY ST

Water Park

North Ward Shopping Centre ATM

DAV IDSO

T OR YS

ED YS KE

Jupiters Casino & Hotel

PERK

M T

REH E

BACKPACKERS

Stuart Headland

PARKING

March - August 2014 | 43

HERITAGE TRAILS TRAILS HERITAGE OFTOWNSVILLE TOWNSVILLE HERITAGE TRAILS OF OF TOWNSVILLE

Townsville’s heritage walking trails are a must do for anybody who Townsville’s heritagewalking walking trails areaamust must dofor foranybody anybody who Townsville’s heritage trails are do who wants to experience the city’s diversity of historical architecture, wants experience the city’s diversityarray historical architecture, wants totoexperience the city’s diversity ofofhistorical architecture, lush tropical gardens and impressive of natural attractions. lushtropical gardensand impressivearray natural attractions. attractions. lush ofofnatural The tropical walks gardens are filled and withimpressive interpretivearray information and hundreds Thewalks walks arefilled filledwith withinterpretive interpretiveinformation information and and hundreds hundreds The of pictorialareopportunities to get to know the real Townsville. pictorialopportunities opportunities toto get get toto know know the real real Townsville. Townsville. ofof pictorial The walking trails will acquaint you withthesocial and cultural Thewalking walking trails will will acquaint you you with with social social and and cultural cultural The experiences trails that createacquaint lifetime memories. experiencesthat thatcreate createlifetime lifetimememories. memories. experiences

FLINDERS STREET FLINDERS STREET

along the Civic Pride or Early Townsville Trails. along the the Civic Civic Pride along Pride or or Early Early Townsville TownsvilleTrails. Trails. The trails are composed of three parts: a hand held brochure, The trails are composed of three parts: aahand The trailsmarkers are composed of threetrail parts: handheld heldbrochure, brochure, building and interpretive signage. building markers markers and building and interpretive interpretive trail trail signage. signage. Brochures are available at various outlets including Townsville Brochures are are available at various including Townsville Brochures available various outlets outlets including information centres, the atCityLibraries Flinders Street Townsville Branch and information centres, the CityLibraries Flinders Street Branch and information centres, Flinders Street Branch and the front counter of the the CityLibraries Townsville City Council, Planning Services the front counter of the Townsville City Council, Planning counterStreet of theAdministration Townsville Citybuilding. Council, PlanningServices Services Allow half an hour for a brisk walk or longer for a leisurely stroll the at front the Walker Allow half an hour for a brisk walk or longer for a leisurely stroll at the Walker Street Administration building. Allow half an hour for a brisk walk or longer for a leisurely stroll at the Walker Street Administration building.

Townsville’s fifirst rst European European contact contact occurred occurredinin1819 1819when whenAllan AllanCunningham, Cunningham,aboard aboard Townsville’s Townsville’s fivessel rst European occurred in 1819 when Allan 45 Cunningham, aboard the survey survey vessel Mermaid,contact landedon onCape CapeCleveland. Cleveland. further yearselapsed elapsed before the Mermaid, landed AAfurther 45 years before the survey vessel Mermaid, landed on Cape Cleveland. A further 45 years elapsed before John Melton Melton Black Blackand andhis hispartner partnerRobert RobertTowns, Towns,after afterwhom whomthe thecity citywas wasnamed, named, founded John founded John Meltonin Black and his 1864. partner Robert Towns, after whom the city was named, founded Townsville November Townsville in November 1864. Townsville in November 1864. Originally Townsville Townsville was was aa slowly slowly developing developingseaport seaportwith withpastoralists pastoralistssettling settlingininthe the Originally Originally Townsville adiscovery slowly developing seaport with pastoralists settling in the hinterland. Followingwas thediscovery goldinin1867 1867 developed rapidlyand and 1880 was hinterland. Following the ofofgold ititdeveloped rapidly byby1880 was hinterland. Following the discovery of gold in 1867 it developed rapidly and by 1880 was the port port for for ve major major goldfi eldsand and themain main supply centreofofNorthern Northern Australia. the fifive goldfi elds the supply centre Australia. the port for five major goldfields and the main supply centre of Northern Australia. Later itit became became the the centre centrefor forrich richsugar sugargrowing growingdistricts districtstotothe theNorth Northand andSouth. South. Today Later Today Later it became centremodern for rich city sugar growing districts to centre the North and South. Today Townsville is aa flflthe ourishing modern cityand and theadministrative administrative centre North Queensland, Townsville is ourishing the ofofNorth Queensland, Townsville a flourishing city and the administrative centre of North Queensland, still is preserves richmodern heritage from its golden past. but it still preserves aarich heritage from its golden past. but it still preserves a rich heritage from its golden past.

TRAIL1. 1. >>CIVIC PRIDE TRAIL >> CIVICPRIDE

Traces The walk displays the consolidation Traces the thegrowth growthof ofthe theheart heartof ofTownsville’s Townsville’sCentral CentralBusiness BusinessDistrict District(CBD). (CBD). The walk displays the consolidation Traces growth ofmovement the heart of Central Business District (CBD). The of walk displays the consolidation of thethe westward of the conjunction with the commercial and westward movement ofTownsville’s the CBD CBDinin conjunction with theexpansion expansion ofinsurance, insurance, commercial and ofbanking the westward movement of the CBD in conjunction with the expansion of insurance, commercial and institutions. banking institutions. banking institutions. While many anan many of of the the buildings buildings exhibit exhibitlandmark landmarkqualities, qualities,allallcontribute contributetotothe thestreetscape streetscapeand andprovide provide While many of the buildings emergence exhibit landmark qualities, all contribute to the streetscape and provide an understanding of asasthe centre North Queensland. understanding ofTownsville’s Townsville’s emergence theadministrative administrative centreofof North Queensland. understanding of Townsville’s emergence as the administrative centre of North Queensland.

44 | March - August 2014

HERITAGE HERITAGETRAILS TRAILS OF OFTOWNSVILLE TOWNSVILLE OF TOWNSVILLE

ANZAC PARK 1905 ANZAC PARK 1905 ANZAC PARK 1905 ANZAC PARK 1905

Townsville was established on the the banks ofcrocodile crocodile infested mangrove creek Townsville waswas established on on the banks of aof infested mangrove creek Townsville established banks aa crocodile infested mangrove creek was established on banks of a crocodile crocodile infested infestedmangrove mangrovecreek creek Townsville wasdevelopment established on the to serve pastoral development the hinterland. to Townsville serve pastoral in the the hinterland. to serve pastoral development inin the hinterland. servepastoral pastoraldevelopment development in in the hinterland. totoserve The opening of large large tracts of northern northern grazing land after 1861 led to the the TheThe opening of of large tracts of of northern grazing landland after 1861 ledled to to the opening tracts grazing after 1861 The opening opening of large tracts of northern land after 1861 led toto the The tracts of grazing land after 1861 ledpastoral the development of large coastal harbours that had good access to inland pastoral development of of coastal harbours thatthat hadhad good access to to inland pastoral development of coastal harbours good access inland development of coastal harbours good access to inland pastoral development of coastal harbours that had access to inland pastoral holdings. holdings. holdings. holdings. holdings. John Melton Black, general manager for Robert Robert Towns Co’s interests North John Melton Black, general manager for for Robert Towns & Co’s interests in North John Melton Black, general manager Towns && Co’s interests inin North JohnMelton MeltonBlack, Black,general general manager manager for for Robert Towns && Co’s interests ininNorth John Robert Towns Co’s interests North Queensland, addressed the need landing place closer to Towns’ pastoral Queensland, addressed thethe need for for aforlanding place closer to Towns’ pastoral Queensland, addressed need aa landing place closer to Towns’ pastoral Queensland,addressed addressed the the need need for for aa landing landing place closer to Towns’ pastoral Queensland, closer to Towns’ leases. He sent Andrew Ball and Mark Watt Reid to explore explore Cleveland Bay and leases. HeHe sentsent Andrew BallBall andand Mark Watt Reid toplace explore Cleveland Baypastoral andand leases. Andrew Mark Watt Reid to Cleveland Bay leases.He Hesent sentAndrew Andrew Ball Ball and and Mark Watt Reid to explore Cleveland Bay and leases. report on suitability its suitability suitability asport. a port. port. Mark Watt Reid to explore Cleveland Bay and report on its as a report on its as a reporton onits itssuitability suitability as as aa port. port. report John Melton Black’s plans needed Robert Towns’ financial nancial backing. The two John Melton Black’s plans needed Robert Towns’ financial backing. The two John Melton Black’s plans needed Robert Towns’ backing. The two John Melton Black’s plans needed Robert Towns’ fififinancial backing. The two John Melton plans needed Robert Towns’ nancial backing. The two men formed a partnership partnership and November 1864 John Melton Black selected men formed a partnership andand in November 1864 John Melton Black selected men formed aBlack’s and ininNovember November 1864 John Melton Black selected men formed a partnership in 1864 John Melton Black selected men formed a partnership November 1864 John Melton selected land bounded by the the mouth ofin Ross Creek and the rocky spurs ofMelton Melton Hill. land bounded by the mouth ofand Ross Creek andand thethe rocky spurs ofBlack Melton Hill. land bounded by mouth of Ross Creek and the rocky spurs of Melton Hill. land bounded by the mouth of Ross Creek rocky spurs ofof Hill. land bounded by the mouth of Ross Creek and the rocky spurs Melton Hill. The secure port and settlement referred toas as “The Bay” or“Castletown” “Castletown” rapidly The secure portport and settlement referred to as “The Bay” or or “Castletown” rapidly The secure and settlement referred to as “The Bay” or “Castletown” rapidly The secure port and settlement referred to “The Bay” rapidly The secure port settlement referred to asthat “The Bay” orfrom “Castletown” rapidly emerged out ofand the rocky mangrove belt that extended from the crocodile emerged outout of of the rocky mangrove beltbelt that extended thethe crocodile emerged the rocky mangrove belt extended from crocodile emerged out the rocky mangrove that extended from emerged out ofof the rocky mangrove belt thatEast. extended from the the crocodile crocodile infested creek across what is now Flinders Street East. infested creek across what is now Flinders Street infested creek across what is now Flinders Street East. infested creek across what is now Flinders Street East. infested creek across what is now Flinders Street East. Flinders Street East became the main thoroughfare and focus ofcommercial commercial Flinders Street East became thethe main thoroughfare and a focus ofofcommercial Flinders Street East became the main thoroughfare and focus of commercial Flinders Street East became main thoroughfare and aaafocus Street East became the main thoroughfare and a focus ofboiling commercial and port activity. By early 1865 work on the road, wharves and boiling down andFlinders portport activity. By early 1865 work onon thethe road, wharves and boiling down and activity. By early 1865 work on the road, wharves and down and port activity. By early 1865 work road, wharves and boiling down and port activity. By early 1865 work on the road, wharves and boiling down works was well underway. works was well underway. works was well underway. works was well works was well underway. The rst land sales for Townsville were held Bowen 1865. year later TheThe firstfififirst landland sales for for Townsville were held in inBowen in in1865. A Ayear later sales Townsville were held ininBowen Bowen inin1865. 1865. AAyear year later The rst land Townsville were held later fisettlement rst landwas sales Townsville were held in Bowen in 1865. Aits year later the was officially cially named ‘Townsville’ recognition ofits nancial theThe settlement offifor cially named ‘Townsville’ in in recognition ofofits fiits nancial the settlement was offi named ‘Townsville’ ininrecognition recognition of fifinancial named ‘Townsville’ financial the settlement was offi cially named ‘Townsville’ in recognition of its financial benefactor Captain Robert Towns. benefactor Captain Robert Towns. benefactor Captain Robert Towns. Captain Towns. benefactor Captain Robert Towns.

FLIND ERS FLIND FLIND STREE ERSERS STREE STREE EAST T EAST TTEAST FLINDERS STREET EAST

TRAIL TRAIL2.2. 2.>> EARLYTOWNSVILLE TOWNSVILLE >>EARLY TRAIL EARLY TOWNSVILLE >>

Reveals the city’s earliest port-related commercial precinct original ‘heart the city’ city’s earliest port-related commercial precinct inthe the original ‘heart of the city’ Reveals thethe city’s earliest port-related commercial precinct ininthe original ‘heart ofofthe city’ . . .. Reveals city’s earliest port-related commercial precinct in the original ‘heart of the city’ Reveals the city’s earliest port-related commercial precinct in the original ‘heart of the city’. walk traces the 1880’s transformation the Flinders Street East precinct from single storey timber The traces the 1880’s transformation of the Flinders Street East precinct from single storey timber TheThe walk traces thethe 1880’s transformation ofof the Flinders Street East precinct from single storey timber walk traces 1880’s transformation of the Flinders Street East precinct from single storey timber The walkinto traces the 1880’s transformation of the Flinders Street East precinct from single storey timber structures into one and two storey masonry buildings. Refl ected fabric and function ofof these buildings structures into one and two storey masonry buildings. Refl ected inthe the fabric and function of these buildings structures one and two storey masonry buildings. Refl ected ininthe fabric and function of these buildings structures into one and two storey masonry buildings. Refl ected in the fabric and function these buildings into and two storey masonry buildings. Reflected in the fabric and function of these buildings are glimpses of Townsville’s early character and development. are glimpses ofone Townsville’s early character and development. arestructures glimpses of Townsville’s early character and development. are glimpses of Townsville’s early character and development. are glimpses of Townsville’s early character and development. The walk also includes regional attractions Reef HQ and the Museum Tropical Queensland. The walk also includes regional attractions Reef HQ and the Museum of Tropical Queensland. TheThe walk also includes regional attractions Reef HQ and the Museum ofofTropical Queensland. walk also includes regional attractions Reef HQ and the Museum of Tropical Queensland. The walk also includes regional attractions Reef HQ and the Museum of Tropical Queensland.

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HERITAGE TRAILS OF TOWNSVILLE

ROSS CREEK 1906

As a natural barrier between South Townsville and the town centre, Ross Creek has also been the focus of maritime and social activity since it was first surveyed in 1864. Named after William Ross (1831-1887), a member of John Melton Black’s original settlement party responsible for establishing Townsville, the creek created a strong sense of community focus but also identified South Townsville as a separate entity. Residents of South Townsville developed a close relationship with water. The creek and mangroves were excellent for harvesting seafood. Popular pastimes included sailing, boating and swimming. Being able to swim or row boats at an early age was seen as integral in one’s social development in the area. For many years the opening of the sailing season was held in Ross Creek. Trips to Magnetic Island would not be possible without first boarding the ferry in Ross Creek. Initially the only way to access South Townsville was by ferry. The landing for Townsville’s first ferry service, the Penny Ferry, was adjacent to the Metropole Hotel. Other methods of accessing South Townsville proved more problematic – a bridge near the Metropole Hotel had to be demolished within a year of completion as it restricted shipping in the creek. The success of the Penny Ferry also attracted other ferries and boats to the creek. Victoria Bridge forded the creek permanently in 1889 and was the catalyst for further growth in the area.

REGAT TA LAUNCH IN ROSS CREEK

VIEW OF ROSS CREEK AND SOUTH TOWNSVILLE 1914

TRAIL 3. >> SOUTH TOWNSVILLE & PORT Tells the story of the relationship between the industrial and the residential aspects of this working class suburb. From its earliest days, Ross Island, now known as South Townsville, was a hub for industry and many men from the suburb worked at the port and in associated industries. The early architecture of the suburb reflects its social make-up whilst numerous pubs provide a snapshot of the daily social interaction between wharfies, seamen, meatworkers and railway workers.

46 | March - August 2014

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On March TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES VS WOLLONGONG HAWKS Friday, March 14 Venue: Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre Time: 7.30pm Contact: 4771 4000 www.tecc.net.au

Regular Events FULL MOON DRUM CIRCLE Monthly (weather permitting) Venue: Gregory Street Amphitheatre Time: 6pm - 7.30pm Contact: Alex: 0414 803 666 www.therhythmconnection.com COTTERS MARKETS Venue: Flinders Street, City Time: Every Sunday 8.30am - 1pm www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au WILLOWS ROTARY MARKETS Venue: Willows Shoppingtown, Hervey Range Road, Kirwan Time: Every Sunday 7am - 11am (Excl. Christmas and New Years) www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au STRAND NIGHT MARKETS May - December Venue: Strand Park, The Strand Time: 1st Friday of the month 5pm - 9:30pm (Except July & August - 2nd Friday) www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au NORTH QUEENSLAND FARMERS MARKET Venue: Main Street, North Shore Time: Saturdays 6am - 12pm www.nqfarmersmarket.com.au RENEGADE HANDMADE MARKET Venue: Aitkenvale School Hall, 67-85 Wotton St, Aitkenvale Time: Every 2nd Sat of the month, 8am - 1pm renegadehandmade@hotmail.com

THE NOSE THAT FROZE February 28 - March 26 Venue: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Time: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 2pm Cost: FREE Contact: 4727 9011 ptrg@townsville.qld.gov.au OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL AUSTRALIA Saturday, March 8 Venue: Riverway Arts Centre, 20 Village Boulevard Time: 7.00pm Cost: Group 20+ $26 each; Adult $30; Child 15 years/under $20 Contact: 4727 9797 CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY Sunday 2 March, 2014 www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au NORTH QUEENSLAND BABIES AND KIDS MARKET Saturday, March 154 Venue: Townsville RSL Stadium, 40-48 Murray Lyons Crescent Time: 9am to 1.30pm Cost: $2 entry THE LONG WAY HOME Friday 14 March & Saturday 15 March Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre 41 Boundary Street, South Townsville Time: 8.00pm Cost: Adult $47, Concession $42, Child/School Student $25, Group 10+ $42 Contact: 4727 9797

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May PUB WITH NO BEER FESTIVAL 10 May Venue: Lee’s Hotel Ingham Time: 5.00pm to 12.00 midnight. Contact 0427 712 655 www.thepubwithnobeer.com.au

April

PERCIVAL PORTRAIT AWARD Exhibition on display 9 May – 13 July Venue: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Cnr Flinders Street and Denham St Cost: FREE Contact: 4727 9011

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Wednesday, April 2 - Sunday, April 13 Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre, 41 Boundary Street Cost: Adult $55, Senior $50; Pensioner/ F/T Student $45; Child 15ys/U $35; Family (2A+2C) $150; Group 10 + $45ea Contact: 4727 9797

BOOKISH Friday, May 2 - Sunday, June 29 Venue: Umbrella Studio, 482 Flinders St, Townsville Time: 9am -5pm Mon- Fri, 9am - 1 pm Sun Cost: FREE Contact: 4772 7109

JEZZINE BARRACKS REDEVELOPMENT OPENING Friday, April 4 - Sunday, April 13 Jezzine Barracks NORTH QUEENSLAND GAMES 2014 4 - 6 April www.nqsports.com.au MELBOURNE COMEDY ROADSHOW Tuesday, April 22

Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre, 41 Boundary Street

Time: 8.00pm Cost: Adult $38, Concession $35, Full-time Students 15+ $30, Group 10+ $33 each.

Contact: 4727 9797

ANZAC DAY Friday, April 25 Cenotaph, Anzac Memorial Park The Strand TEN DAYS IN THE TOWERS 25 April - 5 May 2014 www.tendays.com.au

DUST OF URUZGAN Monday, April 28 Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre, 41 Boundary Street Time: 7.30pm Cost: Adult $47, Concession $42, School Student $25, Group 10+ $42 Contact: 4727 9797 48 | March - August 2014

June

KEITH URBAN ‘LIGHT THE FUSE TOUR’ Saturday, June 14 Venue: 1300 Smiles Stadium, Golf Links Dr Time: 7.30pm Contact: www.premier.ticketek.com.au THE DELLTONES - KEEP ON RAGING... TO STOP THE AGING!!! Saturday, June 14, 2014 Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre, 41 Boundary Street Time: 8pm Cost: Adult $65; Age/ Disability Pension $60; Child 16ys/U $30 Contact: 4727 9797 TOWNSVILLE SHOW 27 - 30 JUNE Venue: Townsville Showgrounds, 72-104 Ingham Rd, West End Contact: 4771 4964 townsvilleshow.com.au

July V8 SUPERCARS TOWNSVILLE 500 4 - 6 July Venue: Reid Park, Boundary Street Contact: premier.ticketek.com.au TOWNSVILLE TRIATHLON FESTIVAL Saturday, July 12 Sunday, July 13 Venue: Strand Park Contact: www.townsvilletrifestival.org.au LIOR IN CABARET Tuesday, July 15 Venue: Riverway Arts Centre, 20 Village Boulevard Time: 6.00pm for 7.00pm Cost: Adult $70, Concession $62. Allocated seating at tables for 8 persons Contact: 4727 9797 PEACE TRAIN: THE CAT STEVENS STORY Friday, 13 June Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre, 41 Boundary Street Time: 8.00pm Cost: Adult $55.00, Group 8+ $50 each,

Concession $50 (applies to holders of Age/ Disability, Verteran’s Affairs Age Pension, State Government Senior Card - not the Senior’s Business Discount card)

August AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC 1 - 9 August Venue: Townsville Contact: 4771 4144, www.afcm.com.au AUSTRALIAN ITALIAN FESTIVAL 2 - 3 August Venue: TYTO Precinct Time: 10.00am to midnight Saturday, 10.00am to 3pm Sunday Contact: 4776 5288, 0429 060 356, www.australianitalianfestival.com.au DANCENORTH - THREEFOLD 7-10 August Venue: School of Arts Theatre Townsville, Cnr of Stanley Street and Walker Street, Contact: 4772 2549 www.dancenorth.com.au

Contact: 4727 9797

ROAD TRIP BY DAMIAN CALLINAN Wednesday, July 16 Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre, 41 Boundary Street Time: 6.00pm Cost: Adult $47, Concession $42, Child/School Student $25, Group 10+ $42 each Contact: 4727 979 intownsville.com.au | 49

PARKS & GARDENS

ANDERSON PARK BOTANIC GARDENS Where: Gulliver Street, Pimlico (Vehicle access) Fulham Road, Balls Lane, Gulliver and Wellington Streets (Pedestrian access) Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, internal car parking, 10,000 steps circuit. Anderson Gardens is the largest botanic garden in Townsville covering 25 hectares. Centrally located in Mundingburra, the garden contains fine specimens of tropical trees, palms and Pandanus. The World Cycad Garden, Grand Avenues and Tropical Orchard are of particular note. A representative collection of Cape York Peninsula rainforest specimens are displayed along with native plants and flora of the dry tropical regions of the world. Anderson Gardens was named in appreciation of the work of William Anderson, Townsville’s first Curator of Parks from 1878 - 1934. DAN GLEESON MEMORIAL GARDENS Thuringowa Drive, Kirwan. The gardens feature a wide range of native flora situated amongst large lawn parks and paved pathways. 50 | March - August 2014

THE STRAND Where: The Strand Townsville’s fantastic beachfront promenade, The Strand incorporates a jetty, recreational park, restaurants, cafes, a series of headlands, a free water park, picnic areas and swimming pools and enclosures. QUEENS GARDENS Where: Paxton Street, Gregory Street & Kennedy Lane, North Ward. Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, children’s playground, aviaries. Initiated in 1870, Queens Gardens is the oldest Botanic Garden in Townsville. Now covering 4 hectares, reduced from an original 40Ha, it is considered a fine example of a tropical garden for European settlement, plantings included timber and fruit trees and collections of Dracaena, Codiaeum and Cordyline. Today the emphasis of the collection is on the colonial ornamental plants with colourful, attractive flowers, foliage or fruit.

ROSS RIVER

ANDERSON PARK BOTANIC GARDENS Courtesy of Ross Alford

QUEENS GARDENS Courtesy of Ross Alford

TOWNSVILLE PALMETUM Where: University Road, Douglas. Facilities: Toilets, botanical displays, tourist information, selected art exhibitions and Café are all located in Tumbetin Lodge. The Palmetum is a 17 hectare Botanic Garden displaying one of the largest and most diverse public collections of palms in the world. It has a range of habitats to suit flora originating from the dry tropicas through to the wet tropical lowlands. In addition to the recreated habitat zones, there are expansive lawns and water features frequented by numerous bird species. A ‘Birds of Palmetum’ brochure is available in the foyer of the Tumbetin Lodge. PIONEER PARK & ROSS RIVER Riverway Drive, Thuringowa. The park provides recreational facilities and is a popular fishing location. RIVERWAY Located in Townsville on the magnificent Ross River, Riverway offers a dynamic combination of cultural, sports, leisure, residential and commercial activities. With two huge swimming lagoons, the Riverway Arts Centre, Pinnacles Gallery, the Riverwalk and parklands, there truly is so much to explore.

RIVERWAY - RIVERWAY LAGOONS Where: Riverway Drive, Kirwan The Riverway Lagoons cover an area in size of more than three Olympic swimming pools. The lagoons are nestled among shady raintrees, with the picturesque Ross River providing a peaceful backdrop. Water cascades connect the two distinct lagoon areas, which vary in depth up to 2 metres. Unlike coastal beaches there are no waves or stingers to bother you and you can feel comfortable knowing that the lagoons are patrolled by professional lifeguards seven days a week, 365 days a year. RIVERWALK The Riverwalk overlooks the beautiful Ross River and is a great place to view the prolific birdlife in this area. A 3-metre wide pathway runs along the river and provides numerous opportunities to enjoy its natural beauty. After taking a stroll, all the family can enjoy the nearby barbecue facilities provided or have a game of footy in the beautifully landscaped open space.

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MUSEUMS

MARITIME MUSEUM

ARMY MUSEUM NORTH QUEENSLAND Where: Jezzine Barracks. Kissing Point. Mitchell Street, North Ward Open: Sunday, Wednesday, Friday 9am - 1pm (other times by arrangement) Phone: 07 4721 1495 or 07 4772 7276 The Army Museum of North Queensland is located within Jezzine Barracks, Kissing Point in Townsville. The Museum displays the proud Army history of units and personnel within the North Queensland area. The Museum houses weapons, uniforms, photographs and equipment from as far back as Colonial times through to the present day. Entry to the Museum is free. Donations are greatly appreciated. CULTURAL CENTRE Where: 2/68 Flinders St East, Townsville (Map Ref 9. Page 42) Open: 9.30am - 4.30pm daily Phone: 07 4773 7679 Web: www.cctownsville.com.au A unique collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture and history. MARITIME MUSEUM Where: Palmer Street, South Townsville (Map Ref. 11. Page 42) Open: Weekdays 10am - 3pm, Weekends 12pm - 3pm. Last entry 2pm. Phone: 07 4721 5251 Web: www.townsvillemaritimemuseum.org.au The complex was completed in 2000, and consists of two galleries, a model boat building room, boatshed and BBQ area. The original building houses the SS Yongala shipwreck collection and was once the pier masters office when located at the port. The lighthouse was relocated from Bay Rock and dates from 1886. MUSEUM OF TROPICAL QUEENSLAND Where: Flinders Street East, City (Map Ref 10. Page 42) Open: Daily 9.30am - 5pm (Closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and the morning of Anzac Day, 25 April) Phone: 07 4726 0600 Web: www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au

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Discover the natural and cultural heritage of North queensland at the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Located in the heart of Townsville, the Museum is filled with exhibitions to captivate visitors of all ages. Learn about HMS Pandora, the ship sent by British Admiralty to capture the Bounty and her mutinous crew, explore a typical North queensland rainforest environment in the Enchanted Rainforest, admire historic dive helmets in the Langley Collection: Heritage of Helmets, or test your skills at the interactive science centre, Mindzone. NATIONAL TRUST HERITAGE CENTRE Where: 5 Castling Street, West End Open: Wednesday 10am - 2pm, Weekends 1pm - 4pm Entry: $8 Adult, $2 child, $5 Concession Phone: 07 4771 5873 Web: www.heritagecentre.org.au RAAF TOWNSVILLE MUSEUM Where: Ingham Road, Garbutt Open: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am - 12pm and Sundays 10am - 4pm or by appointment 4752 1712. Web: www.raafmuseum.com The RAAF Townsville Museum promotes and preserves the military aviation history of North Queensland from WWII to present time and includes all theatres of conflict associated with the area. TOWNSVILLE MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY Where: 231 Hugh Street, Currajong Open: Mon, Wed - Friday 10am-3pm, Sunday 1.30pm - 3.30pm Phone: 47 757838 Web: www.townsvillemuseuminc.com QUARANTINE MUSEUM Where: Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park 1 The Esplanade, Pallarenda Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 3.30pm Phone: 4722 5224 The historic Quarantine Museum at Cape Pallarenda is an interesting place. The hill behind it contains World War II gun emplacements you can explore along a good walking track from the museum.

ART GALLERIES CULTURAL CENTRE - FINE ARTS GALLERY Flinders St East, Townsville (Map Ref. 9. Page 42) Open: Mon - Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Phone: 4772 7679, www.cctownsville.com.au GALLERY 6 Shop 7a/203 Kings Rd, Pimlico Open: Wed 9am - 2pm, Thurs & Fri 10am - 3.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am - 2pm Phone: 4779 0079 NQ POTTERS WORKSHOP NQ Potters workshop at 15 Flowers Street, Railway Estate. Fully equipped workspace for members, classes and workshops. Phone: 07 4772 3458 for more info. PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY Cnr Denham St & Flinders St (Map Ref. 12. Page 42) Open: Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat & Sun 10am - 2pm Phone: 4727 9000 PINNACLES GALLERY Riverway Arts Centre, Kirwan Open: Wed - Fri 11am - 7pm, Sat 11am - 6pm, Sun 11am - 2pm Phone: 4773 8566 STUDIO 2: GALLERY & STUDIO 486-488 Flinders Street West, Townsville Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm, Sat & Sun 9am - 12pm Phone: 0418 936 927 www.studio2townsville.org SYLVIA DITCHBURN FINE ART Shop 7, Metro Quays, 86 Ogden Street, Townsville (Map Ref. A. Page 42) Open: Tues - Fri 10am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 1pm Phone: 4724 3953 www.sylviaditchburnfineartgallery.com THE SWEATSHOP 181 Flinders Street, Townsville Open: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 4pm, Sat 9am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 2pm www.thesweatshop.com.au TOWNSVILLE ART SOCIETY Shops 6 & 7, 203 - 205 Kings Road, Pimlico Open: Mon 10am - 2pm, Tues - Fri 9am - 4pm , Sat 10am - 2pm Phone: ‘Art on Kings’ 4725 0250 UMBRELLA STUDIO 482 Flinders Street, Townsville Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sun 9am - 1pm Phone: 47727109 www.umbrella.org.au URBAN COTTERS Urban Quarter Shopping Centre, Cnr Ogden & Stanley St, Townsville Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm, Sun 8am - 1pm Phone: 0487 305 266 www.urbancotters.net

Original art for sale at ‘Art on Kings’ Eftpos and lay-by facilities available

Open Daily 10.00am - 2.00pm Shop 6 & 7, 203-205 Kings Road, Pimlico

Phone 4725 0250

www.townsvilleartsocietyinc.org.au Email: tasarts@bigpond.com intownsville.com.au | 53

TOWNSVILLE’S ISLAND PLAYGROUND Magnetic Island is magnetic both by name and nature. Originally named for its interference to Captain Cook’s compass, it now draws visitors from far and wide, and for good reason. With more than 22 secluded bays and beaches, spectacular fringing reefs and a flora and fauna filled National Park, Magnetic Island is a nature lover’s paradise and with an average of 320 fine days every year, Magnetic Island is the sunniest spot on the Queensland coast.

Huntingfield Bay Rollingstone Bay

West Point

The Island is a charming holiday destination characterised by the fact that it is an island community with a resident population of over 2000, and has a wide variety of environmental experiences and attractions.

Young Bay

There are tracks meandering all over the island, and perhaps the most popular of them is the one that leads to the now disused World War II emplacements that face out to sea from the camouflage of huge granite boulders. The Command Post offers a breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view of Townsville, Cape Bowling Green and Palm Island. A huge variety of wildlife can be seen on Magnetic Island. In fact the Island is sometimes known as the ‘Koala Capital of Australia’. There are also large numbers of possums, rock wallabies, curlews, hawks, eagles and parrots, to name a few. The more observant visitor should be able to spot most of the 160 species of Magnetic Island birdlife. The vegetation on the Island is also diverse, with pockets of lowland, tropical rainforests, mudflats, freshwater lagoons, eucalypt woodlands and mangrove fringes supporting an abundance of habitats. You can get to the island by the car and passenger ferry located on Ross Street, South Townsville, or you can jump aboard the ferry service Sealink, taking only 25 minutes, with the terminal located near the city centre on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive. Come over and enjoy the most relaxing stay you will ever experience.

MAGNETIC JET SKI TOURS

54 | March - August 2014

FIV

Retreat Creek

Bolger Bay

MAGNETIC ISLAND Road

Reef

Road restricted to private vehicles

Shipwreck

Walking track

Surf Life Saving Patrol

Lookout

Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal

National Park Beach

Helipad Marine National Park

BUNGALOW BAY KOALA VILLAGE

Lovers Bay Maud Bay

VE BEACH BAY

Norris Bay

Joyce Bay

HORSESHOE BAY Endeavour Creek

Gowrie Bay

CD PACIFI

HORSESHOE BAY RD

Florence Bay

MAGNETIC ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

Arthur Bay Gorge Creek

MT COOK

Duck Creek

Petersen Creek

Gustav Creek

ARCADIA

ARMAND WA Y

493m

Whitfield Cove

ALMA BAY

RIN MA

ONING ST

Geoffrey Bay

ADIA

Wilson Bay

Balding Bay Radical Bay

Bremmer Point

ARC

White Lady Bay

Bright Point

Ned Lee Creek

NELLY BAY Butler Creek

Cockle Bay

Rocky Bay

Nobby Head

PICNIC BAY

Hawkings Point

MAGNETIC ISLAND SEA KAYAKS

March - August 2014 | 55

WELCOME TO THE ISLAND

Nelly Bay is the main access point for transport into Magnetic Island. The people mover Sealink, transfer hundreds of tourists and locals daily to this point where buses, taxis, mokes, scooters, and bikes disperse their passengers onto all the other many busy locations found on the island. The car and passenger ferry, Fantasea also docks next to the terminal. As you step off the ferry and pass through the modern terminal, within walking distance you will find shops including an ice-cream shop, supermarket, cafés, bottle shop, pharmacy, hairdresser, service station, real estate, photo shop, travel agency, and car/ moke/scooter hire. Walking tracks winding up through the hills start or end here. These walks may take a 56 | March - August 2014

little while to complete so be prepared with water, sunscreen, good shoes etc. Picnic Bay is now the most tranquil of the bays. It is well worth a stroll along the old jetty; now that there are no ferries, the fish life abounds, turtles are frequent visitors and occasionally you may see a shy dugong come round the point from Cockle Bay. Have a game of golf at the island’s only golf couse. The views are breathtaking so you won’t be in any hurry to finish the course. You’ll have plenty of company as the course is home to all sorts of wildlife including wallabies, curlews and koalas who all enjoy watching a casual game of holiday makers. Head along the western track to discover West Point. An ideal fishing spot and a chance to escape from everyone.

intownsville.com.au | 57

ISLAND WALKS

THE FORTS WALK

HAWKINGS POINT Distance: 1.2km return Time: 1 hour Grade: easy From the eastern end of Picnic Street in Picnic Bay, a track winds to the top of a large boulder, affording views over the island to Nelly and Geoffrey bays and back towards Townsville.

HORSESHOE BAY LAGOON Distance: 200m return Time: 15mins Horseshoe Bay Lagoon is a popular area for birdwatching. The track begins on Horseshoe Bay Road, about 200m from the beach, and leads to a lagoon where a number of waterbirds can be seen.

PICNIC BAY TO WEST POINT Distance: 16km return Time: 5 hours Grade: easy This walk follows an unsealed road that links the bays on the western side of the island. The track starts at Yule Street near the golf course, passing a tidal wetland, mangroves, paperbark swamps and savanna grasslands.

HORSESHOE BAY TO BALDING AND RADICAL BAYS Distance: 3.4km return Time: 60mins return Grade: moderate The track begins at the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay beach and climbs through a steep gully of closed forest to an open eucalypt ridge. One branch of the track leads down to the secluded Balding Bay (popular with ‘sun lovers’) and the other continues onto Radical Bay north facing so it’s cool in summer and warm in winter. Both bays offer excellent swimming opportunities. From Radical you can continue on along the ungraded road to end up at the Forts carpark.

NELLY BAY TO ARCADIA BAY Distance: 5km one way Time: 2.5 hours Grade: moderate From the end of Mandalay Avenue in Nelly Bay, this walk passes through a vine-thicket pocket, climbs gradually to the saddle between Nelly and Horseshoe bays and then follows a ridge with views over Horseshoe Bay. The track then branches, with one track leading to Arcadia Bay and the other to Horseshoe Bay Road, where you can continue on to other tracks. A 400m return sidetrack to the Sphinx lookout branches from the main track, 750m from Arcadia. THE FORTS WALK Distance: 4km return Time: 1.5 hours Grade: moderate One of the most popular tracks on the island, the Forts walk leads to historic WWII fortifications and infrastructure. Lookouts along the way afford excellent views to the Palm Island Group in the north and Bowling Green Bay National Park in the south. Koalas are often seen in trees along the track. The walk culminates in 360 degree views from the top of the fortifications. Starting on Horseshoe Bay Road at the turn-off to Radical Bay, the track ascends, sometimes steeply, to follow a ridge behind the bays before arriving at the ruins of the Forts complex operated during World War II. ARTHUR, FLORENCE AND RADICAL BAYS Distance: 1.4km - 6km return Time: 30mins - 2 hours return Starting from the Forts carpark, an easy track leads down to these undeveloped bays, which provide excellent swimming and snorkelling.

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FOR THE FIT AND ADVENTUROUS Time: A few hours (depends on drink and rest stops) Take in a day of walking from Nelly Bay to Horseshoe Bay and discover the entire beauty of the Island. Stop at the many views and see wildlife along the way, including rock wallabies, koalas and an abundance of birdlife. All tracks join at various points with distances well marked. Be prepared for some uphill climbs, the views are rewarding. Once at Horseshoe Bay, reward yourself with a cold refreshing drink while waiting for the bus for the return trip.

SAFETY TIPS To help protect the environment, and to make your stay more enjoyable: Take your time, stop often for rest breaks. On hot days, you can suffer heat exhaustion. Avoid the heat of the midday sun. Stay on track and take care on uneven or loose surfaces. Take care around cliffs, steep slopes and rock faces along the tracks and at lookouts. Always carry plenty of drinking water. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Wear sturdy footwear, not thongs. Take care for the environment as most of the island is National Park.

MUST DO ON THE ISLAND >N avigate your way around the island by road, or learn more about island life with a tour >E xplore the walking tracks through the National Park

> Climb the island’s spectacular rocky outcrops >B ack a toad at the weekly cane toad races on Wednesday nights at Hotel Arcadia

> Take The Forts walk to spot a koala, see the World War II ruins and the amazing view of the Coral Sea

>G rab a bargain at one of 3 markets - Friday nights at the RSL Club, every second Sunday at Alma Bay and on the last Sunday of the month at Horseshoe Bay

> Observe the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay in Arcadia

> Take in a cabaret dinner at Stage Door Theatre Restaurant

> Snorkel the fringing reef surrounding the island

>P lay a round of golf at the Picnic Bay Country Club

>C uddle a koala or kiss a croc at Bungalow Bay Koala Village > Visit the local artists and art galleries >T ake the 4WD road and picnic at secluded West Point >S ail around the island to discover it’s 23 hidden bays > Test your fitness level or just have fun with a great selection of water sports at Horseshoe Bay

> Test out the greens at the Magnetic Island Bowling Club >G allop from the bush to the Coral Sea on horseback > See the island from the air with the Red Baron > Try a bush tucker breakfast at Bungalow Bay Koala Village

>S top at Horseshoe Bay, West Point or the end of Picnic Bay Jetty and catch a brilliant sunset

Drive to Magnetic Island! Cruising Magnetic

Explore all the wonders of this tropical island paradise. Regular departures daily for drive-on and walk-on passengers. Free WiFi onboard. Relax in the air conditioned licensed cafe onboard before disembarking.

Ross Street, South Townsville • 4796 9300 • www.fantasea.com.au intownsville.com.au | 59

AMAROO ON MANDALAY Set on 10 acres of peaceful tropical gardens, plenty of room for the whole family, or a quiet relaxing getaway by yourself. Enjoy our large swimming pool, tennis courts, & free BBQ, & mingle with the wildlife. 61- 79 Mandalay Ave, NELLY BAY PHONE (07) 4778 5200

reservations@amarooonmandalay.com.au amarooonmandalay.com.au

Monday to Friday Depart Townsville Depart Magnetic Is.

5.20am*^ 6.15am* 7.10am 8.05am 9.00am 9.55am 10.45am 11.40am^ 12.35pm 1.25pm 2.40pm 3.30pm 4.25pm 5.15pm 6.05pm 6.55pm Saturday and Sunday Depart Townsville Depart Magnetic Is. ^ Limited availability 7.10am 8.05am Thursday only

9.00am 10.45am 12.35pm 2.40pm 4.25pm 6.05pm*

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9.55am 11.40am 1.25pm 3.30pm 5.15pm 6.55pm*

* Not operating public holidays * Not operating Saturday except during QLD School holidays

Book online or call us

www.fantasea.com.au â&#x20AC;˘ 4796 9300

Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar PEPPERS BLUE ON BLUE RESORT, MAGNETIC ISLAND Experience the magic and flavours of Magnetic Island with Peppers Blue on Blue Resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Signature Restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar. Located perfectly on the Nelly Bay Marina, savour local flavours and indulgent surrounds for breakfast, lunch or dinner seven days a week.

Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar 123 Sooning St, Nelly Bay Call 4758 2419 or visit peppers.com.au

intownsville.com.au | 61

VIEW NATURE FROM THE SEA Winter is an exciting time here in the tropics, apart from the daily sightings of turtles and coastal birds like the Sooty Oyster Catcher, Striated Heron and Eastern Reef Egret, May to October is the breeding season for the four fish eating birds of prey seen regularly on our tours, (White Bellied Sea Eagle, Osprey, Whistling Kite and Brahminy Kite), these and many more will be viewed and recorded in early June when we partake in the biannual bird count. July to September is the whale season when the Humpback Whales migrate south past the island as they return to Antarctica after breeding in the warm waters of North Queensland and giving birth to their calves. With a simple philosophy of “View Nature in the Wild from the quiet of your Kayak” Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks has become a multi award winning operation winning 21 tourism and environmental awards including the Queensland Tourism Awards for “Adventure Tourism” and the Townsville Environmental Sustainability in Business Award. Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks are the islands first and regions only Advanced Ecotourism Australia accredited operator and one of the first businesses in the country to be awarded Australian Business Climate Action Certification.

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The sea kayak morning adventure starts in Horseshoe Bay at 8:00am, full instruction and safety brief is given before a guided tour takes you around to either Balding or Radical Bays for a tropical breakfast on the beach. You then have the chance to explore the bay on foot, take photos or learn more about the Island’s history and ecology. On the way back you get to paddle within metres of the island’s huge granite boulders before returning by approximately 12:30pm. Our 2 hour sunset tours take a leisurely paddle out to the point in Horseshoe Bays’ calm waters, before drifting back over the coral gardens and sea grass beds looking for turtles as you soak up the last rays of the sun. Just before you reach shore you will stop to have drinks and watch the sunset behind the anchored sailboats. Our day tour is ideal for intermediate and experienced paddlers. Launching in Picnic Bay, we paddle all the way around to Horseshoe Bay with stops for morning tea and Lunch. For bookings or further information phone Steve or Lucy on 07 4778 5424, or checkout their website at www.seakayak.com.au

Accommodation 07 4778 5418 Hotel and Bars 07 4778 5177 7 Marine Parade, Arcadia

info@hotelarcadia.com.au www.hotelarcadia.com.au

AAA 3 STAR RATING • Quality refurbished accommodation • Two sparkling resort pools • Beachfront location • Conference facilities • Drive-in bottleshop • Internet lounge • Laundromat • ATM • Ice • Bars • Bistro • Pokies • Keno

JACKPOT BINGO Sunday 2pm - FREE entry WORLD FAMOUS TOAD RACES Wednesday nights at 8pm

MAGNETIC ISLAND TOURS AND CHARTERS

CHARTER US

for a tailor-made day on the water!

DISCOVERY TOUR

$105 p/p Child ren & Family rates available

plore x E e W . h is F e W l. e We Snork

Morning tea

An Island and reef experience like no other, discover Magnetic Island on our personalised 4 and 1/2 hour tours. See all 23 bays and 28 beaches including the boat access only 5 Beach Bays. A nature based tour with a focus on snorkelling and exploring for all ages. We specialise in tailor-making a day on the water for you.

Coral viewers

Departs daily from Nelly Bay Marina. Fully equipped for groups/families Private charters also available. All snorkelling gear/stinger suits/fishing gear supplied | Expert snorkelling tuition. Shady back deck and toilet facilities | Free softdrinks, tea/coffee, morning/afternoon tea.

Nelly Bay Harbour, Magnetic Island | Ph 07 4778 5911 or 0439 785 216

www.aquascenecharters.com.au

ADVENTURE: ISLAND STYLE Water sports are popular all year round. Plunge into the tranquil waters, or snorkel along the fringing reef and explore the island shipwreck trail. Go on a scuba dive tour to discover the marine life - it’s a great way to see the tropical fish and coral reefs. See the splendour of the dolphins, turtles, and sea eagles by taking a guided sea kayak tour exploring the beautiful bays. Jet ski or water ski around the island or hire a yacht and sail the secluded waters. You can go horse riding on the beach at Horseshoe Bay or for the ultimate views try skydiving over the island. And when the sun goes down you can still enjoy the beaches. Every month there’s a Full Moon beach party. Take in the natural wonder of the island and tour around by bus or taxi. For the more adventurous cruise the island in a Mini Moke or a Harley Davidson and feel the fresh air on your face. You can even hire trail bikes, scooters or bicycles. Get off the beaten track with a 4WD drive tour or there’s the 25 kilometres of walking trails through the National Park. HORSESHOE BAY WATER ADVENTURE Horseshoe Bay is the islands’ largest beach and it’s northerly aspect shelters it’s waters, making it the premier location for all the island’s water activities. Hire a jet ski for the family or cut loose on your own. Go for a wild tube ride or water ski. Discover nature from the sea with Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks.

Weight limits apply

HORSESHOE RANCH Trekking on horseback through the Horseshoe Bay hinterland to the beach is an experience exclusive to Horseshoe Ranch Magnetic Island, with the opportunity to unsaddle your horse and go bareback riding into the blue waters of the bay or Coral Sea. Celebrating their 31st year of Horseshoe Ranch (formerly Blueys), they are Magnetic Islands longest established Adventure activity from 1982 to 2014. MAGNETIC JET (ADRENALIN JET SKI TOURS) Magnetic Jet are The Ultimate in Jet Ski experience. Established in 1996, they are definitely NOT just another jet ski hire. There are tours to suit all budgets and flexible timetable. The scenery and rock formations will blow you away, chance encounters with the local wildlife will certainly make your day. The stability and power of LUXURY 4-stroke personal watercraft is sure to leave a lasting impression. Total exhilaration; either the 3 hour Circumnavigation or the 90min Top End Tour. Both; value for money, no license required, all equipment included. Your qualified LOCAL guide will showcase all the beauty Magnetic Island has on offer. Open 7 days a week, weather permitting. Bookings highly recommended, families welcome. Phone Pete or Sharon 4778 5533 or AH 0407 785 533. (See back cover)

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

intownsville.com.au | 65

Island Leisure Resort Magnetic Island

Multi-Award Winner

From $129

Units with kitchens and alfresco dining patios. Pool, spa, BBQ, tennis, games room, library, licensed snack bar, FREE Wi-Fi, 50m to beach, 100m to shops and 1km to ferry.

(07) 4778 5000 4-6 Kelly Street, Nelly Bay QLD 4819 Website: www.islandleisure.com.au

Tripper Magnetic Island Eco Day

$55

WITH SEALINK + RETURN FERRY SANCTUARY TOUR. A + 2 HOUR KOAL wrap a python Hold a crocodile, s around you + Koalato feed the locals + Rock wallaby food g at 4:30pm person + Free lorikeet feedin ir Koala Photo $15 per raction + souven + Optional Koala inte (payable on arrival) Bay to explore rkel gear at Bungalow + Option to hire sno day per person per $15 from l, trai k the 4 beach wal

14years. Family Rate 2A+3C 5 – fare 5 – 14 years / $137 reception, *$55 adult fare / $30 child 10am, 12noon & 2:30pm from Bungalow Bay at *Wildlife tour commences r from ferry. Prices valid to 31/3/2015 doo local bus drops at front

NS OVERNIGHT OPTIO on 7 acres ngalows set • Private A Frame Bu ns from $75 per night twi es/ • Private Doubl m $28 per night pp • 3, 6 and 8 share fro Restaurant, & r Ba ck • On site De desk r tou and l Poo

66 | March - August 2014

40 Horseshoe Bay Rd, MAGNETIC ISLAND P 07 4778 5577

FREECALL 1800 285 577 www.bungalowbay.com.au

Your ultimate Magnetic Island fun car! Sea t s

in s t yle

In c lu d e s

Island highligh ts map • Lots of fun colour options to choose from • Lower cost Sedans, 5 Seaters & Automatics also available

For all bookings and enquiries please call

(07 ) 4758 1111

We’re here!

IGA

SUPERMARKET

CAR FERRY

PARK

Call in and see us right next to IGA, opposite Nelly Bay Harbour

intownsville.com.au | 67

BALGAL BEACH & ROLLINGSTONE

Rollingstone Beach Caravan Resort

Frosty Mango RD ACH 12km P BE CAM HEN

Fishermans Landing Stinger Enclosure (Nov - May)

BALGAL BE

Rollingstone Hotel

ACHERON DRV

Studio 26

PDE

Balgal Beach Holiday Units OCEAN

General Store

ACH RD

Boat Ramp & Pontoon

MYSTIC AVE

Golf Course

A1 To CAIRNS 300km

68 | March - August 2014

To TOWNSVILLE CBD 50km

A beachside community with plenty to offer, Balgal Beach is the ideal location for a day trip or holiday. The beach has many attractions and includes a patrolled swimming enclosure during marine stinger season from November to May, licensed café and store, picnic/BBQ areas and camping facilities. The BP Service Station, located on the Bruce Highway at Rollingstone, also provides fuel, tourist information, cappuccinos and a selection of homemade food. The beach and creek are great fishing spots and there are excellent boat ramp facilities available and pontoon. The natural bush surrounds cater for the native wildlife or bird watching enthusiast. Other popular activities and attractions in the area include a nine-hole golf course, lawn bowls, war memorials, museum and network of interpretive historic signage that showcases the area’s colourful history. Vincent ‘Bushy’ Parker Park, a well shaded designated camping area located right next to a scenic freshwater creek, is ideal for swimming. A variety of accommodation is available, including beachfront holiday units and cottages, a caravan park and the Rollingstone Hotel which is located on the Bruce Highway. Designated free vehicle and tent camping is available for a maximum of 48 hours. BALGAL BEACH MARKETS Venue: Fishermans Landing, Balgal Beach Time: Every first and third Saturday of the month Fruit & veges, homemade cakes, preserves, arts & crafts, plants, homemade soaps, lotions & oils, books and bric-a-brac. Contact: Phone 4770 7227

4770 7296

intownsville.com.au | 69

BURDEKIN SHIRE

AYR & HOME HILL

BURDEKIN RIVER BRIDGE

An hour’s drive south of Townsville, you can discover the friendly residents and laid-back atmosphere of the Burdekin. The Burdekin district is the sugar capital of Australia and is one of the most prosperous rural communities in the country. The shire’s two main towns of Ayr and Home Hill make great stopover points, with their tree-lined main streets, ease of parking, great cafes and restaurants, host of specialty stores, shady parks and excellent public amenities.

The Burdekin is becoming more and more famous for its wealth of water. Local farms are droughtproof because of the mighty Burdekin River, the huge reserves of the Burdekin Falls Dam and a massive underground aquifer which lie just 10 metres below the surface. This ‘liquid gold’ allows Burdekin farmers to produce the biggest and sweetest sugar cane in Australia, as well as mangoes, melons, capsicums, zucchinis, tomatoes and many other small crops.

Ayr and Home Hill lie just 12km apart and are linked by the landmark Burdekin River Bridge. Also known as the Silver Link, the 1103-metre bridge is the longest of its type in Australia. Although it took hundreds of men 10 years to build, not a single life was lost in the construction.

By far the district’s greatest claim to fame is its fishing. The Burdekin is well-known for its barramundi, mudcrabs, other estuary species and off-coast reef fishing. The district has one of the highest rates of boat ownership per head of population and many locals have fishing huts at Ocean Creek, Plantation Creek, Groper Creek or Wunjunga.

AYR • Visit the recently-revamped Burdekin Theatre and take a look at the Living Lagoon sculpture in the forecourt. • Park under the trees at Plantation Park and see Gubulla Munda, a 60m carpet snake sculpture which is the totem for the Juru Tribe, the original inhabitants of the area. Also wander along the Juru Walk. • Stop at beautiful Anzac Park where you can stretch out in the shade while the kids enjoy the modern allabilities playground. • Play a round of golf at the Ayr Golf Course, the original training ground of former Ayr woman and world champion golfer Karrie Webb. • Do some birdwatching at Horseshoe Lagoon or one of the district’s other wetlands. • See the working agricultural machinery at Ye Olde Machinery Place in Brandon. • Visit Hutchings Lagoon, a popular water-skiing venue. • Drive up to Mount Kelly for great views of the surrounding farmlands. • Take a barramundi fishing tour. • See a majestic canefire, any evening or early morning between June and December. • Head to Alva Beach for a swim, stroll or spot of beach fishing. • Take a dive tour to the world-famous Yongala Wreck.

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HOME HILL • Stop at the famous Ashworth’s Tourist Centre, which houses Ashworth’s Jewellers, the Rock Shop and the impressive Treasures of the Earth Display. • Park near the Lions Diorama and walk across the Burdekin River Bridge. • Walk around town and see the large, colourful murals depicting rural life. • Visit the Comfort Stop and use the free restroom, shower and cooking facilities. • Check out the collection of working machinery from yesteryear at Tom’s Toybox. • Drive to the historic WWII radar station on Charlie’s Hill. • Head up to Mount Inkerman for unparalleled views of the district’s farmlands, wetlands and coastline. • Go to the fishing village of Groper Creek, famous for mudcrabs and barramundi.

BURDEKIN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Plantation Park, AYR. Phone 07 4783 5988

BURDEKIN GATEWAY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Railway Avenue, HOME HILL. Phone 07 4782 8241 For more information on the Burdekin, visit www.burdekintourism.com.au or find us on facebook www.facebook.com/burdekintourism

HINCHINBROOK SHIRE

Ingham, Forrest Beach, Halifax

Welcome to Hinchinbrook a place of natural beauty, from unspoilt sandy beaches to lush tropical rainforests. Hinchinbrook is the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforests of Tropical North Queensland. Nestled in the Herbert River Valley the main town in Hinchinbrook is Ingham, which is roughly one hour drive north of Townsville and three hours drive south of Cairns. Ingham is known for its strong Italian heritage, with terrific delicatessens and restaurants to indulge your taste buds in. The Italian culture is celebrated annually at the Australian Italian Festival. Hinchinbrook is home to the charming coastal townships of Forrest Beach, Lucinda and Taylors Beach where you can enjoy a fishing paradise. The beaches offer a wide range of holiday parks and accommodation plus stinger resistant nets. All are encased by the beautiful Palm Island Group including Orpheus Island National Park. Hinchinbrook has a colourful multi cultural and agricultural history which is evident in the district attractions, events and architecture. To experience this history yourself, must see attractions include Herbert River Museum, Noorla Heritage Resort, New Ingham Cemetery with its spectacular Italian Mausoleums, Mungalla Aboriginal Tours and Lee’s Hotel – The Original Pub With No Beer. TYTO Be inspired at the award winning, multi dimensional TYTO, located 500m south of Ingham on the Bruce Highway. Tour the Wetlands, home to some 230 species of birds – it’s a birdwatchers paradise with lookouts and hides throughout the extensive walking tracks which allow unique viewing of wildlife in their natural habitat, hundreds of Agile Wallabies have also made the wetlands home, adding to the experience. Learn amazing facts and play a few games at the Information and Wetlands Centre, lunch in the picturesque parklands, marvel at the latest Regional Art Gallery exhibition or relax in the Library and enjoy free computer access and wi-fi. The library also has a significant Local History collection inclusive of the 31st Battalion –The Kennedy Regiment.

These extensive collections offer a unique view into the people and events that have shaped the Hinchinbrook area, including the military endeavours of this North Queensland based Battalion. Natural Wonders To the west of the township, at 305 metres, is Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest sheer drop waterfall. Located 53km west of Ingham Wallaman Falls is a breathtaking sight and can be viewed through a rainbow fringed cloud of mist early in the morning. This is an area of World Heritage listing and home to the cassowary and platypus. Lookouts, bushwalks, freshwater swimming and camping grounds can all be found at this National Park. The walk to the bottom of the Falls is well worth it with care to be taken as it can be quite strenuous and slippery at times. Care must be taken at all times on the road as Cassowaries often wander out and will sometimes have their chicks with them. To the east of Ingham is Hinchinbrook Island, the world’s largest Island National park. Steeped in mystery and adventure, her cloud covered peaks dominate the skyline. Houseboat hire, boat charters and wilderness cruises are all available from Dungeness to the islands, plus camping and trekking along the Thorsborne Trail. The protected waters of the Hinchinbrook Channel offer anglers 365 days a year fishing opportunities. With the beautiful Hinchinbrook Island National Park as a back drop, the Hinchinbrook Channel is an angler’s paradise. South of Ingham you will find the Paluma Range National Park, home to Jourama Falls and Mt. Spec recreational areas. Both parks are well known for their fresh water swimming holes, rainforest walks and lush tropical camp grounds. These are all part of the Great Green Way, which is an outstanding coastal and hinterland region between Townsville and Cairns.

TYTO INFORMATION AND WETLANDS CENTRE Corner Bruce Highway and Cooper St, Ingham Open: Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat-Sun 9am - 4pm Phone: 4776 4792 | www.tyto.com.au

TYTO Wetlands by John Young Photography

ord Photo: Ross Alf Anna Currington: The Innocence of a Smile

BE INSPIRED www.tyto.com.au Be inspired at the award winning, multi dimensional TYTO. Tour the Wetlands - home to some 230 species of birds, learn amazing facts and play a few games at the Information and Wetland Centre, lunch in the picturesque parklands, marvel at the latest Regional Art Gallery exhibition or relax in the Library and enjoy free wi-fi. While a way an hour or a day of cultural and ecological excellence. An easy 1 hour drive north of Townsville on the southern approach to Ingham, the heart of Hinchinbrook. HINCHINBROOK, NORTH QUEENSLAND Entry via cnr Bruce Highway & Cooper St or 73 - 75 McIlwraith Street INGHAM QLD 4850 TYTO IS OWNED & OPERATED BY HINCHINBROOK SHIRE COUNCIL

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Hinchinbrook Shire Library | P 4776 4614 TYTO Regional Art Gallery | P 4776 4725 TYTO Information & Wetland Centre P 4776 4792

CARDWELL

HEART OF THE GREAT GREEN WAY

Cardwell is situated on the Bruce Highway halfway between Townsville and Cairns in the heart of the world renowned Great Green Way. Cardwell offers magnificent views of the Coral Sea and the world famous Hinchinbrook Island (Australia’s largest island National Park). Cardwell is the centre of a vast natural wonderland, including waterfalls, swimming holes, wilderness walking trails, mountain views and uniquely lodged between two world heritage listed areas - Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Areas. Spectacular landscapes and seascapes of pristine wilderness areas offer visitors an array of activities that are sure to delight. A boating mecca for cruising, sailing and fishing, the Hinchinbrook Channel and surrounding Coral Sea are a sports fisher’s dream. A public all tidal boat ramp with landing pontoon provides easy access to the surrounding islands and waterways. A renowned getaway for self drive and short break visitors, Cardwell offers a variety of accommodation, eco tours, rainforest walks, boating, golf, kayaking, islands and estuary & reef fishing. Cardwell is the gateway to both Hinchinbrook Island and the Cassowary Coast region with the best boating, fishing and wilderness experiences along the North Queensland Coast. Why not discover it for yourself... RAINFOREST & REEF VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE “A MUST SEE” Situated right on the waterfront in the heart of Cardwell, this eco tourism facility specialises in providing both tourist and interpretive

information about Cardwell, Hinchinbrook Island and Channel and environs. The Centre is an accredited Wet Tropics Visitor Information Centre. A larger than life vivid sculptural display takes the visitor on an enchanted journey as the history and structure of the peoples, landscape and wildlife is told. The visitor is led to the final encounter with the delightful talking eel. From a large, colourful reception area and gift shop, experienced staff offer information and bookings for accommodation and local tours, while both a video presentation and a digital dvd and monitor display non-stop footage of local attractions. The Centre also offers a computerised information kiosk to allow direct online access to National Parks bookings and enquiries. This is a first for North Queensland and one of only three in Queensland. As well, the desk offers printed material on Queensland National Parks, native local flora & fauna, walking trails and issues camping permits.

Cardwell Rainforest & Reef Visitor Information Centre Bruce Highway, Cardwell Q 4849

Phone: 07 4066 8601 www.cardwelltourism.com info@greatgreenwaytourism.com

OVERLANDER’S WAY

GULF OF CARPENTARIA

OGORANG

ver

NORMANTON

BURKETOWN TIRRANNA

Savannah Way

DOOMADGEE

CROYDON

GEORGETOWN

MOUNT SURPRISE Undara 62 Volcanic NP

THE LYND JUNCTION

GREENVALE

er t Riv

ers

JULIA CREEK

Porcupine Gorge NP

RICHMOND HUGHENDEN

McKINLAY

Paluma State Forest

CHARTERS TOWERS

Riv er

DAJARRA

Magnetic Island

ive r

TOWNSVILLE AYR

MACROSSAN

QUAMBY

CLONCURRY A2

GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK

WOODSTOCK

QUEENSLAND Flin d

A1 INGHAM

MOUNT ISA

Bur dek in R

Lumholtz NP Herber t River

BURKE AND WILLS ROADHOUSE

CAMOOWEAL

Overlander’s Way

INNISFAIL

RAVENSHOE

Riv er

Great Tropical Drive

Matilda Highway

hard

ive r

ATHERTON

Lyn d

KARUMBA

HELL’S GATE

Leich

WNS TION

KURANDA CAIRNS GORDONVALE

MAREEBA

PRAIRIE

HOMESTEAD White Mountains NP TORRENS CREEK

Bur dek in R

A1 RAVENSWOOD

ive r COLLINSVILLE

Lake Dalrymple

MOUNT COOLON

KYNUNA

The Overlander’s Way is rich MIDDLETON with authentic heritage experiences that are linked together. WINTON The attractions explore the legends, characters, colourful tales and rich landscapes of our fascinating past, in a modern, interactive way. NORTH QUEENSLAND GATEWAY, TOWNSVILLE The Discover Tropical Queensland Gallery at Townsville Museum of Tropical Queensland provides visitors to the region with a good introduction to life in the tropics, telling the stories of North Queensland through powerful interactive displays.

JULIA CREEK VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE While you are at the Centre take a look at the mounted Julia Creek Dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) Display. The Dunnart is a small nocturnal marsupial thought to be extinct until 1992. It is a feisty yet endearing endangered species.

CHARTERS TOWERS – “GHOSTS OF GOLD” More than a century ago, the discovery of gold triggered a massive gold rush to Charters Towers, which grew to become the second largest city in Queensland.

MARY KATHLEEN MEMORIAL PARK AND MUSEUM, CLONCURRY Mary Kathleen Memorial Park and Museum houses history and memorabilia of Cloncurry, Mary Kathleen and the surrounding district.

FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE, HUGHENDEN Flinders Discovery Centre is home to Hughie, the skeletal Muttaburrasaurus, surrounded by a large fossil and gem display of international standards.

OUTBACK AT ISA, MOUNT ISA The exciting world of mining is a highlight of the Hard Times Mine, Outback at Isa. Guided tours descend the 1.2km of working mines directly below the tourist precinct.

KRONOSAURUS KORNER, RICHMOND Discover the fascinating pre-historic evidence of when Richmond was once part of the ancient inland sea.

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BATTERY HILL MINING CENTRE, TENNANT CREEK At Battery Hill overlooking the township, the 1930’s site echoes the soul and spirit of the miners and is named after the original working ten-head stamp battery.

CHARTERS TOWERS Covering an area the size of Tasmania, the Charters Towers region offers travellers a unique snapshot of country life as it was in the gold rush days of the 1870’s right through the war years and into the new century, where it now enjoys a legacy rich in heritage and character. Situated just 90 minutes south west of Townsville, the city of Charters Towers, once known as “The World”, is a bustling rural centre that celebrates its grand history through wonderfully preserved heritage buildings, pubs, museums and streetscapes. And not a traffic light in sight! Ask the staff at the Visitor Information Centre about the ‘ghosts of gold’ Heritage Trail, the One Square Mile and the Venus Gold Battery - each of them a ‘must see’. You can also pan for gold at The Miner’s Cottage, visit one of the museums, go to a Drive In movie or take a wagon ride amongst a herd of Texas Longhorn Cattle. Around ‘The World’ there are a number of driving trails which will take you to the beautiful heritage listed town of Ravenswood, to Dalrymple National Park and to Greenvale where you can have a coldie at the Three Rivers Hotel made famous in Slim Dusty’s song of the same name. Head west through the tiny townships of Balfes Creek, Homestead and Pentland on your way to the Burra Range Lookout and White Mountains National Park. The list goes on and on. So make sure you allow plenty of time to explore.

... welcome

Picture: The World Theatre

www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

CHARTERS TOWERS

to our world

Ask a local at the Visitor Information Centre about the great self-guided and guided tours

Discover a very special world packed with rich history, heritage and the elegance of bygone days

Open 7 days

Charters Towers Visitor Informa�on Centre 74 Mosman Street | T: 07 4761 5533 | OPEN 9am - 5pm tourinfo@charterstowers.qld.gov.au

Brochures Maps Tour bookings Itineraries Accommodation Group Tours

Ask a local! A function of Charters Towers Regional Council

intownsville.com.au | 75

HUGHENDEN Welcome to the Flinders Shire, covering an area of 41,632km2. Hughenden is the main business centre for the shire which also encompasses the smaller communities of Prairie, Torrens Creek and Stamford.. Hughenden is situated on the banks of the Flinders River, Queensland longest river. Hughenden has direct road access to a number of major centres and tourist attractions within the region. The Flinders Highway runs through Hughenden connecting to Townsville (376km) in the east and Mount Isa (519km) in the west, with a southern sealed road access via the Dinosaur Way to Winton and Longreach. For those wanting to travel north there is the Kennedy Developmental Road, a gravel and bitumen sealed road to the Atherton Tablelands and Cairns. The Flinders Shire is predominantly a grazing area, with some emerging irrigation pockets. North of the Flinders River is predominately red and black volcanic basalt country and to the south of Hughenden is black soil downs country with open natural grass lands. Call into the Flinders Discovery Centre to find out more about this region and the extensive and diverse range of attractions in the area including national parks, gemfields, mountainous volcanic basalt country, sweeping black soil plains, rich fossil, dinosaur areas and the history arts and culture of the region.

JULIA CREEK Julia Creek is located 650km west of Townsville on the route to Mount Isa and the Northern Territory known as the Overlander’s Way. VISIT ‘AT THE CREEK’ Meet a Julia Creek dunnart and watch a live feeding session of grubs, crickets and cockroaches. A new addition to the centre is ‘Beneath the Creek’ which explores the underground features that have shaped our land through an interactive floor and touch screens. ‘At the Creek’ is a multi-award winning Visitor Information Centre and tourist attraction in Julia Creek. Throughout the Centre there are several interactive audio and visual tools to help you experience what it is like to live, work and play in McKinlay Shire and Julia Creek. This accredited visitor information centre offers a one stop shop for travel information including maps and brochures. Staffed by skilled knowledgeable locals, ‘At the Creek’ can provide advice on the things to see and do, where to eat, sleep and shop. Discuss with our friendly staff your travel plans or make a free booking.

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‘At the Creek’ Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre 34 Burke St, JULIA CREEK, Ph: 07 4746 7690 E: tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au Follow us on Facebook JuliaCreekVisitorInformationCentre Follow ‘Digby’ on Facebook JuliaCreekDunnart

MATILDA HIGHWAY COOKTOWN

GULF OF CARPENTARIA CAIRNS

KURUMBA Savannah Way

ATHERTON INNISFAIL

GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK

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Stretching more than 1700 kilometres from Cunamulla to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Matilda Highway is custom-made for travellers keen for a taste of the outback, its unique heritage, legendary hospitality and friendliness.

NORMANTON

BOWEN

Overlander’s Way

HUGHENDEN

MCKINLAY

MACKAY

KYNUNA

Matilda Highway WINTON CLERMONT

LONGREACH

ILFRACOMBE

ROCKHAMPTON

BARCALDINE

EMERALD

GLADSTONE

BLACKALL

QUEENSLAND

TAMBO

BUNDABERG

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CHARLEVILLE

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

GYMPIE ROMA

CHINCHILLA

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CUNNAMULLA

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The Matilda passes through an ever-changing landscape - from undulating Mulga plains in the south to open Mitchell grass plains and desert uplands in the central west and gulf plains in the north. There are picturesque billabongs and vast inland river systems, rugged gorges and escarpments and many scenic national parks. The towns along the highway offer varied experiences for visitors, each with their own story and history as varied as the colourful Outback characters you’ll encounter along the way. You’ll also find authentic heritage attractions along the way. CLONCURRY In Cloncurry, home of the Royal Flying Doctor (RFDS) at John Flynn Place, the Portrait of Cloncurry, a visitor orientation exhibition, will present an understanding of the history, heritage and local characters of this town that prides itself as the ‘Friendly Heart of the Great North West’. WINTON In nearby Winton, the Waltzing Matilda Centre plays host to the ghost of Banjo Paterson and the legend surrounding the creation of a national song. South of Kynuna, explore the Combo Waterhole Conservation Park, believed to have inspired Banjo Paterson to write Waltzing Matilda. A 40 minute return walk from the car park leads to picturesque waterholes on the Diamantina River, perfect for a picnic. Also well worth the one hour detour is a visit to the Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways, believed to be the world’s only preserved dinosaur stampede.

LONGREACH The Qantas Founders’ Outback Museum traces the history of our national airline and its very important links to the Outback and its towns. The new building, which links to the original heritage-listed 1922 Qantas Hangar, houses the museum, theatrette and exhibition hall, a visitor information centre and restaurant. The displays eloquently tell the inspirational stories of an Australian business success and the people that made it happen. For more information go to: www.outbackholidays. info/getting_around/highways-&-byways/matildahighway.cfm or see the nearest Information Centre.

intownsville.com.au | 77

WINTON

Winton is the Dinosaur Capital of Australia, home of Waltzing Matilda and Queensland’s Boulder Opal; steeped in natural, cultural and heritage history.

of Winton; it honours some of the country’s great pioneers and icons. Visit the Outback Regional Gallery featuring new exhibitions every six to eight weeks celebrating the Outback through art.

At the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum, 24km east of Winton, you’ll see the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils, displayed in the Collection Room and prepared in the Dinosaur Laboratory. You can even sign-up to help prepare these real dinosaur bones in the laboratory!

Winton’s history can be further explored with a visit to the Royal Open Air Theatre Museum to uncover the history of the theatre and its operation. Step back in transport time with Winton Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum; dedicated to preserving and presenting Australia’s unique road transport industry heritage.

Winton is also home to the world’s only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede - the Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park. More than 95 million years old, there are 3,300 stampeding footprints immortalized in stone and protected 110km south-west of Winton. This is an iconic National Monument not to be missed. In the township of Winton, the Heritage listed Corfield & Fitzmaurice Building houses a Dinosaur Diorama, wool industry and mining displays and Combo Crafts. The legend of Waltzing Matilda began when A.B ‘Banjo’ Paterson penned the ballad at nearby Dagworth Station in 1895. The first performance of our national song was at the North Gregory Hotel in the same year. Several decades later, Winton was the birthplace of QANTAS, with the Winton Club playing host to the first board meeting in 1921, and with one of the original landing fields located just outside of town. Winton honours its history with sculptures and artworks located throughout town, and through the Waltzing Matilda Centre, where visitors and locals alike can discover the romance and legend behind our unofficial national anthem. While at the Centre, pull up a stump by the water’s edge, in the Billabong Theatrette where the ghost tells his side of the story of Waltzing Matilda. Visitors can learn the truth, myth and romance behind Australia’s favourite song in the interactive Home of the Legend room, further on is the Qantilda Museum, dedicated to the aviation and pioneering history

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Experience some of Winton’s free attractions - play a tune on the Musical Fence and marvel at Arno’s Wall; where everything can be found – including the kitchen sink! Drive your own natural adventures in Winton Shire at Bladensburg National Park, located only 7km from Winton. Further off the beaten track is Old Cork, Cawnpore Lookout and Diamantina National Park, or try your luck fossicking for opals at Queensland’s Capital of Boulder Opal, Opalton or choose your own adventure! Get involved in the local atmosphere during one of Winton’s many events, including Easter in the Outback, Waltzing Matilda Day, Campdrafting, Turf Club Races, Drag Racing, Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival, Opal Expo, Camel Races, Rodeo, and the Outback Festival, just to name a few. Winton is known for friendly hospitality and big smiles and boasts a selection of good affordable accommodation, caravan parks, a station stay, great food outlets, craft shop, gift, opal and general stores for all your travelling needs.

Winton Visitor Information Centre 50 Elderslie Street, WINTON Q 4735

Ph: 1300 665 115 www.experiencewinton.com.au

’ S DIN OSAU R TR AI L GATEWAY TO AU STR ALIA

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Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park The only evidence of a dinosaur stampede on the planet Three thousand, three hundred dinosaur footprints immortalised in stone A dramatic interpretation of the hunter and the hunted Located 110km south-west of Winton

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W I| W IN www.intownsville.com.au N N 79 N E R 2 011 E R 2 012

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Winton Visitor Information Centre T: 1300 665 115 W: dinosaurcapital.com.au

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Further information and tour times:

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Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History See the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils Explore the most productive fossil preparation laboratory in the southern hemisphere Get hands-on with the museum’s “Prep-A-Dino” and “Dig-A-Dino” programs Located 24km south-east of Winton

3 HOUR

UNIQUE TOUR OPTIONSNETIC

CIRCUMNAV

IGATION

Cruise the entire bre athtaking Island coa stline and beyond. The ORIG INAL, Self Drive, Valu for money e experience !

OM MAG D L G DAILY FR DEPARTIN , PART OF THE WOR RIER R A B T A ISLAND E R LISTED G HERITAGE EF MARINE PARK RE

OURS TOP ENDsingT‘M aggies’ 90mins Crui pects, Northern as beach bays 5 g in ud cl in

WATERP DIGITAL CAROOF M FOR HIRE, ERAS CARDS, GR SD O BANDANAS OVY BOTH TOURS INCLUDE: & T-SHIRTS F OR SALE • Use of the latest LUXURY Personal Watercraft (Max: 2 people per Jet Ski / Min age 8) • Qualiﬁed LOCAL tour guide with over 15 years experience. No License Required • Regular wildlife encounters; sea-turtles, dolphins, sea birds & humpback whales (July-Sept)

• Wetsuits, tinted goggles, jackets, water bottles • Unforgettable memories • Flexible timetable • Offshore action • Stunning scenery

PRE BOOK TE

TS D SEA

LIMI

• FAMILIES WELCOME

Info & Booking Hotline

4778 5533 AH:0407 785 533

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