Host City - Townsville

Townsville is Australia’s largest tropical city and provides a premier destination for visitors wanting a genuine taste of ‘Life in the Tropics’.

Townsville offers more than 300 sunny days each year – perfect weather to enjoy a diversity of experiences that range from the excitement of bull-riding and ‘barra’ fishing, to the magic of Magnetic Island, the historical charm of Charters Towers, the breathtaking rainforest of the Paluma Ranges, the cane fields and community of the Burdekin and the pristine paradise of Mission Beach.


The Strand	Magnetic Island	Paluma	Mission Beach

Enjoy the spectacular Strand in the heart of Townsville city – 2.5km of beachfront boulevard lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, barbeque/picnic areas, swimming enclosures/pools, sporting and recreational facilities, walking paths and the only water playground of its kind in Australia– all with sweeping views across Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island.

Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes from the city centre by fast catamaran ferry, or 40 minutes by car ferry if you wish to take your own vehicle. Here, more than 2,000 koalas roam free in an idyllic tropical setting offering superb views, palm-fringed beaches, a wide variety of accommodation and plenty to see and do, including bush walks to inspect World War II fortifications.

To experience the great Aussie Outback and the flavour of the gold rush era, take a tour or drive 135 kilometres west from Townsville to the heritage centre of Charters Towers. This is a city of history and charm that boomed following the 1872 discovery of gold in the area by an Aboriginal boy, Jupiter Mosman. Visitors can now relive the legends and history of this bygone era through the new ‘Ghosts of Gold’ experience, by panning for gold and visiting a host of other attractions in and around the city.


Charters Towers	Wallaman Falls	Cardwell	Hinchinbrook Channel

Ingham - known for its vibrant culture – provides access to Wallaman Falls, Australia’s largest sheer drop waterfall. The seaside village of Cardwell is home to dugongs which inhabit the marine parks and overlooks Hinchinbrook Island – Australia’s largest island National Park. The Hinchinbrook Channel is a favourite spot for North Queensland fishermen. Head just a little further north and experience Mission Beach - 14km of palm fringed beaches with water sports, restaurants, arts, crafts and access to Dunk, Bedarra and Orpheus Islands.

Visit the reef, rainforest, tropical islands and the outback. The perfect playground for you to explore.

Pre & Post Touring Options

North Queensland is one of the world’s greatest playgrounds with so much to see, do and experience. The urge to arrive early or stay on after your event will no doubt prove irresistible. Whether it’s a reef, rainforest, island or outback adventure, or even a combination of some or all, North Queensland has it all! For further information on activities & tours visit: