REGION: Townsville Region

Visitors to the Townsville region will enjoy beautifully warm days, with the sun shining brightly on the calm blue sea.

Visitors can travel to the Great Barrier Reef from either Townsville or Mission Beach. At the reef there is a large pontoon, glass-bottom boats, and areas for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing.

North Queensland has been blessed with National Parks that are home to rare butterflies and birds, kangaroos, platypus and ancient trees. Visitors can trek, drive or take a guided tour of the parks.

A visit to Wallaman Falls, Australia's largest single drop waterfall, is a must. Paluma, located at the top of Mount Spec, about one hour's drive north of Townsville, is the southernmost entry into the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

North Queensland has a wonderful collection of unusual insects, birds and animals. Townsville Town Common National Park is a premier birdwatching location.

The Townsville region has a colourful history shaped by Aboriginal tribes, miners, pastoralists and war. Remnants of these bygone times are still evident in the beautiful colonial architecture, historic pubs, museums and displays of old gold mining machinery and cottages.

The region is also well known for the amazing range of museums, theatre, dance and arts and crafts.

Action seekers will have their appetites well fed. Choose to parasail, horseride or abseil. Pick the adrenalin rush of white water rafting, or the thrill of a winning bet at the casino.