Nature

Beautiful beaches and lush rainforest are within easy driving distance of Townsville.

There's Saunders and Balgal beach while Crystal Creek and Paluma offer cool retreats. North and closer to Ingham, Jourama Falls and Australia's highest sheer drop waterfall at Wallaman are spectacular after rain.

Explore Undara Volcanic National Park, where you'll find the world's longest lava tube system. On the other end of the spectrum is the town of Tully, nestled amongst rainforest-covered mountains. Visit Paronella Park, site of a spectacular Spanish-style castle built in the 1930s.

To the south, Bowen, home of the famous mangoes, is an attractive township fringed by eight beaches. You may see turtles come ashore at Bowling Green Bay near Townsville, or glimpse cassowaries at Lumhotz national park and around Mission Beach.