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Townsville

OVERVIEW

Head across the mountains and into the Outback to tour a heritage gold rush town that still shines with boom-time grandeur. It all started in 1871 after three itinerant prospectors struck gold here in Charters Towers. Over the next 40 years, some 7,000,000 ounces were extracted from this dry scrubland and a suitably glistening city emerged, home to 30,000 residents at the rush’s peak. A magnificent stock exchange building went up, along with grand hotels, banks and other buildings of the era still in use today. It’s a fabulous place for getting an in-person sense of what boom time life must have been like. Aside from exploring the swank town that nuggets built, you’ll also tour a more rustic venue – the Venus Battery Mill, sole survivor of the 25 reducing mills that prospered here at the end of the 19th century. Gold is still being found in the area, but the richest veins have long been worked out. So modern, mechanized methods are required to tease it out – a far cry from the classic pick and shovel days and steam-driven ore processing of old. A casual café lunch and afternoon sightseeing round out this intriguing day.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Journey by coach to a gold-rush mecca in the Outback beyond Townsville’s western mountains.
• Experience the enduring boomtime grandeur of Charters Towers, where some 7 million ounces came out of the ground between 1871 and 1911.
• Explore the shining town landmarks, and visit the crusty old Venus Battery Mill, where a local guide will share colorful tales of the olden, golden days.
• Enjoy casual lunch at a local café and spend the afternoon soaking up more of the local atmosphere.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes with a closed toe are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a short ferry ride to heavily forested and wonderfully scenic Magnetic Island, where you will see iconic Australian animals such as koalas. This natural paradise has been known as Magnetic Island since 1770, when Captain James Cook named it for its supposed effect on his ship’s compass. It is still immensely attractive as the majority of Magnetic Island is protected national parkland. During the panoramic drive through the mountainous terrain, you will pass through dense rainforests that provide a safe habitat for wildlife, especially birds such as kookaburras and bush-stone curlews, an ungainly looking ground-dwelling avian species. Following a beachside lunch on Horseshoe Bay, you will be treated to a close-up look at the abundant wildlife at The Koala Park. You can expect to see koalas sleeping in gum trees, brightly colored parrots and all sorts of reptiles and amphibians. You might even get up close to a koala or maybe a wombat.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take the ferry to and from Magnetic Island, most of which is national parkland.
• Enjoy a panoramic drive through the rainforest and along the boulder-strewn coast.
• Encounter iconic Australian animals at The Koala Park.
• Dine on a hearty buffet lunch at the beach that rims Horseshoe Bay.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Visit the award-winning Museum of Tropical Queensland that is showcasing the diverse region of North Queensland, from World Heritage listed rainforest and reefs to the story of the shipwrecked HMS Pandora, the ship sent to capture the Bounty mutineers. The museum researches and interprets the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

Panoramic Sightseeing Drive & Museum of Tropical Queensland

Depart the pier and drive past Townsville sights and learn about this tropical city as you make your way to the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Discover North Queensland from a different perspective on a guided tour of the Museum's galleries and exhibitions, led by a local passionate expert. You may also meet museum curators, collection managers, taxidermists and researchers or learn about the specialist work undertaken at the museum by local volunteers and staff.

Find out how corals and reef creatures use colour to communicate on the Great Barrier Reef, learn about traditional Indigenous rainforest people and be swept away by the tragedy of the HMS Pandora's adventurous tale. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on interactive activity where they'll learn how to fire cannon like they did on sailing ships in the 1700s.

Following your exploration tea and coffee will be available before returning to the pier.

Visit Magnetic Island accompanied by local guide who will share their knowledge and introduce you to the island's history, colorful characters and get you up close and personal with Australian native wildlife.

Townsville

Depart the pier for a brief transfer to the Breakwater Ferry Terminal to embark the ferry across the blue waters of Cleveland Bay to visit Magnetic Island. There you will discover the geology, history and wildlife of the area with your guide.

Magnetic Island

The stunning landscapes of this World Heritage listed island make this natural destination truly distinctive and attractive to the eco-conscious traveler. The rocky granite headlands endemic to the area provide a basis to an array of eco-systems that merge with the 23 bays and beaches surrounding its coastline. Although Captain Cook never even landed on Magnetic Island while sailing past on June 7th, 1770, it was the famous incident, recorded in his journal, where the ship's magnetic compass 'would not travis well when near it' that gave the island its name. He then named it 'Magnetical Island or Headland' as he wasn't even sure if it was an island or a peninsula.

Filled with eucalyptus woodlands and rocky foreshores, Magnetic Island is a haven for uniquely Australian wildlife, boasting Northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas living in the wild. On tour, you’ll discover the highlights of the island on a guided bus tour, enjoying photo stops along the way before arriving at Selina Wildlife Park.

Selina Wildlife Park

Join a ranger from Selina Wildlife Park to learn about, and engage with, a variety of Australian native wildlife within the koala park.  Take a break at the end for lunch.

Horseshoe Bay

Finally, you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the beach before taking advantage of some free time at Horseshoe Bay prior to heading back to the mainland.

Embark the ferry for the 30 minute return ride, returning to the dock for the short transfer to the ship.

orth Queensland is home to the Wet Tropics Rainforest - one of the oldest surviving rainforests on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

McClellands Lookout, Morning Tea

Depart the pier towards Paluma National Park for some morning tea refreshments provided by your guide. Continue by coach 1000m above sea level to the magical McLelland’s Lookout for your first view of the North Queensland Rainforest where you can enjoy a short rainforest walk. This rainforest is known for its exceptional natural beauty, remarkable bio-diversity and ancient ancestry. All of Australia’s marsupials and most of its other animals originated in rainforests, and their closest living relatives can be found in the Wet Tropics.

Along the trails, the tour guide will point out the extraordinary flora and fauna. Many of the species are found nowhere else in the world, including green possums, tree kangaroos and tooth-billed catbirds. More than 2,800 types of plants thrive here, including cycads and some of the world’s first flowering plants. The Wet Tropics is a true wonderland.

Hidden Valley Cabins and Lunch

Following your walk, continue by coach to Hidden Valley Cabins, an eco-friendly family-run mountain retreat on the edge of the Paluma National Park, to enjoy a BBQ lunch and free time to explore the gardens before travelling back to Townsville with a short break/photo stop at Little Crystal Creek.

Castle Hill Lookout

Travel up to the top of Castle Hill for one of the most spectacular views on the East coast of Australia. It's a must do activity when visiting Townsville! Learn the early history of Townsville and the surrounding region from your friendly local guide.

Learn about a variety of Australia's native animals during this popular half-day outing. In addition, a short tour of the city will include many of Townsville's landmark sights such as the Strand Beachfront Promenade, museum, casino and a drive along historic Flinders Street.

Billabong Sanctuary

Departing the pier, begin with a 10-mile (16-km) drive south of Townsville. Nestled among rainforest, wetlands and eucalyptus trees, the Billabong Sanctuary provides an ideal environment for wildlife and is a popular spot for local families. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the park ranger who will provide a brief overview. Strolling along the pathways, you may see kookaburras, dingos, Australian black swans, cassowary, cockatoos, birds of prey and other native animals. Take the opportunity to hand feed the free roaming kangaroos and see Australia's menacing crocodiles have a meal.

Explore different habitats at your own pace, stop for a drink, and venture into the on-site souvenir shop if you wish, before regrouping to board the coach.

Your tour concludes with the drive back to Townsville and some additional sightseeing en route to the port.

Discover Townsville's interesting history while enjoying some of the city's great gardens and lookouts.

Castle Hill Lookout & the Strand Walk

Travel up to the top of Castle Hill for one of the most spectacular views on the East coast of Australia. It's a must do activity when visiting Townsville! Learn the early history of Townsville and the surrounding region from your friendly local guide. You will find out about the Traditional Indigenous land owners as you drive pass Kissing Point and then continue onto the Strand, Townsville's thriving beach foreshore. Take a stroll at this scenic spot and enjoy the ocean breeze and picturesque views across to Magnetic Island.

The Palmetum Botanical Garden

Continue to The Palmetum, a botanical garden featuring the palm family of plants. Approximately 60 different species of palms are native to Australia and most are represented here in the Palmetum. This tropical collection contains in total around 300 species, many rare and threatened in their natural habitats. Immerse yourself into this unique tropical experience as you wander through the gardens. Travel on passing Townsville Hospital, James Cook University.

Take a short stroll along the River way enjoying the Queensland's tropical breeze before returning to the pier.