Townsville's faultless blue skies ,long beachfront esplanade means that Queenslands third largest city retains the relaxed tropical atmosphere of its smaller counterparts. It is endowed with a grand coastal position,park lands,purpose built attractions, a lively cafe and restaurant scene and lofty Castle Hill, from whose peak you can survey the lot.
Townsville is home to many fun and exciting attractions. For starters, the Barrier Reef Headquarters are located here. They also have an armed forces base and James Cook University, which increases the night life around town. With numerous restaurants and activities to choose from you will be up till all hours. Some note worthy places are Jupiter's Casino, C Bar and Naked Fish.
In 1864, sea captain Robert Towns commissioned James Black to establish a settlement on Cleveland Bay to service the new inland cattle industry. The many historic buildings found around Cleveland Bay are a reminder of this heritage. It is still a major port for the beef and mining industries. A shameful claim to fame is that the same Robert Towns began the practice of black birding kidnapping Kanakas (South Sea Islanders) from their homeland and bringing them to Australia for cheap labor as European were considered inherently unsuited to work in the tropics .The Kanakas were primarily used in the Sugar Industry and were paid a pittance, housed in substandard accommodation and were given the most physically demanding jobs. The kidnapping was outlawed in 1868 and government ships were placed on all Kanakas ships to check that their emigration was voluntary but only in 1901 was the use of island labor completely stopped.
Magnetic Island is 8km offshore, was named by Captain Cook who believed that magnetic fields generated from the granite boulders were causing problems with his compass. It has 12,000 acres of mountainous terrain and is a great place for a day trip here or overnight stay. Sandy bay, great for swimming and snorkeling, has spectacular views from old WWII forts.
Bowling Green Bay National Park, a coastal park, offers much for the self-sufficient guest. Walk along Alligator Creek to see cascades and waterfalls. Stay overnight on the campsite and go spotlighting to see brush tail possums and sugar gliders. Granite Mountains blends a variety of landscapes including saltpans and mangrove country.
There are numerous palm cove hotels for you to choose when planning a visit to TNQ. You can log onto www.tropicalnorthqueensland.com.au to find the palm cove accommodation that is most suited for your vacation requirements.
