Think outside the square when planning your next weekend and check out some of our suggestions to discover a Townsville North Queensland you never knew existed.
Chase Greener Pastures
Fancy tasting the Burdekin’s best lemon meringue pie or award winning sausages on a working cattle and sheep station? Claredale Pastures is a 6,500 acre family owned and operated property set on the grounds previously occupied by the Burdekin Agricultural College in Clare. Boasting venue hire, accommodation, a fully functioning equestrian centre and the Windmill Café – be sure to head down the Bruce to experience something a little different. www.claredalepastures.com
Tea and Scones in The Hills
Step back in time while treating yourself to some of the best scones going at the Hervey’s Range Heritage Tea Rooms, open all year-around except Christmas Day. From hearty steak sandwiches to the infamous Kopi Luwak (aka cat poo coffee) all served in the beautiful gardens or inside the historic original building. Only 30 minutes’ drive from Townsville – head for the hills, taste the history. www.heritagetearooms.com.au
A Laneway with It All
Private beer taps, Taco Tuesdays, authentic Italian, fairy-floss cocktails and Paleo delights – City Lane offers a bevy of dining options to tempt everyone’s taste buds. The menus in City Lane are constantly changing and evolving into some of Townsville’s best. Soak up the street art, funky décor and an atmosphere to match – you won’t be disappointed.
Island Vibes
IslandLife debuts at XBase on Magnetic Island on Saturday 15 July offering a weekend long, sun-filled, party paradise. You’ll be guaranteed a great time with two massive parties featuring international and local DJs, amazing food and chill out activities such as yoga, massages and snorkelling. If you are feeling adventurous jump on a jet ski and take a quick trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
Be One with Nature
Lake Paluma is nestled among a World Heritage-listed wet tropics rainforest allowing campers to experience a biologically diverse environment with fantastic facilities (camping permits are required). Access to the Lake is via a 12 kilometre gravel road from the township of Paluma, only a short drive north of Townsville.
Sunday Sesh in The Suburbs
The Mercure Townsville now offers a Sunday sesh that locals can be a part of! Set amidst 11 acres of tropical gardens on the shores of Lake Curralea, locals are welcome to relax by the pool and enjoy live music at Mercure’s Celsius Restaurant & Bar. There is no cost to enter the complex and kids eat for free from 1pm to 5pm every Sunday.
See The Longest Longhorns in The World
Take a traditional horse drawn wagon ride or ranger safari on a trip back in time to the ‘Old West’ with Texas Longhorns Wagon Tours & Safaris. Situated at Leahton Park, 10 kilometres from Charters Towers, this is the home of Australia’s largest purebred herd of Texas Longhorns, and JR, the 2013 Guinness World Record Texas Longhorn steer!
Get To The Chopper to Catch The Whopper
Hinchinbrook Adventures Heli-Fishing Tours operate in the pristine wilderness of the Herbert River Gorge, located in the Girringun National Park. The locations are spectacular, but from the air the beauty and the views have to be seen to be believed. Once over the Girringun National Park you will arrive at some of Australia’s most remote, fresh water fishing locations, targeting species such as Jungle Perch, Brim and Barramundi.
See The Sights On Three Wheels
Take in Townsville on one of the city’s more unique transportation options on a Crikey Trikey Joy Ride. Tours can take two passengers winding up to the summit of Castle Hill, out to the Tea Rooms, or on a lap of the Strand, all while sitting comfortably on the back of a trike motorbike. There is a multitude of tours and joy ride options available – BYO leather jacket!
Get Frocked Up
Time to dust off the fascinator – Winter racing is upon us! Get ready to be immersed in fun, food and fashion during the Townsville Turf Club’s 2017 Winter Racing Carnival. The action kicks off on 15 July with the 2YO Classic, followed by Ladies Day on 22 July and the premier event, Townsville Cup on 29 July. Giddy up!
Camp On A Jurassic Island
Despite being the biggest island on the Great Barrier Reef, Hinchinbrook Island is completely uninhabited. To protect the Island’s biodiversity and prevent damage to the environment, only 40 people are permitted to stay at any one time. If you have a desire for adventure, the Island offers spectacular hiking and camping along the famous 32 kilometre Thorsborne Trail, internationally rated as one of the top 10 walks on the planet.
‘Fall’ in Love
Don’t believe TLC – go chasing those waterfalls! Just 2.5 hours north you’ll find Wallaman Falls, the largest single-drop waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Hike down to the base to hear the roar of the water and enjoy a day of relaxation in a World Heritage listed rainforest.
