Townsville, also known as the capital of north Queensland, was founded by Melton Black back in 1864. At the center of Townsville is Mount Cootharinga, more commonly known as Castle Hill. This distinctive natural feature makes an awesome backdrop to Townsville city. There is a road up the hill which was constructed in 1935 - 1936 and during the Second World War the hill was used for communications and observations. A search light was constructed half way up the hill and a pill box was built to house a machine gun, similar to the one situated on Magnetic Island

Things that are free in Townsville:

"Castle Hill" is a great walk, either by the road or the walking track which is pretty hard going and is aptly called the Goat Track. The view from the top is a bit like this at the lookout. It will take about 45mins to walk up the from Reeflodge.

"The Strand" go for a walk along the beautiful beachfront, which is about 2.4 kilometres long. It has a bike and walking track and an exercise circuit all the way down "The Strand" for those who are looking for some exercise. "The strand " takes approximately 45 minutes to walk from Reeflodge and starts about 400 meters around the corner. It is a very nice early morning or late afternoon stroll and you can have a swim at the other end in the "Rock Pool" before you return back.

The "Rock Pool" is situated at the end of "The Strand" and is free to use. It is a salt water pool and fresh salt water from the ocean is pumped in continually. Speaking of swimming and free, there is also "The Strand Water park" and also for the summer month there are two stinger nets in place to protect against the box jelly stinger.

"Townsville heritage trail" which will give you great insight into Townsville diverse historical architecture lush tropical gardens and a vast array of natural attractions. There are two heritage trails that you can take the first being the "civic pride" which traces Townsville central business districts growth from its beginning to what it is now. The second of these trails "early Townsville" takes a look at the development of the C.B.D. from the early humble beginnings as timber buildings to the masonry buildings that are here today. You can get a free brochure on these trails at the Townsville Information center just a short walk from the Reeflodge.

"Go fishing" there are a number of places along "The Strand" and around breakwater that cater for the fisherman, including a jetty about half way along "The Strand". There is also "The Rock Pool", "The Breakwater" or even the harbor, all of which have an abundant supply of fish. We sell basic fishing gear and can have you out there looking for dinner for under $10-00.

"Parks and Gardens" There are a number of parks and gardens in the city which include "Queens Park", "ANZAC Park", "Anderson Park", "Strand Park", and the "Palmetum". All of these are open to the public 7 days a week.

"The Cotters Markets" If you are here on a Sunday then you can check out the "The Cotters Markets" which is North Queenslands's largest arts and crafts market. They start at 8.30am and finish around 12.30 pm. There is a vast array of souvenirs and handmade products available to purchase. There is also a large selection of fruit, vegetables and other food products available.

"Night Markets" are held on the first Friday of the month in "The Strand Park" on the "The Strand" which makes for a very pleasant evening. There are arts and crafts, as well as food. These markets start in the early evening.

"The Perc Tucker Regional Art gallery" is open 7 days a week and is free admission

"Cape Pallarenda and the Town Common" Turn off to Rowes bay and head out to the picnic areas and walking tracks that take in many of the points of historical and natural interest, including the quarantine station which is now a museum and WWII gun placements. Here you can look out over the bay and Magnetic island. There also also lots of birds and wildlife particularly in the morning and dusk.

"Swimming enclosure" nets are situated on "The Strand" and "The Rock pool" at the end of "The Strand"

"Paluma and Crystal creek" A short drive from "Townsville" there are a number of places of natural beauty which include "Mt. Elliot National Park", "Crystal Creek" where you can jump in for a swim and "Paluma National Park".

Things that are not free in Townsville:

"Billabong Sanctuary" is an Australian wildlife park which has a full time park ranger on location. The park enables you to explore rainforest, eucalyptus forest and wetland habitats, all in the one location. There are transfers available daily at approximately 9.15am and 1.30 pm. Some of the thing you can do include holding a Snake or even a Crocodile and seeing a Koala. More information is available on their website. www.billabongsanctuary.com.au

"Reef H.Q." is where you can come to see one of the worlds largest salt water aquariums. Get up close and see the reef without getting wet and remember it's a giant fish tank. That in itself is amazing. More information is available on their website www.reefHQ.org.au

"Museum of tropical Queensland" shows a host of displays from the final story of the mutiny on the "HMS Bounty" and the pursuit by the "HMS Pandora" or take a look at what was roaming around 100 million years ago in North Queensland. More information is available on their website www.mtq.qld.gov.au

"Sunferries" do 15 transfers to Magnetic island a day, which take only 20 minutes. They also do day trips to the Great Barrier Reef where you can snorkel, dive or take a ride in their glass bottom boat. This includes your lunch, morning and afternoon tea. You can also do "discover SCUBA" while you're out there, to see if you like it. More information is available on their website www.sunferries.com.au

"Magnetic Island car ferry" There are regular departures daily to take your car and passengers over to the island. There is also a bar and cafe on board. Phone (07) 47725422 and website www.magneticislandferry.com.au

"IMAX theater" situated at Reef HQ is the only one of its kind in Australia and has screening starting at 10.45 am and the last session at 2.45 pm. daily. More information available by ringing the INFO LINE on (07) 47211481

"Coral Sea Skydivers" try a tandem skydive on the beautiful Strand beach or learn to skydive with north Queenslands' largest diving school. You can Phone them on (07) 47724889 and their shop is open from Monday - Friday 9-00 am till 5-00 pm. More information is available on their website www.coralseaskydivers.com.au

SCUBA or snorkel on the reef and the Yongala wreck are two of the great diving attraction in Townsville and there are a few companies that will take you out to them.

Townsville Dive Operators
• Adrenaline Dive Phone (07) 47240600 www.adrenalindive.com.au
• Prodive Phone (07) 47211760 www.prodivetownsville.com.au
• Remote Area Dive Phone (07) 47754000 www.remoteareadive.com.au

"One Day Cattle Muster" You can experience a life style from a working cattle station point of view. Suitable for beginners to experienced riders. Phone (07) 47788888 and website www.woodstocktrailrides.com.au

"Kart Mania" Go-Kart Racing situated about 10 mins out of town you can open 7 days a week. Fun for all ages Phone (07) 47748133

"Townsville Mini Golf" There are 2 x 18 hole courses and they are open 7days a week. They have a licensed bar and BBQ area. Phone (07) 47713999

"Currajong Super Bowl" If you enjoy bowling, try here it is situated only 5 minutes out of city center and open 7 days a week. Phone (07) 47797804

"Warrina Ice Rink" situated only 5 minutes drive out of the city center skating you can go freeze your arse off. Phone (07) 47591777