Townsville

Magnetic Island was named by Captain James Cook in 1770, when he believed that the landmass of the island affected the magnetic compass on his ship, 'Endeavour'. More than half of the island, which is about five miles (8km) from Townsville, is a National Park known for its rugged landscape of granite boulders, hoop pines and eucalyptus trees. The island has 23 beaches and bays, some of which can only be reached on foot. There are more than 12 miles (20km) of walking trails marked out on the island. Part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park fringes the island, which is also home to the most northerly colony of free-ranging koala bears in Australia. The island offers a wide range of accommodation and transport is available on the island.

Website : www.magnetic-island.com.au

One of the largest living coral reef aquarium in the world, the Reef HQ Aquarium was built as part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Featuring 130 species of coral, 120 species of fish and plenty of star fish, sea urchins, sponges and sea cucumbers, Reef HQ also features a predator exhibit, a children's section, a gift shop and a café to provide refreshments. A trip to the Reef HQ Aquarium is a must for all visitors who plan on taking a dive at the Great Barrier Reef, to learn more about the species of marine life they might encounter while exploring the miraculous underwater world. The Aquarium is a great attraction for families in Townsville, especially on a rainy day.

Address : 2-68 Flinders Street, Townsville

Website : www.reefhq.com.au

This beautiful riverfront parkland stretches along nearly seven miles (11km) of the Ross River, with nodes at Pioneer Park, Loam Island, Apex Park and the Ross River Dam. The Riverway has fast become one of Townsville's most popular tourist attractions. Pioneer Park is the activity hub where visitors can enjoy sport, entertainment, performing arts, visual arts, swimming in the two huge lagoons, dining and shopping at the village precinct, and even picnicking and barbecuing along the picturesque shores of the Ross River. There is something to amuse and delight people of all ages, making the Riverway popular with locals and tourists alike.

Address : Village Blvd, Thuringowa

This 1.3-mile (2.2km) long tropical beach and palm tree-dotted promenade is one of Townsville's most popular attractions. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the scenery from their bicycles, take a dip at one of the safe swimming beaches, or enjoy a picnic overlooking the ocean at one of the many designated picnic areas in the gardens. Families travelling with their children in tow can visit the nearby water park, while the trendy restaurants and bars that line the strip make a wonderfully romantic and picturesque setting at any time of day with views stretching out over to Magnetic Island. The fourth Friday of each month also sees Strand Park used for night markets - a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs in Australia, such as Aboriginal arts and crafts and boomerangs.