The City
Townsville is the largest tropical city in Australia, with a sophisticated tourism infrastructure. Visit the city's historic buildings, indigenous and contemporary art galleries, museum, wildlife sanctuary and tropical botanic gardens. Swim at the sensational city beaches between concerts. The restaurants and bars which run along the Strand beachfront promenade have sweeping views of Cleveland Bay whilst Palmer Street provides a hub of restaurants.
Townsville
Townsville is an excellent base for exploring tropical North Queensland, including the World Heritage Listed reef and rainforest. The North Queensland region centres on the cities of Townsville and Thuringowa, and extends north to Mission Beach, south to the Burdekin, west to Charters Towers and includes the islands of Magnetic, Dunk, Hinchinbrook, Orpheus and Bedarra.
The Climate
Winter is the best time to visit Townsville. The rain and heat of summer has passed, replaced by the 'dry season' with average temperature 25 degrees and an almost unbroken spell of more than 300 days of clear blue skies, warm sunshine and gentle tropical breezes.
The Reef
A gateway to the world renowned Great Barrier Reef, Townsville offers a multitude of diving expeditions and cruise packages. Travel to the heart of the Reef and experience the wonders of 1500 species of fish and 400 species of coral.
Islands
Pristine Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes from Townsville. Magnetic Island is two-thirds national park and has miles of walking trails and beaches. Sunferries provides a 20 minute ferry transfer departing throughout the day. For more information on Sunferries services including timetables and ticket prices please visit their website through the link at the bottom of this page.
Rainforest
An hour north of Townsville you will find the World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics Rainforest of Paluma Range National Park. The park contains some of the oldest rainforest on earth, spectacular landscape and many rare and endangered plants and animals. It is renowned for bird watching. From Paluma you can carry on through the Great Green Way, an area of outstanding natural beauty leading to Cairns.
Historic Outback
West of Townsville you can visit the Queensland outback, an area steeped in history from dinosaur fossils to the gold mining town of Charters Towers (90 minutes drive).
Getting around Townsville
The Festival's concert venues are centrally located. Patrons can catch the Festival bus. Venue information and the Festival bus timetable is available at the bottom of this page.
Visiting and Staying In Townsville
For information on accommodation options in Townsville, we recommend www.townsvilleholidays.info or contact Townsville Enterprise on 1 800 801 902 or visit www.townsvilleonline.com.au.
For information on packages please visit http://www.sunferries.com.au/packages.asp or phone sunferries on 4771 3855
Venue Information and Bus Timetable
