For something a little different, visitors can choose to stay in converted rail carriages at the Undara Lava Tubes . These tunnels are said to be the world s longest and largest, and the interesting guided tours make them well worth a look. At the reef there is a large pontoon, glass-bottom boats, and areas for swimming , snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing . For those who don t have sea legs Reef HQ in Townsville brings the beauty of a living coral reef onshore. North Queensland has been blessed with National Parks that are home to rare butterflies and birds, kangaroos, platypus and ancient trees.
Visitors can trek, drive or take a guided tour of the parks.
A visit to Wallaman Falls , Australia s largest single drop waterfall, is a must. Paluma, located at the top of Mt Spec about one hour s drive north of Townsville, is the sourthernmost entry into the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Billabong Sanctuary just south of Townsville and Koala Park Oasis on Magnetic Island , have animals roaming in their natural environment Townville Town Common National Park is a premier birdwatching location, and Butterfly World and the Ayr Nature Display have excellent displays. The Townsville region has a colourful history shaped by Aboriginal tribes, miners, pastoralists and war. Remnants of these bygone times are still evident in the beautiful colonial architecture, historic pubs, museums and displays of old gold mining machinery and cottages.