Guest blog by Alicia Masters – North Queensland Tours

We are lucky enough to live in one of the most magical parts of the world, but have you ventured past the bright(ish) lights of Townsville lately?  Have you had family or friends come to stay and become unstuck as to where to take them or what to show them? Fear not! We have teamed up with North Queensland Tours to show you some of the best day trips and activities that Townsville and its surrounding areas have to offer. North Queensland Tours can research, book, and manage your holiday to ensure that it’s one to remember.

Now, lets get exploring!

Wallaman Falls

TLC said you shouldn’t go chasing waterfalls, but we strongly encourage you to chase away! Wallaman Falls is the highest single drop waterfall in Australia at 268 metres. That means it’s big, extremely spectacular and you can hear the huge amounts of water rushing over the edge as you stand at the viewpoint gazing across the gorge and the Herbert River Valley. You will need a vehicle to experience the falls. Once you arrive you can do rainforest walks and if you fancy taking your own packed lunch you can enjoy a picnic.

Little Crystal Creek and Paluma

The clear waters and pristine waterfalls at Little Crystal Creek make for the perfect weekend getaway. Seasoned Towsnvillians know that it is the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat, however in winter it can get quite chilly (or perhaps it’s the perfect temperature if you’re coming from the cooler temps of the southern states!).  The mountain water cascades under a picturesque heritage-listed stone arch bridge built in the 1930s and makes the perfect spot for a happy snap. If you’re a history buff or keen bird watcher, the day trip to Crystal Creek and Paluma includes a stop at the local Paluma Community Hall for a quick lesson in all things local as well as plenty of opportunities to spot some local wildlife. You will need a vehicle to experience Little Crystal Creek and Paluma.

Sailing Island Tours

With a backyard that includes Cleveland Bay and the white beaches of Magnetic Island, a sailing boat is the perfect way to get out there and explore. With everything from half day tours, sunset sailing tours and private charters, NQ Tours has a tour to set every occasion. Now that you mention it, who needs an occasion?! Grab your gang and book a sunset sail and watch the day fade away, whilst sipping on a glass of bubbles.

Kayak Tours

Once you’ve finished hitting the high seas of Cleveland Bay and are ready for something a little more hands on, why not book a kayaking tour around Townsville or Magnetic Island? Take a leisurely paddle out to Horseshoe Bay Point before drifting back over coral gardens to see sea turtles, or enjoy a paddle around the northern bays such as Balding Bay or Radical Bay? If you fancy staying on the mainland, perhaps a sunset kayaking tour on the Ross River is more your style.

Snorkelling and Great Barrier Reef Tours

You don’t need to head to Cairns to experience first-hand the beauty and wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. Lodestone Reef is part of the central section of the Great Barrier Reef and features white coral sand sea floors, occupied by hundreds of reef fish, and colourful coral walls and marine animals.

Depths at Lodestone range from 1 metre to 20 metres making it ideal for snorkellers, beginner as well as experienced divers. Big schools of trevally and bait fish are common as are a myriad of colourful reef fish including Parrot fish, Maori wrasse, Clown fish, Angel fish, Turtles, Stingrays, White tip and Black tip reef sharks. Full day trips to the reef include, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, as well as all your snorkelling equipment.

Reef Fishing

Fancy trawling for Spanish Mackrel or reeling in a large mouth Nannygai? Reef fishing off Townsville is popular for good reason. With close proximity to the reef, there are a wide variety of fish to be caught including Red Emperor, Coral Trout and plenty of cods. With everything from a 12 hour trip to a 5 day trip, your dream fishing expedition is only moments away.

Outback Tours

Escape the big smoke and head west.  Ravenswood was once a thriving gold mining town, however today it is a beautifully preserved, magical gold mining ghost town with some beautiful country pubs and a whole lot of history.  Explore the historic town on a day trip or stay overnight in a local haunted hotel! Whilst your out west why not swing by Charters Towers to get up close and personal with some Texas Longhorns!

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North Queensland Tours is owned and operated by Alecia and Josh Masters who are proud Townsville locals and share a passion for all things outdoors and adventure. Not only can they help you experience the best their region has to offer, they can book and manage any of the tours described above, plus many more, along with accommodation, transfers and ferry tickets. With tours to suit all budgets and interests, you can guarantee that you will be experiencing North Queensland the best way – the local way.