GBRMPA Underwater Observatory at Townsville
 

Nowhere else in the world will you find the fascinating diversity of North Queensland.

In just hours you can move from lush rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef, or from a luxurious resort on a tropical island to a cattle ranch in the golden outback.

Townsville, Australia's largest tropical city, is the focal point to this region which is bounded by Mission Beach to the north, Charters Towers to the west, Bowen in the south and Magnetic Island to the west.

Townsville's many attractions include the world's largest living coral reef aquarium, a wildlife sanctuary, casino, beaches, museums, theatres, galleries, sporting venues, boat clubs, department store shopping and restaurants.

Heading west the rugged outback unfolds with the historic gold rush mining towns of Charters Towers and Ravenswood - time capsules of turn-of-the-century architecture. National Parks and World Heritage listed areas lie to the north of Townsville, with the seaside towns of Ingham, Cardwell and Mission Beach boasting rainforests, waterfalls, spectacular beaches and the sheltered waterways of the Hinchinbrook Channel.

Travelling south through the agricultural basin are the twin towns of Ayr and Home Hill. Bowen completes the southern boundary of this region which also features superb reefs, beaches and excellent fishing spots.