A Great TNQ Destination

Article Written By: Jerry Duncan

Townsville, Queenslands third largest city, provides a large coastal position, park lands, attractions, a cafe and restaurant scene, as well as a lofty Castle Hill.

The Great Barrier Reef proximity has allowed Townsville to be recognized as a `center for research into marine life and home to the Reef's headquarters. The underwater observatory is both educational and visually breathtaking. Townsville is also home to a major armed forces base and James Cook University, giving Townsville an exciting night life, mostly along Flinders Street.

In 1864, sea captain Robert Towns commissioned James Black to establish a settlement on Cleveland Bay to service the new inland cattle industry. The many historic buildings found around Cleveland Bay are a reminder of this heritage. It is still a major port for the beef and mining industries. A shameful claim to fame is that the same Robert Towns began the practice of black birding kidnapping Kanakas (South Sea Islanders) from their homeland and bringing them to Australia for cheap labor as European were considered inherently unsuited to work in the tropics .

The Kanakas were primarily used in the Sugar Industry and were paid a pittance, housed in substandard accommodation and were given the most physically demanding jobs. The kidnapping was outlawed in 1868 and government ships were placed on all Kanakas ships to check that their emigration was voluntary but only in 1901 was the use of island labor completely stopped.

Magnetic Island is about 8km offshore, named by Captain Cook who erroneously believed that magnetic fields generated by the huge granite boulders he could see were causing problems with his compass. It has 2,500 inhabitants and is the only reef island with a significant permanent population. It has 12,000 acres of largely mountainous terrain includes lush and varied vegetation and almost half the island is designated as a national park. You can have a great day trip here or even stay overnight in private accommodation on offer and there are many walks around the island. Sandy bay is a great place for a swim or snorkel and you can see spectacular views from old WWII forts.

Bowling Green Bay National Park is a coastal park catering to it's self-sufficient visitors. Granite Mountains blend with a landscapes including saltpans and mangrove country. Alligator Creek has cascading waterfalls. It is possible to stay overnight on the campsite and go spotlighting for brush tail possums and sugar gliders.

About the Author

There are numerous palm cove hotels for you to choose when planning a holiday to TNQ. Find the palm cove accommodation that is most suited for your vacation requirements.

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