Environment Make your way along the Great Green Way
| Make your way along the Great Green Way |
 |
 |
 |
| Blogs - Environment |
|
For a self-drive holiday experience with a difference, head north from the city of Townsville along the "Great Green Way" - the coastal stretch from Townsville to Cairns. This scenic area is filled with diverse natural environments including beaches, rainforests, islands, waterfalls and farming land, and the friendly country towns in between will ensure a unique visitor experience.
Travelling along the Great Green Way is the perfect opportunity to experience coastal North Queensland. Australia! Begin your journey in Townsville and Magnetic Island The city of Townsville has come of age as the new hot spot for holidaying in the tropics! An exciting range of new developments have given the city an added sparkle…the spectacular Strand beachfront, four revitalised inner-city precincts and exciting tourist and residential developments on Magnetic Island are just the beginning. This progressive, modern and vibrant city is bursting with holiday ideas and experiences. Whether you want to get away from it all - or get right into it - now is the time to see what everyone is talking about! Things to do:
Relax on tropical Magnetic Island Whether it's the café scene, arts and culture, entertainment or retail therapy you are looking for, the Townsville inner city offers something special, for everyone. The city has grown into a cosmopolitan hub of activity and ambience, from the magnificently restored heritage buildings to the trendy outdoor cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries that add colour to the streetscapes. The Townsville inner-city is divided into four distinct “precincts” each offering a distinct experience: Palmer Street - Located on the city's south bank, Palmer Street is lined with fabulous restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions and accommodation properties. Palmer Street offers views across Ross Marina and the central business district. Flinders Street East - Connecting Flinders Mall with The Strand beachfront, Flinders Street East is known as the nightlife precinct of the city. Offering an eclectic range of nightclubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, Flinders Street East is always a flurry of activity and atmosphere. Gregory Street - Branching from The Strand at the Gregory St Headland, Gregory Street has a cosmopolitan “village“ atmosphere offering great boutique shopping and outdoor café dining. The Strand & Breakwater - A 2.5km stretch of stunning inner city beachfront lined with restaurants, cafes, recreational facilities, parks, playgrounds, swimming enclosures, picnic and bbq areas. The Strand…beach life in the tropics! The Townsville Strand is undoubtedly one of the best inner-city beachfronts in Australia and a fantastic family holiday experience! Awarded “Queensland's Clean Beach of the Year 2003”, this stunning 2.5km promenade is bursting with colour, activity and atmosphere - complete with unbeatable views across Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island. The Strand beachfront literally frames the Townsville city centre - and is within easy walking distance of inner-city accommodation, attractions and facilities. This magnificent inner city beachfront is lined with accommodation properties, restaurants, bars, cafes, swimming enclosures, barbeque and picnic facilities, children's playgrounds, a children's water park, walking paths, parks, gardens, exercise and recreational facilities and more…. The Strand is ever-changing and always a hub of activity! Magnetic Island… an essential element of the North Queensland experience This world-heritage listed island is only 8km from the Townsville city centre. It takes 25 minutes by ferry or 45 minutes by car ferry to reach this island paradise. "Maggie", as locals affectionately know it, is a residential island with a true village atmosphere. Over two thirds of the island is national park and more than 2000 people call Magnetic Island their home. Maggie is also home to Australia's largest colony of koalas in the wild. Visitors now arrive on the island at the newly opened Nelly Bay ferry terminal, a safe harbour with an information desk, kiosk and access to public transport. The Magnetic Harbour development at Nelly Bay has revitalised the island, attracting a new generation of residential, recreational and tourist developments and facilities. Magnetic Island is the only island on the Queensland coast offering such a wide range of affordable accommodation from backpacker/budget through to self-contained units, apartments and resort style properties. Water activities abound as well as land-based recreational pursuits such as golf, tennis, bushwalking and, of course, lazing on the glorious beaches. Interpretive signage across the island now provides a guide for visitors looking to explore, learn and discover the diverse environments, wildlife, walking tracks, shipwrecks and heritage of the island. "Maggie" is a colourful and eclectic island where you can retreat and relax, or join in the island's village life. From Picnic Bay through to Horseshoe Bay, the experience is friendly and delightfully tropical….island life in the tropics! Did you know? Mini Mokes are the island's traditional mode of transportation
It is the only island in Queensland offering self contained accommodation
Explore the island on a Mini Moke
Koalas in the wild How to get there Magnetic Island is very well serviced by two ferry companies - Sunferries (25 minutes transfer) and the Magnetic Island Car & Passenger Ferry (45 minutes transfer). Daily timetables canbe accessed by visiting: http://www.magneticislandferry.com.au
Heading north from Townsville, your first port of call will be the Hinchinbrook Shire — incorporating the lively, rural townships of Ingham, Lucinda, Forrest Beach, Taylors Beach and beautiful Orpheus Island. Ingham, located one hour's drive north of Townsville, is a sugar-farming country town where over 60% of the population is of Italian descent. Here the annual Australian-Italian festival (each May) celebrates the unique culture of this friendly country town. The Hinchinbrook Shire is rich in natural attractions and diverse environments. From farming lands to glorious beaches… from tropical wetlands to national parks — this region is perfect for exploring and experiencing whether from the comfort of your car or the adventure of hiking, kayaking, canoeing and camping. Orpheus Island is located off the coastline of Ingham and is accessible by private boat or sea plane. Sea plane services depart Townsville daily (30 minute scenic air transfer and ferries depart from Lucinda. Orpheus Island is a stunning national park island, with an exclusive, luxury resort with limited guest numbers and an emphasis on privacy, exclusivity and relaxation. Campers are also welcome on the island and camping permits must be obtained through the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service http://www.epa.qld.gov.au Must Dos & Must Sees in the Hinchinbrook Shire:
Feast on exotic fruits and home made ice-creams at Frosty Mango Next stop… Cardwell, Hinchinbrook Island & Tully Further north along the Great Green Way lies the Cardwell Shire, in the heart of the wet tropics. The Cardwell Shire incorporates the seaside fishing township of Cardwell, perfect for a relaxing getaway - fishing, camping, trekking and exploring the stunning environmental backdrop of this beautiful wet tropics region. The jewel of the Cardwell Shire is undoubtedly the Hinchinbrook Channel and Hinchinbrook Island - the world's largest national park island and home of the internationally acclaimed “Thorsborne Trail”. The Hinchinbrook Channel is a sight to behold and is easily accessible from Cardwell and Lucinda, whether for a day trip, cruise or extended itinerary. The tiny township of Tully is famous for the Tully River — the mighty river rapids that are world renowned for white water rafting. This tropical haven is rich with rainforests, mountains, rivers, gorges, bird life and wildlife. The Tully Gorge and the Misty Mountain Trails are a must-see for trekking enthusiasts. Must Dos & Must Sees in the Cardwell Shire: View the spectacular Hinchinbrook Channel — fantastic photo opportunity on the Hinchinbrook Channel lookout.
Visit Port Hinchinbrook - enjoy a coffee or cold drink whilst looking out over the marina. Continue on your mission…Mission Beach and Dunk Island On the last leg of your trip from Townsville to Cairns lies Mission Beach - 14km of glorious beach that is framed by thick rainforest and sparkling ocean.Mission Beach is a village community with a variety of accommodation and restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes, shopping, art galleries, markets and leisure activities. While based at Mission Beach, visitors can enjoy day trips to Paronella Park and Dunk Island, and explore the rainforests, national parks and beaches of the area. Mission Beach is also the closest access point to the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland. Day trips to the reef offer diving, snorkelling, boomnetting and glass bottom boat viewing. Dunk Island lies just off the coastline of Mission Beach and is accessible for day trips or longer stays at the Dunk Island Resort. Dunk Island is accessible via water taxi, ferry or private boat. Must Dos & Must Sees:
Dunk Island
|
Add your comment
Like this article. Share it!
Hot Topics
SUSTAINABLE FASHION: A lesson in style
It’s Never Too Late To Follow the Right Path CHICAGO, IL – Although sustainable resou...
CELEB GOSSIP Madonna insists Children eat Macrobiotic Diet
As the dust settles from the Madonna and Guy Richie bust-up, the child custody battle ...
Shoe powered Ipods?
The latest in the ecotech craze offerings is a shoe that generates electricity upon moveme...
BOOK REVIEW - Bitter Sweet Chocolate
Have you ever wondered why chocolate bars are so cheap? It is called child slavery. As...
