When someone
says Townsville,
do you think Great
Barrier Reef?
No?
Don't worry, you're not alone.
Townsville North Queensland has been keeping a few cards close to its chest,
known only by the savvy locals who have been savouring the lack of crowds, 320
days of sunshine, and pristine conditions found in the central Great Barrier Reef.
It starts with a whole bunch of islands you've never heard of, then moves on to
day and overnight trips to reach these untouched destinations. Then they smack
you unawares with some hard hitting research nous – Townsville being the
headquarters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and home to James
Cook University (aka marine biology's heartland) and the Australian Institute of
Marine Science.
From Townsville's shores, you can reach some of the Great Barrier Reef's most
spectacular diving and snorkelling sites within two hours, including arguably
Australia's most famous – and one of the world's top 10 dive sites – the SS Yongala.
Over 10,000 divers take the plunge here every year to oggle weird and wonderful
marine animals (check them out on page 22) that call this wonderfully intact,
110-metre long historic shipwreck home.
Epic dives and pristine snorkelling spots aside, there's no better destination to
get schooled on the World Heritage-listed wonderland that is the Great Barrier
Reef, still feel like an explorer while you enjoy a patch of the 2300-kilometre coral
conglomerate all to yourself, and just kick back and relax on a deserted beach.
Are you in?
From the team at Tourism and Events Queensland
PS. We'd love to know what you think of this ebook! Head to blog.queensland.com
for more Townsville North Queensland and Great Barrier Reef stories and add your
comments, or drop us a line at qldblog@queensland.com.
Cover image credit:
Snorkelling at Lodestone Reef by Khy Orchard (@khyorchard) for @gypsea_lust
Photography
@gypsea_lust
and
Krista
Eppelstun
2 SECRET GREAT BARRIER REEF
