Holiday Nearby
Great Escapes (Townsville, NQ)
While Townsville is the commercial capital of North Queensland, it also sits smack bang in the middle of some of the north’s most amazing landscapes and world renound holiday destinations.
 Just like the locals, you too could spend your weekends cooling off at a world heritage listed waterfall, learning to sail in the Whitsundays or swimming with a friendly sea turtle at one of our magnificent reefs.Â
Don’t just dream about it, live it.
Port Douglas
Drive five hours north of Townsville to Port Douglas, and youâll find a unique melting pot.
This tropical town mixes laid-back lifestyle with exhilarating adventure; luxury experiences with an earthy, welcoming atmosphere; and itâs a stoneâs throw from where two World Heritage-listed areas collide.
Wildlife encounters, wellness treatments, lush landscapes, and opportunities for adventure are all at your fingertips â each with their own way of nourishing your soul.
Cairns
Drive four hours north and experience the unparalleled natural beauty of Cairns, where spectacular reefs, ancient rainforests, rich culture, and an alfresco dining scene blend into one.
The gateway to the rest of the Tropical North Queensland region, fly directly to Cairns Airport (domestically or internationally) to discover one of Queenslandâs most adventurous cities.
Palm CoveÂ
Drive North between Cairns and Port Douglas and youâll stumble across Palm Cove. Under five hours drive.
Whether your idea of rejuvenation is agenda-free seaside days, or immersion in the worldâs most ancient wilderness, Palm Cove offers bountiful opportunity to refresh the body, mind and spirit.
Just 25 minutes north of Cairns Airport, this peaceful tropical community is the ideal base to connect with both yourself and the spectacular surrounding nature. Soak in the pristine stretch of sand, winding paths shaded by melaleuca trees, colourful boutiques, and award-winning spas and restaurants; or venture out to explore the World Heritage-listed wonders at your fingertips. Luckily, itâs just as easy to do either.
The Whitsundays
Hamilton, Hayman & Daydream Islands
Less than four hours drive south and a short ferry from Airlie Beach you can stay at some of the best island resorts anywhere in the world.
Step into paradise with a trip to the Whitsunday Islands, a gathering of 74 sandy isles scattered across the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. You may already know a handful of the local residents, with Hamilton, Hayman and Daydream islands now globally recognised. Not to mention the award-winning Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, a seven-kilometre stretch of swirling sand the colour of snow.
Airlie Beach
Just over three hours south of Townsville is Airlie Beach. Itâs the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands but an experience in itself.
In the midst of the Whitsundays region, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the tourist-tempting islands, sits Airlie Beach. Long considered the gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, this coastal town is a popular stopover, but a place well worth lingering longer.Â
Itâs eternal summer up here, where holidaymakers gather year-round. This coastal town isnât exclusive, but in terms of accommodation thereâs something to cater to every budget, from budget hostels to resorts well-versed in luxury.
Atherton Tablelands
Less than four hours drive north and you can experience the Atherton Tablelands.
Celebrated for some of the best food experiences in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, in the Atherton Tablelands, an hour from Cairns, youâll find an abundance of flavours to try.
Visit the many farms to sample home-grown produce, starting with Australiaâs oldest coffee plantation, then graze your way through the farmersâ markets in Yungaburra or enjoy a tipple at a distillery. Learn about sustainable and organic farming practices and breathe in the fresh Tablelands air while enjoying a cheese platter for two. Plan your day trip with this guide on where to go.
Mission Beach
Two hours drive North of Townsville is Mission Beach.
Sprawling over 14 kilometres of golden coastline, the coastal village of Mission Beach is home to palm fringed stretches, laidback cafes and World Heritage sites the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest.
A two-hour road trip from Cairns, thereâs plenty of natural beauty to experience. A nature-loverâs playground with plenty of walking trails and pristine beaches, youâll be spoilt for choice for what to do.
Cape York
Itâs a bit of a drive but well worth it. This is the top of Queensland and the drive from Townsville will still take over 15 hours.Â
Welcome to the wilderness. On the mainlandâs border nudging the Torres Strait, youâll find Cape York Peninsula, the farthest northern tip of Queensland. Â
The definition of remote, this is the kind of destination where a decent sense of adventure is required. The largest unspoiled wilderness in the countryâs north, this place is mecca for the 4WD enthusiast. Some of Australiaâs best 4WD routes can be found here, winding through the bush cattle stations, historic gold towns and wetlands which populate the district. Be warned, they arenât for the faint of heart, with river crossings and vertical drops commonplace.
Cooktown
Seven hours north and youâll hit Cooktown.
Historic Cooktown became a thriving port during the gold rush era after it was discovered by Captain James Cook when the HMS Endeavour hit a reef in 1770. Stroll through the town and you will get a sense of its prosperous past from the handmade stone guttering lining the wide streets and the graceful, well-preserved architecture.
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