This city of 150,000 people is a charming blend of old and new with modern facilities that include entertainment, pubs, clubs, restaurants and accommodation to suit all tastes.

Because it is located in the dry tropics, Townsville consistently records more than 300

Attractions here include Billabong Sanctuary, where you can hold a koala or wombat and watch crocodiles feeding, Reef HQ marine life aquarium and the Museum of Tropical Queensland to name a few. Townsville’s beachfront promenade, The Strand, is lined with

Travellers also enjoy visiting Magnetic Island, just 20 minutes from the city centre by fast catamaran ferry. Here, more than 2,000 koalas roam free in an idyllic tropical setting that offers superb views, palm-fringed beaches, a wide variety of accommodation and plenty to see and do, including horse riding along the beach, sailing, jet ski tours and diving experiences.

Experience the charm of Island, Outback, Reef and Rainforest “Life in the Tropics” by visiting Townsville!
Townsville Enterprise: 1800 801 902

Accommodation
Cardwell Backpackers Hostel 6 Brasenose St, Cardwell, Queensland, Australia • Phone: (07) 4066 8404 is an old shed converted to a small 28 bed hostel which has been running for many years. There are a lot of nature based activities in the area from scenic water falls and swimming holes to Island trips and joy flights, but not forgetting the fishing, diving and white water rafting. Finding work for travellers is a specialty.
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Base Backpackers - The locals call this place their best kept secret - they wish! Just a twenty - minute ferry trip from Townsville; Magnetic Island is a backpacker's paradise. Picture perfect beaches, opportunities to see many of Australia's native animals in the wild including Koala's, wallabies and lizards. Magnificent seafood and beach parties make Magnetic Island a perfect place to hang out and take a breather.
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Civic house 262 Walker Street, Townsville, QLD 4810 Email: civichouse@austarnet.com.auis the closest hostel to the city centre, only a 5 min walk (1min if you run) to the Flinders Street Mall, banks, supermarket, photo shop, travel agent etc. We offer budget travellers clean, homely accommodation, good beds and a friendly atmosphere.
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Globetrotters Hostel 45 Palmer Street South Townsville QLD 4810 Phone (07) 47713242 Email: globetrotters@austarnet.au
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Maggie's Beach House 1 Pacific Drive Horseshoe Bay Magnetic Island QLD 4819 Phone 1800 001544 Email: maggies@maggiesbeachhouse.com.au

Bungalow Bay YHA (Geoffs Place) 40 Horseshoe Bay Rd Magnetic Island QLD 4819 Phone (07) 47785577 Reception Hours: 8 am to 9 pm Phone: (07) 4778 5577 or 1800 285 577 Fax: (07) 4778 5781
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Malpass Hotel Bruce Highway at Home Hill North Queensland. One hour south of Townsville, Two hours north of the Whitsundays QLD 4819 As the Burdekin is one of the most productive farming areas in Australia there is an abundance of seasonal work available from fruit and vegetable picking, packing in sheds, general farm work, bar work etc. Transport to and from jobs is available. Phone: (07) 4782 1600 Email Address: info@malpasshotel.com.au
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The Reef Lodge 4 Wickham Street Townsville QLD 4810 Phone (07) 47211112

Transit Centre Backpackers South Townsville QLD 4810 Phone 1800 628836

Travellers Backpackers Resort Magnetic Island QLD 4819 Phone 1800 000290

Hideaway Budget Resort 32 Picnic Street Magnetic Island QLD 4819 Phone (07) 47785110

The Magnetic Island Tropical Resort Nelly Bay Magnetic Island QLD 4819 Phone (07) 47785955 Freecall: 1800 069 122 (Aust. Only).

Centaur House 27 Marine Parade Arcadia Magnetic Island QLD 4819 Phone (07) 4778 5668

Foresthaven 11 Cook road Arcadia Magnetic Island QLD 4819 Phone (07) 47785153

YHA Hinchinbrook Hostel 175 Bruce Hwy Cardwell QLD 4849 Closed

Hinchinbrook Hop 186 Victoria Street Cardwell QLD 4849 Phone (07) 40668671

South Bank Village Backpackers 35 Mcllwraith Street Townsville QLD 4810 Phone (07) 47715849