About
A handy guide to holidaying in North Queensland
GENERAL INFORMATION
Banks and Currency. All major banks are open from 9 am - 4 pm Monday - Thursday and 9 am - 5 pm Fridays. ATMs are located throug the city centre, shopping centres, hotel and facilities. Currency exchange is available at most banks and larger hotel establishments.
Access. Townsville is very well serviced by air, rail, road and cruise operations. Click here for more information
Great Barrier Reef, Fishing & Diving. One of the seven wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef is a must - do holiday experience in North Queensland. Gloriousareas of the Great Barrier Reef are accessible via day trips and extended cruises from Townsville, Magnetic Island, Cardwell and Mission Beach. Diving expeditions are also available from Townsville. For more information please visit The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Supermarkets only are open to 9 pm Monday - Friday. Specialty stores usually close at 5 pm and 9 pm on Thursday.
Medical. The Townsville Hospital (Douglas) offers 24 hour emergency care, a number of medical centres operate throughout the city. There are also 2 well equipped private hospitals; The Mater Misericordiae and The Wesley Park Heaven.
Eco Tourism / Wet Tropics / Birdwatching. North Queensland is a paradise fro eco tourism. From incredible bird life (Townsville Town Common, Cromarty Wetlands, Paluma rainforest) through to the pristine wilderness of the wet tropics and amazing flora and fauna the region is diverse and rich in environmental delights. Click for further details
Climate
Temperatures in North Queensland are generally moderate with summer ranging from 22-32 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures 14-26 degrees. Light, casual clothing is recomended in summer, while the winter season many require slightly warmer clothing. The wet season is typically January - March.
Safety
North Queensland is a very safe holiday destination, however sensible care and safety should be exercised at all times.
Sun safety: Living in a sunny climate means you have to protect your skin from the sun's ultra violet (UV) rays. Protect your skin by wearing a hat while outdoors and using an appropiate sunscreen lotion. It is generally recommended to avoid prolonged periods in the sun between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun's UV rays are the strongest.
Stinger Awareness
The Townsville Strand offers two stinger enclosure areas for safe swimming during the stinger season. Magnetic Islands has 3 stinger nets, Balgal Beach in Thuringowa's Northern Beaches district also has a stinger net, as does Forrest Beach near Ingham and Alva Beach in the Burdekin. For information on the stinger season click here, or grab a copy of the Stinger Awareness Brochure from a local visitor information centre or Local Surf Life Saving Club. Always check with the local lifeguards about stinger nets locations / season and the hours of patrol along these beaches.
