Australian Tourism

Australian Tourism: 5 day trip to Australia

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA!

Life in the tropics is not just about soaking up the sun and surf. Head for Townsville and you'll discover what a true tropical destination is all about. Situated within the 'dry tropics', the city basks in an almost unbroken spell of warmth and sunshine. Visitors can't help but notice the vibrancy, warmth and brightness of the city evident in the exciting array of entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, activities and attractions. The Townsville Strand beachfront promenade fronts the city centre, and is alive with fun and activity. Lined with fabulous restaurants, cafes and bars, the Strand has recreational facilities, barbecue and picnic areas, swimming enclosures and pools, a waterpark and playgrounds for children, beautiful gardens and sweeping views of Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island. After dark, partygoers head for Flinders St East, the hub of nightlife in the city. Here wine bars, nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes burst with energy and life. Within a stone's throw is Jupiters Townsville, a world-class casino and luxury hotel with fabulous restaurants and bars. The Entertainment and Convention Centre nearby also provides great entertainment options. Palmer Street is the restaurant strip, a trendy boulevard of restaurants, cafes and hotels all offering superb outdoor al fresco dining. No matter what time of year it is, Townsville promises an exciting line-up of annual sporting events, cultural festivals, arts performances and concerts. Now that's life in the tropics!

ACCOMIDATIONS!

Aquarius on the Beach

Aquarius on the Beach is the only beachfront, three and a half star, high rise hotel in Townsville, situated on the foreshores of Cleveland Bay, overlooking beautiful Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea. With total beach frontage, you will be treated to classic Queensland style and stunning views from every room. Centrally positioned on the new look Strand, a 29 million dollar redeveloped beach front and promenade, Aquarius on the Beach provides the perfect location for families to entertain the kids for free, romantic couples to stroll along the boardwalk at sunset, and for the business person to unwind after a hard day's work. Cafes, a half size basketball court, Strand Park, swimming enclosures, beach sports, a water fun park, rock pool and fitness circuit are located along the two kilometre stretch, arguably Australia's best. Stay on the Strand at Aquarius on the Beach.

Whitsunday Whiteness

The Whitsundays are one of the world's best year-round aquatic playgrounds. The calm and protected waters of the Whitsundays are nothing short of magical and offer some of the best sailing and diving waters in the world.

Take a sailing holiday and tour some of the Whitsundays' 74 islands. Only eight of these contain holiday resorts offering everything from wilderness to five star luxury. The rest are uninhabited.

What to do once you're out in these perfect, crystal blue waters? Try snorkelling, swimming, parasailing or scuba diving. Or maybe just laze around the deck with a book and a cool drink.

Make sure you cruise by Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. It features a seven kilometre stretch of pure white silica sand and is one of the most photographed beaches in the world.

Wildlife

Kangaroo Island is Australia's third largest island and a haven of unspoiled parks, reserves, beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs and isolated beaches.

Many local farmers have turned their hand to niche food and wine production, and cafes and restaurants are keen to promote local fare. The Kangaroo Island wine region has around a dozen wine producers and two cellar doors (others open by appointment), with main varieties including Chardonnay and Riesling. Choose your own lobster at Ferguson's in Kingscote. Taste honey from what is believed to be the last population of pure Ligurian bees in