Townsville City

If gazing out to the Coral Sea, dazzling sunsets and a pleasant beach promenade sounds like your idea of the tropics, Townsville has plenty to recommend it.

You can jet into Townsville via the international-standard airport from all over Australia to sample the laid-back life 150,000 locals love.

First up get your bearings atop Castle Hill, the best vantage point for views of the City and idyllic Magnetic Island, floating just of the coast.

Enjoy succulent Queensland seafood, visit an art gallery, or catch some rays on the beach. Experience the buzz of Flinders Street East's bars, cafes and nightclubs.

Townsville's a quirky place too - you'll find Australia's largest collection of palm species, and Reef HQ, the world's largest coral reef aquarium. History buffs will love The Museum of Tropical Queensland with its interactive display of the 1791 HMS Pandora Shipwreck.