North Queensland Wildlife Tracker

For the more adventurous, dive a little deeper and discover the wonders of the underwater oasis at one of the world’s top dive sites in the SS Yongala shipwreck – head out with Yongala Dive to experience a hive of marine activity.

Just an hour north of Ayr lies Queensland’s unofficial northern capital – Townsville. Home to both wildly natural environments and wildlife conservation parks, here you are literally guaranteed an encounter with our animal residents. If you want to go totally wild, then take a walk in the Town Common Conservation Park with recreational trails spanning mountaintops, sandy beaches and coastal wetlands. Seasonal flocks of brolgas frequent the “Town Common” during the wet season, with some remaining year-round. Magpie geese and agile wallabies are the typical inhabitants, and ones to watch out for.

Keep those textbooks closed, but learn all about the world’s most spectacular natural wonder – the Great Barrier Reef – without getting wet. The Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, and also the National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Open your eyes to an amazing world filled with thousands of charismatic marine creatures; with impressive exhibits, the aquarium offers an ever-changing, always fascinating experience, showcasing rare and extraordinary features of the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef HQ will be undergoing significant refurbishment and will be closed for periods throughout 2020-2021. Check online for opening times.

Clock-up a few more nautical miles with a short 20-minute ferry ride with SeaLink Queensland across to the locally nicknamed “Maggie”, where the adventure is up to you. With just over half of the island protected by the Magnetic Island National Park, wildlife thrives on the island with many native species easily spotted along the walking trails, and even right at the old ferry terminal entrance. For the land-dwelling critters, stroll over to Geoffrey Bay (especially early morning, or late afternoon) to spot the ever so friendly rock wallaby. These little cuties are happy to pose for a selfie – but be warned, they will probably steal the limelight!

Wake before the sun and take the gentle stroll along the Forts Walk – it’s the best place to spot a furry companion, and also a pretty sweet sunrise vantage point – can’t beat a 360-degree view. Want a local’s point of view – take the Fort Walk tour with Magnetic Island Best Bus Tours. If you feel like going off the beaten track, then cruise along to West Point, where the terrain is a little more rugged and undisturbed. The odd echidna and bush curlew can be spotted here – not to mention this location puts on a stunning show at sunset

Looking to make a splash, then spend the day (or ideally days) exploring the 23 beaches and bays dotted around the island. Situated in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Area, marine life thrives in the fringing reefs that can be accessed right off the beach. Even better, take a discovery tour with Aquascene Charters to access some of the most remote and exclusive beaches on the island where your chances of even swimming alongside the ancient mariner of the seas – the marine turtle – are very likely. Or you can take in the marvels of the world’s greatest natural wonder – the Great Barrier Reef – at your own pace with one (or both) of the self-guided snorkelling trails at Geoffrey Bay and Nelly Bay.

Further north of Townsville you will find the idyllic Hinchinbrook region, nestled in the ancient rainforests of the UNESCO world heritage-listed Wet Tropics. Home to many species, the hikes and trails in this area are a nature lover’s dream. Be sure to stop by the southern hemisphere’s largest single-drop waterfall for a truly jaw-dropping experience, and one you will remember for years to come.