tuchuzy

Hi,
Going to Townsville for a week from July 20th. I have noticed the weather to be around 27 degrees and have been told the water is about 13 degrees. Can you still go swimming without freezing? Would it be enough to bring only shorts and singlets?
Apart from visiting Magnetic Island what else is there to do?
Thanks for any help.

ALF

Are you going out to the Barrier Reef during your time in Australia? If not, you could take a fast cat (we used Reef Q) out from Townsville to the GBR (probably Kelso Reef) for some great snorkeling or diving. If you are an experienced diver, there is also the S.S. Yongala Shipwreck dive, which is very interesting.

There is the very nice Wonderland Aquarium on the waterfront, which is definitely worth visiting.

There are eco-tours, up into the tropical rainforest, in the Paluma Range.

The air temperature will be warm enough, but the water temperature will definitely be on the cooler side.

KayF

We were up that way in June and found we needed long sleeves at night. During the day shorts and singlet was fine. The water was cold but bearable. You can go whitewater rafting at Tully which is very popular though most people go from Cairns. There are a couple of companies that run trips, Raging Thunder is one, can't remember the other, you catch the bus to Tully, whitewater raft with a stop for a BBQ lunch on the riverbank then bus back. It pretty much takes all day but is good fun. You don't need any previous experience. Suggest you wear shorts over bathers and also wear old runners/sandals (not thongs). You can change back into dry clothes once back at the bus. The companies take photos and a video you can purchase if you want to.
Kay

tropo

tuchuzy, you will find a lot to do in & around Townsville, like, Magnetic Island, the outer Barrier Reef, Hinchinbrook Channel & Island, Mission Beach & Dunk Island, Jourama Falls at Ingham, wining & dining along the Strand foreshores in Townsville, trips inland to Ravenswod, historic gold mines. For great seafood on the Esplanade, try "Tims on the Strand".
Don't just think of Townsville city, think also of whats in the near vicinity to visit also, and there is a wealth of places to go.

tuchuzy

Thanks for the replys. Unfortunately trip has been cancelled due to husbands training starting 5 weeks earlier than expected.
Good thing is I have $300 in credit to use within a year for a short getaway.
Thanks again.