50 THINGS TO DO IN 50KM RADIUS

WITH COVID-19 restrictions easing from midnight Friday, North Queenslanders will be allowed to venture up to 50km from home for recreational activities. For the first time in more than six weeks, we’ve been given the green light to leave home for non-essential travel, provided social distancing remains in place and you stay within 50km from home. To help you plan your first official weekend of freedom, we’ve compiled a list of 50 things you can do this weekend, all within 50km of the Townsville CBD. Ensure you check the exact distance from your home address before venturing out.

1. Magnetic Island day trip

8km offshore/20 minute ferry ride from Townsville Palm-fringed beaches, endless sunshine, koalas in the wild, hiking trails and some amazing cafes and restaurants doing takeaway will provide Townsville residents a break from lockdown.

2. Swim at Alligator Creek Travel from city: 25 minutes/28.8km

With national parks opening once more this weekend, that means you’ll be able to enjoy the falls and serene water of Bowling Green Bay, Alligator Creek.

3. Visit Bushland Beach Travel from city: 25 minutes/22.6km

Ideal for fishing, swimming, walking and water activities, Bushland Beach could be the idea spot to try out all the things we can do this weekend. While the playgrounds and barbecue facilities are not open, there is still plenty of space to enjoy the sun, water and sand.

4. Fish and chips on The Strand Travel from city: 4 minutes/1.8km

Grab some freshly made fish and chips from the many options along The Strand and North Ward and enjoy them on the grass or beach with the family.

5. Take a drive to Pallarenda Travel from city: 12 minutes / 9.3km

The winding roads to Pallarenda is a short, scenic one with great views, and the beach at the end of it is well worth the short trip. There’s a boat ramp there, a stinger enclosure and dog off-leash area along with plenty of space to run and play on the beach.

6. Jezzine Barracks boardwalk Travel from city: 7 minutes/3.2km

In a beautiful seafront setting on Kissing Point headland, at the northern end of the Strand, Jezzine Barracks provides an overview of the region’s military history and Aboriginal heritage.

7. Paddleboard or kayak on the Ross River Travel from city: 21 minutes/20.3km to Loam Island

The Ross River hosts a wide range of sporting and leisure activities. Riverwalk, a 3m wide pathway which overlooks the beautiful Ross River, runs along the river and provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy its beauty.

8. Feed some turtles Travel from city: 13 minutes/9.1km

The walking tracks through Annandale are home to an abundance of wildlife, with bridges crossing little creeks and waterholes where hundreds of turtles live. Take some food with you on your walk and let the kids feed them.

9. Go for a walk on the dam wall Travel from city: 31 minutes/27.6km

The Ross River Dam has an abundance of water at the moment and it’s a sight to behold. And right on sunset, it provides the perfect backdrop for an afternoon stroll along the dam wall where you might spot a wallaby.

10. Catch a barra Travel from city: 12 minutes/6.9km

Snag a barramundi at Aplins Weir. Aplins Weir is stocked by the Townsville Barramundi Stocking Society and plenty of big fish have been caught there.

11. Enjoy ice cream on The Strand Travel from city: 3 minutes/1.3km

While it’s meant to be a cold snap this weekend, it’s never too cold for ice cream — and Juliette’s on The Strand is some of the tastiest you’ll find.

12. Watch sunset from the top of Castle Hill Travel from city: 4.4km/however long it takes you to walk to the top

Get out and about and walk to the top of Castle Hill — if you do it late afternoon, you’ll catch one of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever see.

13. Stroll our botanic gardens Travel from city: 4 minutes/1.6km

At the foot of Castle Hill, heritage-listed Queens Gardens is Townsville’s oldest botanical garden (made in 1870). Its focus is on ornamental plants, with eye-catching flowers, foliage and fruit. Paved walking paths wind through lush palms, frangipani trees, fig trees, cactus, wild ginger, and roses. Children will love the playground and aviary.

14. Have a picnic in Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens Travel from city: 17 minutes/12km

Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens is a beautiful picnic spot, with ponds, perfume gardens, native and exotic plantings, as well as stunning water features.

15. Visit the Palmetum Travel from city: 15 minutes/9.6km

Near the Ross River, Townsville Palmetum displays around 300 species of palms and is one of the largest public collections in the world.

16. Take a city graffiti art tour Travel from city: 0km

Take a stroll around the streets of Townsville’s CBD to find hidden street murals on the side of buildings throughout the city centre. 17. Walk or fish off The Strand pier

Travel from city: 3 minutes / 1.3km

Remember to keep up the social distancing, but The Strand pier is the perfect spot to catch some fish or take in some fresh ocean breezes.

18. Take a drive to Mount Stuart lookout Travel from city: 27 minutes/23.3km

While you can’t drive up Castle Hill anymore, you’re still allowed to go for a cruise up our other mountain that has amazing sunset views.

19. Visit the West End Cemetery Travel from city: 6 minutes/2.5km

Surveyed in 1865, West End Cemetery was Townsville’s first official cemetery. It wasn’t officially gazetted as a cemetery reserve until 1872 but the burial ground was in use from at least March 1868. The earliest burial records for the cemetery date from 1873. Legend has it the cemetery is haunted.

20. Visit Townsville Port Travel from city: 7 minutes/3.5km

Watch the big ships arrive and depart from Townsville Port, not far from the city. The Port of Townsville operates 8 berths and is the largest container and automotive port in Northern Australia.

21. Tuck into some fresh North Queensland seafood Travel from city: 6 minutes/3.2km

While coronavirus has put a stop to a few businesses, places like Ingham Road Seafood have adapted to the new social distancing restrictions. They’ve set up a new drive-through service, where you can pull in and order fresh fish, prawns, crabs and more from the trawlers.

22. Explore Mount Elliot Travel from city: 24 minutes/30.7km

Rugged mountains rise abruptly from the wetlands, saltpans and mangroves of the coastal plain south of Townsville, in the Mount Elliot section of Bowling Green Bay National Park. Mount Elliot reaches 1210m, jutting out of the surrounding coastal plain.

23. Experience City Lane and Palmer St fine dining Travel from city: 0km

Just because the restaurant dine-in option is off the agenda, doesn’t mean you can’t sample some of the city’s finest food and support local businesses at the same time. Gems like Bridgewater, JAM and A Touch of Salt all offer takeaway options. Check them on Facebook.

24. Get a drive through coffee and treat Travel from city: 11 minutes/6.1km

Support one of the many local businesses remaining open through COVID-19 lockdown, Ottos Market, which has opened the deli for drive through customers. The doughnuts and pastries are to die for, as is the deli meats and cheese platters, pastas, fresh baked bread and pantry items available for sale.

25. Catch a mudcrab or three Travel from city: Depends on where you go

The Ross River and creek systems provide the perfect place to drop some crab pots and pick up a few nice muddies. The Bohle River is also a favourite with crabbers and anglers.

26. Swim in Bluewater Creek Travel from city: 35 minutes/37.9km

This freshwater hole is an idyllic spot with amazingly blue water surrounded by reeds and water grasses.

27. Sample a local brew Travel from city: 0km

The Brewery, in Flinders St, is offering takeaway pub grub as well as their local brews. Cartons and six-packs are available of Legends Lager, Tropical Coast Pale Ale and Townsville Bitter Premium. Check them out on Facebook.

28. Go for a motorbike ride Travel from city: Up to 50km

Now the Premier has given the tick for recreational motorbike rides, explore some of our winding roads around the city on two wheels.

29. Visit the Museum of Underwater Art Travel from city: 3 minutes/1.3km

Visit The Strand after dark and see the Statue of Liberty-esque illuminated statue in the water near the Strand pier. The colour of the Ocean Siren changes to reflect the ocean temperature.

30. Pick up some fruit/vegies from roadside stalls Travel from city: Up to 50km

While out and about on your weekend travels, keep your eyes peeled for roadside stalls of locally grown mangoes, lemons, limes, apples and other fruit and vegies. You might even stumble across some fresh farm eggs.

31. Play golf at Rowes Bay Travel from city: 9 minutes/6.7km

Rowes Bay Golf Club is nestled beside the sea and the city’s conservation parklands. A picturesque course that flows with natural waterways, an array of flora and fauna and Castle Hill as the backdrop.

32. Visit Cape Cleveland Travel from city: 29 minutes/36.5km

Home to the famous Cape Cleveland Lighthouse (where you can camp when restrictions are lifted), the area is popular for fishing and beaches.

33. Do a 10,000 step challenge

Travel from city: Varies Townsville has a number of 10,000 Steps signed walkways or circuits that will help you achieve your 10,000 steps a day while in lockdown. You can find signposted 10,000 circuits at: • Ross River Parkway Aplins Circuit – 5300m/6625 Steps • Rowes Bay to Pallarenda – 4000m/5000 Steps (one way) • Wetlands Circuit – 5860m/7325 Steps • Anderson Botanic Garden Circuit – 1554m/1942 Steps • Riverway Circuit – 3700m/4625 Steps Castle Hill tracks: • Castle Hill Road Start to top Car Park – Total Distance 2600m / 3250 steps • Ironbark Track to top Car Park – Total Distance 1744m / 2180 steps • Cudtheringa Track to top Car Park – Total Distance 1136M / 1420 steps • Goat Track to top Car Park – Total Distance 1052m / 1315 step • Dianella Track to top Car Park – Total Distance 1021m / 1276 steps

34. Stop in at Giru Travel from city: About 50km (check your address before going)

Giru is a small rural community just south of Townsville on the Haughton River. It’s mainly sugarcane farms, which provides a beautiful backdrop.

35. Visit Pink Lilly Lagoon and Horseshoe Lagoon Travel from city: About 50km (check your address before going)

Known for its abundance of wildlife, the lagoons south of Townsville provide picture-perfect opportunities and a moment to stop and catch your breath.

36. Visit Cungulla Beach Travel from city: 38 minutes/46.9km

Take a picnic and your fishing rods and discover a beautiful beach community just south of the city, Cungulla.

37. Walk along Toomulla Beach Travel from city: Under 50km (but check your address before going)

This secluded beach is a great spot for fishing and family outings. With views across the ocean, Toomulla Beach is a perfect beachside retreat. Launch for a day of fishing from the boat ramp or go beach fishing.

38. Visit Rollingstone Travel from city: Under 50km (but check your address before going)

Visit the beach, the little creeks and township of Rollingstone, just a short drive from the city.

39. Go for a drive through Hervey Range Travel from city: Maximum 50km

Why not check out the views from atop Hervey Range? The Heritage Tea Rooms are currently closed, but keep an eye on their Facebook page for news about their reopening.

40. Visit the SS City of Adelaide Travel from city: 8km/20 minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island

The City of Adelaide ran aground at Cockle Bay in 1916 while being transported. It is 300m offshore and can be accessible at low tide.

41. Visit the war memorial Travel from city: 3 minutes/1.8km

The Strand Park was renamed Anzac Park in 1934: a metal arch bearing the new name was erected above the entrance gates in time for the April 25 Anzac commemorations. The Strand foreshore fronting the Breakwater Marina contains many other memorials including 27 small plinths holding bronze plaques forming an outer perimeter to the WWI memorial.

42. Stroll the Town Common Travel from city: 13 minutes/7.3km

Explore secluded beaches framed by rocky headlands, coastal woodlands bordering seasonal wetlands, and deepwater lagoons. Summer rains transform the park into an immense wetland, attracting large flocks of waterbirds.

43. Go to Bunnings and Kmart Travel from city: Less than 20km

Use your lockdown time to give your home a spruce, and now that non-essential shopping is back on the cards, you can waste as much time as you want picking up new house plants and living room decor. Why not visit Castletown, Stockland or Willows for some new shoes and clothes, too?

44. Visit Saunders Beach Travel from city: 32 minutes/32.8km

This beach is largely untouched and visitors frequently have the beach to themselves. With more than 6km of beach to discover, take a long refreshing walk, drop a line in to fish, and claim a piece of paradise to yourself. Have takeaway under a magnificent fig tree.

45. Morning breakfast picnic Travel from city: 3 minutes/1.8km

Grab a takeaway coffee and breakfast at one of the many Strand cafes and sit on the beach. Luckily for those who live in the northern fringes of the Townsville region, the 50km radius opens up a few more options north. They include:

46. Swim/picnic at Crystal Creek Travel from Northern Beaches: 35 minutes/less than 50km

The crystal clear waters and pristine waterfalls of this freshwater creek are ideal for a refreshing swim. The mountain water cascades under a picturesque heritage-listed stone arch bridge built in the 1930s depression.

47. Enjoy treats at Frosty Mango Travel from Northern Beaches: Just under 50km (check your address before going)

There’s nothing better than the taste of fresh mango — except maybe frozen mango. And the Frosty Mango cafe/restaurant is definitely a must-visit if you live within 50km.

48. Go for a bushwalk at Paluma National Park Travel from Northern Beaches: Just under 50km (check your address before going)

Explore the rainforest and beauty of Paluma National Park, with plenty of picnic areas and features to explore just 50km from Townsville.

49. Visit Balgal Beach Travel from Northern Beaches: 34 minutes/42km from Deeragun (check your address before going)

Offering a superb sandy beach, Balgal is ideal for a relaxing day by the ocean or a fun way to spend time with the whole family. The area is also a renowned river fishing location.

50. Play a round or two at Mystic Sands Golf Resort Travel from Northern Beaches: 36 minutes/43.2km from Deeragun (check your address before going)

As well as the picturesque golf course being open for a round, the golf resort is also doing takeaway pizzas and roast chook nights on Thursdays.