This lush metropolis among the tropical treasures of northern Queensland may be a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but it has unmissable attractions within reach. Take a short ferry ride to the coral-fringed beaches and walking trails of Magnetic Island. Wander among the cafes, galleries and boutiques of Townsville’s sprawling seaside esplanade. Visit the much-lauded Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, a marine wonderland. Take a scenic ride to Billabong Sanctuary for up-close encounters with cassowaries, kookaburras, dingoes and other Aussie wildlife. Trek to the top of Castle Hill – a giant, pink-granite monolith that is Townsville’s centerpiece – for the city’s finest panoramic views.