Nothing says 'Aussie' more than a mid-week public holiday, and while it lands on a Wednesday this year there are still plenty of ways to do Australia Day in Townsville North Queensland. 

Everyone has their own unique way of reflecting, respecting and celebrating this national holiday, and we think this is quintessentially what makes Australia great. Here's our most 'Aussie' ways to spend Australia Day in Townsville North Queensland.

The Story of Australia

This is the Story of Australia - the story of an extraordinary nation.

The Story begins 60,000 years ago. New chapters are written every day.

On Australia Day, we reflect on our history, its highs and its lows.

We respect the stories of others.

And we celebrate our nation, its achievements and most of all, its people.

We're all part of the story. 

From the National Australia Day Council

1. grab a cup of coffee

Australians are undoubtedly connoisseurs of coffee. Begin the day with a drink that gets you energised and reminds you to take a moment of appreciation for our barista nation. Plenty of cafes with a view, and country charm to choose from - some of our favourites include; Cbar on the Strand or the Quarterdeck (Townsville) [pictured],  Cafe Nourish or Bungalow Bay Koala Village (Magnetic Island), Dal Santo's or Claredale Pastures (Burdekin), JK's Deli (Hinchinbrook), or Stock Exchange (Charters Towers).

2.  BBQ

The BBQ: a cliched tradition, but a tradition all the same. Get a plate stacked with real Australian grub. Majority of Aussies will be enjoying a snag on bread with tomato sauce to ring in the holiday. Why not take the BBQ to a picturesque location overlooking nature - many of the Council-owned parklands, and open spaces have free BBQ facilities. We love The Strand (Townsville) for a postcard coastal BBQ view!

Looking for the easy way out, and have someone else do the cooking? Then Longboards Bar & Grill [pictured] on the Strand have you covered!

3. play beach games

Whether you fancy yourself as an ace beach volleyballer, or keen to don your own baggy green, there's nothing like stretching your legs for some friendly competition out in the sunshine! With beaches aplenty (over 23 bays and beaches on Magnetic Island alone), you'll find us with sandy toes and zinc-striped faces (in green and gold of course) this Australia Day. 

Need a little help finding your perfect beach oasis, let us help you choose your perfect coastal view >> READ MORE.

4. hang with native wildlife

Home to some of the world's most unique flora and fauna, Australia Day is the perfect chance to reconnect with some of our favourite furry, feathered, and scaly friends. A trip to Australia's top native wildlife park - Billabong Sanctuary, will have you up close and personal with the likes of koalas, wombats, dingoes and even mainland Queensland's biggest estuarine crocodile - Krakatoa! 

For a more intimate experience, book a special Breakfast with the Koalas at Bungalow Bay Wildlife Experience (Magnetic Island) and let the Rangers treat you some 'eggs with a healthy serve of education'.

5.  cool down this summer

It wouldn't be Australia Day without a sizzling summer temperature, but never fear - we have some epic swimming locations to cool off, and immerse in nature while you're at it. This time of year is the best to explore some of our top swimming spots, including natural infinity pools, stinger-net beaches and waterfalls of every magnitude (including Australia's tallest - Wallaman Falls). A local favourite would have to be Crystal Creek - and lucky for you, it comes in two sizes! Little and Big Crystal Creek, nestled in the forests of the Paluma Range National Park, offer crystal clear rock pools, and a historic stone arc bridge (c. 1930).

Let's save you a google - here are the best swimming locations! READ MORE.

6. learn from the world's oldest living culture

Our First Nation's people of Townsville North Queensland have  a wealth of stories to share about their special connection to the land and sea that will leave you with a renewed sense of love and appreciation for the nation we all call home. Explore at your own pace with interpretive signage in places like Jezzine Barracks or Garabarra with connections to the Traditional Owners - the Wulgurukaba and the Bindal peoples. For thousands of years Garabarra was the centre of a common food foraging area for local Aboriginal people - an area with immeasurable cultural and spiritual values. 

A more holistic cultural experience can be found at Mungalla Station - home of the Nywaigi Traditional Owners. Mungalla offer tours where you can explore the history and culture of Mungalla Station homestead and get introduced to Nywaigi Aboriginal culture. Examine artefacts and even try your hand at throwing a boomerang! 

7. MAKE AN AUSSIE ROAD TRIP PLAYLIST

Do you come from a land down under? Great, then today's the day to be a true Aussie and listen to songs from our homeland. Add a bit of AC/DC here, some Daryl Braithwaite there, a splash of Midnight Oil, and the artists of "Down Under" - Men at Work. You've got yourself a road trip any Aussie would be happy to embark on!

If you planned ahead a took a few days annual leave, then hit play and hit the road with one of these great regional road trips! READ MORE.

8. dive into an aussie icon

It's nature’s greatest gift to the world and it’s right on our doorstep! The Great Barrier Reef is a majestic underwater playground, a mosaic of colour and life, and a living treasure - couldn't get more Aussie than this!

Whether you are a diver, snorkeler, or prefer to stay dry - there is an experience to suit every undersea-seeker! 

Divers

• You can't go past the Coral Greenhouse at John Brewer Reef, part of the Museum of Underwater Art. Tours depart regularly with Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive, Pro Dive Magnetic Island and Yongala Dive. BOOK TODAY!
• If you're up for something a little more advanced - check out a world-class dive site in the SS Yongala. Easily accessed from Ayr (but departure points also include Magnetic Island and Townsville).

Snorkelers

• Regular reef trips depart from Townsville and Magnetic Island taking you to the pristine central section of the Great Barrier Reef. Suitable for snorkelers, even from the surface, you can interact with our Nemo and Dory friends!
• Looking for something closer to shore, take a trip with a Magnetic Island operators (including Aquascene Charters) - part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - to explore the fringing coral reefs. 

Staying dry

• Get a whole new perspective on the vastness and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with a helicopter flight. Townsville Helicopters will take you on a journey like no other, with endless horizons and scattered reefs below.
• You can do the Great Barrier Reef at any pace you like, but we love the idea of sailing into the sunset with a glass of bubbles in hand! Soak up the colourful hues of the spectacular skyline and enjoy a platter of cheeses and take in the endless horizons. Heading out on a sailing trip is a breeze with either Pilgrim Sailing or Big Mama Sailing. It’s the perfect way to end your perfect holiday!
• Learn about the reef with the Colour of the Reef exhibit at the Queensland Museum Tropics.

READ MORE to tick the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list!

9. enjoy a cold brew

It's no secret that the ultimate picture of a Australia Day in Townsville North Queensland is one spent in paradise with a cool drink in hand. And with outstanding restaurants and bars making up the region's vibrant dining scene, we've got you covered with our top picks for places to spend this auspicious occasion. Go straight to the source with two local breweries - The Brewery and Tiny Mountain, or enjoy a tropical cocktail with ocean/pool views!

No matter your location in our beautiful region, there's a place to "cheers" our national holiday - CHECK OUT OUR BAR/DINING SCENE.

10. take in an epic aussie sunset

As they say, the best views often come from the toughest climbs - but lucky for us, some of the best views in Townsville North Queensland are easily accessible and offer up some stunning sights - especially at sunset! 

Townsville's unrivalled sunset location would have to be Castle Hill - the city's towering pink granite monolith is hard to miss, and doesn't disappoint with 360 views of the city. To the west, enjoy an Outback sunset (there's really nothing like it) atop Towers Hill (Charters Towers) and even meet some of their friendly allied rock wallabies who call this place home. 

Along the coast you're spoilt for choice - with stunning green-acre views from Mount Inkerman (Burdekin), and the Hinchinbrook Lookout featuring breath-taking views across the Hinchinbrook Channel to Hinchinbrook Island, right off the highway!

Want more views to have you feeling on top of the world - CHECK THESE OUT! Round out your Australia Day with one of these adventures to enjoy a sundowner, and take peace knowing you really are in the lucky country - with views, places and the local characters who call this place home - who can argue with that!