Learn from Australia’s first people.

The traditional owners and custodians of Australia are the first people to have lived in the Townsville region and there are many opportunities over the course of your time in Townsville to engage with and learn from their stories.

Learn about the world’s oldest living culture at Gudjuda Aboriginal Tours’ Bush Tukka and Rock Art Tours. The traditional owners’ elders will teach you about seasonal bush tucker and rock art across Gudjuda Country and the Townsville region. On this tour you’ll begin with a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony before being taught about how different parts of the bush were used for food, weapons, and medicine. Many of the traditional owners in our region still use many of these plants today.

Afterwards, head north to Mungalla Station. Here you’ll listen to and learn from the Indigenous stories of the Nywaigi Aboriginal People that have been cultivated over 45,000 years. You can learn to throw a boomerang and treat yourself to a Kup Murri feast, a traditional style underground cooking of meats and vegetables. The Mungalla Aboriginal Tours experience will also leave you with a greater understanding and appreciation of the brutal and often-devastating conflict that existed between Aboriginal people and European settlers and how the Cassady family, the family of the first European settler on Mungalla, played their part in protecting the Nywaigi Aboriginal people.

Immerse yourself in arts and culture

There is no doubt that the art and culture scene is thriving in Townsville, with a large number of museums and galleries found across our region. From the Queensland Museum Tropics, which contains an incredible more-than-a-million items in their collection, to the Townsville Museum and Historical Society, which showcases objects from the 1860s and beyond and the Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, which brings together diverse local and Australian artists in one location. If museums and galleries are your cup of tea, make room in your calendar for a few days of immersing yourself in Townsville’s art and culture offerings.

Discover more about The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is more than just a world-wide icon, it’s also a brilliant place to discover and learn about this incredible natural environment. And if you’re into both galleries and diving, have we got the immersive experience for you. The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is a spectacular art location where divers and snorkellers can explore Jason deCaires Taylor’s underwater installations. While ticking off a bucket list activity, you’ll learn and gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef. Depending on your preference, you can opt for one day exploring the Museum of Underwater Art or truly immerse yourself in the environment with multi-day dive experiences.

Learn more about Townsville’s sustainability practices.

Sustainability and environmental protection are immensely important in the Townsville region. While exploring our region, you can learn more about our sustainability practices from a number of our eco-certified operators (such as Big Mama Sailing, Aquascene Magnetic Island, Yongala Dive, Billabong Sanctuary and more) or immerse yourself in all things sustainable at our annual Rootbound Festival. To learn more about the Townsville North Queensland region’s sustainability practices and how you can visit while supporting and protecting our natural environment, see: How to embrace sustainability on your Townsville North Queensland holiday.

Learn about the golden history.

Immerse yourself in the Townsville region’s outback culture at Charters Towers. Pan for gold and learn about blacksmithing at Miner’s Cottage and visit Queensland’s longest surviving mill, the Venus Gold Battery where you’ll learn all about extracting gold on their guided tours. Afterwards, discover Australia’s ‘Texas in the Outback’ experience at the Texas Longhorn Tours. Here you can get up close and learn about the famous old west cattle, some of which are the descendants of the great trail herds from Texas!

Don't forget to visit 'Charters Towers Wall of History 1872-1922,' at Goldtower Central, Australia's largest mosaic by Trisha Lambi, showcasing the gold discovery and rush that built Charters Towers.

Take advantage of your holiday in Townsville North Queensland by fully immersing yourself and learning from our region. Come away with more than just beautiful photos, but a greater understanding of Townsville’s diverse culture, history, and sustainable practices of today.