Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NORTH OF TOWNSVILLE
As you leave Townsville, you also leave the Dry Tropics. The scorched-brown landscape
slowly gives way to sugar-cane plantations lining the highway and tropical rainforest
shrouding the hillsides.
Waterfalls, national parks and small villages hide up in the hinterland, including Paluma
Range National Park (part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area); visitor centres in the area
have leaflets outlining walking trails, swimming holes and camping grounds.
The region north of Townsville was hardest hit by Cyclone Yasi in February 2011 (and
by Cyclone Larry in 2006), with damage to the coastline, islands, national parks and farm-
land. Much of the damage has been cleaned up, while some areas are still recovering.
WORTH A TRIP
ORPHEUS ISLAND
Forget about Orpheus in the Underworld: here, it's all about the underwater. Part of the Palm Islands group, Orph-
eus is surrounded by magnificent fringing reef that's home to a mind-blowing collection of fish (1100 species) and
a mammoth variety of both hard and soft corals. While the island is great for snorkellers and divers year 'round
(pack a stinger suit in summer), seasonal treats like manta-ray migration (August to November) and coral spawning
(mid-November) make the trip out here all the more worthwhile.
The island itself is mostly national park, and is formed out of ancient volcanic rock. There is scattered rainforest,
but Orpheus is mainly blanketed in dry woodland trees such as Moreton Bay ash and acacias. While the island
shelters a miscellany of birds and reptiles, it is also home to a surprising number of goats; the animals were re-
leased on Orpheus in the 19th century as part of a madcap scheme to provide food for potential shipwreck surviv-
ors. At one stage, the hardy ruminants numbered more than 4000; these days, QPWS keep the numbers down with
regular control programs.
Accommodation on Orpheus comes in two flavours: splurge or scrimp. The luxurious Orpheus Island Resort (
07-4777 7377; www.orpheus.com.au ; d $900-2800) offers minimalistic island-chic in the form of ultra-classy
suites and villas; gourmet meals, water-sports equipment and some tours are included in the price. Otherwise, pitch
your tent at any of the island's three bush camping sites at Yank's Jetty, Pioneer Bay or South Beach. The first two
have toilets and picnic tables; the last is totally without facilities. You'll need to be self-sufficient, so bring all water
and a fuel stove. Get permits from NPRSR ( www.nprsr.qld.gov.au ) .
The resort offers helicopter transfers (ex-Townsville/Cairns $275/550); otherwise, ask around the town of
Lucinda to arrange a boat ride over.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ingham & Around
POP 4767
 
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