Townsville City & Reef Wonderland
Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Tour Code: tsv-001
Price:
$129.00 per person
Free
Your tour begins at the pier where you will board your coach and enjoy an orientation tour of the city en route to the Palmetum, where you will make a brief stop. This well-known local attraction contains an extensive collection of over 300 varieties of palms. Many of the palms here are considered rare and threatened in their natural habitats and the Palmetum has been designed to recreate their natural habitats, from dry tropics to wet tropical lowlands. Numerous bird species also visit the attraction's water features.
Following your visit at the Palmetum, you will next proceed to the Museum of Tropical North Queensland, an architecturally stunning museum. While here, you will have the opportunity to explore the many delights of tropical North Queensland, as presented through marine exhibits and pioneer lore. The fascinating story of the HMS Pandora, the ship that chased the Bounty mutineers, only to be wrecked on the Great Barrier Reef in 1791, is recounted here as well.
Before returning to the pier, your final stop will be at the Great Barrier Reef Headquarter, often referred to as Reef Wonderland. Actually built out into the harbor, the magnificent Reef Headquarter Aquarium contains the largest living coral reef in the world. At two stories high, with giant panoramic windows, the aquarium features a glass tunnel that allows for walking beneath the ocean surface amongst colorful tropical fish. Come face-to-face with the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef as you discover an underwater world of brilliant coral that is home to thousands of incredible reef creatures. A wave machine which simulates the ebb and flow of the ocean, maintains natural marine living conditions, with algae used in the purification system
Please note: Guests with mobility concerns are cautioned that they may experience uneven natural areas at the Palmetum and there are some slight inclines. It is recommended that guests wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sunglasses and sun screen. The order of sights visited may vary and the itinerary may be reversed. This tour does not operate with a separate guide, but rather with a driver/guide.