Southern Visitor Information Centres

The southern parts of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area include the rugged Paluma and Seaview Ranges which loom above the farming communities on the coastal plain.

This is the dry end of the tropics. The forests here are quite different to those in the north. The trees often have smaller leaves and hoop pines grow here rather than the kauri pines of the northern forests.

The World Heritage Area also includes magnificent stands of tall eucalypt forest and dry tropical open woodlands.

Townsville Visitor Centres

While in Townsville, don't miss the extensive visitor centre featuring our neighbouring World Heritage Area, the Great Barrier Reef. Reef HQ on Flinders Street in the centre of town is the world's largest living coral aquarium and has more than 50 tanks filled with marine life.

Volunteers and marine biologists lead discovery tours, underwater dive shows and educational programs.

Aquarium phone: 07 4750 0800.

Townsville Enterprise offers a small Wet Tropics display and a tourist information centre staffed by volunteers on the city's southern approach. Phone (07) 4778 3555.

Museum of Tropical Queensland

The Museum of Tropical Queensland is one of Townsville’s leading tourist attractions and educational centres. It is located on Flinders St next to Reef HQ. Spend 2-3 hours to enjoy and explore the Museum’s six public galleries.

Open 7 days 9.30am-5pm. Free entry for locals with the Council Community Pass. Small entry fee for visitors. Concessions are available. Check out the the Museum's website

TYTO Wetlands Centre - Ingham

The TYTO Wetlands Information Centre is the gateway to 90ha of wetlands in Ingham. It offers interesting displays about local wildlife and their habitats. Located behind the information centre is a new precinct comprising Man Made Wetlands, Waterfront Restaurant, an 11m Observation Tower, Library, and Art Gallery.

Open: Monday to Friday from 8:45am to 5pm, and on weekends and most public holidays from 9am to 4pm. Phone: 07 4776 4792 or visit the TYTO Wetlands website.

Reef and Rainforest Centre, Cardwell

The Reef and Rainforest Centre in the main street near the jetty is run by local volunteers with assistance from Queensland National Parks and Wildlife staff. The centre houses stunning displays by regional artists including a life-size dugong, a reconstructed pioneer's cottage and a shy mahogany glider peeking from a tree trunk.

Staff take bookings for Hinchinbrook Island and other coastal islands. Phone (07) 4066-8601

Spots of interest for your itinerary...

Frankland Island Group

Atherton and Evelyn tablelands