Some of the free Activities in Townsville!
"Cape Pallarenda and the Town Common" Turn off to Rowes bay and head out to the picnic areas and walking tracks that take in many of the points of historical and natural interest, including the quarantine station which is now a museum and WWII gun placements.Here you can look out over the bay at Magnetic island. There are also lots of birds and wildlife and is particularly in the morning and dusk.
Townsville Town Common Conservation Park is 6km north of the Townsville city centre. The park entrance is reached by turning off Cape Pallarenda Road towards the Rowes Bay Golf Club. The gate is open from 6.30am to 6.30pm daily. There is an information shelter at the entrance to the park. Known locally as the Town Common, the park encompasses a variety of habitats including tidal estuaries fringed with mangroves, grasslands, woodlands and vine thickets.
An important wetland area that fills and dries as the seasons change is a highlight of the Town Common. Up to 280 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Magpie geese, brolgas and many other bird species flock here to feed, particularly as the wetlands dry out and food resources become concentrated.
WALKING TRACKS include short, easy walks and challenging, longer hikes. Consider your fitness level before undertaking the extended walks. Some tracks become flooded or over-grown during the wetter months (December to April).
Forest walk—1.9 km return (1 hr return) Grade: easy
Starting near Barramundi waterhole, this walk follows the edge of the billabong, which is fringed with melaleucas, eucalypts and acacias. It is a good area for viewing honeyeaters, kingfishers and other forest birds.
Many Peaks Range
Walking tracks on Many Peaks Range provide visitors with spectacular views over the Town Common and along the coastline from the Palm Islands in the north to Cape Cleveland in the south.
Many Peaks Range
Walking tracks on Many Peaks Range provide visitors with spectacular views over the Town Common and along the coastline from the Palm Islands in the north to Cape Cleveland in the south.
Bald Rock car park to Mount Marlow—2.5 km one way (1 hr return) Grade: moderate
From Bald Rock car park the track climbs along the ridge tops of Many Peaks Range to the grassy summit of Mount Marlow. Inspiring 360 degree views of the park, Townsville, Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea can be seen from the lookout. From here, either return the way you came or continue onto Pallarenda.
Bald Rock car park to Pallarenda—4.5 km one way (4–5 hrs one way) Grade: difficult (above-average fitness required)
From Bald Rock car park the track climbs along the ridge tops of Many Peaks Range to the grassy summit of Mount Marlow. Inspiring 360 degree views of the park, Townsville, Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea can be seen from the lookout. From Mount Marlow, the track weaves through open woodland and pockets of vine-thicket to the children’s playground at the end of Cape Pallarenda Road. Between Mount Marlow and Tegoora Rock the track is not well-defined in places and care should be taken to keep to the track.
Pallarenda to Tegoora Rock lookout (2 km, 1 hr return) Grade: moderate
This track begins opposite the children's playground at the end of Cape Pallarenda Road. Walk through shady vine-thicket to the lookout at Tegoora Rock. View the wetlands from above and appreciate the full extent of the Town Common.
Shelly Beach circuit track—9 km return (4–5 hrs) Grade: moderate
Follow the signs from Bald Rock car park to the Shelly Beach circuit track. Walk through flat country between the ranges, taking in scenic wetlands, to a series of isolated beaches.
VIEWING WILDLIFE
The Town Common gives visitors many opportunities to spot an array of woodland and waterbird species. Six bird observation points are provided.
The Jacana and Freshwater Lagoon bird hides overlook a seasonal wetland at the end of Freshwater Lagoon Road.
An observation tower is on Freshwater Lagoon Road. Parking areas at the roadside also afford good views of the lagoon and waterbirds. The Bald Rock bird hide is at the end of Causeway Road. As well as the prolific bird life, you can see sand monitors in sunny areas—look for them lying on the road. Agile wallabies may also be seen in the park.
Read more about the natural environment of Townsville Town Common Conservation Park.
Essentials to bring and things to know.
Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit. Make sure you bring:
1. Townsville Town Common map (PDF, 144K)*
2. Enough drinking water for your visit appropriate clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
3. Insect repellent to avoid mosquitoes and sandflies
4. Rubbish bags, as there are no bins.
5. Opening hours - Townsville Town Common Conservation Park gates are open 6.30am to 6.30pm daily.
You can get more information and a map when you are at the Reef lodge backpackers in Townsville. Just go to www.reeflodge.com.au or call us on 07 47 211112 to organise a booking.
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