Whether you want to do some laps or play in the various pools there’s something for everyone at Riverway Lagoons. Best of all, it’s all free!

Riverway Lagoons via jojof @ Flickr

For the kids, there’s numerous playgrounds, a large timber fort, a dedicated toddler pool, a generous amount of sandy areas to build sandcastles or moats and a fun water park.

For the adults there’s waterfalls, plenty of little nooks and shaded areas and a choice of multiple pools to lounge in. Even on a busy day, finding a quiet spot is easy at Riverway Lagoons, the water area is larger than 3 Olympic sized pools combined!

There’s generous parking, free public amenities like lockers and showers and the pools are patrolled by lifeguards. If you want to enjoy the place but don’t feel like donning your bathing suit, there’s tons of gorgeous boardwalks along the Ross River with picnic tables and barbecues scattered throughout Pioneer Park.

Getting There

The Riverway Lagoons are located below the Riverway Arts Centre in Pioneer Park. It can be found at the intersection of Ross River Road and Thuringowa/River Road Drive.

Castle Hill via Flickr

Most visitors choose to drive up the hill and walk the 360° circular track, however locals enjoy hiking up the steep and popular goat trail for a little more exercise. Some even choose to run up the stepped track for a quick workout.

With walks via the rough goat trail taking on average 20 to 30 minutes to reach the summit, you can choose to bike or walk up along the paved 2.6 km winding road if you want to go at a more leisurely pace.

At the summit, in the center of the car park, is a monument to the city’s founding father, Capt. Robert Towns who the city is named after. On the northern most peak there’s still a 1942 World War II concrete bunker observation post for those with an inclination toward history.

Flora and Fauna

Peregrine Falcons and Brahminy Kites nest on the hill and rock wallabies can also be found here as well as other indigenous species. The vegetation around Castle Hill has been actively protected since the 1930’s and is still an ongoing concern for local nature enthusiasts.

Amenities

Washrooms and water fountains can both be found near the car park at the top however there are no other amenities. It’s strongly suggested to bring a water bottle if you are planning on walking up the hill and to avoid going during the heat of the day.

Castle Hill Carpark via Flickr

To get to Castle Hill

By car: From The Strand, head Southwest down Gregory Street until you see Stanley Street W. on your right. Stanley Street turns into Castle Hill Road so just follow the narrow road to the summit. There is a car park and turnaround at the top however parking is usually limited so choose your arrival time carefully to guarantee a parking spot.

By foot: If you want to hike the goat track, take the pathway off of Hillside Crescent. The ground is a little uneven and there are numerous stairs so make sure you’re wearing decent footwear.

At the Rotary Lookout, there’s a nice picnic area with bbq’s overlooking Townsville, Cleveland Bay and the Magnetic Islands.

A few peacocks will happily let you take pictures as they strut their stuff and you’re sure to run into some other wildlife while you’re up there.

If you’re feeling adventurous there’s a nice bush track that runs around the summit that will provide gorgeous views of the rest of Townsville including Ross Dam and Ross River. The circuit takes about 10 minutes however the track can be a little dangerous so it’s not advised for small children.

There are also numerous rocky downhill and enduro bike trails of varying difficulty for the mountain bike lovers.

This photo of Mount Stuart is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Photo by Rob and Stephanie Levy on Flickr.

Photo by Dan on Flickr.

Here are five of Australia’s best aquariums.

The Aquarium of Western Australia (Perth)

Aquarium of Western Australia by Sheila Thomson on Flickr

Just outside of Perth,The Aquarium of Western Australia is consistently rated as one of the best in the world. You can view sealife in an glass walled tunnel under the aquarium, and even accompany dive masters into the aquarium’s main tank.

Reef HQ Townsville

Shark -at Reef HQ Townsville by Mads Bødker on Flickr

With highly interactive exhibits and an emphasis on education, Reef HQ is a great aquarium for kids. They have a special Turtle Hospital program for rehabilitating injured turtles and special kids’ programs.

Reef HQ is in the heart of Townsville, and only a short walk from the Townsville CBD, The Strand and the Magnetic Island ferry terminal.

The Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium

Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium by Navin on Flickr

Sydney’s SEA LIFE Aquarium shows off its marine life in specially designed environment. Check out the Shark Walk, a tropical Bay of Rays and the mangrove swamps. There’s a new Shark Valley ocean tunnel to walk through as well.

UnderWater World, Queensland

UnderWater World by Ari Bakker on Flickr

UnderWater World is on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast at Mooloolaba an hour north of Brisbane. The aquarium offers shark dives, a chance for families to sleep under the sea and a series of interactive exhibits.

Melbourne SEA LIFE Aquarium

Melbourne SEA LIFE Aquarium Gordon Flood on Flickr

The Melbourne SEA LIFE Aquarium was completely refurbished (to the tune of $8 million dollars) in the summer of 2013. The aquarium boasts a seahorse nursery, croc lair and nesting Gentoo penguins.

Have you been to any of these aquariums? What did you think?

Photo by TamsinSlater Flickr.

It sets on 11 hectares (25 acres) of natural habitat, where you can see any number of native Australian animals, including wombats, crocodiles, koalas, cassowaries, kangaroos and even snakes.

It costs $32 for adults and $19 for kids to go to the Billabong Sanctuary.

Photo by Christian Haugen on Flickr.

It’s a great place to spend some outdoor time at the open air cafes, playgrounds, basketball courts and waterpark. With around 300 days of sunshine each year, you’ll see a lot of folks out and about on the strand almost every day of the year.

Photo by John Skewes