Character driven

With islands offshore, the outback beyond and a city well versed in conference organising, Townsville is a sure bet.
Located 1,370 kilometres north of Brisbane, Townsville has a character all of its own. While it may be eclipsed by destinations with more promotional spending power, Townsville has become something of a quiet achiever. The region extends north to Mission Beach, south to Burdekin and west to Charters Towers, the site of a rich gold strike in the late 19th century.

Conferences are especially well catered for, with more than 11,000 beds covering all budgets. Townsville bids for and wins many prestigious events. This year, for example, the calendar includes the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists Tropical Division in June, the Mental Health Services Conference in August and, in October, the Ecotourism Australia Annual Conference, which will take over the Quality Hotel Southbank and Convention Centre. For something a little different, 5,000 members of the Ulysses motorcycle club are expected in Townsville in 2008 for their annual general meeting.

There are plenty of museums and art galleries, great restaurants and cafes, and a lively nightlife, with visitors flocking to the Strand for their entertainment requirements. Just offshore is Magnetic Island, which remains a very laid-back place, despite undergoing recent development. Encompassing about 5,000 hectares, most of which is national park, it has a number of fine scenic attractions, including Alma Bay, Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay Lagoon.

>> Conference & meeting venues in Townsville, QLD

Delegate access
Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar link Townsville with direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, while QantasLink has flights to regional Queensland centres such as Cairns, Rockhampton and Gladstone.

There are many conference venues in the city, including those capable of handling large events, such as the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre. It is in the themed event category that the city really shines. Gala dinners can be held in the dramatic surrounds of an open quarry overlooking Lake Ross, with granite cliffs towering 70 metres above the delegates; an Aussie rodeo with a barbeque and line dancing; or a 1960s style beach party on the Strand.