Depart Townsville and travel south-west to Charters Towers, an inland city built on gold mining, discovered in 1871. On the way, see the itinerant waders and other waterbirds at the Mingela Wetlands.

Arrive in Charters Towers and fall in love with living history as you stroll through this historical town. The magnificent heritage streetscapes are largely unchanged since the gold rush days of the 1800’s. Head to the Visitor Information Centre to obtain a navigational map for the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail or enquire about other attractions such as Zara Clark Museum, the Civic Club and the World Theatre.

Head north (on the sealed road) to Dalrymple National Park and observe the unique geological formations featuring lava flows of the Toomba Basalt. Bird watch, explore open woodland and view native wildlife. Visit Fletcher Creek for fishing, nature and camping or continue to Bluff Downs Farm Stay for the night.

For the 4WD enthusiasts drive South-west of Charters Towers and experience gold rush history of the last century in Pentland. Visit historic sites and buildings. Drive through rugged volcanic country and discover White Mountains, Black Mountain and the Great Basalt Wall (no public access to this National Park). Drive to Dalrymple National Park and experience diverse landscapes, a bush picnic and camping. This alternative route is recommended for 4WD only.

Head North from Dalrymple National Park or Bluff Downs to Herveys Range Road. Stop at the rest area and read the interpretative signs about the early exploration by rail and road. Experience the small walking track. Continue to the Burdekin River crossing or Keelbottom Creek for a look or a spot of fishing.

Progress further to the Heritage Tea Rooms, the oldest known building in North Queensland. Tantalise your taste buds with some traditional Australian cooking, have a look around the split-log in and the ‘mango tree’ tables or take a walk down to the old rail corridor. Continue to Townsville.

For further detailed information visit one of the local Information Centres on the way, or one of the following.

Charters Towers:
Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre
74 Mossman Street, Charters Towers 4820
Tel: (07) 4752 0314
www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

Townsville:
Flinders Mall Information Centre
Flinders Mall, Townsville
Tel: (07) 4721 3660 or freecall: 1800 801 902
www.townsvilleonline.com.au

	Complete Information Centre list
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