Attractions

The Strand is a 2.5km (1 1/2-mile) strip with safe swimming beaches, a fitness circuit, a great water park for the kids, and plenty of covered picnic areas and free gas barbecues. Stroll along the promenade or relax at one of the many cafes, restaurants, and bars while you gaze across the Coral Sea to Magnetic Island. For the more active, there are areas to in-line skate, cycle, walk, or fish, and a basketball half-court. Four rocky headlands and a picturesque jetty adjacent to Strand Park provide good fishing spots, and there are two surf lifesaving clubs to service the three swimming areas along the Strand. Cool off in the Olympic-size Tobruk Pool, the seawater Rockpool, or at the beach itself. During summer (Nov-Mar), three swimming enclosures operate to keep swimmers safe from marine stingers. If watersports are on your agenda, try a jet ski, hire a canoe, or take to the latest in pedal skis. A state-of-the-art water park has waterfalls, hydrants, water slides, and water cannons, plus a huge bucket of water that continually fills until it overturns and drenches laughing children.

Don't miss the views of Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island from Castle Hill; it's a 2.5km (1 1/2-mile) drive or a shorter, steep walk up from town. To drive to the top, follow Stanley Street west from Flinders Street to Castle Hill Drive; the walking trails up are posted en route.

At the Billabong Sanctuary (tel. 07/4778 8344; www.billabongsanctuary.com.au), on the Bruce Highway 17km (11 miles) south of town, you can see Aussie wildlife in a natural setting and hand-feed kangaroos. You can also be photographed (starting at A$16) holding a koala, a (baby) crocodile, a python, a wombat, and other creatures. Interesting interactive talks and shows run continuously starting at 10:15am; one of the most popular is the saltwater-crocodile feeding at 12:15 and 2:45pm (and for an extra A$99 you can also personally feed the croc). There are also gas barbecues, a food kiosk, and a pool. Admission is A$30 for adults, A$27 for students, A$19 for kids 4 to 16, and A$94 for families of five. The sanctuary is open every day except Christmas Day from 8am to 5pm. Allow 2 to 3 hours.