Sights in Queensland
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Australian Institute of Marine Science
This marine-research facility at Cape Ferguson runs free two-hour tours (10am Fri Mar-Nov) covering the institute's research (such as coral bleaching and management of the Great Barrier Reef) and how it relates to the community; advance bookings are essential. The turn-off from the Bruce Hwy is 35km southeast of Townsville.
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Indian Head
The rock outcrop of Indian Head is the best vantage point on the island. Sharks, manta rays, dolphins and (during the migration season) whales can often be spotted from the top of the headland.
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Tanks Arts Centre
Three gigantic WWII fuel-storage tanks have been transformed into studios, galleries showcasing local artists' work and an inspired performing-arts venue, plus a lively market day.
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Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens , 2km north of the centre, is a green oasis of tropical shrubs, towering trees and flowering gardens surrounding a few small lakes. Bring a picnic lunch!
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Queensland Art Gallery
The gallery houses a fine permanent collection, mostly of domestic and European artists. The Australian art dates from the 1840s to the 1970s, and you can view works by celebrated masters including Sir Sydney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, William Dobell and George Lambert.
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Australian Sugar Industry Museum
For info on sugar processing, steam trains and the slave-labour heritage of the industry, try the Australian Sugar Industry Museum at Mourilyan, 6km south of Innisfail.
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Scrub Hill Community Farm
Run by the Korrawinga Aboriginal Community, the Scrub Hill Community Farm produces organic vegetables, tea-tree oil and excellent artworks, including didgeridoos.
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Terrestrial Centre
The flash Terrestrial Centre houses the fossil- and gem-full Ted Elliot Mineral Collection. There’s also internet access ($6 per hour).
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Spirit of Hervey Bay
A large vessel with underwater viewing rooms; takes a maximum of 150 passengers. Such tours operate daily - weather permitting - between mid-July and late October.
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Heritage Museum & Art Gallery
The Heritage Museum & Art Gallery at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort on Horn Island has a mine of information on the region’s WWII history.
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World Theatre
The World Theatre was originally the Australian Bank of Commerce building (built in 1891). These days it houses a theatre, cinema and gift shop.
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Marine Education & Conservation Centre
Next to the Tangalooma Resort, near the ferry terminal is the Marine Education & Conservation Centre which has interesting displays of marine and bird life.
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Maritime Museum of Townsville
A smaller affair, with lighthouse memorabilia and a Yongala shipwreck model and display.
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Underwater World
Swim with sloppy-kissing seals, dive with sharks and psyche out psychedelic fish at Underwater World, Queensland’s largest oceanarium.
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Planet Earth Adventures
The snake collection/museum/camping ground, aka Planet Earth Adventures, has a bunch of working backpackers and a good cafe.
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Nature's Powerhouse
Nature’s Powerhouse is an environment interpretive centre in the Botanic Gardens, with two excellent galleries, a great bookshop and a cafe.
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Queens Gardens Botanical Park
At the base of Castle Hill, the four-hectare QueensGardensBotanicalPark has a rainforest and black bean walk.
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Chinatown
Brisbane's very own Chinatown occupies only one street but exhibits the same flamboyance and flavour as its counterparts in Sydney and Melbourne.
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Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitors Centre
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitors Centre is worth a visit. It puts Isa’s isolation into perspective.
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Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve
Lions, hippos and more; 9km west of Kuranda.
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Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens
These gardens, 3km south of the city centre, includes a lovely Tropical Shade Garden.
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Alexandria Bay
Alexandria Bay, on the eastern side of Noosa National Park, has the best sands and is also an informal nudist beach.
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Australian Venom Zoo
Won't take up much of your time, and is a no-go zone for arachnophobes.
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Quilpie Museum & Visitors Centre
Quilpie is an opal-mining town and it has a Quilpie Museum & Visitors Centre.
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Institute of Modern Art
In the Judith Wright Centre, this noncommercial gallery with an industrial exhibition space has regular showings by local names.
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