Woolfe, director visitor economy and marketing for Townsville Enterprise Limited, said the joint project of the Australian federal government, the Queensland state government and Port of Townsville Limited will attract larger vessels that currently bypass the port.
'Unlimited' attractions
She said Townsville and its surrounds have unlimited tourist attractions for cruise ship passengers, from the reef to rain forest, from outback to islands.
She said Townsville has Australia’s only Museum of Underwater Art, created to inspire and educate people about reef conservation, with pieces by renown underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor.
Hand-feed kangaroos and cuddle koalas
There are Billabong Sanctuary, an Australian native animal wildlife park where visitors are allowed to hand-feed kangaroos and cuddle koala bears, excellent snorkelling and sailing tours at nearby Magnetic Island and covered wagon rides to see the Texas longhorn herd at Charters Towers.
Helicopter tours from Townsville to Palm Island, the mainland of the Greater Palm group, showcase Aboriginal culture and artwork.
Woolfe said the Reef HQ Aquarium, which is closed for upgrading, will reopen in 2024 and is a place where visitors can experience the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet.
First-hand experience
Delegates had a first-hand experience of ‘outback’ Townsville when they dressed as cowboys and cowgirls for a gala dinner at the Hervey Range Rodeo.
Highlight of this action-packed evening was seeing Australian Cruise Association CEO Jill Abel mount a horse and gallop across the arena.
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