PULAU TIOMAN
MALAYSIA
No doubt it attracts passionate divers.
Tioman means pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, amazing underwater world, nature at its best.
The richness of rainforest and wildlife invites keen hikers.
Located on the eastern side of Malaysian Peninsula, Tioman is a perfect stopover on route to Borneo and Singapore.
GLADSTONE
PORT CURTIS
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
A Spanish explorer, De Quiros, noted in his discovery of Great Southern Land back in 1606 a safe anchorage that later in 1840s has been named Port Curtis. At the same time a black diamond, coal, has been discovered here and the area was developed as a port to be able to ship the treasure.
The settlement of Port Curtis was named Gladstone in mid 1850s after the Colonial Secretary William Ewart Gladstone.
Now, Port of Gladstone is shipping coal and with Boyne Island and Tannum Sands, picturesque water front communities it is also a tourist destination.
Mt Larcum, some 600meters tall, is well visible from road or sea whichever way one approaches Gladstone. Nearby islands, Heron and Lady Musgrave are famous for their coral reefs and turtle breading colonies. Port Curtis region is full of history and natural treasures on land and is surrounded by scenic islands.
ROCKHAMPTON
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Rockhampton, a Central Queensland city on the banks of Fitzroy River is a tourist destination in itself as well as a start to exploring and fishing the freshwater estuary.
Rockhampton can be reached by air or road but the most interesting trip is by boat through Port Alma. Ftzroy River, Tunuba in the local indigenous language, is a habitat of barramundi and fishing is more than popular here. The river is also popular with crocodiles so swimming is a big no no here. However bird life is amazing.
Rockhampton progressed from a frontier town to gold rush city and bustling port. Its heritage and history are well preserved. Rockhampton is a great start to an amazing adventure on Fitzroy River or hike to Mount Archer through Nurim National Park or Mount Morgan accessible by winding road and offering scenic views.
YEPPOON
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Some 20 years ago Yeppoon was a quiet fishing village. It has developed into a holiday resort and is stretching from Emu Park in the South, scenic Byfield National Park to the North and Great Keppel Island just a few nautical miles of the coast.
Nearby Rosslyn Bay has a Marina and is a starting point for ferry services to Great Keppel Island.
Rockhampton is a city only some 40 km away and its residents enjoy Yeppoon as a nearby holiday destination with access to excellent fishing grounds and stunning sunsets.
Yeppoon is a pearl of the Capricorn Coast.
GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND
CAPRICORN COAST
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Great Keppel Island is located just 8 nautical miles of Rosslyn Bay on the Queensland Coast. And Rosslyn Bay hosts the marina and fishing industry of the region. It is the terminal for boats departing for Great Keppel and almost a suburb of Yeppoon, a costal settlement.
Great Keppel Island and North Keppel Island are only 5 nautical miles apart and while North Keppel is rocky, uninhabited except by wildlife and rock wallabies, Great Keppel has resorts and sandy beaches among rocky formations. There are regular ferry services and a number of day visitors.
Great Keppel Island is a perfect place toenjoy nature, walks, swimming and snorkeling.
TOWNSVILLE
NORTH QUEENSLAND
Townsville is only three nautical miles away from Magnetic Island and well visible with Castle Hill as its landmark.
Nearby mountain ranges invite for a walk through rainforest and a swim in a waterfall. Just a stroll down the waterfront along The Strand is a pleasure.
Flinders Street is lined with bars, pubs and restaurants. Townsville is a worth visiting tropical city.
MAGNETIC ISLAND
QUEENSLAND
Magnetic Island was named by Captain Cook back in 1770. The settlement of the island started in 1864 and now it has a residential population using fast ferry service to Townsville over the 3 nautical miles that that separates the island from the city. The trip takes only 20 minutes.
Magnetic Island is part of the World Heritage Marine Park and it attracts yachts and tour boats to explore the underwater beauty of reefs and fish. It has walking tracks that take those eager to exercise from Horseshoe Bay to Florence and Nelly Bays. Hiking offers fabulous contact with nature and wildlife. Snorkeling and diving are amazing and swimming in warm, clear waters pure pleasure. There are net enclosures for swimmers to protect them from jelly fish. It is not uncommon to sight turtles or swim with curious trewally fish or smaller gar fish.
Magnetic Island has a scenic coastline of colorful rocks and vegetation. It is a popular weekend destination for boaters from Townsville and it attracts many yachts.
Magnetic Island is a fabulous natural treasure of North Queensland.
