Townsville to do

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Townsville to do

Picture this: blue skies, sun shining, white sandy beaches, tropical island a quick ferry ride away and 29 V8 powered beasts tearing around a street circuit, battling for a race win and championship points. Sound good?

If you want to be a part of that all you have to do is head to Townsville in North Queensland for race 15 and 16 of the V8 Supercar Championship. Now it is a little late to get there if you are in the northern hemisphere as the racing has all ready started, but it is something to put on your 'to do' list if you do ever head 'Down Under'.

Last years inaugural event attracted over 160,000 people to the 2.86km circuit just south of the Townsville CBD. Jim Beam Racings James Courtney and Team Vodaphones Jamie Whincup had a race win each in 2009, and are now fighting it out at the top of the 2010 Championship table. That is sure to make things on track very interesting.

Off track is just as interesting. I have compiled a “Top Five” of things to do once the racing is over, or if you have a free day or two before or after the event.

1. Magnetic Island: This is the tropical island I mentioned in the beginning of this article. I ventured to this little bit of paradise before last years event and found it very hard to drag myself away. Comprising of 23 bays and beaches, it only takes 25 minutes by ferry and you can start enjoying the national parks, coral reefs and some of the finest food the island has to offer

2. After Race Concert: Last year was Australian band Eskimo Jo, this year it is International superstars INXS with their new lead singer JD Fortune.

3. Townsville Night Markets: I got up close and personal with a python during my visit but if that isn't your cup of tea you can spend your time perusing the market stalls, meet V8 Supercar and Development Series drivers, listen to live music, watch Freestyle Moto X or Australia's biggest winter wake board and slider competition.

4. Reef HQ: It is the worlds largest living coral reef aquarium and is a great place to visit if you have kids, or if you just love marine life. Over 120 species of fish reside there, along with sea stars, sea-urchins, sea-cucumbers, brittle stars, feather stars snails, worms, sponges, oh and the obligatory, glide-above-your-head, scare-the-life-out-of-you sharks.

5. The Strand: One of my favourite places to chill out in Townsville, this stretch of road runs parallel with the ocean and is dotted with fine restaurants, bars, hotels, apartments and boutiques. You can find something for every taste and budget to enjoy.

One last thing I would add to the list is the weather but it isn't really something to do, more something to enjoy. It is July and the average temperature stays somewhere around 27-29 degrees Celsius – and it's Winter. You have got to love Australia. Jacki Warnock Girlracer Magazine