29 October 2024

An exclusive stay in Townsville, Australia

A journey into the natural beauty of Queensland with relaxing stops at the Ardo Hotel, arguably the most luxurious in the city, or the Magnetic Island koala lodge or the Pelorus Private Island, the first private island retreat in the region, accessible only by helicopter or private yacht

Queensland, Australia's second-largest state, is located in the northeast of the country. Its two main cities, Brisbane, the cosmopolitan capital, and Cairns, the gateway to the tropical north, are the entry points to explore the natural and cultural beauty of the Sunshine State. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Queensland is an ideal destination for outdoor activities in a subtropical climate, characterized by a dry season (May-October) and a rainy season (November-April).

Magnetic Island © Melissa Findley

Queensland offers 13 unique regions and five of Australia's eleven World Heritage Sites, including the Gondwana Rainforests, K'gari, Riversleigh Fossil Fields and the Wet Tropics. Through landscapes ranging from rainforests to coral coasts, you can enjoy indigenous experiences, off-the-beaten-path adventures, underwater explorations, and a host of must-see events.

Snorkeling alla Grande Barriera Corallina © Tourism and Events Queensland

Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef © Tourism and Events Queensland

For years, Townsville has been considered a stopover along the Queensland coast and a starting point for exploring the tropical islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Today, however, this coastal city in northern Queensland, just a two-hour flight from Brisbane, is emerging as a tourist destination of international prestige.

Townsville, Lo Strand © Tourism and Events Queensland

Townsville, The Strand © Tourism and Events Queensland

Jason deCaires Taylor - sculture © Tourism and Events Queensland / MOUA

Jason deCaires Taylor - sculptures © Tourism and Events Queensland / MOUA

Another unique attraction in Townsville is the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA), enhanced by Jason deCaires Taylor's recent sculptures entitled "Ocean Sentinels". Dedicated to the world's leading marine researchers and conservationists, these eight sculptures, located on the Great Barrier Reef at John Brewer Reef, are designed to blend in with the marine environment and promote biodiversity. Located at a depth also accessible to snorkelers, the works are located near the famous "Coral Greenhouse", one of deCaires Taylor's first installations for the MOUA, which remains the only underwater museum in the Southern Hemisphere.

Pelorus Private Island Residence © Jason Ierace

The recent opening of the Ardo Hotel, Townsville's most luxurious, marks a new standard of hospitality, while Pelorus Private Island offers the region's first private island retreat. Both facilities are part of the Northern Escape Collection, the tourism portfolio of the Morris Group, which also operates the renowned Orpheus Island Lodge in the waters of Townsville. The Strand, the city's waterfront, has also benefited from a massive multi-million dollar revitalization plan, which has further enhanced its attractiveness.

Pelorus Private Island: nature and exclusive privacy

Pelorus Private Island Residence © Jason Ierace

Pelorus Private Island, an island accessible only by helicopter or private yacht, represents the latest gem of the Northern Escape Collection. With just four suites set in a 400-hectare landscape of green hills and white sandy beaches, the island offers guests an experience of privacy and connection with nature.

Pelorus Private Island Residence © Jason Ierace

The philosophy of "Barefoot Adventure" invites you to experience an authentic adventure, feeling at home on this unspoiled island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage Site. The coral reefs, just a few steps from the suites, allow for extraordinary snorkeling and diving. In addition, the island offers easy access to the Underwater Art Museum (MOUA) and Hinchinbrook Island, Australia's largest island national park.

Ardo Hotel: urban luxury in the tropics

Ardo Hotel © Simon Shiffsays

The Ardo Hotel, whose name comes from the English word "ardour" (intense passion), brings a new energy to the high-end hotel offer in Townsville. Located on the waterfront, the hotel offers a modern and understated interpretation of tropical luxury, with 132 suites, a Japanese restaurant, a fine Australian restaurant and a day spa.

The rooftop terrace with pool, bar and breathtaking views across the Coral Sea to Magnetic Island is reserved for guests, who can enjoy an exclusive stay before or after a visit to the resorts of the Northern Great Barrier Reef .

Magnetic Glamping: safari in the tropics

Magnetic Glamping © Trevor Oakley, NatureThings.com.au

Magnetic Glamping, Magnetic Island's newest lodge, brings a touch of safari style to this fascinating island, famous for its beaches, snorkeling spots such as Geoffrey Bay and one of Australia's largest wild koala colonies. About two-thirds of "Maggie," as she is affectionately called, are protected as a national park, with hiking trails providing opportunities to spot koalas in their natural habitat. After a day of adventure, relaxation is guaranteed in the eight safari tents arranged around a magnesium pool, letting yourself be captivated by the unique charm of this island.

By the editorial staff, Avion Luxury Magazine

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