Just 20 minutes from the city, the Montes de Malaga Natural Park is a good escape if you want fresh air and quiet. It’s all hills, pine forests, and winding dirt trails — great for walking, cycling, or just taking a break from the coast. If you're lucky, you might spot eagles, owls, or even a wild boar. There’s also a small museum that offers a glimpse into the region's traditional winemaking and olive oil practices. Best accessed by car, though there are also hiking routes that start just outside the city.

Townsville’s beachfront promenade is a 2.2-kilometre stretch of parkland dotted with barbecue and picnic areas, exercise facilities and restaurants — offering fun for the whole family. The free water park delights adults and children alike. With its beautiful views the spot is also a great choice for a romantic stroll. At the northern end of The Strand sits The Rockpool. It’s a stinger-free ocean-water pool where you can swim for free. The pool is wheelchair accessible and a good splash area for the young ones.

Townsville Street Art Trail takes you through 15 works of art hidden in alleys, laneways and on warehouse walls. Head into the city centre for the biggest concentration of murals. The oldest and most well-known piece of guerrilla street art is the ‘Saint’ on Castle Hill — painted in the 1970s in the early hours of Saint Patrick’s Day by local students. It's naive stick figure aesthetic is pure delight.

One of, if not the most important centres for justice and peace in the world, Peace Palace comprises the United Nations International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law and the Peace Palace Library. Although this is a working palace, which means most areas are closed to the public, there is, however, a visitors centre where those interested can learn more about the history of the palace and the role it plays today in international justice via a free audio tour. On rare occasions, the palace opens its doors to the public for guided tours, but it is advisable to check well in advance if any dates are available as they are few and far between. In any case, the impressive surrounding gardens and Neo-Renaissance buildings are definitely a must-see.