With car rental in Garbutt, you can explore the city of Townsville. Garbutt is a suburb of this city, which is one of the most popular destinations in tropical North Queensland. Best known for its spectacular natural surroundings, this is a great place to visit if you want to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.
Top of most visitors' lists is, of course, the Great Barrier Reef. This natural wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous all over the world. It's ideal for a day trip, with boats taking about 2 hours to reach the reef. Once you're there, you can go snorkelling or diving to admire the colours of the reef and the marine animals that live there. If you want to mix a little culture into your day, you can opt for a visit to the reef that also includes a stop at the Museum of Underwater Art, the Southern Hemisphere's only underwater museum.
The water fun doesn't stop there! Head to the Strand, Townsville's most famous boardwalk, for a good time by day or night. During the day, you can take a dip in the lagoon or try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding. In the evening, Strand Park comes to life with the Strand Night Markets. Here you can pick up souvenirs, crafts, artisan products and more, but the markets are best known for their food. There are plenty of options to choose from, making it an ideal spot for a group dinner.
While this part of Queensland is best known for its underwater paradise, there's plenty to see on dry land, too. Castle Hill, an enormous monolith of pink granite, provides a picture-perfect backdrop for your photos - but it's also a great spot to go for a hike. There are a large number of hiking trails that run up Castle Hill, with something to suit every level of experience. From high up, you'll be able to enjoy unparalleled views of Garbutt, Townsville and Magnetic Island in the distance.
Car or van rental in Garbutt lets you explore more of Queensland, too. Paluma Range National Park, approximately 80 km away, is a tropical paradise. The freshwater creeks and rock pools have crystal-clear water, and some are ideal for taking a dip. Waterfalls, rainforest trails and stunning surroundings all make this a great choice for a day trip. The freshwater swimming pools are the perfect way to cool off after a hike through the tropical rainforest.
Within the Paluma Ranges, you might also be lucky enough to spot one of Australia's most unusual animals, the duck-billed platypus. Platypus safaris are offered, with local expert guides taking you to the best spots to see these rare and remarkable creatures.