We do enjoy this self guided walk at Riverway Townsville and if you are a follower you will have seen other Riverway posts in the past. It is our favourite winter walk while the Strand is our favourite summer walk in Townsville.
The Things I like about the Riverway Walking Track.
- The river banks are landscaped in a natural way.
- Incorporated in the gardens are two Public (free) infinity lagoon style swimming pools.
- Surrounding the swimming Pools are a Coffee Shop, Art Gallery and Performance space.
- Huge rain trees abound and some are planted beneath with large healthy crows nest ferns.
- Ski boats are allowed on the River.
- An enclosed all abilities childrens playground incorporating a timber fort.
- A separate soft fall childrens climbing/slide combo playground.
- Free BBQ’s
- Free Volleyball field.
- The Riverview Tavern has a huge deck that overlooks the Black Weir and the setting sun.
- Fishing is allowed in the River.
- There are plenty of waterbirds, turtles and fish in the river.
We start the circuit at the Weir School and walk anti-clockwise around the track. The first thing I could not resist photographing was this Grevillea in full flower. Like our own bottlebrush trees, this Grevillea had hornets hovering around the flowers. I only remember noticing single hornets in previous years, but this year they appear in groups of three or four.
The white trunked trees lining both sides of the river bank are Melaleuca Leucadrenda or paperbark trees. As well as Northern Australia, these trees can be found in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The name of Kampong Glam, the Malay district in Singapore originates from the Malay word for the tree Gelam.
The afternoon sun found the distinctive lime green drooping leaves of the paperbarks.
Having crossed Vickers Bridge we stopped next at the footbridge on the Douglas Side of the river that spans the inlet to a natural lagoon. A favourite turtle feeding spot, you can turn right over the bridge and walk around the banks of the Lagoon.
Reflection of the foot bridge.
This area of Douglas is a fairly recent subdivision and the river is lined with impressive homes. On the right of the grassed volleyball court is a picnic table beneath a rain tree, making this a great spot for a family game and picnic.
Looking through the reeds toward the wall of the Black Weir, and a common river bird that from the bank appears to walk on water.
Looking down from the Footbridge that connects the School with the Tavern, through the leaves of a paperbark.
Where is your favourite self guided walk located?
Read more fun things to do in Townsville here.
Lisa Wood
what a pretty place to walk. I love walking on the beach, but its a bit too cold down here at the moment…will have to try some time over the weekend for short walk.
Would love to splash around in the {lagoon} swimming pool with the kids, and have a coffee from the cafe. Or even use the BBQ area for lunch/dinner. Perfect place for families.
Jan
Yes Lisa, It might be more like Coffee Shop weather down there right now.
Kate
That reminds me an awful lot of one of my all-time favorite places to walk; I’m not sure there are any places better to be than on the banks of a river. My hometown has a point that stretches into a peninsula of sorts where one can walk a path with the river on either side, with nothing but the birds and bugs (and perhaps a crew of divers exploring the local wreck) to join your thoughts.
My favorite thing about the riverside is the smell. Looking at your photos, I can only imagine what a wonderful experience your walk is on the the senses. I bet it comes with that fresh, earthy, river smell too!
Muza-chan
A beautiful place…