Sometimes – especially after a busy week – I plan to spend the weekend locally, at home catching up on rest. The idea is so satisfying but the actual resting doesn’t last long – 2-3 hours at home and my feet get itchy and the explorer in me wants to go.

The days when I haven’t pre planned a trip away, I wrack my brains for somewhere I can run off to without losing too much time.

Here are some of my favourite trips, within 2 hours of Townsville.

Mount Stuart Lookout – 23km, 30m South of Townsville

The changing scenery along the windy road up Mount Stuart feels far away from the city. Reaching the peak feels both eerie and exhilarating – the telecommunications station (think Stranger Things) at the top and the profound sense of solitude that comes with being 500m above sea level. The first time I visited Mount Stuart was in the evening. It was an amazing feeling, taking in the views of the city and the solitude of the night.

When I feel like a mid afternoon adventure, I grab my book and make my way up the mountain.

Charters Towers – 133km, 1hr 30m West of Townsville

I used to Visit the Towers often with my ex – we’d take the jet ski up to the dam. I visited for the first time in 18 months recently and really enjoyed myself. I drove up after work on Friday night and caught a double feature at TORS Drive in.

The Big 4 caravan park is the perfect rest stop as it is close to the cinema.

Whether you have children or you are a child at heart (like me) you will be sure to enjoy time spent at Five Leaf Clover Farm.

Immerse yourself in the history of the WW2 and enjoy the tranquil views from the top of Towers Hill. The perfect spot to stop for a bite to eat and relax.

Pubs aren’t my scene when I’m travelling alone, but there are some great pubs in the Towers. White Horse Tavern has a bowling alley and you’ll find some other historic gems along the main road.

Bowen 200km, 2hr 15m South of Townsville

I genuinely enjoy wandering through regional towns and taking in the sights. Bowen is a classic small town with wide quiet roads, old buildings and beautiful beaches. Drive up Flagstaff Hill and cast your eyes upon the vast sea and cruise down Santa Barbara parade – there’s a big mango!

If you get bored of taking in the beautiful scenery, you can catch a movie at the local cinema – which is totally gorgeous in itself – and grab a bite to eat at the famed coffee shop.

Paluma 85km 1h 20m North of Townsville

Paluma is famed for its swimming holes and waterfalls – Big Crystal and Little Crystal Creek. I enjoy camping at Big Crystal (a small fee applies) – a rainforest retreat with some luxuries – there are fire pits and amenities provided.

The Rollingstone Pub is a few kilometers south of Paluma – stop by for a well earned drink on your way back.

Jourama Falls 93km, 1hr 10m north of Townsville

Another popular swimming spot.

You can camp here for a small fee, however I found you need to be totally self sufficient as there is no lighting around the campground and the amenities rely on natural light. It was completely dark when I arrived at 7pm and there was no lighting in the toilet block. So make sure you arrive in daylight to set up. I really enjoyed the untouched peace and rugged nature in the morning.

Forrest Beach 128km, 1hr 30m north of Townsville

My housemate’s friends recently moved to Forrest Beach, so it’s gone from not on my radar to the top spot for a quick getaway. Not dissimilar to Bowen, Forrest is a small quiet town offering beautiful quiet streets and a tranquil beach. There is a free camp spot by the beach and the usual small town fare – a take away shop, grocer and post office. All you need to enjoy a weekend disconnect.