TOWNSVILLE FACTFILE Population: 110,000 Location: North-east coast Climate: Hot, often wet, summers and warm winters Geography: Situated on Ross Creek, five hours south of Cairns Interesting fact: Townsville is most famous as the springboard to Magnetic Island

A popular stop-off place for tourists - particularly backpackers - it is more famous as the sole link point to Magnetic Island, which was named by Captain James Cook when he discovered it in 1770.

As a city in its own right, Townsville thrives on trade - the official port for much of the surrounding agriculture and mining.

A strong Chinese community still exists, having been employed to work the mines back in the late 19th century under Scot John Melton Back and Sydney financier Robert Towns.

And that oriental link does not stop there. Already flags and photographs of the Japanese national team, who will play three of their four matches in Townsville, can be seen dotted around the town.

Nowadays the city has a large armed forces base and James Cook University.

Aside from being the place to hop on the boat to Magnetic Island, it is also a popular departure point for diving courses on the Great Barrier Reef.

On that note, Townsville boasts its own aquarium highlighting the treasures of the Reef.

There, sharks and stingrays can be viewed by tourists through a glass-domed corridor.

Other highlights are limited, but include the Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville Museum and Queens Gardens.

Other than the rugby, diving is Townsville's greatest tourist attraction at present. A highlight for accomplished dippers is the wreck of the Yongala.

This passenger liner sank off Cape Bowling Green in 1911, leading to the loss of 122 lives.

For those less keen on diving, the trip to Magnetic Island takes just 20 minutes by boat.

Half of the island is a national park, with Picnic Bay, Cockle Bay and Rocky Bay among the major attractions.