Townsville North Queensland

Welcome to Townsville, your stepping stone to exploring the enchanting beauty of Tropical North Queensland, Australia. Nestled on the shores of the Coral Sea, Townsville is more than just a city; it's a vibrant hub of culture, history, and, most importantly, an access point to some of the most spectacular natural wonders this city and the surrounding regions have on offer for visitors.

About Townsville

Townsville, the unofficial capital of North Queensland, is a dynamic mix of rainforests, reefs, sandy beaches, islands and outback adventures. It's a city where the sun shines for more than 300 days a year, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an endless summer with a plethora of things to do and things to see. With its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the enchanting Magnetic Island, and the lush rainforests of the Wet Tropics, Townsville offers a diverse array of natural attractions waiting to be explored.

What Makes Townsville So Special

• Magnetic Island: Just a short ferry ride from the city, Magnetic Island boasts secluded beaches, rugged landscapes, and friendly koalas living in the wild. With over half the island designated as a national park, it offers stunning hiking trails and snorkelling spots.
• The Strand: A picturesque beachfront promenade in the heart of Townsville, offering stunning views of the Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll, a dip in the ocean, and the place to be for a seaside meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants offering the best views in Townsville.
• Dining and Bars: North Queenslanders are very creative and have access to the freshest seafoods and exotic tropical produce and indigenous ingredients so you will be delighted with the choice of the top-quality bars and restaurants in Townsville.
• Townsville Casino: The Ville Resort-Casino the place to be for events, wining, and dining and of course a dabble on the tables.
• Sport – Festivals – Events: Being in a region with 300 sunny days a year it’s no wonder if feels like a party town all year round with car racing, triathlons, football, rugby country music, rodeos, horse racing and international acts visiting now and again, Townsville will keep you very entertained during your holidays.  
• Castle Hill: Offering panoramic views of Townsville and its surroundings, Castle Hill is a must-visit for sunrise or sunset. The hill is a local favourite for fitness enthusiasts and tourists alike, with several hiking trails leading to the top.
• Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium: The world's largest living coral reef aquarium provides a window to the Great Barrier Reef. It's an excellent place for all ages to learn about the marine life that makes the reef their home.
• Museum of Underwater Art: Created to instil awareness of the fragility of corals and also display their ability for recovery if given the chance these underwater art installations were designed to create conversations and attract media attention to the plight of clean oceans and show how each and every individual person has a role in protecting it simply by our own actions at home. Visitors to Townsville and Magnetic Island can enjoys a snorkelling tour or a scuba diving tour and visit these incredible underwater art sculptures. The first art installation you will notice on the Townsville foreshore Promenade is the Ocean Siren Sentinel. There are dozens to see so make sure you book your MOUA tour early to see these incredible artworks. This is the largest underwater art structure in the world!
• Townsville Street Art: The cities centre has been turned into a Street Art Haven with laneways and alleyways showcasing a number of vibrant and innovative street art by local and internationally recognised artists.
• Cruise Ship Port: Many cruise ships call into Townsville for a day or multi days allowing guests to disembark the cruise ship to take in some of the local tours and attractions. Half Day tours to Magnetic Island and helicopter rides seem to be a favourite for the passengers.
• Luxury Island Resorts: Townsville is the gateway to the luxury resorts of Orpheus Island and Pelorus Private Island. Two world class resorts that are located a short private boat charter or helicopter ride from Townsville. If you have the budget charter a luxury superyacht to use for those days when you feel like getting off the island to explore the Great Barrier Reef.   

How to Get to Townsville

Townsville is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. Townsville Airport (IATA: TSV) connects the city to major Australian capitals and regional centres. The Bruce Highway and the Queensland Rail network also provide convenient access for those preferring to travel by car or train. 

Townsville is approximately 350 kilometers (about 217 miles) south of Cairns. This distance can be covered by a 4 to 5-hour drive via the Bruce Highway, or about an hour by flight.

From Townsville to the Whitsundays, the distance is about 270 kilometers (around 168 miles) south. This journey typically takes about 3 to 4 hours by car, traveling via the Bruce Highway. For visits specifically to the islands of the Whitsundays, further travel by boat from coastal hubs like Airlie Beach is necessary.

Best Time to Visit Townsville

The ideal time to visit Townsville is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the region. However, the city's tropical climate means that even during the green season, there are plenty of sunny days to enjoy all that Townsville has to offer. This is also humpback whales season so you can enjoy a whale watching tour from Townsville. 

How Long Should You Stay in Townsville

To fully experience Townsville and discover all its things to do and things to see, a stay of at least 3 to 5 days is recommended. This allows enough time to explore the city's attractions, spend three days or more on Magnetic Island, and perhaps venture further afield to the nearby national parks or the Great Barrier Reef.

Top Things to Do and See in Townsville

• Magnetic Island: Explore the island's national park, beautiful bays, and spot wildlife such as koalas and rock wallabies. One of the most beautiful islands on the Great Barrier Reef that provides visitors with jaw dropping views, beaches, hiking trails and wildlife. Be sure to pre-book you’re snorkelling and diving tours, sunset cruises, sailing trips, helicopter rides, and luxury yacht charters when planning a visit to Magnetic Island.
• Yongala Wreck Dives: Noted as one of the worlds top dive sites the historic S.S. Yongala Wreck entices scuba divers from all over the world to come and see her at the bottom of the Great Barrier Reef from Ayr just 90 minutes south of Townsville. Book a day tour or multi-overnight liveaboard dive trips that include the Yongala wreck and other simply amazing snorkelling and dive spots on the reef.
• Whale Watching Tours Townsville: From June to September, you can sbook a whale watching tour to see the magnificent humpback whales and their calves playing in the safety of the coral barrier of the Great Barrier Reef far away from predators on whale watching tours.
• The Strand: Enjoy the beach, the water park for kids, and the numerous dining options along this scenic waterfront.
• Castle Hill: Climb or drive to the top for breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.
• Reef HQ Aquarium: Discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet.
• Museum of Tropical Queensland: Learn about the region's history, from its Indigenous cultures to the story of the HMS Pandora.
• Diving and Snorkelling: Experience the Great Barrier Reef's marine life with a day trip to one of the many spectacular dive sites near Townsville.
• Helicopter Rides: Townsville and Magnetic Island are your departure points for a multitude of helicopter rides over the Great Barrier Reef, Hinchinbrook Island. Guests can also enjoy private island escapes to land at Havannah Island, see shipwrecks, lighthouses, and flights over the city itself. Helicopter rides are perfect for cruise ship passengers.  
• Charter Yachts: Charter a yacht for a sunset cruise from the Townsville harbour for your family friends or work group
• Paluma Range National Park: A short drive from the city, this lush rainforest offers cool respite from the tropical heat, with walking trails, waterfalls, and stunning vistas.
• Hinchinbrook Island: Pack your backpack and enjoy a 4-day hike on the largest uninhabited island on the Great Barrier Reef, Hinchinbrook Island. Only 7000 visitors are permitted yearly to preserve this fragile eco system. See waterfalls, swimming holes, rainforests, creeks with crocodiles, beaches, and amazing wildlife. Book your hiking trip on the Thorsborne Trail. 

Why People Come to Townsville

Visitors are drawn to Townsville for its sunshine, tropical climate, and the incredible natural beauty that surrounds the city. It serves as a gateway to exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the enchanting Magnetic Island, and the ancient rainforests that are part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Townsville offers a unique blend of natural wonders and urban conveniences that make it an unforgettable destination.

Your Adventure Starts in Townsville

Townsville is a destination like no other, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure amidst a stunning natural landscape. Whether you're diving into the azure waters of the Great Barrier Reef, hiking through the rainforest, or simply soaking up the tropical vibe of the city and its surrounds, Townsville is the perfect place to begin your North Queensland adventure. Start planning your trip today and discover all the wonders that await in this vibrant and beautiful tropical city.