Townsville Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
The Strand showing a sunset
Enjoy the year-round balmy weather, relax at the beach, or explore the forests, wetlands, and marine habitats that surround north Queensland’s unofficial capital.

Visit Townsville for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere and easy access to the natural attractions of northern Queensland.

Start your visit by getting a bird’s-eye perspective of Townsville and its surrounds from Castle Hill, the pink granite monolith rising 938 feet (286 metres) from the heart of the city.

Back in the city centre and take a walk along The Strand, a 1.3-mile (2.2-kilometre) promenade. Here, you can enjoy views of the ocean, find grassy spots for picnics,or visit some of the popular cafés and restaurants. If you need to cool off, take a dip at the Strand Beach, a great spot for swimmers of all ages. This beach has calm water as it is sheltered by Magnetic Island, which lies just 5 miles (8 kilometres) off shore. Maggie, as locals call the island, is nearly 70 percent national park and is just 25 minutes away from Townsville by fast passenger ferry service. There’s also a car ferry service to the island.

Explore more of the surrounding marine environment during a diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef or the wreck of the Yongala passenger ship. You’ll find several diving companies around town, with most offering packages for novices and pros alike. To see what’s under the waves without getting wet, visit Reef HQ, one of the world’s largest living reef aquariums. It has shows and presentations, including Turtle Talk during which you can visit the aquarium’s turtle hospital.

Take in some local history at the Museum of Tropical Queensland and the National Trust Heritage Centre. Military history enthusiasts will want to visit the Army Museum of North Queensland and the Royal Australian Air Force Townsville Museum.

Townsville is the gateway to northern Queensland. You can reach it by plane, bus or train from Brisbane and Cairns. Once in the city, get around using the public bus service, Sunbus, or taxis. Consider renting a car if you plan to explore the surrounding attractions, such as the longest single-drop waterfall in Australia, located in the Girringun National Park.

Where to stay in Townsville

Queens Gardens showing forest scenes and a park

North Ward

North Ward is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to The Strand Beach and Strand Park while you're in town.

North Ward
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South Townsville

Visitors highly recommend South Townsville for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Maritime Museum of Townsville while you're in town.

South Townsville
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Kirwan

If you're spending some time in Kirwan, 1300SMILES Stadium and Aboriginal Reserve are top sights worth seeing.

Kirwan
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Annandale

If you're spending some time in Annandale, Murray Sporting Complex and Townsville Palmetum are top sights worth seeing.

Annandale
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Railway Estate

While visiting Railway Estate, you might make a stop by sights like Townsville 400 Racetrack Start / Finish line and Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Railway Estate
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West End

Travellers like the historical sites in West End, and Castle Hill is a top attraction you might want to visit.

West End
Madison Plaza Townsville
Madison Plaza Townsville
4 out of 5
409 Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Townsville, QLD
The price is ₹5,928 per night from 18 May to 19 May
₹5,928
per night
18 May - 19 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
7.2/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great property, enjoyed my staff"

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Madison Plaza Townsville
The Palmer Collective
The Palmer Collective
4 out of 5
12 14 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
The price is ₹7,116 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
₹7,116
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (574 reviews)
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Reviewed on 9 May 2024

The Palmer Collective
Aquarius on the Beach
Aquarius on the Beach
4 out of 5
75 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is ₹8,184 per night from 21 May to 22 May
₹8,184
per night
21 May - 22 May
Enjoy free parking, a business centre and a garden. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"perfect for what we needed."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Aquarius on the Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Madison Ocean Breeze
Madison Ocean Breeze
3.5 out of 5
81 Mitchell Street, North Ward, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (454 reviews)
"Loved the location walking distance to the strand cafes, pubs, restaurants and gelato Great view of the water Plenty if room, nice sized two bedroom unit with balcony would recommend and would definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Madison Ocean Breeze
Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites
Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites
4 out of 5
2 Dibbs Street, South Townsville, QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Queensland Country Bank Stadium and Magnetic Island ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,127 reviews)
"This property is close to lots of restaurants, the stadium and walking distance to the city centre"

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites
Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel
Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel
4.5 out of 5
81 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,446 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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