Townsville Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Castle Hill showing landscape views, a sunset and a city
Townsville
Castle Hill which includes a small town or village, a sunset and landscape views
Townsville
Townsville

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

The Strand which includes a sunset, hiking or walking and a garden

The Strand

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to The Strand. A stop by The Strand Beach or Strand Waterpark might round out your trip.

The Strand
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 Townsville Sports Reserve 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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Railway Estate

While visiting Railway Estate, you might make a stop by sights like Reid Park Street Circuit and Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Railway Estate
Mount Stuart featuring mountains, landscape views and a small town or village

Mount Stuart

Mount Stuart might not have many top sights, but Mount Stuart and Cluden Racecourse are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Mount Stuart
Aquarius on the Beach

Aquarius on the Beach

4 out of 5
75 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is ₹7,571 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹7,571
₹8,328 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
On the Strand
"Great location on the Strand close to all the restaurants views across to Magnetic Island"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Aquarius on the Beach
The Palmer Collective

The Palmer Collective

4 out of 5
12 14 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (727 reviews)
"Staff were friendly and approachable. Dinning was amazing!! and the bed was super comfy"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

The Palmer Collective
Rambutan Resort

Rambutan Resort

5 out of 5
113 - 119 Flinders Street, Townsville, QLD
The price is ₹9,578 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
₹9,578
₹10,535 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (720 reviews)
"Property was easy to locate, free parking. Rooms were very clean and bed was comfortable. Food was great and reasonable at resort also"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Rambutan Resort
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (544 reviews)
"Satisfactory overall. Great bed. I would stay there again."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Madison Ocean Breeze
Oaks Townsville Hotel

Oaks Townsville Hotel

4.5 out of 5
81 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,517 reviews)
"The room was spacious and lovely set up with kitchenette washer and dryer, also a balcony which is a plus had all the features we love including Foxtel, no need for soap they have all the dispenser solutions available even lotion it smells amazing. I will be back"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Oaks Townsville Hotel
QCWA Kissing Point Units

QCWA Kissing Point Units

3.5 out of 5
116 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal and Strand ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"Great value"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

QCWA Kissing Point Units
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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