Things to do in Townsville - travel guide

Townsville

Basking in over 300 days of sunshine, Townsville North Queensland combines the urban vibrancy at its heart while lying nestled between two UNESCO World Heritage ecosystems - the Great Barrier Reef and the Paluma Range National Park - making it one of the North's best kept secrets.

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Places to stay

Whether you’re visiting for a few days while preparing to set sail to Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef, or based here to explore the national parks, beach and waterfalls of Hinchinbrook, there’s a variety of places to stay in and around Townsville. For a tropical gateway to the reef or the rainforest, base yourself at one of the many holiday apartments or hotels along The Strand and soak in the views of Magnetic Island and the Port of Townsville. For a hotel with a beautiful pool, stay at the The Ville Resort-Casino or Mercure Townsville to soak in the sun.

To stay on one of the best tropical islands in North Queensland, take the 20 minute ferry ride from Townsville to Magnetic Island. Acadia and Picnic Bay offer a variety of apartments, cottages or houses ideal for families, groups and those looking for a central spot to explore the island.

Things to do

Get ready to explore Magnetic Island, a World Heritage-listed National Park with its spectacular natural landscapes and seascapes including boulder-strewn headlands, hoop pines, high quality sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs perfect for snorkelling. Catch a ferry from the Townsville Ferry Terminal.

Sample exotic Australian tropical fruits at Cotters Rotary Market; also a great stop to stock up on picnic supplies and Aussie souvenirs. For a tasty meal, visit the City Lane precinct for dining options ranging from sushi to burgers or a gelato at Juliette’s - or book a table at Longboard Bar and Grill for sunset dinner and drinks with a view.

With everything from the outback to island adventures, there’s so many ways to spend your days in the tropical surrounds of Townsville.

10 of the Best Spots for Snorkelling and Diving in Queensland

Where to go

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Plan your visit to Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville. Get ready to explore this World-Heritage Listed National Park with its spectacular 23 bays and beaches, walking trails, Northern Australia's largest wild koala colony and two world-class snorkelling sites - the Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay Trails.

Every activity you could hope for is on offer from hiking, sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing and stand-up paddleboarding - you're guaranteed to fill your days.

Plan your visit to Magnetic Island

More things to do in Hinchinbrook

Hinchinbrook

Looking for even more adventure? The Hinchinbrook region to the north of Townsville is a pristine natural playground bursting with ancient rainforest, isolated beaches and many endangered animal species. Choose to stay at one of the many holiday homes, hotels or bungalows in Hinchinbrook Shire or in Ingham, the major town. West of Ingham is Girringun National Park, home to Wallaman Falls - the largest single drop waterfall in Australia, a sight not to be missed.

More things to do in Hinchinbrook

Car hire information

Getting around

From the airport: Townsville Airport is located approximately five km from the city centre in Garbutt. Taxis, shuttle bus services and Uber are available.
Around town: Sunbus runs the bus service in Townsville. Car and passenger ferries operate to Magnetic Island, where a bus service operates and hire vehicles are available. The best way to explore the surrounding region and national parks is by hire car or organised tour.

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Important information

Hero image credit: Jason van Miert.

Disclaimer: ^ Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 value unless otherwise specified, for hotel stays booked through qantas.com/hotelsOpens in a new tab or window, except Classic Hotel Rewards and Airbnb bookings. Points Club members will earn 25% more Qantas Points, and Points Club Plus members will earn 50% more Qantas Points. Qantas Points will be credited to your account at least 8 weeks after check-out. Qantas Points may be earned by the member in whose name the booking is made. Members will not be able to earn points on additional charges paid to the accommodation provider for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable).

Disclaimer: ~ Qantas activities are provided by Viator. Conditions apply.

Disclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.

Disclaimer: ^∆ Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flight times.

Disclaimer: + The number of destinations is correct as at 26 April 2023, but is subject to change.

Disclaimer: # You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.