Townsville

Travel Guide

Castle Hill showing a city, a sunset and landscape views
Townsville
Castle Hill which includes island images, a bay or harbor and a sunset
Townsville
Townsville

Townsville Travel Guide Video

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 meters) from the heart of the city.

Back in the city center and take a walk along The Strand, a 1.3-mile (2.2-kilometer) 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 kilometers) 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 featuring a sunset, hiking or walking and a park

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 a park and forests

North Ward

North Ward is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Strand Waterpark and The Strand Beach while in the area.

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
Mount Stuart featuring a sunset, a small town or village and landscape views

Mount Stuart

When in Mount Stuart, you can plan a visit to Mount Stuart and Cluden Racecourse, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Mount Stuart
Castle Hill showing general coastal views and a city

Castle Hill

Castle Hill is well-liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Townsville area, you might plan a trip to Townsville Sports Reserve or Catholic Diocese of Townsville.

Castle Hill
Madison Plaza Townsville

Madison Plaza Townsville

4 out of 5
409 Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"I booked at 730 am for tonight, by 1pm was in the ED ( not on hotel grounds) and will have a joint replaced tomorrow. A lovely reception lady took my call and with empathy will see if I can get a room credit or refund. Can't really ask for more-thankyou"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Madison Plaza Townsville
Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

4.5 out of 5
334 Flinders Street, Townsville, QLD
The price is P6,412 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P6,412
P7,053 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star business-friendly hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Hotel rooms need a serious upgrade"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville
The Ville Resort - Casino

The Ville Resort - Casino

4.5 out of 5
Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville, QLD
The price is P9,956 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P9,956
P10,951 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Ville Resort - Casino
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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,521 reviews)
"Great place, good value."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Oaks Townsville Hotel
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 property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (549 reviews)
"Great spot, great staff"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Madison Ocean Breeze
Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

4 out of 5
2 Dibbs Street, South Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,181 reviews)
"Great location for both sides of the river. Walk to all cafes ,bars,pubs, restaurants and ferry."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites
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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