From mountain climbing to the summit of Fortress Hill to diving the the Nice Barrier Reef, right here is our record of the perfect issues to do in Townsville!
Chances are you’ll know this North Queensland vacation spot for its palm-lined promenade ‘The Strand’, and because the gateway to the pure wonders of Magnetic Island and the world-heritage listed Nice Barrier Reef.
Nevertheless, as the biggest city centre north of the Sunshine State (and residential to native legends, the North Queensland Cowboys), there’s a lot extra to discover!
Townsville is a good place to come back to expertise life like a neighborhood by having fun with beautiful hikes, eateries, night time markets, botanical gardens, in addition to an amazing place to anchor right down to discover the pure wonders of Tropical North Queensland.
As soon as you recognize what to do in Townsville, you’ll find yourself coming again many times.
The Finest Issues to Do in Townsville
Within the metropolis itself you’ll be able to spend your days biking, strolling up Fortress Hill, exploring the family-friendly public artwork path, going to the Strand night time markets, and hanging out with the wild koalas and wallabies on Magnetic Island or on the Billabong Sanctuary.
READ MORE: Heading additional north? Don’t miss our epic information to the perfect issues to do in Cairns!
Then, inside just some hours drive, you’ll be able to immerse your self in historical palm-filled gullies of the moist tropics, discover misty mountain villages of Tropical Queensland, cool off in freshwater crystal creeks, expertise the fun of standing beneath Australia’s tallest single drop waterfall, and uncover the underwater world of reefs, wrecks, sea turtles and extra.
In case you’re nonetheless questioning if you happen to ought to linger longer than you initially deliberate, our record of the highest issues to do in Townsville will persuade you to remain for just a few extra days no less than!
1) Climb Fortress Hill
This iconic pink granite monolith is greater than only a scenic backdrop to the town. With numerous trails ranging in issue and size, it’s a well-liked mountain climbing path for locals and vacationers alike.
Spend just a few hours climb the strolling tracks to the highest to see this metropolis from above with a 360 diploma panoramic view of this tropical Queensland metropolis and Magnetic Island.
2) Discover the Nice Barrier Reef
Townsville is among the finest ports to entry the UNESCO World Heritage Web site Nice Barrier Reef.
This beautiful pure surprise boasts the world’s largest assortment of coral reefs and numerous marine life, and is certainly a prime contender for issues to do in Townsville.
Expertise a day on the Nice Barrier Reef (and mix it with the can’t-miss MOUA) by reserving an epic day journey right here.
After a 2 hour journey to the reef, you’ll be able to spend a the day snorkelling or diving this underwater world, seeing every thing from reef sharks to sea turtles and the plentiful fantastic thing about the coral reef.
- Opening Hours: excursions begin round 7am and return round 4pm
- Deal with: Choose up from Townsville or Magnetic Island
3) Take a Stroll on the Strand
Take a stroll alongside this scenic coastal boardwalk down by the palm-laden foreshore overlooking Magnetic Island.
Spend the day going for a croc-free swim within the lagoon or lease a get up paddle board from Within the Loop (name them at 0415 837 484).
Within the night head to Strand Park to take a look at the Strand Night time Markets and the vary of meals stands, homewares, trend and crafts.
Should you’re an ice-cream lover, you should definitely seize a scoop at Juliette’s Gelateria and take a look at Townsville’s favorite gelato.
- Opening hours: First friday of the month 5pm-9:30pm (mar-dec)
- Value: Varies
- Deal with: Strand Park, North Ward, 4810 QLD
4) Swim within the Freshwater Creeks in Paluma Vary Nationwide Park
Simply 80km north west of Townsville, this nationwide park is the southern gateway to north Queensland’s moist tropics the place freshwater crystal creeks and rock swimming pools are plentiful.
Head to the misty mountain village of Paluma for a stroll amongst the rainforest and see the area from above from McClelland’s Lookout.
Upon getting completed absorbing the great thing about Paluma Vary Nationwide Park, you should definitely cease at Paradise waterhole at Large Crystal Creek and discover the cascading water holes underneath the attractive stone arch bridge in Little Crystal Creek.
These are an amazing place to cease for a swim, a picnic and unwind for the day, all throughout the wonderful Townsville area.
5) Get pleasure from a Platypus Safari
If you’re hoping to see a platypus within the wild, then you should definitely e book in a platypus safari at Hidden Valley Cabins.
Keep the night time to calm down and unwind on this tropical Queensland paradise, and awake refreshed to spend just a few hours recognizing the bubbles of submerged platypus and studying extra about these lovely creatures.
With a 98% success charge, this can be a excellent spot to study extra about our billed pals of their pure atmosphere.
- Value: $229 (accomodation and tour)
- Deal with: 67 McLennan Rd, Hidden Valley, 4816, QLD
READ MORE: Don’t miss our record of all the perfect issues to do in Airlie Seashore, only a fast drive additional south!
6) Take a Day Journey to Magnetic Island
Only a quick 20-minute journey by ferry throughout Cleveland Bay is the attractive Magnetic Island. This nature-rich oasis is a good place to go snorkelling, mountain climbing and diving, or simply sit back and luxuriate in some island excursions.
The easiest way to get round Magnetic Island is by automobile however it doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution: Should you don’t have already got your individual automobile, merely take the ferry over and lease one on the island.
When you’re there, you might be spoilt for selection for all of the unimaginable actions and points of interest to discover in North Queensland’s finest journey island vacation spot!
Solely have sooner or later right here? Observe this Magnetic Island Day Journey Itinerary.
Head to Forts stroll to expertise the fascinating historic fortifications and 360 diploma panoramic view from the highest of this WWII web site.
Don’t neglect to search for as you could spot a wild koala! Make sure to seize a snorkel path map (you’ll be able to seize these from varied areas round Magnetic Island for $5), earlier than making your solution to the rocky shores of Alma bay in Arcadia to go snorkelling on the self-guided snorkel path in search of marine life, arguably Maggie’s hottest seashore.
End the day by visiting the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay and exploring Horseshoe Bay, or occurring a sail sundown cruise.
Find it irresistible a lot you wish to keep the night time? Then you should definitely e book in an evening at Bungalow Bay Village in Horseshoe Bay the place you’ll be able to have the prospect to eat an Aussie fashion breakfast breakfast with wild koalas!
7) Discover the Metropolis’s Botanic Gardens
Nestled across the outdated metropolis heart, there are 4 botanical gardens to discover.
Anderson Botanical Gardens is the biggest with over 25 hectares with a robust emphasis on dry and tropical crops, whereas Queens Gardens is the oldest, with just a few small hedge mazes, an aviary and an oasis set on a backdrop of the monolith of Fortress Hill.
The gates of all of the gardens are open to the general public from dawn to sundown.
Should you’re in search of extra outside enjoyable, take a look at the household pleasant free water park, close by City Widespread Conservation Park or go for a swim in one of many Olympic swimming swimming pools.
8) Step Again into the Gold Rush Period in Charters Towers
Drive an hour and thirty minutes west and take a step again in time to the gold rush period to Charters Towers.
Previously generally known as “The World” (a nickname given to the city when it was the second largest metropolis in Queensland), this city is wealthy with historical past, museums, excursions and structure of its colonial previous.
Cease by Venus Gold Battery to study extra concerning the gold rush, strive a Whitbreads cordial from the native shops and end the day watching the sundown from atop Tower Hill.
- Opening hours: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays all through the Heritage Competition from 10am
- Value: $25 pp
- Deal with: Nook Millchester Street & Jardine Road Charters Towers, Queensland, 4820
9) Expertise Australia’s Largest Single Drop Waterfall
Situated two and a half hours north west is the long-lasting Wallaman Falls. After driving the graded ascent, winding via historical palm stuffed gullies, you’ll be able to park your automobile and stroll to see the falls.
When you can see the complete size of the waterfall from a viewing platform from above, the expertise of standing on the base is a complete different world.
There’s nothing fairly like being submerged amongst the dense world-heritage listed tropical rainforests feeling the spray from this cascading beast of a waterfall.
10) Billabong Sanctuary
The Billabong Sanctuary is a good place to expertise the easiest of north Queensland native wildlife in motion.
Right here you’ll be able to see croc feeding exhibits, pat a wombat, feed a cassowary, see a free flight fowl present and is among the few locations on the planet the place you’ll be able to maintain a koala and a child croc if you happen to’re up for it!
- Opening hours: 7 days 9am-4pm
- Value: Entry $40
- Deal with: 11 Nation rd, Nome, QLD, 4816
11) Get pleasure from a Snack at Harvey Vary Heritage Tea Rooms
Simply inland of Townsville, this rustic heritage lodge turned heritage tea rooms provides excessive tea with a view.
Sit again and luxuriate in a variety of truffles, pastries, sandwiches with bottomless tea and plunger espresso or, if you happen to’re feeling courageous, you can too strive a one in every of a sort cup of Kopi Luwak (aka. cat poo espresso) recognized for its smoother, sweeter flavour, for $50 a cup!
- Opening Hours: All Day Breakfast 9am-1pm
- Value: $20-$35 per individual for top tea
- Deal with: 37 Thorton Hole Rd, Hervey Vary, QLD, 4817
READ MORE: Uncover extra of Queensland’s wonderful regional cities with our information to what to do in Rockhampton!
12) Go to Foodie Heaven in Otto’s Recent Meals Market
Take the morning to meander via the artisanal deli, recent produce, native items and end up in foodie heaven as you scent the alluring recent bread scent emanating from the German-style bakehaus.
Should you’re a fan of baked items, you should definitely strive one in every of Otto’s many doughy delights equivalent to their pretzel doughnut twist or mouthwatering true sourdough bread.
- Opening hours: 7am-7pm (excluding sundays)
- Value: $5-25
- Deal with: 3-5 Illuka St, Carrajong, QLD, 4812
13) Expertise the Traditional Tors Drive-In Cinema
Tors Drive-In Cinema, positioned 1.5 hr drive west from Townsville, has been rolling movies since 1966 and is among the solely in North Queensland to display the newest films in 4K.
Assist this native enterprise by treating your self to one thing from the Cafe that provides a variety of burgers, toasted sandwiches and film snacks.
This can be a nice night time of household pleasant leisure to be loved by everybody!
- Opening Hours: 6:30pm (test film timetable on web site)
- Value: $9.50 per individual
- Deal with: 120 New Queen Rd, Queenton, QLD, 4820
14) Go to the Museum of Underwater Artwork
Only a quick manner off the coast of Townsville you’ll be able to expertise the Museum of Underwater Artwork (MOUA): the one underwater museum within the southern hemisphere.
Created by Jason De Cairns Taylor, this submerged museum sits in varied areas round The Strand, Palm Islands, Magnetic Island and John Brewer Reef.
You’ll be able to e book a guided day tour that additionally features a journey to the Nice Barrier Reef right here, which is appropriate for licensed divers and snorkelers of all ages.
15) Eat Italian in Ingham
With over half the inhabitants of Ingham being of Italian descent, the city is also known as ‘Little Italy’ and is famend for its genuine Italian heritage and delicacies.
Should you’re planning a go to mid 12 months, you should definitely take a look at the Australian Italian Competition on the 4th and fifth of June on the TYTO precinct the place you’ll be able to expertise the meals and tradition delivered to life.
In any other case, you will get a style of little Italy by stopping by Casa Pasta for lunch all through the remainder of the 12 months. Right here you’ll be able to select your pasta and pair it with one in every of their selfmade Italian sauces to create your individual Italian pasta dish.
- Opening hours: 8am-3pm
- Value: $15
- Deal with: 108 Lannercost St, Ingham, 4850
16) Hike Hinchinbrook Island
This nature lover’s paradise, positioned throughout the Nice Barrier Reef heritage space, is one nationwide park that’s virtually untouched with solely 40 individuals permitted to camp on the island at a time.
Hinchinbrook Island is finest recognized for the favored 32km Thorsbourne Path that permits its guests to find this Jurassic Park-like location as if it was their very personal non-public paradise.
Good mountain climbing situations are from July to November, and is well accessible by ferry from Cardwell for $165, with tenting charges round $6.85 per individual per night time.
17) See Townsville by Bike
There’s nothing like seeing a metropolis by bike, particularly when there are mountain bike trails to discover!
Lease a motorbike from Within the Loop and go ‘underneath the radar’ and hit the native mountain bike trails at Pallarenda.
Not a mountain biker? No worries! You’ll be able to lease a motorbike and luxuriate in a scenic journey alongside the great thing about the Ross River promenade and discover the town.
- Opening hours: 9am-5:30pm weekdays and 9am-1:30pm weekends
- Value: $65-$110 per day
- Deal with: 320-322 Flinders Mall, Townsville, 4810, QLD
18) Take a Stroll on the Jezzine Barracks
This coastal boardwalk is a public artwork path connecting Rowes Bay to the Strand, highlighting the Aboriginal and army heritage of the Kissing Level Headland.
That includes 32 specifically commissioned public artworks by North Queensland artists, this path stands to pay homage to the historical past of Garrabara (aka Townsville) and to commemorate the affect of the warfare on the area.
19) Dive One of many Prime 10 Dives within the World!
Simply off the coast between Townsville and Ayr, close to Cape Bowling Inexperienced, licensed divers can go and expertise the great thing about the SS Yongala shipwreck.
After sinking in 1911 and laying undiscovered for a half a century, this 100-metre lengthy ship has since remodeled and turn out to be dwelling to a various array of coral gardens and resident sea life intertwined with the historic wreck relics.
Attributable to the truth that that is thought of a distant space dive, it’s best suited to extra superior divers.
Wreck dives of this type require that you’re a licensed SCUBA open water diver and have logged no less than 6 dives.
If that’s you, you’ll be able to e book a day journey to expertise this bucket record dive right here.
- Opening Hours: workplace hours 8am-11am /1pm-5pm (7 days)
- Value: $262 per day (+$30 for gear rental)
- Deal with: 36 Braby St, Alva Seashore, Ayr, ALD 4807
20) Test Out the Mount Stuart Lookout
Standing at 584 meters, virtually twice the peak of Fortress Hill, Mount Stuart is one other good spot to lace up your mountain climbing boots and expertise Townsville and Magnetic Island from above.
The strolling tracks are fairly steep in areas and require an excellent degree of health. Convey a water bottle and permit 2+ hours for this 15km return observe and benefit from the panoramic views from the highest!
21) Go to the Museum of Tropical Queensland
Situated proper subsequent to the ever well-liked Reef Headquarters Aquarium and throughout the water from Townsville Yacht Membership and Marina, the Museum of Tropical Queensland is a implausible place to spend just a few hours for nature-enthusiasts, particularly on these heat Townsville days.
Stuffed with reveals and galleries showcasing the perfect tales, wildlife of the state, guests are transported again to prehistoric instances on an exquisite academic journey that’s excellent for households or anybody with an curiosity in pure historical past.
After you discover the Museum of Tropical Queensland, be sure to cease by subsequent door at Reef HQ** to see the coral reef exhibit, one other the most effective issues to do in Townsville.
Bonus tip – Cease by the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery for extra indoor enjoyable in Townsville North Queensland.
**Reef HQ is at the moment closed for refurbishment – test again quickly for actual opening dates.
- Opening Hours: Every day 9:30am to 4:00pm
- Deal with: 70-102 Flinders St, Townsville QLD 4810
Townsville North Queensland Journey Information
Should you’re not questioning about issues to do in Townsville however are as an alternative questioning the place to remain in your journey, then we have now you coated with an inventory of the perfect lodging (and naturally the perfect locations to eat!) for while you go to the town.
Spend just a few days on the town, then soar over to Magnetic Island for one more separate journey.
Finest Lodging – The place to Keep in Townsville
In terms of the place to remain in Townsville, there’s a numerous vary of lodging from finances to luxe lodging packages that basically has one thing for everybody.
The Finest Hostel in Townsville – Civic Visitor Home Backpacker Hostel
This homey fashion hostel with an out of doors terrace, free wifi, open widespread areas and spacious kitchen, makes it really feel like a house away from dwelling.
The hostel is conveniently positioned on the base of Fortress hill and solely a brief stroll from the Strand.
For less than $21 an evening in a shared room, it’s an ideal place for backpackers to base themselves throughout their north Queensland getaway.
Finest Funds Lodging for {Couples} – Civic Visitor Home
Rated as one of many prime ten hostels in Australia, Civic Visitor Home additionally provides implausible reasonably priced accomodation for singles and {couples} alike.
Get pleasure from a double mattress, shared toilet and the identical homey facilities, for an excellent reasonably priced $55 per night time, or improve to an ensuite for under $69 per night time.
Finest Mid-Vary Resort in Townsville – Kensington at Central
These trendy black and white residences at Kensington at Central are completely positioned overlooking the Ross River.
Should you like having a spot to make meals whereas on holidays you will get a room with a kitchen beginning at $164, or if you happen to choose a lodge fashion, there’s a decreased charge choice and not using a kitchen.
That is additionally an ideal place to calm down and unwind with a swimming pool, spa and sauna all onsite.
Finest Luxurious Resort in Townsville – The Ville Resort
From the scenic swimming pool and open plan rooms with ocean view bathtubs, The Ville Resort takes first place in terms of centrally positioned luxe lodging packages in Townsville.
Situated overlooking the Marina, rooms begin at $246/night time with an array of facilities on web site.
Throughout the resort you’ll be able to head to the on line casino, strive one in every of their on web site eating places, get your blood pumping on the tennis court docket or health centre and end the day on the splash poolside bar.
Finest Eating places in Townsville
The sweetness doesn’t cease with issues to do in Townsville or locations to remain, but in addition extends to the native delicacies!
Under is an inventory of the highest three eating places that every one come extremely rated on the Townsville restaurant scene.
Funds
If you’re a fan of reasonably priced genuine worldwide delicacies, then you should definitely take a look at Vietnamese Color Restaurant.
Providing genuine and finances pleasant vary of Vietnamese dishes, you’ll be able to cosy up with a pho, spring rolls or the paw paw salad for $2-$15.
Mid-range
Longboard Bar and Grill is a good place to seize a fast chew in Townsville! Favouring a variety of Australian pub classics, it’s additionally obtained an amazing vary of Mexican fashion nibbles in addition to a menu of pizza focaccia’s (costs starting from $10-$25).
This can be a good spot to sit back, take pleasure in a meal and a drink whereas soaking in the great thing about the strand and magnetic island.
Excessive-Finish
A Contact of Salt is a recent Australian restaurant that boasts an award profitable menu catering to a variety of dietary necessities with out sacrificing on style.
Count on to pay $25-40 for a principal for this relaxed fantastic eating expertise.
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