From climbing to the summit of Fortress Hill to diving the the Nice Barrier Reef, right here is our record of the most effective issues to do in Townsville!
It’s possible 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 may be 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 important place to anchor all the way down to discover the pure wonders of Tropical North Queensland.
As soon as you understand what to do in Townsville, you’ll find yourself coming again time and again.
The Greatest Issues to Do in Townsville
Within the metropolis itself you may 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 best things to do in Cairns!
Then, inside just some hours drive, you may 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 joys 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 in case you ought to linger longer than you initially deliberate, our record of the highest issues to do in Townsville will persuade you to remain for a number of extra days not less than!
1) Climb Fortress Hill
This iconic pink granite monolith is greater than only a scenic backdrop to town. With a variety of trails ranging in problem and size, it’s a popular hiking trail for locals and vacationers alike.
Spend a number of 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 Website Nice Barrier Reef.
This beautiful pure marvel boasts the world’s largest assortment of coral reefs and various marine life, and is unquestionably 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 booking an epic day trip here.
After a 2 hour trip to the reef, you may spend a the day snorkelling or diving this underwater world, seeing all the pieces from reef sharks to sea turtles and the ample great thing about the coral reef.
- Opening Hours: excursions begin round 7am and return round 4pm
- Tackle: Decide 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 rise 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, style and crafts.
In case you’re an ice-cream lover, make sure to 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
- Tackle: 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.
After you have completed absorbing the fantastic thing about Paluma Vary Nationwide Park, make sure to cease at Paradise waterhole at Huge Crystal Creek and discover the cascading water holes beneath the gorgeous stone arch bridge in Little Crystal Creek.
These are an important place to cease for a swim, a picnic and unwind for the day, all throughout the wonderful Townsville area.
5) Take pleasure in a Platypus Safari
If you’re hoping to see a platypus within the wild, then make sure to guide in a platypus safari at Hidden Valley Cabins.
Keep the night time to chill out and unwind on this tropical Queensland paradise, and awake refreshed to spend a number of hours recognizing the bubbles of submerged platypus and studying extra about these stunning creatures.
With a 98% success charge, it is a good spot to be taught extra about our billed associates of their pure atmosphere.
- Value: $229 (accomodation and tour)
- Tackle: 67 McLennan Rd, Hidden Valley, 4816, QLD
READ MORE: Don’t miss our record of all of the best things to do in Airlie Beach, only a fast drive additional south!
6) Take a Day Journey to Magnetic Island
Only a quick 20-minute ride by ferry throughout Cleveland Bay is the gorgeous Magnetic Island. This nature-rich oasis is a good place to go snorkelling, climbing and diving, or simply sit back and revel in some island excursions.
One of the best ways to get around Magnetic Island is by automobile but it surely doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution: In case you don’t have already got your personal car, merely take the ferry over and lease one on the island.
When you’re there, you’re spoilt for alternative for all of the unimaginable actions and sights to discover in North Queensland’s finest journey island vacation spot!
Solely have someday right here? Comply with this Magnetic Island Day Trip 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 overlook to search for as you might spot a wild koala! You’ll want to seize a snorkel path map (you may 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 on the lookout for marine life, arguably Maggie’s most popular beach.
End the day by visiting the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay and exploring Horseshoe Bay, or occurring a sail sundown cruise.
Like it a lot you need to keep the night time? Then make sure to guide in an evening at Bungalow Bay Village in Horseshoe Bay the place you may have the prospect to eat an Aussie model breakfast breakfast with wild koalas!
7) Discover the Metropolis’s Botanic Gardens
Nestled across the previous metropolis heart, there are 4 botanical gardens to discover.
Anderson Botanical Gardens is the biggest with over 25 hectares with a powerful emphasis on dry and tropical vegetation, whereas Queens Gardens is the oldest, with a number of 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.
In case you’re on the lookout for extra outside enjoyable, take a look at the household pleasant free water park, close by City Frequent 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 often 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 be taught extra in regards to the gold rush, attempt 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
- Tackle: Nook Millchester Highway & Jardine Avenue Charters Towers, Queensland, 4820
9) Expertise Australia’s Largest Single Drop Waterfall
Positioned two and a half hours north west is the long-lasting Wallaman Falls. After driving the graded ascent, winding by means of historical palm stuffed gullies, you may park your automobile and stroll to see the falls.
Whilst 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 may be 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 may see croc feeding exhibits, pat a wombat, feed a cassowary, see a free flight chicken present and is among the few locations on this planet the place you may maintain a koala and a child croc in case you’re up for it!
- Opening hours: 7 days 9am-4pm
- Value: Entry $40
- Tackle: 11 Nation rd, Nome, QLD, 4816
11) Take pleasure in a Snack at Harvey Vary Heritage Tea Rooms
Simply inland of Townsville, this rustic heritage resort turned heritage tea rooms affords excessive tea with a view.
Sit again and revel in a variety of truffles, pastries, sandwiches with bottomless tea and plunger espresso or, in case you’re feeling courageous, you can too attempt a one among a sort cup of Kopi Luwak (aka. cat poo espresso) identified for its smoother, sweeter flavour, for $50 a cup!
- Opening Hours: All Day Breakfast 9am-1pm
- Value: $20-$35 per particular person for top tea
- Tackle: 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 Contemporary Meals Market
Take the morning to meander by means of the artisanal deli, contemporary produce, native items and end up in foodie heaven as you scent the alluring contemporary bread scent emanating from the German-style bakehaus.
In case you’re a fan of baked items, make sure to attempt one among Otto’s many doughy delights reminiscent of their pretzel doughnut twist or mouthwatering true sourdough bread.
- Opening hours: 7am-7pm (excluding sundays)
- Value: $5-25
- Tackle: 3-5 Illuka St, Carrajong, QLD, 4812
13) Expertise the Traditional Tors Drive-In Cinema
Tors Drive-In Cinema, situated 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 motion pictures 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.
It is 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 particular person
- Tackle: 120 New Queen Rd, Queenton, QLD, 4820
14) Go to the Museum of Underwater Artwork
Only a quick means off the coast of Townsville you may 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 may book a guided day tour that also includes a trip to the Great Barrier Reef 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.
In case you’re planning a go to mid 12 months, make sure to take a look at the Australian Italian Festival on the 4th and fifth of June on the TYTO precinct the place you may expertise the meals and tradition delivered to life.
In any other case, you may get a style of little Italy by stopping by Casa Pasta for lunch all through the remainder of the 12 months. Right here you may select your pasta and pair it with one among their do-it-yourself Italian sauces to create your personal Italian pasta dish.
- Opening hours: 8am-3pm
- Value: $15
- Tackle: 108 Lannercost St, Ingham, 4850
16) Hike Hinchinbrook Island
This nature lover’s paradise, situated 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 identified for the favored 32km Thorsbourne Trail that enables its guests to find this Jurassic Park-like location as if it was their very personal personal paradise.
Excellent climbing circumstances are from July to November, and is definitely accessible by ferry from Cardwell for $165, with tenting charges round $6.85 per particular person per night time.
17) See Townsville by Bike
There may be nothing like seeing a metropolis by bike, particularly when there are mountain bike trails to discover!
Lease a motorbike from In the Loop and go ‘beneath the radar’ and hit the native mountain bike trails at Pallarenda.
Not a mountain biker? No worries! You may lease a motorbike and revel in a scenic trip alongside the fantastic thing about the Ross River promenade and discover town.
- Opening hours: 9am-5:30pm weekdays and 9am-1:30pm weekends
- Value: $65-$110 per day
- Tackle: 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 influence of the struggle 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 fantastic 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 reworked and develop into house 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 not less than 6 dives.
If that’s you, you may guide a day journey to expertise this bucket list dive here.
- Opening Hours: workplace hours 8am-11am /1pm-5pm (7 days)
- Value: $262 per day (+$30 for gear rental)
- Tackle: 36 Braby St, Alva Seashore, Ayr, ALD 4807
20) Verify Out the Mount Stuart Lookout
Standing at 584 meters, nearly twice the peak of Fortress Hill, Mount Stuart is one other excellent spot to lace up your climbing boots and expertise Townsville and Magnetic Island from above.
The strolling tracks are fairly steep in areas and require a superb degree of health. Carry 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
Positioned proper subsequent to the ever common Reef Headquarters Aquarium and throughout the water from Townsville Yacht Membership and Marina, the Museum of Tropical Queensland is a incredible place to spend a number of hours for nature-enthusiasts, particularly on these heat Townsville days.
Crammed with displays and galleries showcasing the most effective tales, wildlife of the state, guests are transported again to prehistoric instances on an exquisite academic journey that’s good for households or anybody with an curiosity in pure historical past.
After you discover the Museum of Tropical Queensland, ensure you 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 presently closed for refurbishment – test again quickly for actual opening dates.
- Opening Hours: Every day 9:30am to 4:00pm
- Tackle: 70-102 Flinders St, Townsville QLD 4810
Townsville North Queensland Journey Information
In case you’re now not questioning about issues to do in Townsville however are as an alternative questioning the place to remain in your journey, then we’ve you lined with an inventory of the most effective lodging (and naturally the most effective locations to eat!) for once you go to town.
Spend a number of days on the town, then bounce over to Magnetic Island for one more separate journey.
Greatest Lodging – The place to Keep in Townsville
In relation to the place to remain in Townsville, there’s a various vary of lodging from price range to luxe lodging packages that basically has one thing for everybody.
The Greatest Hostel in Townsville – Civic Visitor Home Backpacker Hostel
This homey style hostel with an outside terrace, free wifi, open widespread areas and spacious kitchen, makes it really feel like a house away from house.
The hostel is conveniently situated 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.
Greatest Finances Lodging for {Couples} – Civic Visitor Home
Rated as one of many prime ten hostels in Australia, Civic Guest House additionally affords incredible reasonably priced accomodation for singles and {couples} alike.
Take pleasure in a double mattress, shared rest room and the identical homey facilities, for a brilliant reasonably priced $55 per night time, or improve to an ensuite for less than $69 per night time.
Greatest Mid-Vary Resort in Townsville – Kensington at Central
These fashionable black and white flats at Kensington at Central are completely situated overlooking the Ross River.
In case you like having a spot to make meals whereas on holidays you may get a room with a kitchen beginning at $164, or in case you choose a resort model, there’s a diminished charge possibility with out a kitchen.
That is additionally an ideal place to chill out and unwind with a swimming pool, spa and sauna all onsite.
Greatest 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 relating to centrally situated luxe lodging packages in Townsville.
Positioned overlooking the Marina, rooms begin at $246/night time with an array of facilities on web site.
Throughout the resort you may head to the on line casino, attempt one among their on web site eating places, get your blood pumping on the tennis courtroom or health centre and end the day on the splash poolside bar.
Greatest Eating places in Townsville
The wonder doesn’t cease with issues to do in Townsville or locations to remain, but in addition extends to the native delicacies!
Beneath is an inventory of the highest three eating places that every one come extremely rated on the Townsville restaurant scene.
Finances
If you’re a fan of reasonably priced genuine worldwide delicacies, then make sure to take a look at Vietnamese Colour Restaurant.
Providing genuine and price range pleasant vary of Vietnamese dishes, you may 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 chunk in Townsville! Favouring a variety of Australian pub classics, it’s additionally acquired an important vary of Mexican model nibbles in addition to a menu of pizza focaccia’s (costs starting from $10-$25).
It is a excellent spot to sit back, take pleasure in a meal and a drink whereas soaking in the fantastic thing about the strand and magnetic island.
Excessive-Finish
A Touch 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.
Anticipate to pay $25-40 for a principal for this relaxed wonderful eating expertise.
DISCLAIMER: Among the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests in case you guide lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we’ll obtain a small fee at no further price to you. These commissions assist us maintain creating extra free journey content material to assist individuals plan their holidays and adventures. We solely advocate the most effective lodging, excursions and merchandise that ourselves or our incredible editorial crew have personally skilled, and repeatedly evaluation these. Thanks to your assist, type buddy!
