Townsville

Bordered by The Wet Tropics to the north, the outback to the west and the Great Barrier Reef to the east, Townsville is home to endless possibilities.

The most beautiful camping spots in Townsville

Read

<p><i>17 of the best cafes</i> in <strong>Townsville</strong> for breakfast</p>

17 of the best cafes in Townsville for breakfast

Read

<p><i>16 of the best things to do on</i> <strong>Magnetic Island</strong></p>

16 of the best things to do on Magnetic Island

Read

<p>6 reasons why <strong>Townsville</strong> is the <i>new events capital</i> of <strong>Queensland</strong></p>

6 reasons why Townsville is the new events capital of Queensland

Read

<p><i>26 of the best things to do in</i> <strong>Townsville</strong></p>

26 of the best things to do in Townsville

Read

<p><i>19 of the best restaurants</i> in <strong>Townsville</strong></p>

19 of the best restaurants in Townsville

Read

<p>This unexpected <strong>Aussie</strong> city is hiding a <i>world-class arts scene</i></p>

This unexpected Aussie city is hiding a world-class arts scene

Read

<p><i>15 of the best pubs, breweries and bars</i> in <strong>Townsville</strong></p>

15 of the best pubs, breweries and bars in Townsville

Read

Bordered by The Wet Tropics to the north, the outback to the west and the Great Barrier Reef to the east, Townsville is home to endless possibilities.

Highlights
Do & See
Stay
Guide

News

This unexpected Aussie city is hiding a world-class arts scene

From galleries to the Great Barrier Reef – Townsville is turning heads.

lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events

6 reasons why Townsville is the new events capital of Queensland

Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

Things to do

26 of the best things to do in Townsville

Visit an underwater museum, take a ferry to a tropical island, chase waterfalls through the rainforest and wander street-art-filled laneways in this thriving Far North Queensland hub.

Townsville

16 of the best things to do on Magnetic Island

These are all the must-dos for a tropical island escape on Queensland’s Magnetic Island.

Eating Out

15 of the best pubs, breweries and bars in Townsville

If you’re craving some good ol’ fashioned chicken schnitty and a schooner of ice-cold beer, we’ve got you sorted with these top Townsville pubs and bars.

Eating Out

17 of the best cafes in Townsville for breakfast

Here are the eateries at the top of our list of places to enjoy breakfast in Townsville.

a luxury suite with sea views at Pelorus Private Island, Townsville

Accommodation

20 of the best accommodation options in Townsville

From bright and breezy beachfront motels to tropical resorts with poolside bars to luxury island hideaways, Townsville has a tonne of accommodation options.

Eating Out

19 of the best restaurants in Townsville

Fish and chips on the beach, contemporary riverside dining or cocktails with an ocean outlook? It’s your call with these Townsville restaurants.

Accommodation

The most beautiful camping spots in Townsville

From sleeping under the stars surrounded by Wet Tropics rainforest, to family-friendly holiday parks with all the bells and whistles, here’s a round-up of the best camping in Townsville.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Embrace that Sunday feeling at Hamilton Island’s newest resort

Read

Do & See

MMegan Arkinstall

26 of the best things to do in Townsville

Visit an underwater museum, take a ferry to a tropical island, chase waterfalls through the rainforest and wander street-art-filled laneways in this thriving Far North Queensland hub.

TTaylah Darnell

This unexpected Aussie city is hiding a world-class arts scene

From galleries to the Great Barrier Reef – Townsville is turning heads.

LLara Picone

16 of the best things to do on Magnetic Island

These are all the must-dos for a tropical island escape on Queensland’s Magnetic Island.

snorkelling at Radical Bay, Magnetic Island, Townsville

MMegan Arkinstall

8 tropical Townsville beaches and rockpools to discover

Cool off in the North Queensland heat by taking a dip at these Townsville beaches, rockpools and swimming holes.

MMegan Arkinstall

A shopper’s guide to the best Townsville markets

Whether you’re after some fresh fruit and veg for your holiday home, a souvenir to remember your travels or a tasty bite from a local food vendor, try your luck at these best Townsville markets.

CCeleste Mitchell

A weekend full of surprises on Magnetic Island, QLD

Magnetic Island has always attracted those seeking a slower pace of life, but as new ways of experiencing it bubble up, it’s set for a surge in popularity with those a little more discerning than the backpacker crowd.

MMegan Arkinstall

20 of the best accommodation options in Townsville

From bright and breezy beachfront motels to tropical resorts with poolside bars to luxury island hideaways, Townsville has a tonne of accommodation options.

MMegan Arkinstall

The most beautiful camping spots in Townsville

From sleeping under the stars surrounded by Wet Tropics rainforest, to family-friendly holiday parks with all the bells and whistles, here’s a round-up of the best camping in Townsville.

KKate Symons

Where to eat, stay and play in Townsville

From swim-up bars to buzzing eat streets and island escapes, explore all the best bits of tropical Townsville.

The tropical city of Townsville stretches out around the striking giant pink granite monolith known as Castle Hill that stands proudly in its centre. Towering skyscrapers, Federation buildings and suburban homes spill out around it to meet the coastline of the Coral Sea with Magnetic Island in view just offshore. Bordered by The Wet Tropics to the north, the outback to the west and the Great Barrier Reef to the east, Townsville is home to endless possibilities.

Getting to Townsville

Townsville lies 1340 km north of Brisbane, making it a 15-hour drive or a two-hour flight from Queensland’s capital city. The drive from Cairns to Townsville is a stunning one of about five hours, much worth the journey. There are also flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Darwin to Townsville Airport. Arrive via Queensland Rail from Cairns, Brisbane and many more stations along the east coast of Queensland.

Top Things to Do in Townsville

If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Townsville, you’re in luck. This vibrant coastal city is full to the brim with tropical holiday potential, whether you’re on a family getaway a friend’s bash or a romantic vacation. Visit an underwater museum, take a ferry to a tropical island, see Australia’s cutest native animals close up, check out local tasty treats and handmade crafts at local markets, chase waterfalls through the rainforest and wander street-art-filled laneways in this thriving Far North Queensland hub. If you need a beginner’s guide to Townsville, we’ve got you covered.

Best Places to Stay in Townsville

Townsville offers such a wide variety of accommodations, and the offerings seem to be growing every day. Think water-view balconies, rooftop restaurants, poolside bars and expansive verandahs to make the most of the balmy tropical climate and abundant sunshine. From sunny beachfront motels to tropical resorts with strong holiday vibes, and from historic Queenslanders to island retreats just a short ferry or helicopter ride away, find your oasis with our round-up of the best options.

Best Places to Eat & Drink in Townsville

Sometime in the last 10 years, the Townsville food scene started booming. From top-notch coffee and breakfast goodies, to casual cafes and food trucks to fine dining, there’s an option you’ll love. From day to night, we’ve rounded up our favourite eateries here. But for very serious brunchers, be sure to check out this list (Townsville does breakfast particularly well). Or, keep it casually, but nonetheless tasty, in one of these popular pubs.

Tours and Packages Townsville

Whether you’re wanting to explore the ocean or the land, there’s a tour for that. We’ve got some of our favourites on this list of things to do in Townsville, including boat and diving tours, group walks and even helicopter rides.