17 of the best cafes in Townsville for breakfast

By Megan Arkinstall
hero media
Here are the eateries at the top of our list of places to enjoy breakfast in Townsville.

From brekkie favourites including smashed avo and eggs benny, to cat poo coffee and minced meat on toast – the breakfast options in Townsville are quirky and wonderful. Below is our guide to the best cafes in Townsville for breakfast and coffee.

And if you’re looking to dine beyond breakfast, make sure to check out our guide to Townsville’s best restaurants.

The shortlist:

Best for views with Coral Sea vistas: CBAR
Best family-friendly breakfast: Happy Place
Best coffee: Born Wild Wholefood + Espresso

1. CBAR

people dining at CBAR, Townsville

Take in views of the Coral Sea and Magnetic Island at CBAR. (Image: Supplied)

The location of CBAR on the Gregory Street Headlands reveals Townsville’s promise as a foodie destination. Arriving at CBar after a stroll along The Strand as the sun rises is a very civilised idea. Sit outside on the deck to enjoy roasted field mushrooms with whipped goat’s cheese and poached eggs on sourdough while drinking in views across the Coral Sea to Magnetic Island.

Average price: $$$ 

Atmosphere: Elevated casual 

Location: 80 Gregory St, Townsville City 

2. Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms

For culinary connoisseurs who collect food experiences like souvenirs, a visit to the oldest known building in North Queensland is a must. Relax in the historic Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms with a cup of rare kopi luwak ($50 per cup), coffee that has passed through the digestive tract of the Asian palm civet. Of course, those less inclined to drink beans extracted from faecal matter can order a standard flat white alongside a menu of sweet treats and classic breakfasts of waffles and bacon and egg sandwiches. The heritage tea rooms are housed in an 1865-built building located 30 minutes from Townsville atop Herveys Range. 

Average price: $$$ 

Atmosphere: Bush charm 

Location: 37 Thornton Gap Rd, Hervey Range

3. The Balcony Restaurant

fresh juice at The Balcony Restaurant, Townsville

Sip on a cheeky cocktail with your breakfast.

The food at Balcony has absorbed influences from around the globe, which mirrors the city’s multicultural makeup. The Balcony Restaurant colonised the quirky upstairs space 30 years ago. Enjoy a waffle with ice cream, banana and honeycomb or a robust bacon chop with poached eggs served overlooking Flinders Street, which is bustling on Sundays when it hosts weekly markets. 

Average price: $$$ 

Atmosphere: Outdoor bustle 

Location: 287 Flinders St, Townsville City

4. The Beet Bar

an iced coffee at The Beet Bar, Townsville

Enjoy a top-notch coffee with non-dairy milk at The Beet Bar. (Image: Jack from ‘Cheers content’)

Although The Beet Bar is known for its healthy raw, vegan fare, you can also pick up rainbow salads with chicken and hefty cheeseburgers to boot. Start your day with an acai bowl, toast with avocado, lemon and feta, or a bacon and egg roll, washed down with a crunchy nut protein smoothie or freshly squeezed signature beet juice. 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: Bright and lively 

Location: G1/21 Stokes St, Townsville 

5. Hoi Polloi Cafe

a couple dining outside Hoi Polloi Cafe, Townsville

Come for the street art, stay for great coffee. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Melbourne meets Seattle at this music venue and cafe, which features a gritty, grungy, vintage-chic vibe. The space tucked into the heritage-listed Howard Smith Building is popular with Gen Zers, who look as though they’re playing dress-up and are the epitome of hipster cool. Visit the laneway for its street art and stay for great coffee and quick bites, such as pumpkin scones and pretzel cookies. 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: Grungy laneway vibes 

Location: LOT 2 Flinders St, Townsville

6. Otto’s Fresh Food Market

a box of purple donuts from Otto’s Fresh Food Market, Townsville

A box of purple donuts specially baked for International Women’s Day at Otto’s Fresh Food Market.

All up, Otto’s has 10 departments spread across two locations, which include a meat market, bakehouse, deli and fresh harvest section, fish market and even a ‘doughnut gallery’. Otto’s sells everything from pastries to Japanese favourites, smoked meats and house-made German small goods, such as bratwurst. Order a grazing platter and set up your perfect breakfast picnic on the Strand. 

Average price: $-$$$ 

Atmosphere: Euro marketplace 

Locations include: Warrina, Precinct and JCU

7. Betty Blue and the Lemon Tart

a cup of espresso at Betty Blue and the Lemon Tart, Townsville

Enjoy excellent espresso to fuel your day. (Image: Betty Blue and the Lemon Tart)

Cheesy Doorstop Toast and Betty’s (eggs) Bennys are the top-selling items on the menu at Betty Blue and the Lemon Tart. Located in a dinky Art Deco arcade, the bustling cafe, adorned with tropical accents, has a rotating list of daily specials that are a huge hit with locals. To round out your breakfast, do as the locals do and order a Tim Tam frappe to fuel your walk up Castle Hill. 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: Come as you are 

Location: Suite 8/95 Denham St, Townsville City 

8. The Palm House

the light-filled cafe interior of The Palm House, The Ville, Townsville

The Palm House is light-filled and luxe with a laid-back style. (Image: Simon Shiff)

The Palm House is part of The Ville Resort-Casino, one of Townsville’s best places to stay. If you’re not a guest, you can buy a pool day pass and indulge in an all-morning eating extravaganza at this bright and breezy buffet. Browse the ever-changing selection from chia pudding and granola to Eggs Benedict made at the live cooking stations enjoyed alongside fresh juice and barista-made coffee. 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: Resort chill 

Location: The Ville, Sir Leslie Thiess Dr, Townsville

9. Born Wild Wholefood + Espresso

Born Wild Wholefood Cafe is located in the busy, buzzy City Lane precinct, which is worth a detour for its proximity to some of the city’s best street art. The murals make a splash at the back end of the laneway, which feels more Melbourne than Melbourne. Follow Born Wild on Instagram for what to order – from a mountainous serving of teriyaki chicken benny to acai bowls and corn fritters. 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: City stylish 

Location: 383 Flinders St, Townsville 

10. Grandma’s

breakfast at Grandma’s, Townsville

The breakfast menu combines recipes passed down by four grandparents. (Image: Grandma’s)

If you’re craving some home-cooked comfort food, Grandma’s is the place. This menu is a combination of recipes passed down by four real-life grandparents, embracing global flavours of the Mediterranean, North Africa, Greece and Italy. The breakfast menu includes Grandma’s ricotta pancakes – try the classic version topped with fresh banana, caramelised figs and dollops of cream, drizzled with pure maple; or choose from the all-day breaky options, which includes homemade Challa bread and Grandma Haya’s beloved shakshukas. 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: Cottage cosy 

Location: Shop 14/45 Eyre Street, North Ward

11. Pedlar Project

a brunch plate at Pedlar Project, Townsville

Tuck into savoury brunch plates at Pedlar Project.

Inspired by 1920s French jazz cafes and mid-century contemporary design, Pedlar Project is a boutique coffee roaster from the same master behind Townsville’s much-loved Piccolo Pedlar coffee cart. The menu features breakfast bowls packed with veggie goodness, buttery croissants, flavourful corn fritters and fair trade organic coffee. There’s plenty of sidewalk seating among green foliage to relax and enjoy your brekkie in the fresh air and sunshine. 

Average price: $$–$$$ 

Atmosphere: Greenhouse lounge vibes 

Location: 320-334 Flinders Street, Townsville

12. Fresno Espresso & Wine Bar

a cup of coffee at Fresno Espresso & Wine Bar, Townsville

This sleek cafe is a go-to spot for consistently good coffee. (Image: Fresno Espresso & Wine Bar)

The brainchild of three mates, Fresno is a sleek new cafe, bar and events space in the CBD. Using Code Black Coffee, exclusive to Townsville, the food menu is limited, but excellent espresso by day and espresso martini by night make it worth the visit. 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: Laidback sips 

Address: 139 Sturt Street, Townsville

13. Odyssey on the Strand

a healthy bowl topped with fresh fruits and chia seeds at Odyssey on the Strand, Townsville

A healthy breakfast bowl of fresh fruits and chia seeds. (Image: Odyssey on the Strand)

In a breezy spot at Townsville’s northern end, Odyssey on the Strand is a relaxed Greek restaurant where you can enjoy ocean views along with hearty Mediterranean fare. 

Its breakfast menu offers simple options, from toasted croissants to bircher muesli, when you feel like a lighter start to the day. For something more filling, try a traditional oven-baked omelette, a vegan stack of fresh veggies, or the signature Greek breakfast, a plate filled with roasted tomatoes, avocado, halloumi, and grilled pancetta, all drizzled with olive oil. 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: Casual and generous 

Address: 120 The Strand, North Ward

14. Sirens Bayside

a dog looking at the cup of coffee, Sirens Bayside, Townsville

Pups are welcome at Sirens Bayside.

Slinging sustainably minded and nourishing plates until midday, this beachy keen cafe has community and womenfolk at its heart. It’s a come-one, come-all vibe with a kids’ play corner and a pups-welcome policy. Caffeination comes by way of Byron Bay’s Moonshine roasters, and the menu is a procession of considered and colourful dishes, such as the maple-roasted beetroot and feta dip with feta, microgreens and mint on local sourdough and the ocean smoothie bowl with mango, blue spirulina and seasonal fruit. Parents can treat their little ones with healthy milkshakes, and there are health add-ons targeted at women and kids’ wellbeing, such as sea moss gel, collagen protein and probiotics. 

Average price: $$$ 

Atmosphere: Sunny, sustainable and uplifting 

Address: 1/36 Primrose St, Belgian Gardens 

15. Happy Place

a breakfast burger at Happy Place, Townsville

Fuel up with a brekkie burger at Happy Place.

When the menu serves you uplifting messages alongside its list of dishes, you know you’re in for a good meal. An encouraging “You’re doing great!" does wonders to make you feel good about your breakfast choices, which may range from a classic bacon and egg roll to black bean fritters. There’s also a Happy Kids Breakfast menu, which parents will hope does exactly as promised. Need extra energy to embark on a day in the tropics? Go for an energy bowl that features acai, fruit and muesli. 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: Upbeat and welcoming 

Address: 62 The Strand, North Ward 

16. The Gypsea Collective

This courtyard cafe adjacent to The Gypsy Collective wellness studio is a peaceful sanctuary from the city bustle. Set yourself up post-workout under a tassel-trimmed umbrella and tuck into the signature breakfast of sourdough crumpets with your choice of toppings, such as butter and maple, avo and sauerkraut, or choc-hazel. If you need to calmly rush off, grab a chia pot or vegan slice to go with your turmeric latte or coffee made with Long Shot beans. 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: Mindful 

Address: 146 Ross River Rd, Mundingburra 

17. Hey days

a chef sprinkling some seasoning on a dish at Hey days, Townsville

Expect perfectly seasoned cafe classics. (Image: Hey days)

Doing double time as a cafe in the day and event space come evenings, Hey Days can take you from your first fortifying sip of caffeine right through to a nightcap. Freelance Roasting roasts the beans onsite, while the menu makes its way through some updated cafe classics, such as chilli eggs, brûléed sourdough with a scorched praline top, and an aloha chicken burger with mango chilli aioli. 

Average price: $$$ 

Atmosphere: City cool 

Address: 482 Flinders St, Townsville

For more insider tips on where to eat and drink in Townsville, check out our guide here.

Originally written by Megan Arkinstall with updates by Lara Picone

Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
See all articles
lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events
Townsville

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.

Read more
Things to do in Townsville
Townsville

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.

Read more
things to do on Magnetic Island
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.

Read more
Townsville pubs and bars
Townsville

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.

Read more

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

    By Taylah Darnell
    hero media
    Continue
    From galleries to the Great Barrier Reef – Townsville is turning heads.

    North Queensland is often associated with hot weather and beautiful beaches, acting as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. But one of the state’s biggest cities is on the rise for something different. Townsville is drawing a new crowd: a growing number of visitors who come for the city’s burgeoning arts scene – and stay for everything else.

    When did Townsville become an arts capital?

    Historically a port city established to service the expanding pastoral industries of North Queensland, Townsville has long been an important hub for trade and manufacturing. But in recent years, a growing arts community has been shifting the perspective. And now more than ever, the city is embracing its creativity.

    The Strand in Townsville, Queensland

    Townsville was originally a port city. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

    With the firm backing of Townsville City Council, the movement has flourished, perfectly capturing the city’s essence and elevating daily life for residents and tourists alike. But its impact goes beyond aesthetics – generating space for cultural exchange and paying respects to the land’s Traditional Owners. The Wulgurukaba and Bindal peoples have been creating art in Townsville for thousands of years, which can be observed on an Indigenous-led Bush Tukka & Rock Art Tour with Gudjuda.

    Several art galleries around the city showcase First Nations art, as well as works by a diverse range of emerging and well-known creators. By platforming the artists that call it home, Townsville has built an arts scene that rivals any major Aussie capital – and it’s attracting visitors from near and far.

    Townsville’s arts scene: 5 must-visit places

    Keen to get amongst it but not sure where to start? We hit the streets to uncover Townsville’s top five ultimate art experiences.

    1. Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

    Perc Tucker Regional Gallery in Townsville, Qld

    Perc Tucker exhibits a dynamic range of artworks across its two levels. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

    Located in the heart of the CBD, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is home to a range of artworks exhibited across two levels – from permanent collections by local artists to international exhibitions on tour.

    The gallery recently welcomed Wedgwood: Artist & Industry, on loan from London’s iconic Victoria and Albert Museum – a sure sign of Townsville’s artistic expansion. The landmark exhibition, on display until 24 August, spans over 200 years of original designs and ceramics from the famous fine China manufacturer. Take it up a notch with Restaurant 1889’s Wedgwood dining experience just across the road.

    2. Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts

    Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts in Townsville, Qld

    Purchase handmade trinkets by local artists. (Image: Taylah Darnell)

    A quick walk down the street and you’ll stumble upon Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts. Wander through the open-plan arts space to browse a constantly rotating cycle of eclectic exhibitions from local and national artists. Visitors can also purchase the perfect souvenir to take home, as handmade one-of-a-kind trinkets line the walls, too.

    But there’s more to this locally run gallery than meets the eye. At its heart is The Studio – a supportive space where local artists have 24-hour access to tools and resources that are typically hard to come by for just $50 a month. From silversmithing equipment and printing facilities to an etching press and photography darkroom, all creative forms are catered for.

    3. North Queensland Potters Association

    North Queensland Potters Association in Townsville, Qld

    Join a ceramics workshop. (Image: Taylah Darnell)

    The North Queensland Potters Association invites you to embrace your inner artist, even if you’re only visiting. Just a 10-minute drive out of Townsville’s CBD, this hub of community and creativity is the best place for a hands-on art experience – literally.

    While it’s mainly a studio space for local potters and ceramicists, the not-for-profit also hosts a range of weekly workshops that are open to the public. No matter your skill level, an instructor from the association will guide you through crafting your masterpiece, which can be fired, glazed and sent home to you at an additional cost.

    4. Street Art Walking Trail

    Street art in Townsville, Queensland

    Townsville’s street art is a great way to experience the city’s creativity. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

    Want to do it in your own time, at your own pace? Just follow the Street Art Walking Trail. The itinerary includes 26 public artworks, easily admired on a stroll around the city. Start at the top of Flinders Street with From the treetops… by local artist Jon Electros, which depicts the endangered Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo.

    From there, the tour will take you past more murals, from large-scale portraits that span entire buildings to geometric patterns that dance along walls. Be sure to fuel up with a coffee at Hoi Polloi along the way – not only is it one of Townsville’s best cafes, it’s covered in cool art, too!

    5. Museum of Underwater Art

    Museum of Underwater Art in Townsville, Qld

    MOUA is the only underwater art gallery in Australia. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

    One of just eight underwater art galleries in the world and the only one of its kind in Australia, the Museum of Underwater Art is truly one of the best ways to spend your time in Townsville. Located 70 kilometres off the coast at John Brewer Reef, it can be visited on a day trip from Magnetic Island with local tour operators like SeaLink.

    Don your scuba kit and you’ll witness Jason deCaires Taylor’s Ocean Sentinals, eight 2.2-metre-tall figures weighing between one and three tons. And The Coral Greenhouse, which holds the Guinness Book of World Record’s title for Largest Underwater Art Structure. Prefer to stay on land? Hang out with the four-metre Ocean Siren sculpture back on The Strand.

    Planning a trip? Check out our guide on where to eat, play and stay in Townsville.