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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.