Townsville

Travel Guide

Castle Hill which includes a city, a sunset and landscape views
Townsville
Castle Hill showing a small town or village, landscape views and island views
Townsville
Townsville

Enjoy the year-round balmy weather, relax at the beach, or explore the forests, wetlands, and marine habitats that surround north Queensland’s unofficial capital.

Visit Townsville for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere and easy access to the natural attractions of northern Queensland.

Start your visit by getting a bird’s-eye perspective of Townsville and its surrounds from Castle Hill, the pink granite monolith rising 938 feet (286 meters) from the heart of the city.

Back in the city center and take a walk along The Strand, a 1.3-mile (2.2-kilometer) promenade. Here, you can enjoy views of the ocean, find grassy spots for picnics,or visit some of the popular cafés and restaurants. If you need to cool off, take a dip at the Strand Beach, a great spot for swimmers of all ages. This beach has calm water as it is sheltered by Magnetic Island, which lies just 5 miles (8 kilometers) off shore. Maggie, as locals call the island, is nearly 70 percent national park and is just 25 minutes away from Townsville by fast passenger ferry service. There’s also a car ferry service to the island.

Explore more of the surrounding marine environment during a diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef or the wreck of the Yongala passenger ship. You’ll find several diving companies around town, with most offering packages for novices and pros alike. To see what’s under the waves without getting wet, visit Reef HQ, one of the world’s largest living reef aquariums. It has shows and presentations, including Turtle Talk during which you can visit the aquarium’s turtle hospital.

Take in some local history at the Museum of Tropical Queensland and the National Trust Heritage Centre. Military history enthusiasts will want to visit the Army Museum of North Queensland and the Royal Australian Air Force Townsville Museum. Townsville is the gateway to northern Queensland.

You can reach it by plane, bus or train from Brisbane and Cairns. Once in the city, get around using the public bus service, Sunbus, or taxis. Consider renting a car if you plan to explore the surrounding attractions, such as the longest single-drop waterfall in Australia, located in the Girringun National Park.

Where to stay in Townsville

The Strand featuring a park, hiking or walking and a sunset

The Strand

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to The Strand. A stop by The Strand Beach or Strand Waterpark might round out your trip.

The Strand
Queens Gardens showing a garden and forests

North Ward

North Ward is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Strand Waterpark and The Strand Beach while you're in town.

North Ward
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South Townsville

Visitors highly recommend South Townsville for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Maritime Museum of Townsville while you're in town.

South Townsville
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Kirwan

If you're spending some time in Kirwan, 1300SMILES Stadium and Aboriginal Reserve are top sights worth seeing.

Kirwan
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Railway Estate

While visiting Railway Estate, you might make a stop by sights like Reid Park Street Circuit and Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Railway Estate
Castle Hill which includes general coastal views and a city

Castle Hill

Castle Hill is well liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Townsville area, you might plan a trip to Townsville Sports Reserve or Catholic Diocese of Townsville.

Castle Hill
Madison Plaza Townsville

Madison Plaza Townsville

4 out of 5
409 Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
Very good stay
"Everything was perfect. Exceeding expectation."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Madison Plaza Townsville
Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

4.5 out of 5
334 Flinders Street, Townsville, QLD
The price is €106 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
€106
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star business-friendly hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Townsville
"Great location, helpful staff but room was too cold"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville
Aquarius on the Beach

Aquarius on the Beach

4 out of 5
75 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is €90 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€90
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The Strand in Townsville is always a good place to stay but the Aquarius is outdated and old fashioned and worn out"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Aquarius on the Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oaks Townsville Hotel

Oaks Townsville Hotel

4.5 out of 5
81 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,522 reviews)
"I was very happy with everything about the place I will be back for another stay very soon"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Oaks Townsville Hotel
Madison Ocean Breeze

Madison Ocean Breeze

3.5 out of 5
81 Mitchell Street, North Ward, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (550 reviews)
"Absolutely fantastic hotel with lovely staff. We stayed in a newly renovated room that was very modern and the the softest mattresses I have ever slept on at a hotel. Must stay if you are stopping through Townsville"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Madison Ocean Breeze
Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

4 out of 5
2 Dibbs Street, South Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,182 reviews)
"Very good will be back"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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