Travel Packages to Townsville, Australia

Discover Townsville's Wonders

Townsville, Australia, is a vibrant coastal city in North Queensland, renowned for its tropical climate, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Situated on the shores of Cleveland Bay, Townsville offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban amenities. Visitors can explore the Strand, a scenic waterfront promenade lined with cafes and parks, or dive into the colorful marine life of the Great Barrier Reef at nearby Magnetic Island. With its bustling markets, historic sites like the Jezzine Barracks, and proximity to the outback and rainforests, Townsville is a gateway to unforgettable experiences in Australia's tropical north.

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Description

Townsville is a city on the north-eastern coast of Queensland. It is Australia's largest urban centre north of the Sunshine Coast and is considered the unofficial capital of North Queensland by locals. Townsville City takes its name from Robert Towns, a merchant and businessman who was a pioneer financial supporter of pastoral development around the Ross River area. The central business district (CBD) is a strip of land along Ross Creek at its mouth at the Coral Sea. It is overlooked to the west by Castle Hill, a popular tourist attraction. The CBD offers a vast array of world-class bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops. It also houses the world-renowned Reef HQ Aquarium — the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, currently closed for renovation until 2026. Townsville City is located in the traditional Wulgurukaba Aboriginal country.

Useful information

Population:

179,011 (2021 census)

Currency:

Australian Dollar (AUD) $1 = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Fire, Ambulance & Police: 000

Opening Hours:

Do & See

Alligator Creek

Bowling Green Bay National Park is home to Alligator Creek, which flows between Mount Elliot and Saddle Mountain. The lookout spot and bathing area are located about 5 kilometres along Alligator Creek Road. For a more active day and a more private bathing experience, hike into Alligator Creek falls. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks, water and sunscreen for this 17-kilometre trail.

Billabong Sanctuary

Crocodiles, snakes, wombats, and koalas call Billabong Sanctuary their home just 17 kilometres south of Townsville. The sanctuary offers a chance to experience reptile handling shows, wombat and koala petting and a dip in a resort-sized pool. Explore the diverse fauna and take a picture with these unique species.

Cape Pallarenda

The Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park is a 44-hectare protected conservation park 10 kilometres northeast of Townsville. The park offers 15 walking and mountain biking trails of varying lengths and difficulty, fishing and boating, bird watching and shell collecting. Cape Pallarenda was a strategic defence location in World War II and structures from that era can be spotted along the walking trails. The former Cape Pallarenda Quarantine Station is now heritage-listed. It was built in 1915–1916 using the materials brought over from the original quarantine station on Magnetic Island.

Castle Hill

Castle Hill, with its lookout, is a popular tourist site which offers some of the best views over the city of Townsville. You can drive up there and park at the top. From there you can continue walking or cycling for an even more amazing view over the city and the surrounding area.

Charters Towers

Just a 90-minute drive from Townsville lies a spot where in 1871 gold was discovered by an Aboriginal boy named Jupiter. Today, the town called Charters Towers has 10,000 inhabitants and has some beautifully preserved 19th and early 20th century buildings from its heyday. It is well worth a visit for architecture lovers.

Great Barrier Reef

Discover the magical colours of the tropical marine fish and coral of the Great Barrier Reef. Departing from Townsville, it takes only 2 hours to get there. A full day adventure takes you to the crystal clear waters and includes snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours, a marine biology presentation and a scrumptious buffet lunch. There are several companies offering various tour to the Reef. Here is just one of them:

Magnetic Island

Escape to a tropical island, nearby Magnetic (or “Maggie” to locals). The island offers a wide range of activities for a perfect day off. Hop on the ferry and spend the day swimming, sun bathing or just relaxing at one of the many beautiful bays or beaches on Magnetic Island.

Maritime Museum of Townsville

The Maritime Museum is a relatively small local museum with an eclectic collection of incredibly detailed model ships, memorabilia, artefacts, and informative displays about the seafarers' lifestyle of the past. There are lots of interesting facts to discover for adults and great fun for kids, too.

Dining

A Touch Of Salt

A Touch Of Salt has a spacious indoor and outdoor area for warm summer nights and cosy evenings. The menu is contemporary and eclectic, and if you have a hard time choosing what to take then ask the knowledgeable waiter, who will gladly help you.

Cactus Jack’s

Cactus Jack’s is a Mexican restaurant which offers mouth watering starters and juicy steaks to die for. Flavourful chicken wings and crispy potatoes are also on the menu. With its huge range of imported and local beers, Cactus Jack’s is the place to be.

Garden of Eating BYO

The Garden of Eating has an Australian menu where you can choose from many unique combinations of delicious meals to enjoy indoors and outdoors in a cosy backyard with fairy lights and lush greenery. The atmosphere is just as laid back and relaxing as the Australians themselves are. The guests remark that their vegan options are simply amazing.

Gyo Japanese Tapas Bar Restaurant

GYO is a Japanese tapas restaurant with a menu that ranges from small courses, such as edamame beans, to big sushi platters. The menu is well selected and includes lunch, dinner and snack options. End your meal with the tempura ice-cream is a decadent delight.

Jam Corner

Jam Corner is serves creative Modern Australian fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You are welcome to try their tasting menus served all day in a stylish setting. Seasonal fruits, seafood and meat options are all included in the menu. The outdoor seating allows you to enjoy the beautiful view over the river and city skyline.

Masala Indian Cuisine

Everything you expect from a good Indian restaurant can be found here. The atmosphere is low-key restaurant and the wood-accented interior creates a cozy mood. Good ambience and good place for family or friend gathering.

Rambutan

Located in the resort of the same name, Rambutan's restaurant offers a wide range of selected Mediterranean flavours and World cuisine. The rooftop setting offers plenty of seating available, and you have the privilege of enjoying the spectacular views of the Ross River and Flinders Street restaurant and nightlife precinct.

Shop Six Pasta Bar

Shop Six Pasta Bar is a funky little restaurant on the Strand with inside and out seating. Beautiful big tree out the front with views to the ocean. The place itself looks pretty fancy but the prices are super affordable and the staff are very friendly and helpful. As can should be expected, their pasta is outstanding and looks extra pretty with all the fresh aromatic greens. Make sure to bookmark this one!

Cafes

Barefoot Art Food Wine

Good food, great art, fine wine. The owners of Barefoot merged their passions for dining and all things artistic to create a wonderful cultural mix. Located on the beachfront on Horseshoe Bay, there’s also a well-stocked art gallery for diners to peruse at their leisure.

Born Wild Wholefoods + Espresso

Drop by Born Wild Wholefoods + Espresso and get a reviving smoothie for a more energized morning. For all who want to start their day with coffee, check out the menu and find your perfect coffee match. The cafe also serves freshly cooked food, as avocado on toast, chicken schnitzel and lamb, and the good quality ingredients highlight every dish.

C Bar

C Bar built its reputation on quality service, great coffee and food, including varied international flavours, and prime waterfront location. The two C Bars occupy a prime space in the Twin Cities. Relish the spectacular views from the bar all day long.

Coffee Dominion

Dominion is a cute boutique coffee roaster serving espresso drinks and fragrant pastries in a simple cafe with outdoor seating. The variety of espresso coffee blends, filter and plunder coffee, as well as decaffeinated coffee guarantees that every single whim of yours will be satisfied by the skilled baristas.

Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms

If cups of tea are your cup of tea, you can always head out to the Heritage Tea Rooms — a fully restored Cobb & Co era building offering the great Aussie cuppa. The Heritage Tea Rooms offer a great taste of historical Australiana combined with the great tastes of traditional Australian fare.

Hoi Polloi Cafe

Contrary to what its name suggests, Hoi Polloi Cafe stands out of the crowd. The concept of being is quite non-standard character-full. Drop in and you might just catch a nonchalant Jazz jam, cute latte art, and orange dinosaur, and definitely lots of wall and street art.

Juliette's Gelateria

Juliette's Gelateria is a great place for a delicious gelato after a walk around the town. You can choose among vegetarian-friendly options and a big selection of excellent coffee. Sit outside and take in the sun and the spectacular view over the ocean.

Odyssey on The Strand

Odyssey on The Strand is a great place to stop for a snack when you are out shopping. Ideally located on The Strand, overlooking the rock pools, this Mediterranean style cafe offers breakfast and lunch every day.

Bars & Nightlife

Centenary Hotel

Located away from the main tourist haunts is the Centenary Hotel, popular among locals for its food and drinks, as well as its great outdoor play area for kids. You will find an extensive menu, which includes varied food selections, such as Thai beef salad, lasagna and steak.

Flynns Irish Bar

An Irish pub that tends to get loud, especially when big games are broadcast or live music performances are on — there is usually one of those every night. You can show off your skills at Irish pool, and for the brave ones, there is also a weekly karaoke night.

Heritage Exchange

Heritage Exchange is a trendy bar which is very popular among locals, and it is ideal for late-nighters. The party here starts in the late afternoon and it continues all night long. The good food, the great drinks and the nice music promise a high quality experience.

Hooch & Fellow

Hooch & Fellow is a trendy bar where you can find a wonderful selection of drinks. The bartenders craft brilliant drinks made right, with no fruit juice in sight. They care about the ingredients and how each drink is made. Indulge in the cosy and intimate atmosphere with an elegantly served cocktail.

Seaview Hotel

With its spotless reputation and both casual indoor and outdoor seating areas, wood tables and potted plants, this hotel bar is a favourite weekend spot. Their menu includes seafood dishes, but also wood-fired pizza and hearty pub grub.

Shaw & Co

Shaw & Co is a place which exudes charm and warmth. The best way to appreciate this hidden gem is to visit it when you are really hungry for lunch or dinner. You can choose from among a variety of snacks, salads, sandwiches, chicken wings and some delicious fruity cocktails.

The Australian Hotel

Located inside the Australian Hotel, this bar is one of the town's favorite spots for dining, which also features multiple large screens which are perfectly fit for watching sports and events. The steaks offered are quite popular and deserve a try. Grab a couple of drinks with your friends and make yourselves comfortable.

Townsville Brewery

Townsville Brewery is an internationally recognised, award winning brewery producing and distributing eight brands of beer and six alco-pops. Some of the best beer brands in the area are featured on the menu, and are well worth a try. The pub offers dining options as well, including some local specialties.

Shopping

Castletown Shoppingworld

Castletown Shoppingworld is located on Woolcock Street at the corner of Kings Road, Hyde Park. The centre is home to two supermarkets and over 150 specialty stores including Target. Clothing stores, jewellers and gifts shops, health and beauty studios and many more turn this contemporary shopping centre into a place to be.

City Arcade

City Arcade, Townsville's major shopping hub, offers a range of boutiques and specialty stores including retail chains, local businesses, cafes, restaurants and bars. Asian food eateries are particularly good.

Cotters Markets

Cotters Markets are a popular Sunday shopping event among locals and a good starting point for your tour around the town. Browse through this flea market packed with all sorts of items, like clothing, craft goods, fresh local fruit and vegetables and much more. Stop by and find your very own treasure.

Fairfield Central Shopping Centre

Fairfield Central is a shopping centre which offers its clients a diverse mix of goods and services, including beauty salons, cafes, restaurants and grocery shopping, and all of them combine comfort with cosiness and a unique atmosphere. Turn your shopping experience into a real pleasure.

Mary Who? Bookshop

Mary Who? Bookshop is a self-proclaimed "literary oasis in the tropics". They carry a fantastic range of wonderful books and other miscellany for book lovers. Every visitor remarks on how knowledgeable and amiable the staff are. There's a good chance this will become your favourite indie bookstore in the country.

Renegade Gift Shop

If you are looking for something a bit different, an original gift to surprise your loved ones, then you have to visit Renegade Gift Shop. You can find many quality and unique handmade gifts, including jewellery, home decoration items and greeting cards, all in numerous creative designs.

Strand Night Markets

If you happen to be in town on the first Friday of the month, make sure to stop by the Strand Night Markets and have fun browsing through the eclectic items on sale. You will be pleasantly surprised by the wide range of stalls and the variety of products which are offered. The food stalls are a strong reason to visit. What makes it even more attractive is the fact that it is located right on the beach.

Townsville Shopping Centre

Townsville Shopping Centre is one of the city’s largest shopping centres, with 135 speciality stores and 7 major retailers, including Big W. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. The food court has a wide variety of tasty treats and there are many outlets for fashion, jewellery, electronics, accessories and more.

Tourist Information

Townsville Airport (TSV)

Townsville Airport is located 5 kilometres from the city centre. Taxis are available from the arrivals end of the building by calling 131 008. A cheaper option is to take the airport shuttle bus or coach into town. If you're planning to take the Townsville City Shuttle (shuttletsv.com.au), it is a good idea to book ahead. There are also numerous bus companies connecting the airport to nearby population centres.

Public Transport

The city centre is quite compact, so the main visitor areas can be easily explored on foot. Kinetic, the local bus service formerly known as Sunbus, runs regular routes around the city and to the outlying suburbs. Most lines include a stop at Flinders Mall. Detailed routes and ticket prices can be found on their website. Greyhound Australia, Bus Queensland, and Premier Motor Service also operate routes to and from Townsville. Check the Queensland Rail website to see their entire network in Queensland. The Spirit of Queensland services Home Hill, Ayr, Giru, Townsville, and Ingham, while the Inlander connects Townsville and Charters Towers. Tickets can be bought at ticket vending machines, transport shops, and some convenience stores, as well as upon boarding the bus.

Taxi

Uber, Didi and Ola are popular ridesharing apps in Townsville. You can find a taxi stand on Flinders Street. You can also book online or call and pre-book a cab from 13Cabs (132 227) or Checkered Cabs (131 974). Australia Wide Taxi (131 008) is also a good option.

Electricity

Australia operates on a 230/240V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. The country uses Type I power plugs, which feature two flat pins forming a 'V' shape, along with a grounding pin. This standard is also commonly used in New Zealand, Argentina, China, and several Pacific island nations. Remember to pack a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug type to ensure hassle-free charging.

Ferry to Magnetic Island & Beyond

Townsville is serviced by two ferry companies. The 11 km trip normally takes around 25 minutes. Ferries depart from the Breakwater Ferry Terminal. SeaLink Queensland runs a regular service to Magnetic Island and Palm Island. www.sealinkqld.com.au Fantasea Cruising Magnetic also runs regular services to Magnetic Island. magneticislandferries.com.au

Pharmacy

In Townsville, and Australia more broadly, there are several major pharmacy chains where you can pick up over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, personal care items, and more. The major pharmacy chains are Chemist Warehouse, TerryWhite Chemmart, Priceline Pharmacy, Amcal and Blooms The Chemist. It's always worth checking the opening hours as these can vary, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Telephone

Country code: +61 Area code: (0)7

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