Townsville Area
Making the most of Townsville!
For entertainment and adventure,
we recommend…
We’ve selected the highlights of Townsville to ensure that you make the most of your stay. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, these are some of the things that you really must do and see.
Magnetic Island
Palm-fringed beaches, endless sunshine, koalas, hiking trails, topless barbie cars, snorkelling adventures, and the list goes on! Just a short 20 minute ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island boasts the natural beauty and serenity of an island paradise within a thriving community with more than 2,500 people calling the Magnetic Island home.
Reef HQ Aquarium
Experience the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet, at the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. As the National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Reef HQ Aquarium will open your eyes to an amazing world filled with thousands of charismatic marine creatures.
Billabong Sanctuary
Only 17kms south of Townsville, Billabong Sanctuary is a great wildlife attraction.
Guests can get up close to a koala, pat a wombat, experience the thrill of a croc feeding show and more.
Paluma
Embrace the natural beauty of the Paluma Range National Park, the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Here you can escape the coastal lowland heat and relax in the cool mountain air of the Paluma Range. Experience the thrill of spotting the rare golden bowerbird, and take a step back in history at Paluma village. Enjoy a rainforest walk and marvel at the breathtaking views from McClellands Lookout.
The Ville Casino
Townsville’s very own Casino is called The Ville. Located on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, The Ville Casino has gorgeous views to Magnetic Island and the the Coral Sea.
Castle Hill
Just metres short of a mountain, Castle Hill is the giant pink granite monolith that stands proud in the centre of Townsville – a perfect place for visitors to orientate themselves. Castle Hill offers vehicle access as well as a number of popular walking tracks, which are frequented by more than 2,500 locals a day! The 360-degree views of Townsville at the top are well worth the journey. Be sure to have a camera on hand, particularly for sunrise or sunset as these are photo opportunities that shouldn’t be missed.
Museum of Tropical Qld
The Museum of Tropical Queensland is the only branch of the Queensland Museum Network north of Brisbane. The Museum focuses on researching and interpreting the cultural and natural heritage of tropical Queensland. The star attraction is the HSM Pandora gallery. Sent to catch the famous Bounty and her mutinous crew, the Pandora sank off the coast of Cape York in 1791. Hundreds of amazing artefacts have been recovered from the wreck and are on display.
Charters Towers
Located about an hour and a half west of Townsville, Charters Towers is a regional town rich with history. ‘The World’ as it’s affectionately known, is a scenic gold mining city that’s big on history and character. From a chance discovery of gold in 1871 by a young Aboriginal horse boy Jupiter Mosman and the proclamation of a goldfield in 1872, Charters Towers soon turned into a bustling metropolis, which in its heyday boasted being the second largest city in Queensland! So large was Charters Towers to become, that at the height of the goldrush the town included 11 crushing mills, 65 hotels and one of the very first regional Stock Exchanges in Australia, which still stands proudly at the intersection of Gill and Mosman Streets.
Riverway Arts Centre
The Riverway Arts Centre entwines the arts, leisure and the natural environment to create new and unique experiences for all. Whether you catch a performance in the theatre or attend a function in the first-class facilities – you’ll love what the centre has to offer. An impressive range of facilities presents the opportunity for the region to host local, regional, national, and international performances. In addition, the Riverway Arts Centre provides options for the private and corporate events market including weddings, balls, workshops, conferences, exhibitions and trade shows.
The Coffee Club
Palm-fringed beaches, endless sunshine, koalas, hiking trails, topless barbie cars, snorkelling adventures, and the list goes on! Just a short 20 minute ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island boasts the natural beauty and serenity of an island paradise within a thriving community with more than 2,500 people calling the Magnetic Island home.
Juliette's
Juliette’s The Stand is a locally owned business offering high quality artisan gelato, locally roasted coffee and sweets baked in house. At Juliette’s you will find early morning cyclists, a locals enjoying the sweets or late night coffee and gelato treats.
Seaview Hotel
The Seaview Hotel is located on the Strand, just a short stroll from Waters Edge the Strand Townsville. The hotel serves great meals, cold beer and wine and boasts a bottle shop. In addition, you will find a gaming room at The Seaview Hotel.
Watermark Bar & Restaurant
Just a short stroll from Waters Edge the Strand Townsville, The Watermark Bar and Restaurant is a contemporary and light filled space with ocean views of Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island. Offering indoor and relaxed alfresco dining, the restaurant accommodates couples to large groups in understated style with modern decor and luxurious textures.
C Bar
Just a short walk from Waters Edge the Strand Townsville, C Bar is perched on the Coral Sea with absolute waterfront views of the iconic Magnetic Island and featuring fantastic food and drink from breakfast through to dinner.
Longboard Bar & Grill
A short walk along the Strand from Waters Edge the Strand Townsville and you will arrive at Longboard Bar and Grill. Longboard sits on the Headland on the Strand facing Magnetic Island and Cleveland Bay. It is a 250 seat bar and grill that is beach, beer and surf themed. Ultimately, it is where the beer and the bar come together to create a great restaurant.