Townsville Destination-Information Listings

South Townsville

On the banks of Ross Creek just across the bridge from the Townsville city centre is the thriving precinct of South Townsville. When the sun goes down, South Townsville’s Palmer Street comes alive! Following the river, this after-hours hot spot is brimming with groovy cafes and restaurants, cool cocktail bars and hip hotels. The atmosphere buzzes as the locals let their hair down. Just across the river is the Townsville casino and even more restaurants, bars and nightspots to enjoy. South Townsville is also home to the city’s Maritime Museum. The pride of the museum is a display on the SS Yongala, sunk in 1911 drowning all 122 people on board. The wreck, off the coast of Townsville, is now one of the world’s premier wreck dive sites. Visitors to the museum can also take a guided tour of a real naval patrol boat, the HMAS Townsville, anchored near the mouth of Ross River. There’s also an extensive display of hand-made model boats that the kids will adore. Accommodation at South Townsville includes backpacker hostels, motels and self-contained units. A number of well-known hotel chains also operate in the area along the river.

Townsville

Townsville combines the lure of the tropics with the attractions of a major city. From diving in the Great Barrier Reef, trying your luck at the Casino, rafting white water rapids or simply lazing on golden beaches, Townsville offers the best of all worlds. Located in North Queensland's 'dry tropics', Townsville and Magnetic Island boast an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. Combining this glorious sunshine with a relaxed lifestyle and a diversity of attractions, Townsville is the perfect choice for a Queensland holiday experience. The city and its precincts are continually evolving. Discover the latest redevelopment along Flinders Street East - a mix of funky nightclubs, bars and restaurants housed in beautiful heritage buildings. Dining is a serious business in Townsville. Take a wander down Palmer Street and find restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, prepared using the freshest local seafood and produce. The city is the perfect stepping-off point to experience the wonders of the region - the outback, rainforests, magnificent waterfalls, tropical islands and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Townsville's many attractions include the world's largest living coral reef aquarium, an Australian native wildlife sanctuary, art galleries, museums, parks, restaurants and the spectacular Strand beachfront promenade. The Strand is a world-class beachfront promenade custom-built for enjoyment. Along this palm-studded stretch are bike and rollerblade paths, safe swimming beaches, pretty picnic spots, a water park and chic restaurants and bars with to-die-for water views. Townsville is also one of Queensland's premier event destinations, with an exciting annual line up of sporting, aquatic, historical and cultural events. Using Townsville as a holiday base, visitors can experience the natural wonders of the diverse North Queensland region through day tours, cruises or adventure excursions - all operating out of the city.

Townsville Region

Townsville is a vibrant region that encompasses beautiful coastal towns, rainforests, rugged Outback and country terrain. Appreciate the beauty of the city and nearby Magnetic Island from Castle Hill, the mountain that gives Townsville a unique appeal. But the charm of this lovely region expands further from the city of Townsville… head in any direction and you’ll be rewarded. The Great Barrier Reef sprawls to the east, the Outback beckons west, islands and rainforest entice to the north while sugar cane and mango farming communities await in the south. The Townsville region’s national parks are home to rare butterflies and birds, kangaroos, platypus and ancient trees. Many of these also boast beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes… exquisite areas that are reminiscent of a bygone era. There is also a rich history in this region that has been shaped by Aboriginal tribes, miners, pastoralists and war. Remnants of these bygone times are still evident in the beautiful colonial architecture, historic pubs, museums and displays of old gold mining machinery and cottages. The opportunities for exploration in the Townsville Region invite you.