Australia’s largest tropical city, Townsville is the northern hub for government, a defence forces base, a port, and a major centre for education and research with James Cook University and the Australian Institute of Marine Science. As well as its serious roles this city of some 200,000 people also has a fun side.
Situated on the calm shores of Cleveland Bay, Townsville is sheltered by Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef. With a warm breeze blowing off the bay and swaying the palms along The Strand foreshore, this tropical city is ideal for a holiday in the sun with a wealth of attractions, natural highlights and a busy calendar of events to enjoy.
Get your bearings from the summit of Castle Hill, the pink granite peak overshadows the city centre while affording spectacular coastal views from the lookout. Below the peak the city streets project from the bends of Ross Creek and along the shores of Cleveland Bay. A precinct of attractions includes the Museum of Tropical North Queensland with relics from the Pandora shipwreck and Reef HQ with its coral and underwater displays. Out on the Breakwater is the city’s casino while close to the CBD are the dining precincts of Palmer Street and Flinders Street East.
Just 20 minutes by ferry takes you to the island suburb of Magnetic Island with its holiday havens, beaches and rocky coves. Further offshore lies the Great Barrier Reef and for divers there is the iconic Yongala shipwreck dive site. Inland are the gold rush towns of Charters Towers and Ravenswood.
Find out more about the Townsville North Queensland
Begin your Journey with Queensland Explore Centres
There are a number Queensland Explore Centres throughout the Townsville North Queensland region who are the experts in their region.