15+ Best Things To Do in Townsville, Queensland

Stopping over on your way up the east coast to Cairns? Here are the best things to do in Townsville.

Can you believe this is my first Townsville post? Wild, considering I’ve lived in tropical North Queensland on and off for 25 years (yep… feeling old 😅). Townsville and I have had a somewhat complicated relationship over the years. It might not have the flashy tourist drawcards of Cairns, but it’s got its own charm and plenty of ways to pass the time if you know where to look. So here it is: my favourite things to do in Townsville.

Before we dive in, there’s one thing I must mention: Townsville is currently dealing with a youth crime issue, particularly involving car theft and break-ins. If you’re driving during your stay, just be mindful—keep your car locked, don’t leave valuables inside, and stay aware of your surroundings. It’s not a reason to avoid visiting, but a little extra caution goes a long way.

Accommodation in Townsville

Wondering where to stay in Townsville?

• Budget: The latest establishment on the Townsville backpackers scene is The Pier Pods. What was once a restaurant over the water opposite the ferry terminal is now capsule (dormitory) accommodation. The rooms look very stylish and you’re within walking distance to the CBD and The Strand.
• Mid-range: I stayed at Rambutan Resort during my most recent staycation, and honestly, I’d stay there again in a heartbeat. I paid around $120 per night for a private queen room, which was clean, comfortable, and stylish. Guests get access to the rooftop pool (yes, it’s as good as it sounds), and you can order food straight to your room from either the rooftop restaurant or the streetfront cafe. A great mid-range option right in the heart of the city.
• Luxury: With unparalleled ocean views, onsite restaurants and bars, and a pool to die for, Ardo is the perfect Townsville hotel if you’re treating yourself.

Things to do in Townsville

Here are my favourite (paid) things to do in Townsville.

1. Take the kids to Billabong Sanctuary

Billabong Sanctuary has been one of the best Townsville tourist attractions for decades. A family-run business, it’s a wonderful place to take kids to get up close and personal with Australia’s cutest (and deadliest) animals. You can take a selfie with a koala, feed a cassowary, hold a baby crocodile, and watch the flight bird show.

2. Do a guided city tour

Short on time in Townsville? This guided city tour is a great way to see the highlights in just three hours. You’ll explore the local street art scene, take in sweeping views from Castle Hill lookout (with Magnetic Island in the distance), stroll along Pallarenda Beach, and visit the historic Kissing Point Fortification. It all wraps up with lunch on The Strand. A fun, efficient way to see the top Townsville attractions in one go.

3. Do a day trip to Magnetic Island

One of the best things to do in Townsville is, of course, a day trip to Magnetic Island. There’s plenty of Magnetic Island content on my blog to help you plan the best day out.

• Magnetic Island Travel Guide
• The 11 Best Magnetic Island Walks. If you only have a day, I recommend doing Hawkings Point because it’s steep yet quick and offers fantastic views. Alternatively, head to the Forts Walk to try and spot koalas in the wild!
• 35+ Things To Do On Magnetic Island
• 20 Best Cafes and Restaurants on Magnetic Island. Tiny Palm or Lava Lava for coffee, and Island Burger for lunch are my top recommendations.

4. Visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland

Another popular activity for families in Townsville is visiting the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Learn more about North Queensland’s history from the prehistoric era to now through exhibitions focusing on natural history, culture, biodiversity, and human science.

5. Do a Great Barrier Reef day trip

You can tick the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list while visiting Townsville. Several companies offer day trips:

• MoUA and Great Barrier Reef Day Trip. The Museum of Underwater Art is located offshore on John Brewer Reef. It’s the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – art turned into beautiful coral reefs, perfect for snorkelling. After MoUA, you can snorkel or dive, depending on your skill level. Enjoy reefs and swimming beside tropical fish. With a buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea, it’s always a great day out.
• Yongala Wreck Dive Day Trip. People travel from all over the world to dive the SS Yongala Wreck. This tour includes two dives with all equipment and a buffet-style lunch.

6. Go op shopping

Sure, you can go op shopping anywhere. But if you’re in Townsville on a rainy day or just looking to fill some time, you’re in luck, as the city is packed with great op shops. Start with the three in Townsville City, or venture a little further to what might just be the biggest Vinnies in Australia (with a Salvos conveniently located right across the road). It’s a treasure hunt waiting to happen.

7. Do a different day trip!

I’ve already mentioned a couple of great day trips above, but here are a few more worth adding to your Townsville itinerary:

• Head inland to the former gold rush town of Charters Towers. Stroll down the sleepy main street, lined with historic buildings. Then check out the view from Towers Hill Lookout, learn about its gold rush history at the Venus Gold Battery, or have a “Texas in the Outback” experience with Texas Longhorn Tours.
• Head north and visit Wallaman Falls, Australia’s tallest permanent waterfall. You can simply catch the stunning view metres from the carpark, or you can hike down to the bottom.
• I mention the Crystal Creeks below in Paluma Range National Park. But if you spend more time in the World Heritage Wet Tropics area, you can also visit Jourama Falls and stop for a cuppa at The Paluma Tea House at Ivy Cottage.

Fun things to do in Townsville for free

Okay, let’s talk about free things to do in Townsville.

8. Go to the beach

One thing you must know about beaches in Townsville is that stingers love to call them home from October to May. So stick to the stinger nets on The Strand or at Pallarenda Beach to be safe rather than sorry!

9. Visit one of the Crystal Creeks

If you’ve got a car, one of the best things to do around Townsville is to take a drive out to one of the Crystal Creeks. Both are tucked inside Paluma Range National Park and are well worth the trip. Little Crystal Creek is the smaller of the two, with a photogenic stone bridge and scenic freshwater pools. Big Crystal Creek is more spread out and features convenient facilities, including cold showers, toilets, picnic tables, and gas barbecues. Perfect for a refreshing dip and a laid-back picnic in nature.

10. Spend the day on The Strand

The Strand has been Townsville’s crown jewel for years. There are plenty of free things to do on the two-kilometre beachfront walking path:

• Go for a walk!
• Go for a swim at the beach or the Rockpool, the stinger-resistant seawater pool.
• Let the kids loose at Strand Waterpark or multiple parks.
• Get in a workout at the free exercise stations.
• Watch the sunset.

11. Learn about the city’s history at Jezzine Barracks

Jezzine Barracks sits pretty at the end of The Strand. A multi-million dollar redevelopment transformed the historic site with coastal boardwalks, an observation deck at Kissing Point Fort, over 30 public artworks, an amphitheatre, an ethno-botanical walk, and interpretive displays.

12. Walk up Castle Hill

If you’re looking to get your blood pumping in Townsville, tackle the climb up Castle Hill. There are hundreds of steps to the top, and I’ve never done the Goat Track without ending up with jelly legs 😅. There are a few different walking tracks to choose from (you can learn more here), or if hiking’s not your thing, don’t worry—you can drive up and still soak in those sweeping views.

13. Visit the Riverway Lagoons

If you’d rather skip the stress of stingers in summer, head to the Riverway Lagoons. They’re the size of three Olympic pools combined, so there’s loads of space for kids (and adults) to swim, splash, and cool off. While you’re there, make a day of it! Walk the scenic river pathways, check out Pinnacles Gallery, spot public art installations, drop into Citylibraries Riverway, grab a bite at the cafe, or cook up your own lunch on the free gas barbecues. Keep an eye out for free movie nights and the Riverway Night Market too. It’s a local favourite for a reason.

14. Spot street art

If you miss out on the guided tour, you can do your own self-guided street art tour through Townsville City with this downloadable map. There’s new art popping up regularly, so keep your eyes peeled while exploring.

Things to do in Townsville at night

Here are some fun things to do in Townsville at night.

15. Catch a Cowboys game

If you’re visiting Townsville during a Cowboys home game, don’t miss it. Growing up, it was the go-to thing to do on a night out. Now, with the brand-new Queensland Country Bank Stadium in the city, it’s an even better experience. Whether you’re a footy fan or just soaking up the local vibe, it’s a fun night out and a real slice of Townsville culture.

16. Head to Flinders St East

Speaking of younger Hayley, Flinders Street East is where you’d catch her on nights out after she turned 18. It’s Townsville’s main nightlife strip, and there’s truly something for everyone. Want to dance? Hit up Mad Cow Tavern for a fun mix of classics and new pop bangers. Prefer a more laid-back vibe? Hooch and Fellow is your go-to for a classy cocktail. And if you’re after the best of both worlds, check out Heritage Exchange.

17. Spend time on The Strand

Start by watching the sunset from The Strand. Then make your way to Osk Bar on Gregory Street for some cool AF cocktails. When you’re ready for dinner, walk down the road to Shop Six Pasta Bar for fresh, handmade pasta that hits the spot. Cap it all off with authentic gelato from Juliette’s right next door. The perfect Townsville night out, if you ask me.

Tip: The Strand Night Markets also happen the first Friday of the month in Strand Park, if the stars align!

18. Visit Empire Alternacade and Events

One of the most unusual things to do in Townsville at night is visiting Empire Alternacade and Events. Empire is an underground arcade in the city, all about “rad music, rad games and even radder drinks.” An alternative is Kingpin Townsville. Bowl, play laser tag, sing karaoke, and play arcade games in one spot.

Best restaurants in Townsville

I have a blog post incoming, sharing the best restaurants in Townsville. But here’s a quick hit list:

• For breakfast, head to Odyssey on The Strand, get their choc chip pancakes, and thank me later. I dream about these fluffy morsels of goodness. You get three pancakes plus ice cream and a literal bowl of maple syrup. A local Greek family runs Odyssey, so if you miss out on breakfast, visit for lunch to enjoy a Greek feast with Strand views.
• Other great lunch options on The Strand are Beach Hotel or The Watermark. Both offer weekday specials you’ll want to check out. I can confirm that the $15 burgers at the Beach Hotel on Wednesday are worth a visit.
• If you want to treat yourself at dinnertime, head to Palmer Street. My top picks are Bridgewater Q and Jam Corner. Both specialise in modern Australian cuisine.

I hope this Townsville travel guide helps you plan your trip.

Keep scrolling for some FAQs, and stay tuned for more Townsville and Maggie blog posts!

PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
– Book accommodation with Booking.com or Hostelworld. Yes, I am that person who checks both places before booking accommodation to get the best price.
– Organise travel insurance.
– Book adventures via GetYourGuide, my preferred provider. In some instances, I’ve found activities here that were sold out elsewhere.
– Stay connected with an eSIM from Sim Local.
– Check out my travel resources page for more info.
Any and all support is appreciated 🫶🏻.

Townsville FAQs