Lying between Brisbane and Cairns on the North Queensland coast, Townsville is a laid-back city of over 160,000 people, the gateway to koala habitat Magnetic Island and a jumping off point for the Great Barrier Reef. Townsville has a fine climate with sunny, dry and warm days as well as a wealth of green areas, a distinct cosmopolitan feel and plentiful hotels, shops, restaurants and bars.

Townsville is twinned with Thuringowa and extends north to Mission Beach, south to Bowen, west to Charters Towers and east to the Coral Sea islands. Most people come here for the fantastic surroundings that include the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island, lush tropical rainforests, and the dry, unforgiving outback, while the city centre itself is like no other in northern Queensland with its bustling shopping streets and heritage.