There are loads of activities available for kids in Townsville. The nearly year-round perfect weather conditions of the region means that most activities are based outdoors, which generally suits kids. Horseback riding and picnic spots are aplenty and the town even has a free water slide park.
Aquarium
The Reef HQ is one of Townsville’s biggest attractions and a terrific plus for kids. This fantastic aquarium features many underwater species from the Great Barrier Reef, including giant turtles, sharks and many types of colourful and exotic fish, and it is conveniently located near the city centre on Flinders street. Phone: +61 7 4750 0800.
Beaches
There are a couple of good beaches in Townsville with excellent family facilities, although the surfing isn’t up to much owing to the breakwater and positioning of Magnetic Island. Make sure your kids swim within the jellyfish nets as the Townsville region is prone to box jellyfish at certain times of the year and stings can be fatal. In addition to the beaches, the beachfront promenade has a jetty, recreational area, free aqua park, picnic areas and several restaurants.
Butterflies
Some of Australia’s prettiest butterflies can be seen at Butterfly World in nearby Yabulu, which is located on the Bruce Highway not far from Townsville. Phone: +61 7 4778 6003.
Horseback Riding
There is some fantastic scenery around Townsville and the best way to appreciate it fully is on horseback. There are several operations in Townsville where kids can get to ride smaller ponies, including BK5 in town and Bluey's Beach Rides on Magnetic Island. Ranchlands Equestrian Centre and Rollingstone Ranch also offer good horseback riding. Phone: +61 7 4778 5109 (Bluey's Beach Rides).
Koala and Wildlife Park
All kids love teddy bears and Magnetic Island features hundreds of live ones at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Although koalas aren’t actually bears, the young ones won’t notice the difference and can get up close and even cuddle a koala here. The park is located at Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island. Phone: +61 7 4778 5260.
Picnicking
Townsville has some of the best weather on the Queensland coast and its many parks mean that families can enjoy a picnic in most public areas at the city parks, forest areas and at the beaches. Facilities for picnicking are generally very good with barbeques, toilets and drinking fountains.
Rodeo
The Black River Stadium on Black River road has Brahman bull riding and lots of cowboy and cowgirl fun. After the rodeo action, the disco kicks in. Website: www.blackriverstadium.com.au; phone: +61 7 4788 8322.
Ten-pin Bowling
There are several tenpin bowling centres in town including Currajong Super Bowl on Bayswater road and Kirwan Tenpin on Bamford lane. They can be a lifesaver for those with kids when the weather takes a bad turn, or indeed if it is too hot to wander about in the day.
Theme Park
Townsville has many theme parks that are ideal for a picnic but the Townsville Aqua Park is particularly special for kids, with its water slides and swimming pools. The Aqua Park is right on the beachfront and also happens to be free.
Townsville is fairly historic and there are some interesting old buildings if you take the time to look. Queen’s Hotel is one of the finest buildings here while West End features some restored 19th century abodes. In addition, quality museums and galleries are all around town while the bush features intriguing flora and fauna, best seen at the Billabong Sanctuary.
Billabong Sanctuary
Located on Bruce Highway about 10 miles south of Townsville, the Billabong Sanctuary shows off some of the region’s more interesting wildlife, including crocodiles, cassowaries, kangaroos, koalas, and pythons. The wildlife reserve covers a large area of bushland and the animals are kept in their natural habitats. Tours of the sanctuary depart from Townsville daily. Website: www.billabongsanctuary.com.au; phone: +61 7 4778 8344.
Charters Towers
Although located to the west of Townsville, Charters Towers plays an important part in Townsville’s history. Gold was discovered here over a century ago, bringing in prospectors and businesses from all over the country. As a consequence, Australia's first regional stock exchange was built and this fine building is the main attraction in the town.
Heritage Houses
Townsville’s West End features many National Trust buildings that were collected from various parts of town and clumped together at their present location on Castling street. The houses date from the 19th and early 20th centuries and include an 1884 worker's cottage, a 1921 farmhouse, and the Currajong villa from 1888. The restored buildings can be visited by the public.
Hinchinbrook Island
Accessed directly by ferry from the mainland, Hinchinbrook Island is a must-see for outdoor types as it is Australia's largest island national park. Situated between Ingham and Cardwell, the island is 30 miles long and six miles wide and features the stark Mount Bowen. All around is a fascinating array of flora and fauna with the main animal species being the dugongs that live around the protected habitat of Missionary Bay.
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Located in Flinders Mall, the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery features a permanent contemporary exhibition as well as visiting exhibitions of Australian culture and landscapes. With over 2,000 artworks focusing on Queensland and the Tropics, you will need a few hours to fully appreciate the collection. Visitors can also attend workshops, artist lectures, classes and activities. Phone: +61 7 4722 0289.
Queens Hotel
The old Queens Hotel located on the Strand was built between 1900 and 1920 in the style of the British Raj. It features Mogul cupolas and long verandas and is very grand. The upper classes stayed here during the early days of the town, but unfortunately you can no longer lodge here as it is now owned by North Queensland Television. Phone: +61 7 4783 2202.
Tattersall’s Hotel
Situated at the end of Flinders street and on the corner of Wickham street, Tattersalls Hotel is a fine example of a 19th century period Australian hotel with its wide verandas and large iron balustrade. The hotel is today known as Molly Malones Irish Pub and was originally built in 1865.
Town Common
Located on the ancient Bohle River Basin, the Town Common covers a massive area of Burdekin-Townsville wetlands and features a diverse range of native flora and fauna. This area is wonderful for lovers of the outdoors with its mangrove swamps, tidal estuaries, grasslands, and woodlands and it also has Aboriginal plant trails and many trekking tracks.
Townsville Museum
Townsville Museum covers the history of the town through various interesting artefacts and photographs. The small building itself is worthy of a look, constructed as it was in 1873 as the Magistrates Court House. It also houses the Townsville Community Information Centre and is located on Stokes street.
Townsville has plenty of places to get a bite to eat, with everything from burgers and kebabs to good old-fashioned Australian ‘tucker’ and ethnic foods to choose from. Indian, Japanese and Thai cuisines are also very popular in Townsville and vegetarians are well catered for.
There are loads of cafés and restaurants in town, especially along the Strand and Flinders Mall, while the better hotels and resorts are also a good bet for a multi-course meal. Barbeque and picnic spots can be found all over town in the parks and at the beach.
One of the most popular cafés in town is C Bar Café on the Strand. It is situated right at the water's edge and has a great atmosphere and food. C Bar is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but you should try and avoid peak times as it gets notoriously busy.
Flinders Mall is the premier shopping precinct in Townsville and this is the place to come for both shopping and people-watching. It can be found right in the city centre and has a good range of shops, from boutiques and designer fashions to run-of-the-mill eateries and budget backpacker souvenir stores.
Flinders Mall is well worth visiting on a Sunday as it is transformed into one large market selling North Queensland arts, crafts, and produce. There is also lots of street entertainment to boot.
Other markets in the region can be seen at the Townsville Showgrounds and Willows Shopping Centre. The Willows is one of many shopping centres in Townsville and a favourite for locals with its numerous quality shops, department stores and cafés.
If you happen to be staying out of town, there are also several large shopping complexes dotted around the city and in the suburbs with good parking and facilities.
Activities abound in Townsville and are only limited by one’s imagination. What can’t be found in the city is invariably available only a few miles down the road or out on the ocean. The fishing and sailing in Townsville are particularly good, while the Great Barrier Reef is on-hand for world-class snorkelling and diving.
Boating
Boating options abound in Townsville with sailing, charter speed boats, cruises, and canoeing/kayaking all available. In addition, sail schools in the area offer regular courses and there are sailing tours complete with snorkelling and food and drink out to the Great Barrier Reef.
Fishing
Opportunities for fishing are good in Townsville where beach, deep sea, estuary, and game fishing are all possible. If you don’t have your own gear, there are many shops in town that rent out rods and tackle, or an all-inclusive fishing trip will supply everything.
Golf
There are a couple of decent golf courses in town as well as one on Magnetic Island. Willows Golf Club is in Kirwan, while Townsville Golf Club is in Rosslea. It is always best to call ahead and book during peak season. Phone: +61 7 4773 4352 (Willows Golf Club); +61 7 4779 0133 (Townsville Golf Club).
Mangrove Adventures
Townsville is strewn with mangrove-lined waterways and a tour of them is lots of fun. Mud Hut Mangrove Adventures is an established tour company that runs regular mangrove tours on which visitors can spot some interesting flora and fauna. Phone: +61 7 4728 4499.
Picnicking
There are loads of great picnic areas in and around Townsville where facilities are top-notch and include barbecue stations and toilets. There are several green areas within the town at which to spread out a blanket, as well as along the beachfront and amid the many forested areas surrounding the city. Tap water and facilities for kids are also generally available.
Rock Climbing
There are some excellent possibilities around the Townsville region for those into rock climbing. Mt Stuart, just 15 miles from the city centre, is one of the best rock climbing centres in north Queensland, while University Wall, Castle Hill, Lazy Afternoon Wall, West End Quarry, Kissing Point and locations on Magnetic Island are other possibilities.
Water Sports
Visitors can easily partake in white-water rafting, wind-surfing, diving, and snorkelling at the beaches and various Townsville waterways. The diving and snorkelling is particularly popular with the Great Barrier Reef being so close. Be warned, however, that the surfing and diving isn’t as good in Townsville as at other prominent northern Queensland destinations.
Wildlife Spotting
In addition to the Billabong Sanctuary on Bruce Highway, Townsville is surrounded by places to study the abundance of wildlife, including Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook Island, the Ingham surroundings and several national parks. The East Coast Trail on Hinchinbrook Island is very well known and a must-do for those looking for a bit of adventure, while Jourama and Wallaman falls near Ingham are two national parks that are loaded with wildlife.
