Townsville lies in one of the most verdant parts of Australia. The outback borders the town, while the rainforest is not far away and the Great Barrier Reef also within reach. In town are several quality museums, an aquarium, and green areas while Magnetic Island is just a short boat ride away.
Billabong Sanctuary
The Billabong Sanctuary provides the best opportunity for visitors to Townville to see native animals of the region in their natural habitat. The wildlife reserve is just 20 minutes drive from town on the Bruce Highway and has everything from crocodiles to koalas and kangaroos. Website: www.billabongsanctuary.com.au; phone: +61 7 4778 8344.
Castle Hill
Located in the city centre, Castle Hill offers fine views of Townsville’s suburbs and out to Magnetic Island and is accessed by road. Visitors can also make a day of it and walk to the top, although be prepared to be bombarded by fierce heat in the daytime.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s natural wonders stretching for over 1,600 miles along the north Queensland coast. It is the world's largest coral reef system featuring over 3,000 reefs and 900 islands. Many tour companies offer trips out to various parts of the reef, most of which allow visitors to snorkel or dive.
Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is a must-see and one of Townsville’s biggest draws with an abundance of eucalyptus trees and resident koalas. Most of the island is a protected national park and it is easily accessible via fast catamaran from Townsville in 20 minutes. The beaches and rock climbing are popular attractions apart from the lazy koalas, and there are many places to stay on the island.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach is a town encompassing several communities just a few hours drive from Townsville and is well worth making a trip to if you are in the region. The beaches are delightful and mostly lined with coconut palms, while the hills behind are strewn with rainforest; an amazing setting.
Museum of Tropical Queensland
Located on Flinders street, the Museum of Tropical Queensland displays fascinating artefacts from the HMS Pandora, the ship that the British sent to chase the HMS Bounty. Wildlife of the Queensland tropics is also displayed. Phone: +61 7 4726 0600.
North Queensland Military Museum
Located at Jezzine Barracks (at the northern end of the Strand) on the site of Townsville's original front line of defence, the North Queensland Military Museum houses a natty collection of military memorabilia. The barracks’ history actually stretches back to 1880 when two large muzzle loading guns were established here. Phone: +61 7 4722 3111.
Reef HQ Aquarium
Not far from the Museum of Tropical Queensland on Flinders street, Reef HQ Aquarium focuses on Great Barrier Reef fish with two large tanks. The smaller tank, which is incidentally huge, contains reef fish and predators including sharks, while the larger of the two has non-predatory reef fish. The aquarium is a great day out for the family. Website: www.reefhq.com.au.
Townsville’s Botanical Gardens
There are two sets of botanical gardens in town. The old Queens Gardens just outside featuring tropical trees and flowers, while three miles from town in the suburb of Mundingburra are the new Anderson Park Botanical Gardens. The latter are larger and feature a lagoon, conservatory and picnic places.
Climb Castle Hill to discern the amazing views of Townsville and the surroundings. This pink granite outcrop is a bit of a climb, but those who make the effort will be rewarded with stunning views. The hill also features several good walks.
Cruise the Whitsunday Islands, which are among the world’s most striking islands, complete with idyllic beaches, good water visibility and loads of marine life such as giant turtles. The islands lie south of Townsville and are best visited on a cruise.
Dive the Yongala which sunk in the fierce 1911 cyclone. The Yongala was previously a luxury passenger ship, the wreck of which was found in 1958 and is now alive with marine life making it one of Australia's top dive sites.
Go trekking in the rainforest that stretches from Townsville to Cooktown covering a massive area. Eco-tours are all the rage here, while treks run for several days and take in the dazzling flora and fauna of the region.
Go walkabout and take in the outback which is closer to the north Queensland coast than many other regions in the country. There are miles of fantastic barren landscapes here which may leave you thinking that you’ve landed on Mars.
Have a flutter at Jupiters Casino within Jupiters Townsville Hotel. As well as blackjack and roulette are super 7's blackjack, Manila poker, Caribbean stud poker, SicBo, Jupiters keno, Sportsbet and loads of video gaming machines. Be sure to dress up.
Laze on the Strand Beach right in front of Strand street. The swimming here is good with a calm waters owing to the natural breakwater of Magnetic Island, and the facilities are also very good.
Skydive onto the Strand beach with the Coral Sea Skydivers who do solo and tandem skydiving. Tandem jumps can be done within two hours which includes pick-up, brief instruction, flying up over Townsville and floating down over town for landing on the Strand Beach.
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and be awed by the sheer amount of vivid colours and abundance of fish. The world’s largest reef goes on and on and can be visited on a sightseeing cruise or dive boat.
Stroll the Strand, Townsville’s most attractive thoroughfare which is located right on the beachfront and includes a recreational park, an oval area, headlands, a free aqua park, jetty, and restaurants and picnic areas.
Tour Melvilles Pioneer Farm via the restored Cobb & Co coach to get a traditional Australian experience. Learn to sheep shear and crack a whip at the farm, which can be found on Alligator Creek road.
Visit Magnetic Island and go koala spotting in among the eucalyptus forests. Alternative activities include bush walking, rock climbing, swimming on the pretty beaches, snorkelling around the coral reefs or visiting the Reef Wonderland Aquarium.
