Tremendous Townsville
Don’t bother with the GPS or Google Maps – just head north and when you see boutique cafés drizzled along the Queensland Riviera, a sky-high cityscape jutting into the horizon as the sun sets and some of the best diving spots in the world, you’ll know you’ve reached Townsville. As a modern cosmopolitan town with a unique country vibe, Townsville invites you take a spell in the ‘outback by the sea’.
Scramble to the summit to take in the panoramic views at the top of Castle Hill, or take a more leisurely stroll along the lush beachfront esplanade on the Strand.For more info than you can poke a stick at – from shipwrecks to the rainforest – check out the sprawling Museum of Tropical Queensland. And once you’re done sightseeing, kick back marina-side at one of Townsville’s trendy local nightspots.
10. Cotters Markets Head out on Sunday mornings and pick up some fresh produce, as well as a bunch of assorted antiquities.
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5. Queens Gardens Botanical Park Wander through the rainforest or go walkabout down the black bean walk.
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9. Diving to Yongala Wreck Once a luxury passenger liner, the Yongala sank in the Townsville depths and is now home to a whole mass of sea critters.
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4. Maritime Museum of Townsville Land ahoy! Explore through some excellent local lighthouse memorabilia. The museum is also home to a model of the Yongala.
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8. Bushland Beach Kick back on shore with a picnic, or take a walk out to another fantastic old wooden shipwreck at low tide.
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3. Cultural Centre Bone up on your indigenous knowledge, and maybe even pick up an Aboriginal-art-covered cricket bat!
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7. Lake Ross Avid birdwatchers, you’re in luck. There are over 220 species of our avian friends in this area.
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2. Reef HQ Take a peek under the sea at turtles, sharks and rays.
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6. Perc Tucker Regional Gallery For Townsville in a nutshell (or a canvas), explore some fantastic local artworks.
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1. Billabong Sanctuary Take a gander at some native wildlife.
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TOWNSVILLE’S EVENTS
If you’re feeling particularly genteel, follow your ears to the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in late-July.
Pick up a bargain or just fill your face at the Cultural Fest each August.
Put it in fifth and speed your way over to the Metal Mania Car and Bike Show in September.
For one of the best music festivals in Far North Queensland, rage on over to the Full Noise Music Festival in October.
Bring along your frankincense to the annual Christmas festival by the sea at the Stable on the Strand each December.
WHEN TO GO
· Townsville boasts a pretty tropical climate, which means hot, wet summers and cool dry winters.
· Townsville is at its hottest in February, but the rain usually cools things off by the end of the day.
· Although the middle of winter, July still sees temperatures of around 25ºC (77ºF), making it a great time of year to be hitting the beach.
Visit our partner page Townsville hotels by Hotel.com.au
GETTING AROUND
· Townsville has a pretty decent bus service that will get you around town.
· There are plenty of taxis around the place, but unless you’re on a short trip, you will feel the pinch.
· Townsville is in the process of developing some top-notch bike tracks. Heading around town on two wheels is a great way to catch some nature.
