As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island, and tropical adventures, Townsville is dripping in natural wonders and coastal charm.
If you’re looking for a reason to travel the north Queensland coast, we’ve got 20 up our sleeve! Read on for a taste of the best things to do in Townsville, from snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef to delving into local culture and history. Once you’re hooked, head to the G’day Parks app or online to book your stay at one of our great holiday parks near Townsville.
Magnetic Island
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Twenty minutes off the shore by ferry, Magnetic Island is home to beautiful walks, lovely beaches and nature, wildlife spotting, kayaking, and snorkelling trails.
Yongala Dive in the Great Barrier Reef
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Join a day trip to dive down to the scene of the historic SS Yongala Shipwreck, the largest and most intact shipwreck in Australia, which is now covered in coral and home to incredible marine life. These wreck dives are famous for a reason!
The Museum of Underwater Art
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In the Great Barrier Reef, explore underwater art installations and sculptures in The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). The Coral Greenhouse holds the Guiness World Record for the largest underwater art structure.
Queensland Museum Tropics
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Get to know Townsville's history at Queensland Museum Tropics. Formerly known as the Museum of Tropical Queensland, it’s an exceptional collection of the region’s cultural and natural heritage.
Castle Hill
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For the best view of Townsville, head up Castle Hill. There are fantastic walking tracks leading to 360-degree views at the top, or you can access Castle Hill by vehicle.
The Strand
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Set across 2.2km of prime, palm tree-lined beachfront, The Strand is the home of fun and recreation in Townsville’s city centre. The Strand Rockpool is a stinger-safe, seawater pool with a shallow section for kids and wheelchair access, and there is a water park packed with slides, water cannons, and a junior children’s playground. Strand Park has all the facilities you need for picnics, sports, and beachside relaxation.
Billabong Sanctuary
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If you're interested in beautiful Australian animals and authentic wildlife experiences, walk on the wild side at Billabong Sanctuary. There's something exciting happening every day: watch a crocodile feeding demonstration, hold a koala, or let a kangaroo eat snacks straight out of your hand.
Street Art Walking Trail
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Townsville’s street art walking trail is one for the ages. A certified street art town, you can't miss the artwork painted on the city’s streets, laneways, alleyways, and even basketball courts!
Café Culture
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Treating yourself to brunch? You’ll be spoilt for choice in Townsville. There’s no shortage of eateries, whether you’re looking for the perfect blend, a fluffy pancake stack, or a nourishing smoothie bowl.
Dining
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After starting your morning on the right foot, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the flavours of Townsville all day long! Townsville is teeming with great bars, pubs, and restaurants. The City Lane Dining and Bar Precinct is a great place to start.
Art Galleries
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Art fans will be well fed in Townsville, with three art galleries to visit. The Perc Tucker Regional Art Gallery showcases local, national, and international art and performance, and you can also check out the Pinnacles Gallery and Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts.
Helicopter Tours
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After exploring the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, swap the sea for the sky. Enjoy helicopter flights over Townsville City, Magnetic Island, or Cape Cleveland.
Whale Watching
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A handful of tour operators run whale watching adventures in season, which typically runs from mid-July to August. Spot humpback whales while onboard a three-hour Sealink cruise, where you’re bound to enjoy the coastal scenery, accompanied by morning/afternoon tea and live commentary.
Botanic Gardens
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Townsville is home to three lovely Botanic Gardens: Anderson Gardens, Queens Gardens, and Palmetum. Anderson Gardens is the largest of the three, heritage-listed Queens Gardens is the oldest, while Palmetum boasts one of the world’s largest and most diverse public collections of palms.
Markets
Cotters Market is one of the biggest markets in north Queensland, held on Sundays from 8.30am to 1.00pm with more than 150 stalls. Regular Rotary markets include the Willows Sunday Market (every Sunday 7.30am to 11.30am) and Strand Night Market (first Friday of each month, February to December, from 5.00pm to 9.30pm). Meanwhile, the Magnetic Island Markets take place on Sunday mornings in Horseshoe Bay.
Waterfalls
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Let nature take your breath away while waterfall spotting. Visit Paluma Range National Park for the cascades and swimming spots at Little Crystal Creek and Jourama Falls, or take a two-hour road trip to Australia’s highest, single-drop waterfall, Wallaman Falls.
Army Museum North Queensland
Situated in Jezzine Barracks, the Army Museum of North Queensland has a wide collection of army objects and stories, open each week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. To dig further into World War II history, travel south to explore the No 211 Radar Station on Charlie’s Hill.
Mountain Biking at Cape Pallarenda
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If you’re bringing your mountain bike, the scenic Cape Pallarenda offers an 11km, one-way dirt trail combining ocean views with an enjoyable ride. Expect a few rough and steep sections, but overall, it’s considered an easy ride.
Golf
If nothing says "holiday" like a round of golf, there are many places to tee off, including Rowes Bay Golf Club, Townsville Golf Club, Tropics Golf Club, and Pandanus Park Golf Centre.
Mungalla Cultural Tours
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Approximately 90 minutes out of Townsville, a guided station tour at Mungalla Aboriginal Tours is an incredible way to learn about the land's Nywaigi Aboriginal culture. Your guide will show you through the old Mungalla homestead while sharing its storied history, and you can have a go at boomerang throwing.
TOWNSVILLE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
G’day Parks has three awesome places to stay in the heart of Townsville, plus one just an hour away in Ayr.
Discovery Parks - Townsville
Family holidays are a blast at Discovery Parks - Townsville. The splash park, swimming pool, playground, bouncing pillow, and hire equipment will have kids zooming between the park entertainment with joy. Along with great facilities, there’s a huge range of sites and accommodation for your trip, with our top pick being a Deluxe Two-Bedroom Cabin.
Coral Coast Tourist Park
You can’t resist the palm tree serenity at Coral Coast Tourist Park. They have powered sites and a wide range of cabins—including deluxe cabins for couples, family-sized villas, and pet-friendly options for your furry friend. Dive into the refreshing swimming pool before it’s time to cook up dinner on the BBQs and camp kitchen.
Townsville Tourist and Lifestyle Village
Townsville Tourist and Lifestyle Village offers a peaceful location on the city outskirts, with easy access to all the best things to do in Townsville. There’s a swimming pool for the hot days, seasonal campfires for the cool ones, and an off-leash dog park where your four-legged pal can run for days! Whether you’re enjoying your stay on a spacious site or soaking up sunrays on your deluxe villa deck, you’re bound for a great visit.
Discovery Parks - Ayr
You’ll have the wind in your sails when you stay at Discovery Parks - Ayr, with powered sites and a variety of cabins, including the roomy Superior One-Bedroom Cabin. The kids are well catered for with a swimming pool, playground, and bouncing pillow, plus you'll find all the amenities and facilities you need for a 10/10 holiday park stay. A stay in Ayr is ideal to combine Townsville activities with exploring the Burdekin region.
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It's time for Townsville! Book your escape today via the G’day Parks app, where you can browse great deals, find last-minute availability, and use handy search filters to identify the perfect spot for your next getaway.
