Colonial-era buildings along The Strand.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Townsville

Northern Queensland's often-overlooked major city is easy on the eye: at Townsville's heart is its handsome, endless esplanade, an ideal viewing platform to fabulous Magnetic Island, a mere ferry ride offshore. A better museum and aquarium you'll struggle to find in Queensland, and it's a pedestrian-friendly city, its grand, refurbished 19th-century buildings offering loads of landmarks. If in doubt, join the throngs of the fit and fabulous marching up bright red Castle Hill to gaze across the city's dry environs.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Bullwinkles Nightclub and Museum of Tropical Queensland (pictured at right) with reflection in water, Townsville. Australia

    Museum of Tropical Queensland

    Townsville

    The award-winning Museum of Tropical Queensland provides a snapshot of this diverse region, from World Heritage–listed rainforest and reefs to the story…

  • Two girls looking at fishes at the Reef HQ aquarium, Townsville, Queensland, Australia

    Reef HQ Aquarium

    Townsville

    A staggering 2.5 million litres of water flow through the coral-reef tank here at what they claim is the world's largest living coral-reef aquarium. It's…

  • Townsville, Queensland, Australia - July 27 2016: Kangaroo in captivity in Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary, Townsville; Shutterstock ID 1323187730; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

    Billabong Sanctuary

    Townsville

    Just 17km south of Townsville, this eco-certified wildlife park offers up-close-and-personal encounters with Australian wildlife – from dingoes to…

  • Castle Hill

    Castle Hill

    Townsville

    This striking 286m-high pink granite monolith dominates Townsville’s skyline and offers stunning views of the city and and across Cleveland Bay to…

  • Queens Gardens

    Queens Gardens

    Townsville

    If you fancy a lazy picnic, head to these formal, ornamental gardens at the base of Castle Hill, 1km northwest of town.

  • Maritime Museum of Townsville

    Maritime Museum of Townsville

    Townsville

    One for the boat buffs, with a gallery dedicated to the wreck of the SS Yongala and exhibits on north Queensland’s naval industries. Tours of…

  • Cultural Centre

    Cultural Centre

    Townsville

    Showcases the history, traditions and customs of the local Wulgurukaba and Bindal peoples with workshops, performances and exhibitions. Call for guided…

  • Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

    Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

    Townsville

    Contemporary art gallery in a stately 1885-built former bank. Exhibitions focus on north Queensland artists.

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Articles

Latest stories from Townsville

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