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

Queens Gardens are part of Townsville’s botanic gardens, which are spread across three locations: each has its own character, but all have tropical plants and are abundantly green.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Townsville attractions

1. Castle Hill

0.5 MILES

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

3. Museum of Tropical Queensland

0.83 MILES

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

4. Cultural Centre

0.88 MILES

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

5. Reef HQ Aquarium

0.9 MILES

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…

6. Maritime Museum of Townsville

0.93 MILES

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…

7. Picnic Bay

5.52 MILES

Picnic Bay is one of the most low-key spots on the island, dominated more by a community of friendly locals than anything else. There's a stinger net…

8. Nelly Bay

7.19 MILES

Magnetic Harbour in Nelly Bay will be your first taste of life on the island. There's a wide range of busy but relaxing eating and sleeping options and a…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "australia/queensland/townsville/attractions/queens-gardens/a/poi-sig/481672/362394",
      "destination": "Townsville",
      "continent": "Australia-&-Pacific",
      "country": "Australia",
      "region": "Queensland",
      "city": "Townsville",
      "position": "superzone"
    }