Visit an underwater museum, take a ferry to a tropical island, chase waterfalls through the rainforest and wander street-art-filled laneways in this thriving Far North Queensland hub.

If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Townsville, you’re in luck. This vibrant coastal city is full to the brim with tropical holiday potential.

There are amazing Great Barrier Reef experiences, dreamy island escapes where you can spot koalas, trekking or biking through rainforest, and thrilling ocean adventures – from riding a jet ski to diving around Australia’s first-ever underwater museum.

1. Check out Australia’s first underwater museum

Townsville’s Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is the only museum of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Comprised of four intriguing installations designed by world-renowned underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, MOUA is all about highlighting reef conservation, restoration and education, while sharing the stories of the region’s First Nations people. Its inaugural installation Ocean Siren is located at The Strand on Townsville’s foreshore. Rising from the water, it is modelled on Takoda Johnson, a young Indigenous girl from the Wulgurukaba tribe, and changes colour in response to live variations in water temperature. The second installation, Coral Greenhouse, is located on the John Brewer Reef a two hours’ boat ride from Townsville. It is populated with 20 ‘reef guardians’ who instigate natural coral growth and visitors are invited to snorkel or dive to view them.

2. Take a ferry to a tropical island paradise

No trip to Townsville is complete without taking the short 20-minute ferry ride out to magical Magnetic Island (Yunbenun). This patch of tropical paradise is home to a thriving community of 2500, and a sense of its serene, laid-back lifestyle hits you the moment you step ashore. Set within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and rich in Indigenous heritage, the island is famed for its beautiful bays and beaches, snorkelling trails on fringing coral and plentiful hiking trails through a mountainous interior of eucalypt woodland and granite boulders (you’ll learn some intriguing Second World War history via the popular Forts Walk).

And that’s not to mention it’s also home to northern Australia’s largest wild koala colony. A visit to Bungalow Bay Koala Park will ensure an up-close-and-personal experience with these furry friends (you can also sleep here). Other activities you can do while here include horse riding, jet skiing, fishing, water sports and setting off on a sailing or diving expedition (check out Big Mama Sailing and Pleasure Divers).

One of the best ways to absorb all Magnetic Island has to offer is on tour with Aquascene or by hiring a fun ‘topless’ car from Isle Hire. And if one day just isn’t enough, then check in for an overnight stay. Accommodation options range from easy breezy CStay Guest House to the small boutique resort of Island Leisure Resort, with its Polynesian-style bures, to the elegant Peppers Blue on Blue Resort.

3. Explore the Queensland Museum Tropics

Head to the award-winning Queensland Museum Tropics in the heart of town for a snapshot of the dazzlingly diverse North Queensland region and its rich cultural and natural heritage. Through family-friendly exhibitions and displays, you’ll learn everything about life in the tropics from prehistory through to today. Key exhibition points include the World Heritage-listed rainforest and reefs at Townsville’s doorstep and the compelling story of the shipwrecked HMS Pandora. Sent to Tahiti to capture the Bounty mutineers, the ship struck the Great Barrier Reef and sank on its return journey in 1791. A replica is mounted in the museum’s Great Gallery, along with objects recovered from the wreck – which wasn’t discovered for 186 years.

4. Take a sunset hike for jaw-dropping views

Castle Hill is a heritage-listed pink granite monolith, or inselberg (and also a suburb of the same name), that presides over the city skyline. Hiking it in time for sunset is one of the most rewarding things you can do in Townsville. Its panoramic views over the city and out to the ocean and Magnetic Island are spectacular. There are several trails you can take to get to the top, including the short, sweet but very steep Goat Track, which sets off from Hillside Crescent just outside of the CBD. The most popular Cudtheringa Track can be accessed from the bottom of Castle Hill Road in North Ward. With steep and challenging beginning and end sections, this 1.1-kilometre one-way trail enjoys a moderate midsection with breathtaking views.

5. Hit up Townsville’s thriving beach foreshore

A 2.2-kilometre parkway where palm trees practically kiss the ocean, The Strand is Townsville’s thriving beach foreshore. With lovely views out to Magnetic Island and dappled with shady spots, this is the place to while away some time, any time of day. Enjoy breakfast with a view at Strand View Cafe, a gelato on the grass from Juliette’s Gelateria, a Mediterranean-style lunch at Odyssey on the Strand and a fish and chip dinner on the beach (pick up some takeaway from Tobin Fish Tales just a few blocks back in North Ward). Also on The Strand, you’ll find family fun in the shape of playgrounds and the popular Strand Waterpark, rock pools to swim in, a kid-friendly water park, and the Jezzine Barracks at the northern end, where you’ll get an insight into the stories of Townsville’s settlement.

6. Go chasing waterfalls in Paluma Range National Park

Head north out of town from Townsville to get deep within Paluma Range National Park, the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Within an hour or so, you’ll hit Little Crystal Creek, an oasis favoured by weekender Townsville locals. Swim in the freshwater creek fed by a pretty, cascading waterfall and framed by a heritage-listed stone arch bridge built in the 1930s Depression era. It’s the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer’s day in the tropics.

Half-an-hour further north lies rainforest-encased Jourama Falls. This scenic spot sees Waterview Creek tumble down cascades and rapids, creating crystal-clear rock pools to soak in and refreshing falls to shower under. With birds, turtles and goannas attracted to the creek, it’s a top spot for wildlife watching. Follow the three-kilometre return Jourama Falls track for a moderate bushwalk that rewards with views out over the falls and rainforest and pitch a tent at the popular camping spot if you fancy soaking in the serenity some more.

7. Take an e-bike tour

Another way to explore the treasure trove that is Paluma Range National Park is with NQ Cycle Journeys, which also operates guided e-bike tours through Townsville City and Magnetic Island. The four-hour Paluma Range NP tour covers 20 kilometres of easy riding and three kilometres of walking, stopping along the way to find cascading waterfalls, swim in waterholes, spot local wildlife and see historical WWII sites. The Townsville tour includes visiting colonial and indigenous sites, the coastline and wetlands with a maximum of eight riders.

8. Make a dinner reservation at Townsville’s hottest dining spots

Since opening in 2018 in South Townsville, Bridgewater has become Townsville’s dining hotspot. Be sure to make a reservation here for modern Australian cuisine in a contemporary, coastal-inspired space overlooking the river. Dishes include entrees of local half-shell scallops with soy pumpkin, pickled fennel and candied ginger; mains such as King George whiting, tossed Asian greens and mushrooms; and desserts of caramel parfait, bee pollen crumb and glazed pear. Or opt for a five-course degustation with or without wine pairing. Bridgewater is the latest venture from renowned chef Matt Merrin (along with chef Ty Samuel), who also operates the award-winning Jam Corner, located just a block away.

9. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef

Off the coast of Townsville lies one of the most unique experiences you can have on the Great Barrier Reef. The S.S. Yongala, a passenger ship that hit a cyclone and sank en route from Melbourne to Cairns in 1911, is one of the largest and most intact historic shipwrecks in Australian waters. Today, the coral-encrusted wreck is regarded as one of the best dives on the planet due to its proliferation and sheer size of marine life you’ll encounter there – including giant gropers and giant trevally and schools of barracudas, eagle rays, turtles, sea snakes and bull sharks. Certified Advanced Open Water Divers can join a day trip from Townsville with the likes of Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive. Or head 1.5 hours south of Townsville to Alva Beach in Ayr to dive with Yongala specialist and PADI 5 Star Dive Resort Yongala Dive.

10. Go wild at Billabong Sanctuary

For your chance to hold a koala (Queensland is one of just three states along with South Australia and Western Australia that permits this), hug a wombat, hand-feed a cassowary, hold a small crocodile or indeed watch the feeding of giant estuarine croc or saltie, head to Billabong Sanctuary, 17 kilometres south of Townsville in Nome. This ecotourism-accredited sanctuary is set against 11 hectares of tropical North Queensland bushland and provides one of the best interactive wildlife experiences you can find in Australia. Between animal experiences, stop for a bite to eat at Blinky Bill’s Cafe and take a dip at the resort’s tropical resort-style swimming pool.

11. Take a jet ski tour around Townsville’s surrounds

Whether you’re up for a thrill or would rather chill and enjoy the scenery, Poseidon Adventures operates jet ski tours that can do either. Departing from the Breakwater Marina, choose from a tour to Magnetic Island where you can also go snorkelling, to historic Cape Cleveland Lighthouse, or for a change of scenery, you can cruise to Bay Rock on a 70-minute tour along The Strand foreshore. The waters surrounding Townsville are thriving with marine life including turtles, dolphins, dugongs and whales (between July and August), so be on the lookout as you glide along the water. You can also hire a jet ski (no licence necessary) and create your own adventure.

12. Go wild on Hinchinbrook Island

Cruise, walk, swim, fish, relax. No matter what you choose, a day spent on Hinchinbrook Island is bound to be a memorable one. Only accessible by private vessel or tour, several groups offer day trip options departing from Lucinda (an hour’s drive north of Townsville).

You can choose a guided walk to thundering waterfalls, a scenic cruise through the rugged Hinchinbrook Channel, a sportfishing adventure, or design your own day with a mix of experiences.

13. Enjoy a romantic Magnetic Island tour

Make the most of your visit to Magnetic Island by booking an experience with Pilgrim Sailing. Book a skippered boat to see all the secret nooks and crannies of Magnetic Island away from the other day-trippers. You can BYO everything you need for the day or ask for extras including champagne and snorkel hire. If you’re loved up, opt in for a romantic adventure where you’re marooned, just the two of you, on a secluded beach for two hours with a gourmet picnic hamper.

14. Learn about the history of the Nywaigi people

Meet the traditional owners of the lands around Ingham, the Nywaigi Aboriginal people, at Mungalla Station – 90 minutes north of Townsville. On a guided tour of the station and its wetlands, you’ll learn about the history of the homestead originally built by Irishman James Cassady, the brutal confrontation between European settlers and local Aboriginal people and how the Cassady family intervened. If you’d like to stay on, camping is available at the station.

15. Seek out Townsville’s street art

Townsville’s streets and laneways are home to some 25 street artworks that were commissioned by the council to brighten up pockets of the city. Hit the pavement and play hide-and-seek with these larger-than-life murals, portraits and thought-provoking pieces or download this map and take the street art walking trail to find them all.

16. Spend a glamorous day at The Ville

The Ville is one of Townsville’s hottest places to stay, with uber chic rooms, a range of sophisticated dining options, a casino and a busy calendar of events, not to mention views over the ocean and to Magnetic Island. But its absolute drawcard is the hotel’s glamorous pool that oozes Palm Springs meets Tropical North Queensland vibes, boasting a swim-up bar, plenty of lounges shaded by striped umbrellas and even a shallow area for the kids to splash in. If you’re not a guest here, don’t worry – you can purchase a day pass, the cost of which can be used as credit to purchase food and drink from the pool bar and Quarterdeck, the hotel’s happening al fresco restaurant and bar, surrounded by palm trees and bougainvillaea.

17. See it all from above on a helicopter tour

It’s hard to comprehend the diverse landscape of the Townsville region until you’re above it.

Soak in the natural beauty with Nautilus Aviation, which runs several scenic flights that will give you a bird’s-eye view of the rugged rocky coastline and stretch of pristine beach; turquoise waters punctuated by islands and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and its world-famous coral reefs. You’ll also have epic views of the hinterland, where flowing rivers, rolling mountain ranges, mangrove estuaries and saltpans make up the unique tapestry of this landscape.

18. Soak up Townsville’s booming cafe culture

Where once Townsville was void of a decent eatery, the cafe culture is now not only booming, but it’s continually evolving. Get amongst it and start your day right with these best cafes for breakfast (with a side of thoroughly decent coffee).

19. Visit one of Townsville’s thriving markets

There’s nothing better than a weekend market, and for a relatively small city, Townsville is doing the most. Whether you’re after fresh produce, locally made crafts, Indigenous art, a new household plant or a few more outfits to whack into your suitcase, you’ll find the market you’re looking for.

20. Discover Townsville’s Second World War history

Just outside of Townsville, you’ll find an interesting remnant of the Second World War. The No 211 Radar Station on Charlie’s Hill was one of twenty radar installations along the North Queensland coastline. It was built by the RAAF in 1943 to provide an early warning sign on any approaching enemy aircraft. Today, find reinforced concrete domes, which provided protection for this radar equipment.

21. Splurge on a luxe island escape

On the verge of the extraordinary Great Barrier Reef, Townsville is the perfect launchpad for escapes into an unparalleled island paradise. Accessed from the city by a 30-minute helicopter (or longer boat) charter, two luxe reef-fringed islands beckon those hunting for a moment of tropical tranquillity. Book a stay at the all-inclusive Orpheus Island Lodge, which is hemmed by 11 kilometres of pristine coast and dense national park and welcomes just 28 guests at a time. Spend your stay here motoring around the island in a dinghy, snorkelling the crystal waters or finding your centre at the spa. If money is no object, across the channel from Orpheus is the singular sister property, Pelorus Private Island. For those who treasure isolation, this exclusive-use, all-inclusive property is the very definition of quiet luxury. Accommodating just a handful of guests across five suites, you can live out the fantasy of owning your own island. Even if just for a few days.

22. Enjoy a spa day

Make space for your own wellness journey with a treatment at the sea-adjacent Ardo Day Spa, set in the five-star Ardo Hotel. Soothing marine hues calm the soul the moment you enter the space. Take a moment to exhale before heading to a treatment room to indulge in a massage, facial or combination treatment using Payot and Medik8 products. If unwinding is going to take some time, embark upon the 4-hour Ardo Experience that includes a full body exfoliation, massage, body wrap, facial and light snack from the Ardo Rooftop.

23. Watch the sunset from the Ardo Rooftop

Open to all, the Ardo Rooftop is one of the best spots in the city for sundowners. Flaunting a view to drop jaws, the bar is your front-row seat to the natural light show that bathes both Castle Hill behind and the Coral Sea and Magnetic Island out front in a spectrum of warm-to-cooling shades. The cocktails are well-shaken, the beers are cold and the snacks are worth hanging around for long after the sun has disappeared.

24. Meet the locals in Ingham

A little over an hour from Townsville, the captivating town of Ingham is ripe for exploring. Twitchers and hikers alike will enjoy discovering the TYTO Wetlands, which takes its name from the Eastern Grass Owl, or Tyto longimembris. Here, you can wander trails and get a lay of the (rather wet) land from the observation tower. Ingham is also fondly referred to as Little Italy, with half of its population descended from Italian migrants who came to work in the once-booming sugar industry. Today, you’ll still find a thriving and proud Italian culture here with plenty of delicious food and wine. Each August, the annual Australian-Italian Festival fills the town with merry-makers and frivolity and is well worth the drive out from Townsville.

25. Ogle some art in Townsville city

While the shimmer of the Coral Sea and Reef beyond lures plenty to the water, Townsville’s urban edge is not to be outdone. A thriving, creative city, there’s plenty to catch the eye of the art appreciator. Housed in a heritage building, head to Perc Tucker Regional Gallery for two levels of absorbing works across a range of mediums. Showcasing local, national and international artists and rotating through a calendar or roaming exhibitions, make sure to add it to you itinerary. Also add to your art trail the deeply engaging Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts and Pinnacles Gallery.

26. Meet ghouls and bulls at Charters Towers

Take an inland drive for 1.5 hours from Townsville and you’ll arrive at the mining and military town of Charters Towers. This fascinating historic outpost has plenty to enthral, from tours of the 150-year-old Venus Gold Battery, where gold was once extracted from crushed ore, to safari rides in a horse-pulled wagon to admire Texas longhorns, and supernatural encounters on one of the town’s strangely plentiful ghost tours. There are also beautiful natural surrounds and plenty of places to sink a frosty XXXX in town.

Originally written by Megan Arkinstall with updates by Lara Picone

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