Townsville is hiding a world-class arts scene

From galleries to the Great Barrier Reef – Townsville is turning heads.

North Queensland is often associated with hot weather and beautiful beaches, acting as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. But one of the state’s biggest cities is on the rise for something different. Townsville is drawing a new crowd: a growing number of visitors who come for the city’s burgeoning arts scene – and stay for everything else.

Who knew this North Queensland city had this much creative flair? From hands-on pottery workshops to galleries buzzing with local talent, Townsville is carving out a name for itself on the art scene.

When did Townsville become an arts capital?

Historically a port city established to service the expanding pastoral industries of North Queensland, Townsville has long been an important hub for trade and manufacturing. But in recent years, a growing arts community has been shifting the perspective. And now more than ever, the city is embracing its creativity.

The Strand in Townsville, Queensland — Townsville was originally a port city. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

With the firm backing of Townsville City Council, the movement has flourished, perfectly capturing the city’s essence and elevating daily life for residents and tourists alike. But its impact goes beyond aesthetics – generating space for cultural exchange and paying respects to the land’s Traditional Owners. The Wulgurukaba and Bindal peoples have been creating art in Townsville for thousands of years, which can be observed on an Indigenous-led Bush Tukka & Rock Art Tour with Gudjuda.

Several art galleries around the city showcase First Nations art, as well as works by a diverse range of emerging and well-known creators. By platforming the artists that call it home, Townsville has built an arts scene that rivals any major Aussie capital – and it’s attracting visitors from near and far.

Townsville’s arts scene: 5 must-visit places

Keen to get amongst it but not sure where to start? We hit the streets to uncover Townsville’s top five ultimate art experiences.

1. Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery in Townsville, Qld — Perc Tucker exhibits a dynamic range of artworks across its two levels. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Located in the heart of the CBD, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is home to a range of artworks exhibited across two levels – from permanent collections by local artists to international exhibitions on tour.

The gallery recently welcomed Wedgwood: Artist & Industry, on loan from London’s iconic Victoria and Albert Museum – a sure sign of Townsville’s artistic expansion. The landmark exhibition, on display until 24 August, spans over 200 years of original designs and ceramics from the famous fine China manufacturer. Take it up a notch with Restaurant 1889’s Wedgwood dining experience just across the road.

2. Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts

Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts in Townsville, Qld — Purchase handmade trinkets by local artists. (Image: Taylah Darnell)

A quick walk down the street and you’ll stumble upon Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts . Wander through the open-plan arts space to browse a constantly rotating cycle of eclectic exhibitions from local and national artists. Visitors can also purchase the perfect souvenir to take home, as handmade one-of-a-kind trinkets line the walls, too.

But there’s more to this locally run gallery than meets the eye. At its heart is The Studio – a supportive space where local artists have 24-hour access to tools and resources that are typically hard to come by for just $50 a month. From silversmithing equipment and printing facilities to an etching press and photography darkroom, all creative forms are catered for.

3. North Queensland Potters Association

North Queensland Potters Association in Townsville, Qld — Join a ceramics workshop. (Image: Taylah Darnell)

The North Queensland Potters Association invites you to embrace your inner artist, even if you’re only visiting. Just a 10-minute drive out of Townsville’s CBD, this hub of community and creativity is the best place for a hands-on art experience – literally.

While it’s mainly a studio space for local potters and ceramicists, the not-for-profit also hosts a range of weekly workshops that are open to the public. No matter your skill level, an instructor from the association will guide you through crafting your masterpiece, which can be fired, glazed and sent home to you at an additional cost.

4. Street Art Walking Trail

Street art in Townsville, Queensland — Townsville’s street art is a great way to experience the city’s creativity. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Want to do it in your own time, at your own pace? Just follow the Street Art Walking Trail . The itinerary includes 26 public artworks, easily admired on a stroll around the city. Start at the top of Flinders Street with From the treetops… by local artist Jon Electros, which depicts the endangered Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo.

From there, the tour will take you past more murals, from large-scale portraits that span entire buildings to geometric patterns that dance along walls. Be sure to fuel up with a coffee at Hoi Polloi along the way – not only is it one of Townsville’s best cafes, it’s covered in cool art, too!

5. Museum of Underwater Art

Museum of Underwater Art in Townsville, Qld — MOUA is the only underwater art gallery in Australia. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

One of just eight underwater art galleries in the world and the only one of its kind in Australia, the Museum of Underwater Art is truly one of the best ways to spend your time in Townsville. Located 70 kilometres off the coast at John Brewer Reef, it can be visited on a day trip from Magnetic Island with local tour operators like SeaLink .

Don your scuba kit and you’ll witness Jason deCaires Taylor’s Ocean Sentinals, eight 2.2-metre-tall figures weighing between one and three tons. And The Coral Greenhouse, which holds the Guinness Book of World Record’s title for Largest Underwater Art Structure. Prefer to stay on land? Hang out with the four-metre Ocean Siren sculpture back on The Strand.

Planning a trip? Check out our guide on where to eat, play and stay in Townsville.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

This unexpected Aussie city is hiding a world-class arts scene