Where to eat, stay and play in Townsville

Kate SymonsBy Kate Symons
hero media
From swim-up bars to buzzing eat streets and island escapes, explore all the best bits of tropical Townsville.

With its postcard-worthy landscapes and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Townsville is a genuine tropical playground. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy your time in the North Queensland capital.

Miss Songs Townsville
Ocean views and Southeast Asian flavours are aplenty at Miss Songs.

Eat

Miss Songs

Part of multi-million-dollar renovations at The Ville resort, Miss Songs is worthy of its new digs.

a bright and cosy dining interior at Miss Songs Townsville
A look inside Miss Songs.

Delectable Southeast Asian flavours reign, including favourites such as Peking duck pancakes and san choi bao, and the setting pairs sophistication with waterfront chill.

Southeast Asian menu at Miss Song Townsville
You’ll find Miss Songs inside Townsville’s The Ville resort.

Address: Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville, QLD, 4810 Australia

Miss Song Townsville
Pair your Asian feast with a cocktail from Miss Songs’s drink menu.

City Lane

If you’re the type that can’t decide what you feel like eating, City Lane has got your back. 

crowded isle along City Lane Townsville
City Lane is a laneway precinct brimming with restaurants, small bars and shops.

Simply head to the creative laneway precinct and let your senses do the choosing. There are a range of options, including Italian favourite Donna Bionda, Harri Dumpling and Born Wild wholefoods, as well as small bars and shops, all enveloped in friendly urban buzz.

a glass of cocktail at Quarterdeck
Have a cocktail drink at Quarterdeck.

Address: 373/401 Flinders St, Townsville City, QLD, 4810

The Ville's Quarterdeck
The view from The Ville’s Quarterdeck.

JAM

JAM Restaurant is a Townsville institution thanks to Matt Merrin’s innovative menus, created using fresh, local produce.

menu at The Ville's Quarterdeck
A standout selection of some of the seafood and starters on offer at The Ville’s Quarterdeck.

A delicious choice at any time of day, JAM is most famous for its award-winning breakfast menu. Local consensus will steer you towards the Asian chicken omelette, but you can’t go wrong.

Address: 1 Palmer St, South Townsville QLD 4810

The Ville's Quarterdeck
Don’t skip the dessert menu while visiting The Ville’s Quarterdeck.

Bridgewater

The new kid in town, Bridgewater has made a solid impression with an elegant entry into Townsville’s dining scene. Expectations were high ahead of last year’s grand opening – Matt Merrin of JAM fame is behind the project, after all. The two-storey venue houses a restaurant and bar, making it a hit from casual drinks to special occasions.

Address: 2/2 Dibbs Street,, Townsville, QLD, 4810 (cnr Tomlin)

Splash Bar The Ville
Take advantage of the swim-up Splash Bar at The Ville.

Tobin Fish Tales

A takeaway shop with a difference, Tobin Fish Tales is owned and operated by two fisheries scientists committed to bridging the gap between fishers and consumers. As well as locally sourced and sustainably caught seafood, the fish-and-chip shop serves up easy-to-digest sustainability information.

Address: 2/1 Rose St, North Ward, Qld, 4810

Palm House The Ville
Eat at The Ville’s inhouse restaurant, Palm House.

Longboard Bar & Grill

The beach vibes are strong with this one. Longboard Bar & Grill puts you in front of the water and in the mood for a long and lazy lunch, complete with sea breezes. With live entertainment until sunset, the Sunday Sesh is a Townsville icon and bookings are recommended.

Address: The Strand Headlands, 80 Gregory St, Townsville, QLD, 4810

The Ville's pool
The standout views from The Ville’s pool.

Stay

The Ville

A $43 million redevelopment has turned Townsville’s poorly performing casino into a slick and inviting resort.

bikes at The Ville Townsville
The Ville is one of Townsville’s classiest accommodation options.

Overlooking beautiful Cleveland Bay and nearby Magnetic Island, the Ville’s resort pool, complete with swim-up bar, and adjacent Quarterdeck bar are heroes of the facelift, celebrating the lifestyle and landscapes that give Townsville its charm.

King Ocean View room at The Ville
The King Ocean View room at The Ville.

Address: Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville, QLD, 4810 Australia

King Ocean View room at The Ville
The living room of the King Ocean View room at The Ville.

Rambutan

Forget what you know about backpacker hostels. Rambutan is a stylish version of the budget accommodation concept, smack bang in the middle of town.

With a rooftop bar and pool, an in-house restaurant, and air-conditioning and ensuite for each room, Rambutan boasts all the comforts of a boutique hotel without losing the playful atmosphere and affordability that can make a backpacker joint so appealing.

Address: 113-119 Flinders St, Townsville City, QLD, 4810

Rambutan Townsville
Rambutan has a rooftop bar and pool, an in-house restaurant, air-conditioning and ensuites.

Play

SS Yongala shipwreck

A mysterious and historically significant artificial reef teeming with marine life, the SS Yongala wreck is considered one of the world’s best dive sites. And it’s ready to explore just minutes from Townsville.

Adrenalin Dive offers two days trips each week, and the knowledgeable crew are a pleasure to journey with. Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island and Palm island are also available.

Address: 66-70 Perkins Street West, Railway Estate, Townsville, QLD, 4810

SS Yongala wreck
Explore one of the world’s best dive sites: the SS Yongala wreck.

Goat Track

It’s not everyone’s idea of ‘play’, but a walk to the top of Castle Hill, the pink granite monolith that stands proud in the middle of town, is certainly a rite of passage for locals. It’s a short and sharp effort, and the rewards are many with far-reaching views over the city and the bay.

Address: Castle Hill Road, Townsville, QLD, 4810

Castle Hill Townsville
Walk the Goat Track to the top of Castle Hill.

 

Hooch & Fellow

A cosy nook amid the revelry of Townsville’s nightlife precinct, Hooch & Fellow is Townsville’s first small bar and a go-to for excellent cocktails. The cocktail list is ever-changing – it has featured more than 1000 different concoctions in less than three years – and always indicative of the passionate bar staff. Plus, the classics are reliably satisfying.

Address: 181 Flinders St, Townsville City, QLD, 4810

Townsville Brewery

Get your fill of Townsville’s award-winning craft beer at the Townsville Brewery.

An ice-cold beer is the perfect complement to North Queensland’s hard-working sunshine and Townsville Brewery has been a popular watering hole for almost 20 years. Located in the city’s heritage-listed former post office building, the brewery certainly delivers with award-winning craft beers made just metres from the taps.

Address: 252 Flinders St, Townsville, QLD, 4810

Townsville Brewery

Magnetic Island

Just a hop, skip and jump – OK, a 20-minute ferry ride – from Townsville, Magnetic Island is a day tripper’s dream. The island is more than two thirds protected national park and its coastline is peppered with treasures both grand and discreet. An Aquascene Charter will help give you the lay of the land.

Address: Magnetic Island, QLD, 4819

Magnetic Island
Experience the best of Magnetic Island.
Planning a trip to Tropical North Queensland? Read our guide on what to do and where to eat, stay and play on your trip.
Kate Symons
Kate Symons is a freelance writer with a particular passion for uncovering the people that make the place. On assignments near and far, she observes and absorbs, waiting for that satisfying moment when the story lede - the tale that is sure to entice - presents itself.
See all articles
This unexpected Aussie city is hiding a world-class arts scene
Townsville

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

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

Read more
lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events
Townsville

6 reasons why Townsville is the new events capital of Queensland

Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

Read more
Things to do in Townsville
Townsville

26 of the best things to do in Townsville

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.

Read more
things to do on Magnetic Island
Townsville

16 of the best things to do on Magnetic Island

These are all the must-dos for a tropical island escape on Queensland’s Magnetic Island.

Read more
hero media

8 experiences that make Moreton Bay the best getaway

    Rachel LayBy Rachel Lay
    Continue
    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
    Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.

    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

    Morgan’s Seafood
    It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)

    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

    woorim beach bribie island
    Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.

    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
    Admire the landscapes of 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.