Things to Do in Townsville

Since 2000, the Museum of Tropical Queensland—the only branch of the museum north of Brisbane—has been exploring the culture, traditions and heritage of this diverse area. Visitors can learn more about the history of the HMS Pandora—a famous ship that sank off the coast of Cape York in the late 1700s and examine recovered artifacts on display in museum halls. Another exhibit even teaches guests how to load and fire a replica of one of the ship’s cannons.

Monthly lectures and unique educational programs are just part of what makes a trip to the Museum of Tropical Queensland memorable. And the Enchanted Rainforest, which explores the diverse ecosystem—complete with rope bridge and slide—is a popular stops for visiting families. 

Prior to the advent of rail in Australia, Townsville was an outpost in Northern Queensland that could only be reached by sea. Ships and lightkeepers were essential to the region’s connection with the rest of the world, and this small museum in central Townsville explores the area’s lengthy past with ships, sailors, and the sea. Shaped like the bow of the SS Yongala—a passenger ship that mysteriously sank off the coast in 1911—the museum features a fascinating exhibit on the SS Yongala itself, from its construction in England to its service in Australia and its discovery in 1958. History buffs will also find the historic Bay Rock Lighthouse, which was originally built on Magnetic Island in 1886. It was one of Queensland’s first lighthouses, and was manned by lightkeepers until tragedy struck in March of 1920. Today the dome of the original lighthouse is on display at the museum, nearby a boat shed that houses a lifeboat that was used in the film Australia. The main attraction of the museum, however, is the fleet of model ships, which are fantastically detailed and constructed using the same designs as the originals. The HMAS Townsville is also docked in the creek outside the museum—a haven of maritime history and heritage in the heart of bustling Townsville.

For over a century, the Jezzine Barracks protected Townsville from the threat of outside attack. Cannons and guns were placed high atop the promontory, facing out toward the blue horizon ready to put up a fight. Today, after a massive, modern redevelopment of the aging historical barracks, Jezzine Barracks is a public park that not only honors its military past, but also retains the cultural heritage of its native Aborginal peoples. Located on the western end of Townsville’s popular beachfront Strand, the Jezzine Barracks offer sweeping views of the Rock Pool and Magnetic Island.

Weave your way up the walking trail in the hours just before sunset, stopping to admire the sculpture garden and historical military tributes. From atop the large, rocky headland, the entirety of Townsville’s happening shoreline sits directly at your feet, and there’s no better place on Townsville’s coast for enjoying a sunrise or sunset. For a deeper look at the military past, visit the Army Museum of North Queensland that’s located right here at the Barracks, where displays range from the early days of Australia’s original defenses, all the way up to modern conflicts and the men who have protected and served.  

The shores of Queensland are known for their rugged beauty, untouched coastlines and breathtaking landscapes. Nowhere is Mother Nature's splendor more evident than on Magnetic Island, a popular holiday destination across the water from Townsville. 

With 27 square kilometers of scenic walking paths, impressive mountains and even a densely populated bird sanctuary, Magnetic Island is paradise for lovers of the outdoors. A national park covers more than half the island and in addition to plenty of hiking, anglers will find some of the sea's best fishing opportunities, too. Full moon parties, which take place with each new moon, and the Great Tropical Jazz Party every August, are two of the island's best celebrations. 

The world’s largest living coral reef aquarium is located on Queensland’s Tropical Far North coast in Townsville and serves as the ultimate way to experience the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet.

Reef HQ is the National Reef Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which translates to mean that Reef HQ is designed to show off the best of the Great Barrier Reef and educate visitors about this marvelous ecosystem. Reef HQ opened in 1987 as the vision of Dr Graeme Keller, who wanted to make the reef both accessible and affordable in order to spread awareness of conservation and get public support in protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef HQ showcases the rare and extraordinary features of the Great Barrier Reef—one of the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystems in the world. Alongside exhibits of the reef, Reef HQ is involved heavily in reef research programs and runs a turtle hospital to rehabilitate sick and injured turtles.

Whether it’s from the ground or from the top, the Castle Hill views are some of the best in Townsville. Majestic pink mountains framed by palm trees climb into clear blue skies, making for picture-perfect landscape shots. And a network of challenging hiking trails—including the Goat Track—a local favorite, lead to vast, uninterrupted vantage points of the city down below. Travelers can look out over Magnetic Island, Townsville beaches, bustling ports and the flowing river. Whether it’s for fitness or for pleasure, a trek to the top of Castle Hill is a must when in the area.

Today, the Royal Australian Air Force Museum is an ode to soldiers who served and fought from bases right here in Townsville. The museum is located right next door to Townsville’s commercial airport, where it’s still possible to hear air traffic control on crackly museum radios. Hear the tales of Australian pilots who were based right here in Townsville, and see the uniforms that the soldiers would carry heroically into battle. This is one of the Royal Australian Air Force’s oldest and most meaningful bases, and a great place to brush up on Australia’s military past.

Imagine an island risen up in the midst of the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by turquoise waters and tropical coast. Orpheus Island is a private island situated between Townsville and Cairns that is exactly that "” 1,300 hectares of isolated and protected land and national park. At just 1 kilometer wide and 11 kilometers long, the unspoiled island is the perfect base to explore the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. There are dozens of trails and scenic lookouts perched amongst the hills of Eucalyptus trees. 

Due to the seclusion of the island and a limited number of guests, Orpheus Island has become known for its privacy and luxury. Its beaches and bays are fringed by one of the largest reefs in the world, complete with its colorful coral and nearly 1,100 species of fish. There are also indigenous Aboriginal sites and shipwrecks to explore in the warm waters surrounding the island.

Townsville’s close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef has made it a destination for underwater adventurers. Travelers from across the globe gather here to don wetsuits and oxygen tanks in search of some of the most memorable deep-sea landscapes on earth. 

Perhaps no dive is more famous than SS Yongala. It sends travelers far below the surface of the sea and more than 100 years back in time to 1911, when this notorious ship sank—along with all of its 122 passengers—in a massive ocean storm.

Today divers can explore the coral encrusted remains of this great ship while taking in the typical stingrays, tropical fish and sea turtles of standard dives. Travelers say that an impressive amount of ocean life paired with an up-close look the wreckage of one of Australia’s most famous nautical tragedies make this a truly memorable experience. 

All roads in central Townsville eventually lead to The Strand. As the city’s most beautiful and popular beach, The Strand is the sparkling centerpiece of Townsville’s golden coast. Even better, it has twice been voted “Australia’s Cleanest Beach” for its tidy, modern facilities. Take a jog on the walking paths that weave along the coast, or plan an afternoon barbecue or picnic on the park’s expansive lawn.

Fishermen gather at the northern end, in front of Kissing Point Fort, as bathers wade in the famous Rock Pool that faces out to sea. If it’s “stinger” season for Queensland’s box jellies, the section of beach just south of the pool has stinger nets and lifeguards. Waves are rarely an issue here, and it’s easy to simply float on your back and feel the sun on your face. For an extended trip when walking The Strand, make the climb up to Kissing Point Fort, where views stretch out to Magnetic Island and the vast Pacific beyond. The passenger ferry to Magnetic Island also departs from The Strand, and families will enjoy the large waterpark that’s perfect for children. Add in roadside cafés and restaurants just steps from the manicured grounds, and it’s easy to see why the famous Strand is the most happening place in town.