A coastal city in North Queensland with Castle Hill rising 286m above sea level. Home to the world's largest living coral reef aquarium and active military base.
Townsville, the largest city in North Queensland, sits on the northeastern coast of Australia where the Ross River meets the Coral Sea. From Castle Hill's pink granite peak at 286 meters above sea level, you can watch ships sail into Cleveland Bay while rock wallabies hop between the boulders. Along The Strand, children splash in the water park while their parents walk under palm trees. At Reef HQ, you can see coral spawning events and watch sea turtles being rehabilitated, while on Magnetic Island, wild koalas sleep in eucalyptus trees above walking trails that lead to secluded beaches.
Climate and Weather
Townsville experiences more than 300 sunny days each year, with warm temperatures ranging from 13-25°C in winter and 24-31°C in summer. The tropical savanna climate brings most rainfall between November and April, while the winter months from May to October remain generally dry and clear. The southeast trade winds make sailing and water activities common during the cooler months.
The Strand
The Strand's 2.2-kilometer shoreline includes calm swimming areas protected by stinger nets from November to May. Children can play in the free water park with its dumping bucket and spray fountains, while adults use the outdoor exercise equipment or walk along paths shaded by palm trees. You'll find cafes and restaurants along the esplanade, and can walk to the end of the pier for views of Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island.
Marine Life at Reef HQ
At Reef HQ Aquarium, you can watch reef sharks swim above your head in the 2.5-million-liter tank. The coral reef exhibit contains brain coral, staghorn coral, and hundreds of tropical fish species native to the Great Barrier Reef. Visit the sea turtle hospital to learn how staff treat injured turtles, and attend daily presentations about coral spawning and reef conservation. Open daily 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
Castle Hill Walking Trails
The pink granite monolith of Castle Hill dominates Townsville's skyline. You can climb to the summit via several tracks: the steep Goat Track takes 20-30 minutes, while the gentler Castle Hill Road path takes 45 minutes. From the top, look for rock wallabies among the boulders and spot Magnetic Island across the bay. The trails are most active with locals before 8 AM and after 4 PM to avoid the midday heat.
Magnetic Island
Take the 20-minute ferry from the Breakwater Terminal to explore Magnetic Island's 23 beaches and bays. Walk the 4-kilometer Fort Walk to see koalas in their natural habitat and explore concrete bunkers from World War II. Rent snorkeling gear to swim among coral and tropical fish at Florence, Arthur, and Geoffrey Bays. Ferries run every hour from 5:30 AM to 11 PM daily.
Transportation
Townsville Airport has direct flights to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Public buses run throughout the city, with routes clearly marked at each stop. You can catch the Magnetic Island ferry from the Breakwater Terminal, with services running several times daily. Taxis and ride-sharing services operate 24 hours.
Military History and Museums
The Army Museum of North Queensland at Jezzine Barracks contains vehicles, weapons, and uniforms from regional conflicts. At the Museum of Tropical Queensland, you can see artifacts from the HMS Pandora wreck and learn about the ship's 1791 expedition. The Maritime Museum displays items recovered from the SS Yongala shipwreck and includes tours of the HMAS Townsville.
