Where will you go when you want to enjoy a vacation in Australia? Perth, Sydney and Melbourne are among the top cities in Australia. But, you would also not want to miss visiting Queensland, especially the north-eastern coastal city of Townsville. Known for its picture-perfect central business district with Ross River and Castle Hill, Townsville offers attractions that are suitable for people of all ages — from parks and museums to sunset tour and nature retreat, every activity you can think of can be enjoyed in this city. Don’t worry if you have no idea about the attractions that await you. Keep reading to learn more about the top things to do in Townsville, Australia.
1. Be mesmerized by the beauty and adventures of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Explore the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world, and allow yourself to be enchanted by the splendor of nature during your time there. Take in the breathtaking scenery, which ranges from magnificent white sand to completely transparent waters.
Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in this location’s exciting activities throughout the year. These fun-filled things to do include everything from fishing to fantastic snorkeling and diving adventures, during which you can observe the breathtaking marine life that inhabits the region. At the superyacht, you and your companions can have a good time with special drinks and enjoy each other’s company while feeling the ocean breeze.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Website: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Address: Great Barrier Reef, Townsville QLD 4810, Australia
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Tip from tour guide
Planning to visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park? Read below for some helpful tips.
We've all heard it before: Sunscreen is not good for coral reefs, and this is true, most chemicals found in everyday sunscreen can be toxic to coral. So here are 3 ways you can be SunSmart whilst doing your part in protecting the reef:
1. Wear UPF clothing like wetsuits/stinger suits. This also serves as protection against both cold water and tropical jellyfish.
2. Wear a clip hat. These hats are great for protecting your scalp while ensuring it doesn't float away from you as you immerse yourself in the magic of the reef.
3. Use reef-safe sunscreen. Avoid sunscreens with toxic ingredients such as Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, and instead, try reef-safe brands like Stream2Sea, Little Urchin, and ThinkSport.
See, how easy it is to do your part in protecting the beautiful Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
2. See the creative artworks at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
FINAL DAYS // It is your last chance to see our exhibitions : ’ and ...
Posted by Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts on Thursday, December 16, 2021
Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts is a perfect spot to indulge in an exciting trip that will delight you with creative artwork. If you take the time to visit the various displays of North Queensland artists, you will be blown away by the locals’ artistic prowess and the culture’s richness.
Gain knowledge from the many different artist talks, during which you will become aware of the histories of various arts and the sources of their inspiration. Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the workshops and let your creative and artistic side shine through.
Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
Address: 408 Flinders St, Townsville QLD 4810, Australia
Website: Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 1pm; Tue - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
3. Take a pleasant stroll around The Strand
The very first thing to do as soon as you set foot in Townsville is to find your way to The Strand, a popular beachfront promenade. Admire the plethora of palm trees before doing any activities that you enjoy. Have a leisure walk at the recreational park, which features walkway and bike paths, as well as playgrounds. Then, you can just marvel at the stunning views of Magnetic Island and Port of Townsville. There is also a water park called The Strand Water Park for whole family fun. If you want to recharge over delicious food and drinks, a number of restaurants can also be seen here.
The Strand
Address: 37-43 The Strand, North Ward QLD 4810, Australia
Website: The Strand
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Visit The Palmetum, a botanical garden
There are plenty of things that can please your eyes and among them are the colorful flowers found inside the massive botanical garden of The Palmetum. You will see 60 species of native Australian palms along with more than 300 species of flora. Some of the species housed inside are extinct, making it worth a visit. After admiring the flowers, you can rest for a little while by having a picnic. There are picnic tables and facilities available inside the garden.
The Palmetum
Address: University Rd, Douglas QLD 4814, Australia
Website: The Palmetum
Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)
Price: Free
Townsville Tour Guide
Adrenalin Dive
We are Townsville’s most experienced diving and snorkelling provider operating a full-service dive centre with day trips and liveaboards. We visit the Great Barrier Reef, the globally renowned Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) and the SS Yongala Wreck departing from Townsville (and Magnetic Island for day trips). Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive also run a wide range of PADI courses. We are committed t... Read more
Tours by Adrenalin dive
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5. Enter the underwater animal kingdom at Reef Headquarters Aquarium
Have a change of situation and find yourself entering the kingdom of underwater animals. From sharks and stingrays to turtles and clownfish, all kinds of marine life can be found at this aquarium. In addition to having a myriad of marine animals, the aquarium also takes pride in being the largest coral reef aquarium in the world. The aquarium also boasts its daily talks and tours like Turtle Talk and Shark Feeding Show.
Reef Headquarters Aquarium
Address: 2-68 Flinders St, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
Website: Reef Headquarters Aquarium
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Adult: 28 AUD (19 USD); Children (aged 5-16): 14 AUD (9 USD)
6. Admire a collection of ships and artifacts at Maritime Museum of Townsville
Gain insights into the maritime history of the local region by making a stop at Maritime Museum of Townsville. You will surely have a good time looking at the collection of model ships along with artifacts and memorabilia. Plus, you get to exercise your brain by learning some important information here. Some of the most interesting exhibitions include Women’s War 2, Battle of the Coral Sea and Seafarers’ Gallery.
Maritime Museum of Townsville
Address: 42/68 Palmer St, South Townsville QLD 4810, Australia
Website: Maritime Museum of Townsville
Opening hours: 10am - 3pm (daily)
Price: Adult: 8 AUD (6 USD); Children (aged 3-14) and Students: 5 AUD (3 USD)
7. Explore Jezzine Barracks
What can you expect from Jezzine Barracks? You have to explore it to find out. Set in North Ward, the place features an observation deck to enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding. There’s also picnic facilities and a barbecue area in the area. In Jezzine Barracks, you can also visit and explore the collection of artworks and landscaping works. Plus, this place regularly host events like the Smoking Ceremony and Crazy Aussie Emus.
Jezzine Barracks
Address: Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
Website: Jezzine Barracks
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Learn about the history of the Australian Army at Army Museum North Queensland
While in Jezzine Barracks, make sure not to miss a visit to Army Museum North Queensland. Through the military collections, exhibits and stories, you can learn a little bit about the history of the Australian army in the region. The museum is divided into three galleries. If you like to know more about the Boer War and the period before it, go to Gallery One. If you want to know about World War I and World War II, you should explore Gallery Two. Meanwhile, Gallery Three is the place to understand modern-era conflicts like those happening in the Middle East and East Timor.
Army Museum North Queensland
Address: Mitchell St, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
Website: Army Museum North Queensland
Opening hours: Wed, Fri, Sun: 9am - 1pm (closed on Mon - Tue, Thu & Sat)
Price: Free
9. Gain insight into natural history and archaeology at Museum of Tropical Queensland
You will never get enough of museums in Townsville. Another museum worth visiting is Museum of Tropical Queensland, a place that lets you explore its extensive collections on natural history and archaeology. Do you have what it takes to be a scientist? Find out at the museum’s Sciencentre. What do you know about North Queensland’s rainforest? Enter Enchanted Rainforest to learn and stock up on knowledge.
Museum of Tropical Queensland
Address: 70-102 Flinders St, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
Website: Museum of Tropical Queensland
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Adult: 15 AUD (10 USD); Children (aged 3-15): 9 AUD (6 USD)
10. Watch the magical sunset of North Queensland from above the waters (from USD 66.0)
The Great Barrier Reef is already a beauty, but when it has the view of the magical sunset as the backdrop, it turns from beautiful to charming. If you want to experience how magical that is, participate in a sunset sail tour. While admiring the sunset, do not forget to look down to admire the azure waters of the Coral Sea Coast.
Townsville Sunset Sail Cruise Boat Tour Charter Hire Sailing Hire
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
11. See Castle Hill
Sitting elegantly right in the heart of Townsville, Castle Hill is the icon of the city. It is a gigantic granite monolith that is beautiful because of the pinkish color it exudes. Walk to the top of the hill to enjoy the full view of Townsville. You should come during sunrise and sunset so you will see Townville in different views. According to history, Castle Hill was the favorite vantage point of American soldiers back in World War II.
Castle Hill
Address: Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
12. Indulge in some artsy time at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Last but not the least, you may not want to leave Townsville without indulging in some artsy time. The best place to satisfy your indulgence in art is Perc Tucker Regional Gallery that boasts a collection of more than 2,000 pieces of international, national and regional artworks. The exhibitions located on the two floors change from time to time. But it does not matter what time you visit the art gallery, since there will always be interesting artworks to see and enjoy.
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Address: Corner of Flinders Street and, Denham St, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
Website: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 2pm
Price: Free
Townsville is best enjoyed with loved ones
As you can see, Townsville offers many attractions that are best enjoyed with loved ones — be it a family member or a friend. You would not want to skip any of the activities mentioned above if you want to have the ultimate vacation in Townsville. But, if you still have time to spare, you can explore other attractions nearby as well. Plan your trip, and enjoy Townsville with all its amazing attractions.
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