Things to do in Townsville

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
The Strand which includes a sunset

Townsville Attractions

Curious about how to fill your days in Townsville? Relax. We've put together some terrific recommendations for you. Awesome food, an interesting history and spectacular sights — this energetic city has the lot.

Explore the best sights in Townsville with some popular tours & day trips, or try out our list of {25 fun activities in Townsville fun activities in Townsville}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and concentrate on planning your perfect vacation.

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Most popular activities in Townsville

Cruises & boat tours

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Townsville Lunchtime or Morning Sailing Private Charter

Townsville Lunchtime or Morning Sailing Private Charter

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $264 per traveler*
Townsville Lunchtime or Morning Sailing Private Charter

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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90-Minute Hinchinbrook Island Flight

90-Minute Hinchinbrook Island Flight

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $629 per traveler
90-Minute Hinchinbrook Island Flight

Wildlife & nature

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Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Tour

Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Tour

Activity duration is 5 hours
5.0 out of 5 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $103 per adult
Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Tour

Adventure & outdoor

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4H Snorkeling and Fishing Cruise on Magnetic Island

4H Snorkeling and Fishing Cruise on Magnetic Island

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $86 per adult
4H Snorkeling and Fishing Cruise on Magnetic Island

What to do in Townsville

Free Things to Do in Townsville

There's no need to give your credit card a workout in Townsville. The following won't cost a cent.

Army Museum North Queensland - Chat to the staff or curator and learn all about the collections on display at this museum.

Cultural Centre Townsville - Strike up a conversation with a few locals and find out why many tourists drop by this place.

Catholic Diocese of Townsville - Enjoy some quiet contemplation and learn a few things about this site's religious importance.

Strand Park - Keep your eyes peeled for delicate shells and other seaside treasures dotted along the coastline here.

Castle Hill - Bring your camera and let the natural surrounds awaken awe and wonder in you.

Queens Gardens - If you enjoy spending time in the garden, this place will captivate your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Townsville with Kids

If you're taking a break with the kids, you'll find plenty of fun things to do together in Townsville. These family friendly experiences will put big smiles on faces both young and old:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Townsville? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Are there cheap things to do in Townsville?
Join a SeaLink Magnetic Island Ferry return trip from Townsville or a Billabong Sanctuary and enjoy yourself without handing over a truckload of cash.
What can you do in Townsville for free?
You’ll barely have time to fetch your wallet out of your backpack with so many terrific free things to do:

  • Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal
  • Horseshoe Bay Beach
  • Billabong Sanctuary
  • Castle Hill

Discover the most popular places to visit in Townsville

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Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

4.5/5(18 reviews)

This easy-to-navigate and very scenic transport hub is the gateway to the beaches, bush walks and wildlife of one of Queensland’s most idyllic islands.

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal
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The Strand Beach

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at The Strand Beach during your travels in The Strand? While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

The Strand Beach
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Castle Hill

5/5(8 reviews)

Catch the sea breezes on this pink granite landmark in the city’s heart and enjoy 360-degree views of the city’s harbor and across to Magnetic Island.

Castle Hill
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Strand Park

4.5/5(21 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Strand Park, a lovely green space in The Strand. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its charming cafes.

Strand Park
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Museum of Tropical Queensland

4/5(4 reviews)

Set out on a discovery tour of the cultural and natural heritage of North Queensland in this interactive waterfront museum with ever-changing exhibits.

Museum of Tropical Queensland
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Queens Gardens

5/5(3 reviews)

Walk beneath ancient hoop pines, navigate a maze, see the Australian cockatoos or have a picnic in the lush setting of these tropical gardens.

Queens Gardens
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Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Catch an event at Queensland Country Bank Stadium during your trip to Townsville.

Queensland Country Bank Stadium
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James Cook University

5/5(5 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at James Cook University during your stay in Townsville. Check out the top-notch restaurants or charming cafes in this walkable area.

James Cook University
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Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre

3/5(1 review)

Catch an event at Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre during your trip to Townsville. Wander the riverfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Townsville

Queens Gardens featuring forests and a park

North Ward

North Ward is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by The Strand Beach and Strand Park while in the area.

North Ward
South Townsville showing heritage elements and interior views

South Townsville

Visitors highly recommend South Townsville for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Maritime Museum of Townsville while you're in town.

South Townsville
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Kirwan

If you're spending some time in Kirwan, 1300SMILES Stadium and Aboriginal Reserve are top sights worth seeing.

Kirwan
Palmetum Gardens is one of Townsville’s four Botanical Gardens. It’s a 17 hectare botanic garden displaying one of the largest and most diverse public collections of palms in the world – 300 species of palm, many rare and threatened, and includes most Australian palms.

Annandale

While visiting Annandale, you might make a stop by sights like Murray Sporting Complex and Townsville Palmetum.

Annandale
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Bushland Beach

Travelers like the parks in Bushland Beach, and Town Common Conservation Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Bushland Beach
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Garbutt

Travelers enjoy Garbutt for its bars and museums. Consider checking out Royal Australian Air Force Townsville Museum while you're in the area.

Garbutt
See our Where To Stay guide

Popular day trips from Townsville

Nome which includes a pond and forest scenes

Nome

The Strand which includes hiking or walking, a sunset and general coastal views

The Strand