Mount Stuart

Townsville
Mount Stuart showing a small town or village, a sunset and mountains
Feel like you’re on the top of the world as you stand on Townsville’s highest peak to enjoy the outstanding views of the city, the ocean and Magnetic Island.

Mount Stuart is 1,916 feet (584 meters) high, providing Townsville’s highest lookout point. Townsville residents regularly come here to jog, hike or ride up to the summit. Join them on the winding road to the top and stand on the viewing platform for magnificent vistas.

You can drive up the mountain along Mount Stuart Road, which takes less than 15 minutes. If you decide to go on foot, follow the same road until you reach the telecommunications towers at the top. Allow 3-4 hours for the return trip and remember that this is the tropics, so bring plenty of water and wear protective clothing.

Experienced mountain bikers will enjoy the mountain’s rocky and downhill bike trails, with varying grades to choose from. Avid rock climbers can tackle the climbing routes, which have enticing names and require different skill levels. Get local advice before you go and make the most of the cooler conditions during the shade of the afternoons.

Once you reach the Rotary Lookout, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across Townsville. Beyond the city’s central Castle Hill you can see Magnetic Island in Cleveland Bay.

The mountain was named after the area’s first district surveyor, Clarendon Stuart, and you can just imagine him standing here, mapping out the land and bays. Take some lunch with you and have a picnic near the lookout. Native brush turkeys may appear, in search of food scraps.

If you are up for a short walk, follow the Loop Trail. This narrow bush track runs all around the summit. On the westside, look down on the blue waters of Ross Dam, Townsville’s flood mitigation and water storage facility.

Mount Stuart lies southwest of Townsville, just off the Flinders Highway. Facilities at the top are limited, so cover yourself against the sun and bring water to prevent dehydration. Be aware that part of the mountain is Army Training Ground, with the Lavarack Barracks set in its foothills, so stay on the marked tracks at all times.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Mount Stuart Hotel Deals

Madison Plaza Townsville
Madison Plaza Townsville
4 out of 5
409 Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Townsville, QLD
The price is $65 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$65
includes taxes & fees
$59 per night
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Its ok all round"

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2024

Madison Plaza Townsville
Aquarius on the Beach
Aquarius on the Beach
4 out of 5
75 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is $105 per night from Nov 18 to Nov 19
$105
includes taxes & fees
$95 per night
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free parking, a business center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Everything"

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2024

Aquarius on the Beach
The Palmer Collective
The Palmer Collective
4 out of 5
12 14 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
The price is $93 per night from Dec 8 to Dec 9
$93
includes taxes & fees
$84 per night
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (660 reviews)
"Great rooms"

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2024

The Palmer Collective
The Ville Resort - Casino
The Ville Resort - Casino
4.5 out of 5
Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville, QLD
The price is $137 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$137
includes taxes & fees
$125 per night
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2024

The Ville Resort - Casino
Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville
Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville
4.5 out of 5
8-10 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
The price is $111 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$111
includes taxes & fees
$101 per night
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Townsville. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (988 reviews)
Recommended but don't fall for the upselling
"Nice hotel. Recommended. Only thing that annoyed me a bit was that the complimentary parking was already full. Instead of informing me I can park my car for free on the road behind the hotel I first got offered to purchase a paid parking spot for 25dollars a night. Why not be honest about it? "you ..."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville
The Robert Towns
The Robert Towns
4 out of 5
261 Stanley Street, Townsville, QLD
The price is $90 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$90
includes taxes & fees
$82 per night
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (737 reviews)
"Overnight stay was all good."

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2024

The Robert Towns
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Mount Stuart

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Murray

While Murray isn't home to many top sights, Cluden Racecourse and Fairfield Central Shopping Centre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Murray
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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Douglas

While there might not be top attractions in Douglas, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Riverway Lagoon and Willows Shopping Centre.

Douglas
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Wulguru

Wulguru is well-liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Townsville area, you might plan a trip to Cluden Racecourse or Fairfield Central Shopping Centre.

Wulguru
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Aitkenvale

Shopping and restaurants are some things travelers note about Aitkenvale. Check out Townsville Palmetum or Murray Sporting Complex while you're familiarizing yourself with the larger area.

Aitkenvale
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Rosslea

Rosslea is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Murray Sporting Complex and Cluden Racecourse while you're in town.

Rosslea


Mount Stuart

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