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Townsville

A thriving urban metropolis and renowned hub for major sport and events - Townsville is the largest regional centre in Northern Australia. Lounge in modern luxury in Townsville to explore vast Australian landscapes - all within a 90 minute drive. No matter what your holiday style, Townsville North Queensland offers a diverse range of historical, military, outback, active and tranquil experiences, complete with over 300 days of sunshine each year.

As the official headquarters of the Great Barrier Reef, Townsville is the launchpad to the central section of this natural wonder. Home to diverse coral and marine life, immerse in one of the world’s most spectacular ecosystems. Exclusive to Townsville, dive deeper to appreciate the story of the reef, at the Museum of Underwater Art. The Coral Greenhouse (dive attraction), and Ocean Sentinels Snorkel Trail – located on John Brewer Reef – is an aquatic artscape with a twist, offering citizen scientists the opportunity to see reef conservation in action.

Take your car and explore Magnetic Island just 8km from Townsville. With palm-fringed beaches, large granite boulders, hoop pines, sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs, this island is a nature-lovers paradise. Home to Northern Australia’s largest colony of wild koalas, and a mecca for marine science, ‘Maggie’ (as it’s affectionately known) is a true Great Barrier Reef island experience.

Step back in time and discover the authentic ‘golden’ charm and elegance of Charters Towers. With unexplored waterways, remote bush camping, and hearty meals at local cafes and eateries – your laid-back visit is sure to unearth some surprises.

The Burdekin district is nestled in the delta of the mighty Burdekin River, with its two main townships – Ayr and Home Hill – linked by the iconically historic Burdekin Bridge. Well-known as the sugar cane capital of Australia, the Burdekin offers fantastic fishing, wetlands rich in biodiversity and birdlife.

The Hinchinbrook Region is the gateway to the stunning World-Heritage Wet Tropics, and home to Australia’s tallest waterfall – Wallaman Falls; surrounded by ancient tropical rainforest, rugged tropical islands, and the Great Barrier Reef, this fishing mecca is rich in culture and charm.

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There’s a lot to love about the Townsville North Queensland region. We are the authentic heart of regional Queensland, and the events capital of the North. This is a place for curious explorers – from tropical island beaches, lush rainforest trails, to dusty Outback drives, there’s so much just waiting to be explored. Discover something new, or familiar but with a twist. Are you up for unexpected?

Lisa Woolfe, Director Visitor Economy and Marketing
Townsville Enterprise
A van drives on a road in front of a historic building with a clock tower under a partly cloudy sky.
A tall waterfall cascades down steep cliffs into a lush green forested area, with a vast landscape in the background.
Two children stand on a metal staircase leading to a small stone structure built among large rocks. They are smiling and waving, with a clear blue sky in the background.
Tropical beach scene with palm trees, green grass, and a view of the ocean and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
A coastal boardwalk stretches alongside rocky shoreline and sparse vegetation, with a person walking and the sun low in the sky over calm ocean waters. Hills are visible in the distance.
A person with long hair sits on rocks near a small waterfall and pond, with a stone bridge spanning overhead in a forested area.
An old concrete bunker sits on a hill surrounded by trees, overlooking a calm blue sea with distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A marina at dusk with sailboats docked in calm water; city buildings and a rocky hill are illuminated in the background.

Driving trips near Townsville

Attractions near Townsville

Accommodation near Townsville