Townsville & Surrounds

You won't be left scratching around for things to see and do in Townsville – this region explodes with activity.

Townsville includes a section of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland. This magnificent stretch of tropical rainforest is home to gorges, rivers, mountains, extensive and rare wildlife and bird life, and mesmerising waterfalls.

An hour north of Townsville is Paluma Range National Park, the southernmost park in the Wet Tropics area, which teems with extraordinary scenery. Further north, Girringun National Park contains Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest permanent single-drop waterfall.

Visit spectacular Great Barrier Reef islands in the Townsville region. Magnetic Island is simply that – magnetising. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville, it delivers gleaming beaches, secluded bays, and activities and wildlife aplenty.

Hinchinbrook Island, near Cardwell, melds wetlands, woodlands, beaches, and rainforest and its waters are home to dugongs and green turtles. Orpheus Island is another gem.

Townsville city basks in the glow of 300-plus days of sunshine and provides visitors with plentiful amenities and attractions. Irresistible beaches abound and the Strand is the ideal place to go – this buzzing beachfront promenade perfectly encapsulates the city’s appeal.

Explore engrossing history at the Maritime Museum of Townsville and the Museum of Tropical Queensland, visit prized art galleries, or walk up Castle Hill and be rewarded with glorious views.

A leisurely stroll around the former gold-mining town of Charters Towers reveals a cluster of eye-catching historical buildings. Take the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail to uncover fascinating yarns.

Or head inland to Burdekin Shire where the pleasant townships of Ayr and Home Hill are connected by the famous Burdekin Bridge.