Find out in this general guide to Townsville why this city is an essential stop on your route along the Queensland Pacific Coast Way. Here are two of the 10 best plans on the route in our opinion: a convertible trip around Magnetic Island and the Wallamans Falls waterfalls.
Townsville is also a major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef with the tropical island of Magnetic Island, world-class wreck diving with the SS Yongala, and the first submerged museum in the southern hemisphere. Its nature is not to be outdone either. The Paluma Range National Park will surprise you not only with the Wallamans Falls, but also with the diversity of waterfalls, natural pools, hiking trails, and the fauna and flora that it shelters.
Finally, you can’t miss visiting the attractions of the city of Townsville, although less impressive, they are still perfect for mixing in shopping and stocking up on supplies.
Townsville is a port city located in northeastern Queensland. The city has a population of 190,000, making it the third most populous city in Queensland, after Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Townsville is also packed with government, bureaucratic, business and administrative buildings. As such, it is considered the capital of North Queensland.
Similarly, the city is packed with the largest number of marine research facilities and maritime authorities.
Lastly, the traditional owners of the Townsville region are the Wulgurukaba Aboriginal people.
Townsville has a tropical savannah-style climate. This means hot temperatures all year round, with summer being particularly humid and winter being dry. As Townsville is located between the rainforest and coral reefs, we recommend visiting during the transition months between winter and summer, which would be spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).
These are months that are neither too hot and humid nor too dry, when streams, waterfalls, and cascades may have lost some of their flow. They also fall outside the main jellyfish season (which runs from October to May, with the highest concentrations during the summer months). Finally, spring and autumn steer clear of the peak tourist seasons of summer and winter.
However, if you are doing the Queensland Pacific Coast Way, we recommend trying to visit Townsville during September or October.
We know that the subject of visas can be somewhat confusing, especially for India, where obtaining one is an essential requirement for entry. In the article on how to obtain an Australian visa step by step (coming soon) you have information on how to apply for one online for up to 5 years.
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Being a major city in Queensland, you can reach it via direct flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, Sydney or Mackay, among others.
Also, as it is located on the Queensland Pacific Coast Way and is a stop on the route, if you have your own car you can get there very easily. From Brisbane the journey takes 16 hours, from Cairns just over four (we are already near the end of the route from Brisbane to Cairns), and from Mackay 4 and a half hours.
Likewise, getting to Mackay by bus and train is also a possibility as it is a large city. The bus of choice is, as always, Greyhound. You can get to Townsville within 18 hours from Brisbane, 6 hours from Cairns, or 5 hours from Mackay.
The railway to choose is Queensland Rail, with journeys that are slightly shorter than by bus. However, keep in mind that we recommend traveling by bus, as it’s a much cheaper option than the train, especially if you get a Greyhound pass
Nowadays, finding hotels, guesthouses, or restaurants with free Wi-Fi is pretty common. However, there are still those who prefer (or need) to stay connected at all times.
That’s why we’ll show you how to get an eSIM Australia card with internet— now also available with unlimited data.
Part of the Queensland Museums system, the Queensland Museum of Tropical Science captures tropical north Queensland in its galleries and collections. Just as it sounds!
Discover the history and formation of the rainforests and coral reefs that are World Heritage Sites. Also, be amazed by the tragic story of the HMS Pandora sent to capture the Bounty mutineers. Is it starting to get interesting? So don’t miss everything this museum has to share—we won’t be the ones to spoil it for you!
This hill, located right in the heart of Townsville, offers a rewarding climb with spectacular views from the top. And for good reason, at 286 meters high, it provides the perfect panoramic view of Townsville and its surroundings.
Castle Hill itself is also something unique: a giant pink monolith right in the middle of Townsville. Getting to the top, although uphill, will take you no more than 30 minutes.
Alligator Creek is an awesome spot to visit if you’re in Townsville and looking to take a refreshing dip. It’s one of those well-kept secrets among Townsville locals, so you won’t find too many tourists around. Plus, its calm waters form several natural pools that are perfect for swimming.
Finally, visiting this place will fully reveal to you why Townsville has a savannah-style climate.
As we told you in 10 great plans for the Queensland Pacific Coast Way, going around Magnetic Island in a convertible is amazing. Being able to visit the island’s attractions- just 40 minutes by ferry from Townsville- with the comfort of feeling the sea breeze and the sun on your skin… I get excited just thinking about it hahaha
But the thing is, Magnetic Island is seriously charming and full of surprises. You can easily spot koalas snoozing in the trees, tiny kangaroos (also known as wallabies) hanging out on the cliffs, and even a shipwreck where mangroves are growing…
And that’s not all, if you love diving or snorkeling but don’t want to hop on a boat, this island offers vibrant, multicolored coral reefs you can explore right from the shore.
Paluma National Park is located 1.5 hours drive north of Townsville. But don’t be put off by the distance, it’s a must-see if you’re in the region or traveling along the Queensland Pacific Coast Way. And why?
Because this national park is home to a large number of waterfalls, cascades, natural pools and crystal-clear streams hidden in the rainforest. Our favorites are Big and Little Crystal Creek, although Jourama Falls are also a sight to behold (especially getting to them).
Finally, Paluma National Park is the southern gateway to Queensland’s World Heritage-listed Wet Topics.
Located north of Paluma National Park, Wallamans Falls deserves a separate introduction. We present you with the tallest single-drop waterfall in all of Australia… 267 meters! An absolute wonder you can admire from the lookout at the top of a cliff, or even better, from right beneath the waterfall itself.
We can tell you in advance that going down to the base will be difficult, but the reward is unbeatable. Oh, and by the way, if it’s hot, take a dip in its waters, although the 27-meter depth of the natural pool can be a little scary. Finally, if going down was difficult, wait until you experience the climb, we challenge you to go up without stopping… let us know how it goes hahaha:)))
Hey! Do you like diving? Are you good at it? If the answer is yes, you can’t miss diving to the SS Yongala wreck, one of the top 10 best wrecks in the world. An amazing wreck located on the coast between Townsville and Airlie Beach.
The shipwreck, stretching 100 meters long, is home to an incredible variety of corals growing directly on the rusted remains. And it only gets better with the countless fish of all sizes that you’ll find here. Don’t think twice!
Below there is a link to a really cool tour to the SS Yongala Wreck with at least two dives included.
Another gem of the Townsville sea, the only underwater museum in the southern hemisphere, also known as MOUA (Museum of Underwater Art). Visiting it will be like going to any other museum, but with a small difference…
You’ll need to put on a mask and snorkel to explore it! The tour below also allows you to do diving and snorkeling between dives, so you don’t miss a single detail.
A tour that perfectly combines adventure with incredible views. After a brief introduction to the activity, put on your water skis and set off on an adventure over the sea.
A tour that takes you out onto the water to explore the beauty of Magnetic Island, with its palm-lined beaches, submerged corals and, with some luck, even sea turtles, dugongs and dolphins. I repeat, all this while riding a Jet Ski at full speed over the sea.
Coral Lodge Bed and Breakfast is a great value option located in the centre of Townsville. A hotel that offers private rooms with shared bathroom and parking (very important if you are staying in the centre of Townsville).
It also includes a lounge where you can relax and in this, a kiosk where you can book tours and transportation.
The Classique Bed and Breakfast, is not only an accommodation but also an architectural beauty. With wooden floors and high ceilings, in the most Queensland style you can find. And of course, being a classic, its design had to include a games room with several pool tables.
The hotel also offers breakfast included and rooms with en suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Lastly, it is just a 10-minute drive from Townsville Airport.
Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites is located right next to the city centre and the river. This hotel offers the most luxurious rooms as well as super modern apartments for two.
Add a pool with river views, a spa and a gym, and you have the perfect holiday without even leaving the hotel.
If you are looking for a Holiday Park style campsite where you’ll have everything you need, then we recommend Tasman Holiday Park in Rows Bay.
On the other hand, if you are looking for cheaper options without sacrificing too much comfort, you can choose the Riverside Convention Centre near the centre of Townsville. Another cheaper option with only hot showers and toilets is Mystic Sands Golf & Country Club.
And if you want to camp freely, Townsville is for you. You can book a number of free campsites located north of the city and near the Paluma National Park. Wait Marcos, did you say book? Yes, it is just as it sounds: just go online and book your spot at the free campsite of your choice. We recommend the ones near the beach. (M: Anything else to add Thea? T: Thanks Townsville!).
Having your own vehicle is still the best way to get around Townsville and its surroundings. Although it is a large city, it is also spacious and has good parking, with the added bonus of the city not being very touristy with those annoying peak holiday crowds.
You can also use the Sunbus public transport service which runs through the most populated parts of the city as well as neighbouring suburbs. Also a good option is the E-scouter service available in Townsville city centre, Castle Hill and The Strand. Of course, you can always hail a taxi or book an Uber as a way to get around Townsville and its surrounding areas.
Finally, if you want to visit Magnetic Island, you can do so via Sealink if you’re traveling as a passenger only, or Magnetic Island Ferry if you plan to bring your car with you.
Again, it depends a lot on how much time you have. We spent over a week in Townsville and its surroundings: 4 days on Magnetic Island, 3 in Paluma National Park, and another in Townsville.
However, if you are on a tight schedule, we recommend spending at least 4 days. One in Townsville, one visiting Paluma National Park, and the last two on Magnetic Island.
We didn’t really like Townsville as it is a big city. However, it was a great place to fill up on supplies and buy cheaper petrol. Like most regions of the Queensland Pacific Coast Way, the beauty is not in its cities but in its nature. Townsville is a clear example of this.
Magnetic Island and the Paluma National Park are incredible places to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Queensland.
Thea’s favourite spot is Big Crystal Creek because swimming in its calm, clear and deep waters was such a relaxing experience. We also saw turtles, lots of fish and even freshwater eels.
Personally, my favourite place in Townsville is Wallamans Fall. When we went I brought my diving mask with me and I could see the waterfall right in front of me. It was absolutely crazy!
To finish this general guide to Townsville, here are a series of recommendations and common sense tips so that you only have to worry about enjoying yourself:
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Townsville.
