Townsville, Queensland is a force to reckon with when it comes to tourist destinations in Australia. Not only is it one of the largest cities in Australia, it also has access to the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia's most sought after attractions.
But there's more than snorkelling to be done in this thriving metropolis. Townsville has culture, flawless beaches, lakes, and access to Australia's dangerously mysterious Outback. And travellers love looking out the windows of their hotels to take in the beauty of the surrounding area. Townsville blends beauty and function, nature and culture to make one great tourist destination.
Getting in and around Townsville
Townsville Airport
Getting in to Townsville by plane is quite simple and the Townsville airport is located just a few minutes outside the city. Major airlines like Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Blue offer flights to Townsville from most of Australia's major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. It's also possible to take a train to Townsville. Queensland Rail offers trips to Townsville from Brisbane and Cairns several times a week.
Townsville Transport
Getting around Townsville is best done by bus or car. The Townsville bus system operates everyday and can transport travellers to most area attractions as well as many of the neighbouring communities and towns.
Townsville Car Hire
Car hire is also a great way to get around Townsville as well as get to and from the airport. Townsville car hire is available through most of the major car hire companies including Hertz and Budget.
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Townsville accommodation
| Luxury |
- The Jupiters Townsville Hotel and Casino has the best of both worlds with first class service and comfortable rooms along with a high stakes casino that visitors can't get enough of.
- Bedarra Island by Voyages offers the best of privacy and luxury in Townsville. Guests enjoy total privacy and isolation at this resort eager to cater to your every whim.
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| Mid-range |
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| Budget |
- The Summit Motel is ideal Townsville accommodation with affordable rates and it's just a few steps from the beach
- The Beach House Motel is among the best budget accommodations in Townsville with an ideal waterfront location on the Strand.
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| Backpackers |
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Things to do in Townsville
Townsville is a bustling city in north Queensland. Its fantastic location makes Townsville the ultimate vacation for travellers who like the city life but also want to experience the outdoors. Nearby lakes, beaches, and of course, the famous Great Barrier Reef make for great outdoor destinations and activities.
The Strand, Townsville. The Strand is located in North Ward, Townsville. It's often the site of special events in Townsville and has a lagoon at one end for swimming.
Townsville Rugby. Rugby will always be one of Australia's favourite sports and Townsville is a great place to watch a local match. The North Queensland Cowboys play at the Dairy Farmer's Stadium.
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Reef HQ Aquarium. If snorkelling and diving just aren't your thing, you can still get a glimpse of the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef HQ Aquarium focuses on the fish and sea life varieties that call the reef home in two impressive tanks.
Riverway. Riverway blends the natural world with the commercial world in this social hub where visitors enjoy shopping, dining, galleries and entertainment all along the Ross River.
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Day trips in and around Townsville
Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Townsville is one of the most metropolitan launch points for exploring Australia's Great Barrier Reef. When visiting Townsville, a snorkelling or diving tour on the reef is a must. Pro Dive Townsville is just of many companies offering trips to the Great Barrier Reef.
Magnetic Island. Magnetic Island once threw Captain Cook of his course by supposedly affecting his compass. However, today the island has a magnetic effect on Townsville tourists. The island is accessible by ferry and promises a day of beautiful bird life, wildlife, and scenery.
Yongala Wreck. Near Townsville, there's so much more to see underwater than just fish and coral. The Yongala, a cruise ship that wrecked in 1911 but wasn't discovered until about 60 years ago, is a hideaway for thousands of beautiful fish. It makes one of the best dive sites in Australia.
Skydiving. Townsville has some of the best scenery, what better way to see it than from the air? Skydiving from Coral Sea Divers offers skydiving trips that land right on Strand Beach.
Outback Safari. Townsville, even in all of its metropolitan glory, is a fabulous gateway to Australia's Outback. An Outback Safari from Townsville is a great way to escape the city and take in a bit of Australia's treacherous wilderness.
Lake Ross. Lake Ross is home to numerous species of waterfowl and is also the site of the impressive Ross River Dam, which is a sight all on its own. Visitors can view the lake and dam via guided tours.
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