Experience Townsville's finest flavours

Hugging the Queensland coastline in the midst of the tropics sits the city of Townsville. While the metropolis may be regional, it isn’t lacking when it comes to cuisine and watering holes, with Townsville’s collection of restaurants and cafes continuing to proliferate with exciting new wining and dining options to sate your taste buds. 

Of course, it helps that Townsville resides within a region heaving with produce. On one side sits the Great Barrier Reef, and bountiful fishing opportunities. On the other side of the city, you’ll find farmland rich in tropical produce. You can sample these quintessential Queensland flavours at the weekly Cotters Market, held on Flinders Street every Sunday. Or, make your way directly to the eateries scattered throughout town where you’ll find that there’s no shortage of great food and places to eat in Townsville. 

Townsville cafes 

No visit to Townsville is complete without a meander down the main drag for that first hit of caffeine in the morning – and maybe a bite to eat too. The Strand, a 2.2 kilometre-long waterfront parkway with incredible views looking out over the water, is where you’ll find the bulk of Townsville’s cafes, from coffee specialists to the health-conscious.  

For something a little different though no less appealing, take a wander down Denham Lane and discover just how far Townsville’s cafe scene has evolved at the graffitied Hoi Polloi Cafe. Homely and hip, this bustling little cafe wouldn’t look out of place in a Melbourne alleyway and with its eclectic furnishings, muralled entrance and laidback, friendly atmosphere, presents the perfect start to the day. And it’s also open for drinks on Friday and Saturday nights.  

Townsville restaurants 

When looking for places to eat in Townsville you’ll find that restaurants are just as plentiful, though many favour a more casual approach to dining. Palmer Street has collected the bulk of these – considered Townsville’s premium eating strip, the space plays host to a range of venues of varying budgets and cuisines. International flavours abound from Mexican to Modern Australian, including the much-loved all-day diner Jam with its Townsville twist on a variety of dishes, including their immensely popular Asian chicken omelette.

A Touch of Salt is another top choice for a different take on Modern Australian fare with plenty of options on the menu for vegans and vegetarians. Longboard Bar & Grill on the Strand not only boasts amazing views looking out towards the ocean and Magnetic Island but also some of the best Mexican and American dishes in Far North Queensland.   

City Lane is a relatively new dining precinct on Flinders Street that’s home to a collection of cafes, bars and restaurants, including contemporary Italian and pizza joint Donna Bionda, vegan and paleo-friendly establishment Born Wild, the decidedly non-vegetarian-friendly Shaw & Co, a variety of Asian eats and the destination for craft beer lovers, The TapHouse Townsville. Bridgewater Q on Dibbs Street just south of Ross Creek is one of Townsville’s top restaurants with its inventive menu and creative cocktails the perfect accompaniment to the sunset views it boasts from its sleek fitout.  

Townsville pubs 

As a North Queensland town, pubs are plentiful in Townsville, including Townsville Brewery, home of Townsville Bitter and now a growing range of craft beer offerings. If you’re heading over to ‘Maggie’ or staying there, be sure to check out Magnetic Island’s beachside outpost, Marlin Bar, which overlooks the waters of Horseshoe Bay Lagoon and delivers stunning views of the ocean and islands.