How to have the perfect Townsville getaway

While Townsville may have flown under the radar compared to its northern neighbour Cairns, this tropical destination shouldn't be overlooked by travellers. 

Not only is it less crowded and often more affordable, but it combines a diverse range of experiences—stunning islands, wonderous reefs, a thriving food scene, and a strong history —meaning it’s ideal for those looking for more from their holiday.

Adventurers have ample outdoor activities to test their limits from multi-day treks to bike riding through the mountains. The region is full of natural wonders and enriching historic experiences that allow you to step back in time and get a sense of some of the town’s colourful past. It's also an impressive culinary hotspot, with world-class restaurants to taste your way through. 

When to visit

Boasting more than 320 days of sunshine per year, there’s never really a bad time to plan a Townsville getaway. But if you’re not a fan of heat and humidity, it’s best to take your trip between the winter months of June and August. You’ll be blessed with blue skies, warm days and cooler nights.

If you’re coming in August or September, it’s worth timing your trip with Magnetic Island Race Week, which brings boatloads of sailing festivities and excitement to town.

What to do in Townsville

With a breathtaking landscape ranging from bright blue waters to lush rainforest, there’s always a new natural wonder to explore in Townsville. This region is a hiker's dream, from Castle Hill, Townsville’s pink granite monolith, to nearby national parks.

If you’d rather be in water than on land, snorkel to your heart’s content to discover the world heritage Great Barrier Reef. There are a number of ways to experience the reef, including world-class snorkelling and scuba diving classes, shipwrecks to discover and the Museum of Underwater Art, which combines reef conservation and education with an underwater experience you'll never forget. If you can’t get there, the city's Reef HQ Aquarium—the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium—is the next best way to get an insight into what makes the reef so special (note: Reef HQ is currently closed for refurbishment - check their website for updates). 

Want to get on island time? Townsville's coast is dotted with tranquil islands waiting to be discovered. Just a 25-minute ferry ride from the city, Magnetic Island boasts 23 beaches and bays, with an abundance of wildlife, hiking and beach-town charm. If you’re an adventure seeker, Hinchinbrook Island is a great option; it’s a national park with long sandy beaches, rainforests, mangroves and the epic 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail. For the ultimate luxury, jump in a helicopter and make your way to remote Orpheus Island for a Great Barrier Reef getaway that feels untouched. 

Discover the best things to do on your Townsville getaway here:

• Must-do activities
• The best things to do with kids in Townsville
• How to see the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville
• What to do at night
• Indigenous tours for cultural immersion
• Townsville first-timers guide

Where to eat and drink

Whether you're after a cocktail just steps from the sand or a buzzy eatery hidden down an inner-city laneway, Townsville delivers. 

If it's your first time in Townsville, you'll probably find yourself strolling along The Strand, which offers popular spots like Longboard Bar & Grill and C Bar next to expansive parklands and swimming areas.

At Flinders Street East, you’ll find a diverse range of restaurants, pubs and bars serving up cuisine from all corners of the world. Townsville’s first creative laneway precinct, City Lane, takes inspiration from New York and is decked out with street art and funky decor accordingly. Open from day to night, this vibrant venue features a collection of bars and eateries—such as Born Wild (the city’s first clean-eating restaurant), Donna Bionda (a cosy Italian eatery), and Taphouse (a self-pour craft beer bar).

A fairly new addition to Townsville is Otto’s Market Precinct. Just a 10-minute drive from the city centre, located in Warrina Shopping Centre, this is a one-stop-shop for gourmet dishes and fresh food from local farmers and producers.

If you’re simply looking for somewhere to dig into a hearty breakfast, this list of Townsville breakfast spots will come in handy.

Best day trips on your Townsville getaway

If you thought the city and surrounds were spectacular, just wait 'til you discover what's right on your doorstep. Some of Queensland's most beautiful and serene escapes can be accessed in a day trip from Townsville. 

One spot not to miss is Magnetic Island. Home to beautiful bays, incredible wildlife from koalas to rock wallabies, walking trails and fringing reef, there's so much to keep you busy you might want a few days here. If you have just the day, let Aquascene show you around. 

Back on the mainland, spend a day chasing waterfalls - from Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall to the rainforest walks, swimming holes and waterfalls of Paluma Range National Park (the latter is much closer to the city). 

And if you're craving a taste of the Outback, you can also reach gold-rush town Charters Towers - it's about 140km from Townsville. 

Where to stay

There are plenty of places to rest and reset on your Townsville getaway, from romantic resorts to backpacker hostels and family-friendly accommodation. Check out our full Townsville accommodation guide here.

If you're basing yourself in the city, iconic casino-resort The Ville is a chic stay with fabulous dining and entertainment. Rambutan Resort is a boutique backpackers nestled in the CBD, while there are various family-friendly apartments such as Grand Hotel Apartments on Palmer Street.

If you’re planning on staying overnight at Magnetic Island, Peppers Blue on Blue Resort is a great option overlooking the marina, while Island Leisure Resort at Nelly Bay is geared more towards families, with self-contained units.

If you're after a luxurous escape, make your way to Orpheus Island Lodge is an all-inclusive resort that accommodates up to 28 guests, with the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep and five-star dining on your plate.

Ready to start planning your Townsville getaway? Head over to our 48-hour and 5-day itineraries for more inspiration.