How to spend 48 hours in tropical Townsville

You could drive to the top of Castle Hill for incredible 360-degree views, but there’s a whole lotta eating ahead. It’s opportune to get moving and burn some energy while you can.

Townsvillians are an active bunch and every day over 2500 activewear-clad fitness fanatics march to the top of Castle Hill. If you’re up for a challenge, try the ‘goat track’. It measures about 10 on the burning-calf-ometre (the hill falls just metres short of being classed a mountain, after all). Push through it, as you’ll be rewarded with a picture-perfect sunrise setting.

Do yourself a favour and bring your camera, SPF30+ and water bottle – there’s a tap at the top to refill.

9am: A nourishing breakfast

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to breakfasts in Townville, but there’s new clean eating options available now, too.

Drop into Born Wild Wholefood on City Lane who serve up wholesome and organic foods.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or meat eater, you'll find something delicious to get your motor running. Think fresh salads, quiches, pressed juices, smoothies, raw desserts, and acai bowls. 

Once your belly is nourished, hire a bike from Outer Limits Adventure and check out the city’s boutique shopping circuit.

12pm: Townsville Brewery and Malt Restaurant

Pub grub this ain’t! If you like your brew fresh and frothy, allow the barkeep to serve up a Townsville Bitter that’s been brewed and bottled just metres from where you sit. It feels cosy here with the dark timber bar, leather seat booths and dimly lit surroundings.

A Townsville icon at over 100 years old, the building was once the Townsville Post Office and military communications headquarters during World War II.

Afterwards, head to the rock pools at the northern end of The Strand for a dip, wander through the artwork at the Jezzine Barracks or take an afternoon siesta in the shade.

3pm: I scream, you scream

Just like Romeo, you and Juliette’s will come together in a dangerous union of love. Sweet, creamy, freshly-made gelato love that is. Nestled under giant fig trees, this family-owned meeting place is a must-do for coffee (some say the best in town), sweets, and of course, gelato.

They’ve got all the classics but the special occasion flavours are much more fun - think the bright blue and yellow swirls of the ‘North Queensland Cowboys’ flavour.

5pm: Wine and dine at City Lane

Townsville’s laneway dining and bar precinct, City Lane, is an unexpected but welcomed surprise. Modern and relatively new on the scene, it’s a local’s hangout on the weekends and a favourite for after-work Friday drinks. It’s the perfect place for a progressive happy hour tour as roaming between the hotspots is encouraged.

Grab a lemon meringue martini from Donna Bionda and wander over to Shaw & Co. to enjoy a local lobster roll with fennel remoulade.

Day 2

7am: Enjoy coffee culture

It’s easy to walk past Hoi Polloi Espresso Bar from Flinders Street so follow your nose – this hipster joint brews good coffee.

The hole-in-the-wall café has loads of personality with random knick-knacks like a framed photo of Ryan Gosling, creepy gnome mugs and a curious collection of retro microscopes.

Missing the Denham Lane entrance is not an option as Belgium muralist ROA and self-taught Kiwi stencil artist HaHa have used the walls as a giant canvas, adding to Townsville’s already banging street art scene.

8am: Head over to Maggie