30 of the best things to do in and around Townsville

Nature and wildlife

5. Tick off an Australian wonder when you road trip two hours north-west of Townsville to Wallaman Falls – the highest permanent single-drop waterfall in the country.

6. For a short and sweet cardio fix, hit up the Goat Track on Castle Hill - the giant pink monolith that towers over the city. You'll be rewarded with 360-degree views at the top. 

7. Head to the misty mountain village of Paluma for a nature escape where treks to waterfalls and dips in freshwater crystal creeks await. While you're here, discover the best waterfalls and swimming holes near Townsville.

8. Mountain bike through the open woodland and rocky shores of Cape Pallarenda where the 11km ‘Under the Radar’ trail is a favourite. 

9. Spot platypus on a safari with Paluma's Hidden Valley Cabins. The team has a 98% success rate of spotting these duck-billed monotremes, earning them the title of one of the top six places in the country to spot them by Australian Geographic, no less.

10. From palms and pandanus to cacti and succulents, plant lovers should visit the city’s botanic gardens. Anderson Park, Queens Gardens, Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens and The Palmetum are all within a 20-minutes drive from the CBD.

11. Spend two days trekking through ancient palm-filled gullies and open forests on the Wet Tropics Great Walk.

12. Feed a freshwater croc and meet a dingo at the Billabong Sanctuary, home to some of Queensland's most interactive wildlife encounters.

City, arts and culture

13. Check into The Ville - the ultimate Palm Springs-inspired casino hotel. With its whitewashed walls, beachy Californian vibe and sparkling blue infinity pool complete with swim-up bar, it's the perfect spot to base yourself. Find more places to stay in Townsville here.

14. Make your way to Townville’s Country Bank Stadium for a massive night of footy at NRL's Harvey Norman All Stars on 16 February 2024, which sees Australian Indigenous and NZ Māori players go head to head across three games. Discover more Townsville events here.

15. Grab a scoop from Juliette’s Gelateria on The Strand - walk it off with a stroll from the rock pools down to the Marina or a splash at the water park.

16. Head to Ardo Rooftop for sunset drinks, refreshments on repeat and spectacular ocean views.

17. If you’ve got an appreciation for the arts, check out an exhibition at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery. Or, make your way here for the annual Australian Festival of Chamber Music to watch incredible musical performances.

18. Explore life in the tropics from prehistoric times to modern day at the Museum of Tropical Queensland. A great spot for the whole family, learn about the Wet Tropics rainforest, reef and famous shipwrecks, then get hands-on in the kids Sciencentre.

19. Explore Townsville's thriving street art along this artistic urban trail. Thirsty? Stop in at the exclectic Hoi Polloi Café for some of the city's best coffee.

20. Get a hands-on encounter with creatures of the Great Barrier Reef at the world’s largest living coral aquarium, Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium. It's our national centre for reef research, too. Note: Reef HQ is currently closed for renovations.

21. If you fancy a day trip out of town, visit Queensland's own slice of Italy in Ingham, where over half the town's population is of Italian descent. Lou's Food Emporium and JK's Deli are perfect for hungry tummies. 

22. Alternatively, go back in time to the gold rush era of Charters Towers on a tour at the Venus Gold Battery. Or, go old-school on date night with a trip to Tors Drive-In Cinema.

23. Or why not dlve into 45,000 years of Nywaigi Aboriginal culture at Mungalla Station where you'll learn history, customs and even witness how they regenerate their wetlands and save endangered species.

24. Townsville’s laneway dining and bar precinct, City Lane is modern and relatively new on the scene. This local’s hangout is perfect for a progressive happy hour tour as roaming between the hotspots is encouraged.

25. Take a break from exploring the natural wonders neighbouring Townsville and indulge in some retail therapy in the city centre, home to a population of boutiques and shopping precincts that will leave any shopping fan delighted. Shop up a storm with this Townsville shopping guide.

Coast and aquatic 

26. Explore the underwater world and Great Barrier Reef beauty on these day tours from Townsville, or head beneath the surface where coral and culture combine at the Museum of Underwater Art.

27. Become a master of the waves and winds when you learn to kitesurf with Intheloop. Can't get the hang of it? Opt for a calmer approach to the waters with their stand-up paddleboard hire instead.

28. Hire a boat from the folks at Townsville Boat Hire and take the family out for a day of mud crabbing and fishing in the local creek systems.

29. One of the world's top dive sites, the SS Yongala, lies off the coast of Townsville. If you haven't got advanced dive certification yet, you can tick off all the certifications in one trip with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive or Yongala Dive.

30. Stroll down The Strand to see Ocean Siren rising from the sea just offshore. 

Need a helping hand planning your itinerary? Here's how to spend 48 hours in Townsville.