Townsville Hotels Guide
Queensland, Australia
Townsville is Australia's largest tropical city and a great stopping off point on a road-trip to or from Cairns, four hours to the north. The city has many attractions including a living coral reef aquarium, a casino, wildlife sanctuary, galleries, restaurants and is the access point to beautiful Magnetic Island. White-water rafting excursions and day cruises to the Great Barrier Reef also depart from the city, while a short trip inland leads to the fascinating historical town of Charters Towers.
Map of Townsville Australia
Townsville Highlights
Townsville Holidays Planner
The dramatic red Castle Hill dominates the skyline of the city, and is easily accessible by road or the 3km walking track, which culminates in a lookout over the stunning turquoise waters of Cleveland Bay. The Strand is a popular and picturesque foreshore area, with sandy beaches, playgrounds, BBQ facilities and views over Magnetic Island.
The Reef HQ Aquarium, the world's largest living coral reef aquarium, is a great place to see the creatures of the reef up close and personal without getting wet. On the outskirts of the city you will find Billabong Sanctuary, where visitors are encouraged to cuddle koalas, wombats and friendly non-poisonous python snakes – if they dare! At the Museum of Tropical Queensland learn about the HMS Pandora, the ship sent by the British to capture the mutinous crew of the Bounty. The Palmer Street restaurant precinct will delight you with its wide variety of mouth-watering cuisines and its gorgeous views to Ross Marina.
Offshore, Magnetic Island is a short 20 minute ferry ride from Townsville where you can snorkel the fringing reefs around the island's beaches, or drop a line off Picnic Bay jetty. Look for koalas, kookaburras and other native wildlife in the National Park on the island, or take one of the many kayaking or outer reef trips available.
Townsville Accommodation Search
Townsville and Magnetic Island have accommodation choices across the tourist spectrum, including backpackers, self contained apartments, holiday rentals, caravan parks and luxury resorts. The following Townsville hotels provide some of the best deals for a holiday in Queensland – please search below for availability and get the very best room rates sourced from over 100 local and online booking agents:
The tropical climate in the region makes visiting all year round possible; however the months of May to September are peak season. Magnetic Island's 'Full Moon' dance parties are legendary and there are theatre and concert events held throughout the year.