What to do in Townsville

Activities, attractions and tours

Castle Hill featuring landscape views, a city and a sunset
Townsville
Castle Hill showing island views, a bay or harbour and landscape views
Townsville
Townsville

Places to Visit in Townsville

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Townsville, Queensland while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Townsville attractions from NZ$47, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Townsville tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 30 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Townsville. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Townsville

Tours & day trips

See all 23 activities
Magnetic Island: West Point Sunset Safari

Magnetic Island: West Point Sunset Safari

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$140 per adult
Magnetic Island: West Point Sunset SafariOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 9 activities
Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Tour

Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Tour

Activity duration is 5 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$177 per adult
Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery TourOpens in new tab

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 4 activities
90-Minute Hinchinbrook Island Flight

90-Minute Hinchinbrook Island Flight

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$1,077 per traveller
90-Minute Hinchinbrook Island FlightOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Townsville

Number of things to do
30
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
SeaLink Magnetic Island Ferry return trip from Townsville: NZ$47
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Townsville

Discover the most popular places to visit in Townsville

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal featuring a ferry as well as a small group of people

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

This easy-to-navigate and very scenic transport hub is the gateway to the beaches, bush walks and wildlife of one of Queensland’s most idyllic islands.

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal
The Strand Beach

The Strand Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at The Strand Beach during your travels in Townsville? While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

The Strand Beach
Castle Hill which includes landscape views, tranquil scenes and a small town or village

Castle Hill

Catch the sea breezes on this pink granite landmark in the city’s heart and enjoy 360-degree views of the city’s harbor and across to Magnetic Island.

Castle Hill
Strand Park

Strand Park

Strand Park is just one of the places to see in Townsville, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Strand Park
Museum of Tropical Queensland showing heritage elements and interior views

Museum of Tropical Queensland

Set out on a discovery tour of the cultural and natural heritage of North Queensland in this interactive waterfront museum with ever-changing exhibits.

Museum of Tropical Queensland
Queens Gardens showing a park and forests

Queens Gardens

Walk beneath ancient hoop pines, navigate a maze, see the Australian cockatoos or have a picnic in the lush setting of these tropical gardens.

Queens Gardens

Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Catch an event at Queensland Country Bank Stadium during your trip to Townsville.

Queensland Country Bank Stadium

James Cook University

Walk around the campus at James Cook University as part of your travels around Townsville. Visit the top-notch restaurants or charming cafes in this walkable area.

James Cook University

Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre

Catch an event at Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre during your trip to Townsville. Wander the riverfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre

Explore areas of Townsville

The Strand showing a park, a sunset and hiking or walking

The Strand

Go for a swim, enjoy a meal with a view, take a Jet Ski tour or just stroll beneath the palm trees on Townsville’s scenic waterfront.

The Strand
Queens Gardens showing a park and forests

North Ward

North Ward is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Strand Waterpark and The Strand Beach while you're in town.

North Ward
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South Townsville

Visitors highly recommend South Townsville for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Maritime Museum of Townsville while you're in town.

South Townsville
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Railway Estate

While visiting Railway Estate, you might make a stop by sights like Reid Park Street Circuit and Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Railway Estate
Castle Hill which includes general coastal views and a city

Castle Hill

Castle Hill is well liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Townsville area, you might plan a trip to Townsville Sports Reserve or Catholic Diocese of Townsville.

Castle Hill
Mount Stuart showing a sunset, landscape views and mountains

Mount Stuart

Feel like you’re on the top of the world as you stand on Townsville’s highest peak to enjoy the outstanding views of the city, the ocean and Magnetic Island.

Mount Stuart

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Townsville worth visiting?
Renowned for its coastal beaches and views, discovering cool things to do in Townsville is simple. Don't forget to add The Strand Beach to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Townsville?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to The Strand Beach and Strand Park. Then, tour different parts of Townsville for tasty eats and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Townsville?
The top tourist attraction in Townsville is The Strand Beach, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Townsville?
You can easily tick off top sights like The Strand Beach, Strand Park and Museum of Tropical Queensland with a three-day escape to Townsville. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Nelly Bay.
Is Townsville a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Townsville is a good destination to tour on foot. Wander between The Strand Beach and Strand Park. Then take a stroll through North Ward, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and South Townsville, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Townsville with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Townsville with kids.

What to do in Townsville for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Townsville, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre or Arcadia Village.
Are there free things to do in Townsville?
In Townsville, The Strand Beach is a top spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to explore the best free things to do in Townsville.