Must-Do Activities to Experience the Best of Townsville

Credit: TownsvilleNorthQueensland.com

 

Townsville is a vibrant tropical city where lush hinterland meets crystal-blue seas, and culture blends seamlessly with laid-back coastal life. One of the biggest cities in Far North Queensland, Townsville has it all - panoramic city views, relaxing beach strolls, immersive wildlife encounters and world-class reef adventures.

Is Townsville worth visiting? Absolutely. As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and home to Magnetic Island, Townsville offers unique experiences you won't find elsewhere in Australia. As your home base, Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience right in the heart of the action. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Townsville.

 

Where to Find the Best Views in Townsville

 

Perched 286 metres above sea level, Castle Hill dominates the city skyline and rewards visitors with breathtaking 360° vistas of Townsville, Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea. By day, you’ll capture sweeping coastal panoramas; at sunrise or sunset, the pink granite monolith glows gold, making it a photographer’s dream.

 

What’s the Best Time to Visit Castle Hill Lookout?

 

The dry season (May to September) offers clear skies and cooler temperatures, making it ideal for hiking or driving to the summit without the stifling humidity of summer. 

Early mornings or late afternoons not only avoid the midday sun but also present spectacular golden-hour light for your photos. Local walkers often ascend before work for a brisk climb and to watch the city awaken.

Local tip: July is typically the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C to 26°C - perfect weather for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.

 

Craving a Beachside Stroll or Swim?

Head to The Strand, Townsville’s 2.2 km palm-lined foreshore promenade bounded by the Coral Sea. Protected by offshore islands and a breakwater, the waters here are calm and perfect for families and casual swimmers. It’s important to remember that Townsville is a part of Croc Country, so only swim where it is safe to do so.

• Rockpool & Water Park: At the northern end, saltwater rock pools offer safe paddling, while a splash pad delights little ones.
• Playgrounds & Picnic Areas: Shaded lawns, BBQ facilities and playgrounds dot the esplanade – ideal for a lazy afternoon.
• Cafés & Bars: Numerous eateries look out over the water; grab an ice cream, cold-press juice or fresh seafood platter and soak up the harbour view.

 

Interested in Local Art and Culture?

 

Immerse yourself in Townsville's vibrant arts scene by visiting the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. 

Located in the city centre, this gallery showcases a diverse range of exhibitions, from contemporary works by local artists to international touring displays. The gallery also hosts workshops, lectures, and community events, fostering a dynamic cultural environment. Admission is free, making it an accessible and enriching thing to do in Townsville for all visitors.

 

What Exhibits Are at the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery?

 

Just a short walk from Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville, the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery showcases two floors of dynamic exhibitions, ranging from works by North Queensland artists to major national and international touring shows.

• Current Highlight: Wedgwood: Artists and Industry brings rare 200-year-old ceramics and design pieces from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, on display exclusively in Australia until August 2025.
• Programs & Talks: Enjoy artist talks, workshops and school tours that delve into regional art stories. Entry is free, and you can simply drop in to explore. Find out what’s coming up at the gallery on their website.

 

Want to Get Up Close with Aussie Wildlife?

 

Credit: Billabong Sanctuary 

 

For an unforgettable wildlife experience, visit the Billabong Sanctuary, located just 20 minutes south of Townsville.

 This interactive wildlife park is home to over 70 species of native Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles. The sanctuary's natural billabong puts you square into the famously rugged Australian environment, making it an awesome experience for locals, interstate and international visitors. 

Get hands-on with experiences like feeding kangaroos, holding a koala, or watching crocodile feeding shows. 

 

Which Animals Can You See at Billabong Sanctuary?

 

A 20-minute drive south of the city takes you to Billabong Sanctuary, home to over 70 species of Australian mammals, birds and reptiles. The sanctuary’s passionate rangers offer live talks throughout the day, making it a hands-on, educational adventure for all ages.

This Sanctuary is more than a zoo; it’s an interactive wildlife park where you can get up close and personal with Australia’s biggest wildlife celebrities. Here you can: 

• Feed and pat kangaroos, wallabies and parrots.
• Hold a koala with photo opportunities available.
• Watch crocodile feedings and even cradle a baby saltwater crocodile.
• Meet wombats, cassowaries and more in natural bushland enclosures.

 

Ready for an Island Adventure?

 

Just 8 kilometres off the coast, Magnetic Island beckons with its pristine beaches, rugged landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Accessible via a short ferry ride from Townsville, the island offers a perfect day trip or extended getaway. Explore the island's 23 bays and beaches, hike through national parks, or snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Magnetic Island's relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination.

 

How Do You Get to Magnetic Island from Townsville?

 

Known locally as “Maggie,” Magnetic Island is just 8 km offshore and reachable by frequent passenger ferries from Ross Street in South Townsville.

Sealink Ferries run up to 17 return services daily in air-conditioned comfort—journey time is 20 minutes, with a fully licensed bar onboard to enjoy the sea breeze as you cross.

Once on Maggie, you can hire scooters and motorbikes to adventure around the island. On your island day, choose from secluded bays like Alma Bay (off-leash dog area) or hike the famed Forts Walk before catching the ferry back at dusk.

 

Love Exploring Unique Attractions?

 

Dive into a one-of-a-kind experience at the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA), the only underwater art museum in the Southern Hemisphere. Located on the Great Barrier Reef near Townsville, MOUA combines art, science, and conservation to create an immersive underwater gallery.

The museum aims to inspire reef conservation and promote awareness of marine ecosystems. If you're a certified diver or a casual snorkeller, MOUA is an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves.

 

What Makes the Museum of Underwater Art Unique?

 

The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is the Southern Hemisphere’s first submerged art museum. Its standout attractions include the Ocean Siren Sculpture, a 4 m high, colour-changing statue installed off The Strand, responding to real-time reef temperatures. Or explore the Coral Greenhouse & Ocean Sentinels through the giant underwater installations at John Brewer Reef that double as artificial coral structures, promoting reef restoration and biodiversity. Once you’re under the water, swim the dive and snorkel trails at your own pace to explore sculptures amid healthy reef habitats. MOUA offers guided tours departing from Townsville and Magnetic Island that blend art, conservation and marine science.
 

Where Are the Best Places to Eat in Townsville?

 

Townsville's culinary scene is diverse and vibrant, offering a range of dining experiences to suit every palate. Here are three standouts, each just minutes from Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville:

 

Palmer Street Dining Precinct

The heart of Townsville's nightlife and dining scene, Palmer Street is a bustling laneway lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants. This vibrant precinct comes alive in the evenings with locals and visitors enjoying everything from craft cocktails to late-night eats. The street's mix of casual eateries and upscale venues makes it perfect for bar hopping or finding the perfect spot for dinner. 

 

A Touch of Salt

Located on The Strand, A Touch of Salt offers award-winning modern Australian cuisine with a tropical twist. Housed in a renovated beach house, the menu highlights local seafood like smoked cauliflower with bush tomato relish, or coral trout served with native herbs. Elegant yet relaxed, it’s perfect for sunset dinners overlooking the water.

Weekend brunch draws locals for dishes like lobster Benedict and tropical fruit bowls, making it one of Townsville’s best restaurants for both casual bites and special occasions.

 

Miss Songs

For a taste of modern Asian fine dining, head to Miss Songs in The Ville on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive. Inspired by South East Asian flavours, the menu features share-style plates like kingfish sashimi with yuzu kosho emulsion, or buttermilk-fried chicken bites with chilli lime dipping sauce.

Their signature banquets offer a curated progression of six to eight courses – ideal for groups or celebrating a special night out. Or swing by Miss Songs between 12 pm - 2 pm on the weekends to get stuck into delicious Yum Cha. 

 

Bridgewater

Overlooking Ross Creek at 383 Flinders Street, Bridgewater is the sister venue to Jam Corner Kitchen & Bar. With a coastal-inspired interior of timber accents and waterfront views, this modern Australian restaurant focuses on wood-fire cooking.

The dinner menu is thoughtfully seasonal, celebrating North Queensland produce. Locals love the grilled local prawn skewers or slow-roast pork belly with Davidson plum jus, paired with regionally sourced wines and craft beers.

For a solo trip or date night, the pared-back elegance and creekside location make Bridgewater a must-visit on your Townsville culinary tour. 

 

Eager to Dive into the Great Barrier Reef?

 

 

Few things rival the thrill of exploring the Great Barrier Reef – one of the planet’s Seven Natural Wonders. Townsville is perhaps most famous for its status as a gateway to the global icon. Departing daily from Townsville’s Breakwater Marina or Magnetic Island, reef tours whisk you out to pristine outer-reef sites, where you can snorkel among vibrant corals, spot turtles, reef sharks and colourful fish, or take an introductory dive under expert guidance.

 

What Snorkelling and Diving Tours Are Available?

 

There are almost an infinite number of tour providers in the Great Barrier Reef, so start researching and talking to locals for recommendations before booking and diving in. Two standout providers in the area are Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive and ReefFree.  

Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive is Townsville’s most awarded eco-tour operator, offering day trips to John Brewer Reef and the SS Yongala wreck, with options for guided snorkel tours or certified dives. Their green-certified vessels include all equipment, meals and marine-biologist commentary.

ReefFree’s trip options range from 1-day snorkel cruises to 3-day liveaboard adventures, including stays on the Yongala wreck for advanced divers seeking big-fish encounters.

 

Looking for Evening Entertainment Options?

 

As the sun sets, Townsville's entertainment scene comes alive. The Townsville Civic Theatre, a premier cultural venue, hosts a variety of performances, including plays, concerts, and dance productions. The theatre's diverse program features both local talent and touring acts, providing entertainment options for all tastes. Check the theatre's schedule to see what's on during your stay.

Check TicketShop or the Civic’s website for the latest schedules, and arrive early to enjoy pre-show platters in the grand foyer.

Sports fans shouldn't miss the opportunity to experience Queensland Country Bank Stadium, home to the North Queensland Cowboys NRL team. This modern 25,000-seat stadium  offers an electric atmosphere during Cowboys home games and hosts major sporting events and concerts throughout the year. 

 

How Many Days Do You Need in Townsville?

 

Most visitors find that 3-4 days in Townsville provides the perfect balance to experience the city's highlights without feeling rushed. This allows time for a Great Barrier Reef day trip, a full day exploring Magnetic Island, a visit to local attractions like Billabong Sanctuary and Castle Hill, plus time to enjoy the dining scene and cultural offerings. If you're planning to dive the SS Yongala wreck or want to explore multiple reef sites, consider extending your stay to 5-7 days.

 

Your Base for Townsville Adventures: Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

 

From sky-high viewpoints on Castle Hill to the serenity of The Strand, from hands-on wildlife encounters at Billabong Sanctuary to the underwater wonders of MOUA and the Great Barrier Reef, Townsville is bursting with unforgettable experiences. After a day of exploration, return to Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville.

Book your stay now and make Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville your gateway to all the best things to do in Townsville.