Things to do: townsville

Reef HQ Aquarium

Reef HQ is the largest living coral reef aquarium. The Coral Reef Exhibit has 130 coral species and 120 fish species along with hundreds of species of sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, feather stars, snails, wormsand sponges.

Museum of Tropical Qld

The Museum of Tropical Queensland is a museum of natural history, archaeology and history. Located in the same complex as the Reef HQ Aquarium.

Townsville Military History Tours

Townsville is home to Australia’s largest defence base. The military history Tour will explore museums, memorials, monuments, barracks, spectacular lookouts and lush tropical gardens as you piece together the stories of the people and events that have played an integral part in Townsville’s military history.

Castle Hill Walk & Lookout

Castle Hill offers a number of walking tracks for the novice and the more experienced person. Locals like to walk, run & cycle up and down the road. The goat track offers a great work out with all the stairs.

Magnetic Island Day Trip & Overnight

Take the Forts walk to spot a koala, see the World War II ruins and the amazing view of the Coral Sea. Observe the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay, snorkel the Nelly and Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trails. Visit the local artists and art galleries, spot the 186 species of birds that frequent the island, explore 23 bays and beaches. Magnetic Island is 63% National Park.

Dive the Yongala Wreck

The passenger ship SS Yongala sank off Cape Bowling Green, Queensland, in 1911. The wreck, has become a tourist attraction and popular dive site.

Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Trip

Travel with Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive to the Outer Barrier Reef for a great snorkelling or dive adventure. Get up close-look at the huge array of amazing marine life on offer including turtles, stingrays, and numerous kinds of colourful fish.

Mount Elliott Bowling Green Bay National Park

Rugged mountains rise abruptly from the wetlands, saltpans and mangroves of the coastal plain, south of Townsville. Mount Elliott reaches a height of 1,210 metres, jutting out of the surrounding coastal plain and dominating the landscape, and Alligator Creek descends in a series of cascades, deep pools and waterfalls.

Billabong Sanctuary

The Billabong Sanctuary is located about 17km from Townsville (about 20min drive), a full day is barely enough time to watch all the shows and talks, chat with the keepers, enjoy the walk through the sanctuary and watch the animals.

The Strand

The Strand is a 2.2kms of seaside beachfront foreshore custom built for enjoyment. The Strand has a view of the Port of Townsville and Magnetic Island, as well as to Cape Cleveland. The area features include a jetty for fishing, a recreational park, rock pools, water fun park for family fun, restaurants & cafes for dining. The palm tree studded stretch of foreshore you can ride, skate & walk along, or you can simply laze on Australia’s Cleanest Beach and enjoy the million dollar views to Magnetic Island.

Restaurants in Townsville

1

The Watermark

The Watermark Bar and Restaurant boasts breathtaking views of Cleveland Bay & Magnetic Island. Positioned on The Strand The Watermark offers contemporary sophisticated dining and a relaxed alfresco sports and lounge bar.

2

Odyssey on the Strand

Odyssey on the Strand is the place for some great Mediterranean-style food. You’ll be able to gaze upon the rockpools and while away the hours.

3

C-Bar Strand

The C Bar is perched on the coral sea with absolute waterfront views of iconic magnetic island and featuring modern Australian food and drink for breakfast through to dinner.

4

Longboards Bar & Grill

At Longboards the cuisine is a reflection of the great Australian fusion of food where the extensive menu & icy cold refreshments offer something for everyone.

5

Shorehouse

Shorehouse was created with a passion for the shared dining experience. Located on The Strand with panoramic views across Cleveland Bay to Magnetic Island.

6

Seaview Hotel

The Seaview Hotel was famous during World War II as an Australian Officers’ Mess. Seaview Hotel is the perfect place to take it all in. Enjoy a meal, a glass of wine and listen to live music whilst taking in the calm surroundings of the Coral Sea and foreshore.

7

Gregory St various Café’s

Gregory Street is a vibrant hub for fashion, food and coffee. Enjoy some alfresco dining, great coffee and superb shopping in unique & independent retail outlets.

8

Coffee Club

Providing good food with excellent coffee, with a relaxing atmosphere.

9

The Ville Casino

The Ville Resort-Casino with several restaurants to choose from and stunning views across to Magnetic Island.

10

Ribs & Rump

A reputation for a great steak and legendary mammoth-sized ribs. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and a great bar selection.

Bars in Townsville

1

Herbert Hotel

The pub offers a popular restaurant, as well as a gaming, a courtyard and the main bar features regular live music.

2

Molly Molones

This Irish Pub encapsulates the authentic Irish atmosphere, bringing a considerable slice of Ireland to Townsville. Molly’s presents the grand craic, to the ultimate experience located in Flinders St East.

3

Townsville Brewery

The iconic landmark is a brewery & restaurant. The visible Brew House provides the freshest and most innovative beers in Townsville.

4

Picnic Bay Hotel

The Hotel is located on Magnetic Island, famous for its tropical landscapes, serene beaches and peaceful surroundings. Situated on the Esplanade at Picnic Bay, offering stunning views over Cleveland Bay and the lights of Townsville. With a choice of Main bar, Restaurant, Sports Bar, Bistro, TAB and Gaming Lounge.

5

The TapHouse

Commited to serving the best craft beer and ciders in Townsville. Gourmet food also avaliable.