Townsville
The city of Townsville is bathed in the warmth of the tropical sun where laid-back residents, made up
of a large number of students, can usually be found enjoying a hot cup of coffee at one of the local cafes. Prime destinations of Far North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef such as Magnetic Island and Cairns are just around the corner and the city also serves as a transit point for routes westward and north. With one of the largest army bases in Australia, the regular military activity at Townsville blends seamlessly into the city's casual culture that's been further enhanced by recent developments which have included a waterfront esplanade, museums as well as a vibrant nightlife. See our detailed Townsville map. Orientation
Dominating the skyline is Castle Hill on the west side of the city centre. Ross Creek cuts across Townsville with the Dean St Bridge or Victoria Bridge allowing pedestrians to cross over. The main city centre lies on the north side of the creek. Towards the left after crossing over Ross Creek from the Dean St Bridge is Flinders St Mall, Townsville's shopping precinct which extends towards the train station. Also on Flinders St, but towards the right of the Dean St Bridge are a collection of eateries, museums and nightclubs. Further up the creek on Sr Leslie Thiess Dr near the breakwater is the Sunferries terminal where boats to Magnetic Island depart.
Things to See and Do
Townsville boasts the impressive Reef HQ Aquarium where the full plethora of sealife and corals that inhabit the Great Barrier Reef are on display. These include a range of fascinatin fish, sharks and rays. Northwest of central Townsville is The Strand, a lively beachfront esplanade with a collection of cafes, parks and its own marina. The promenade is a favourite amongst strollers while the northeastern end features a large rock pool for swimming. Visitors will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Tropical Queensland as well as the detailed models on display which include an impressive replica of the shipwrecked Pandora. Those with a more artistic bent can check out the works of local artists at the Perk Tucker Regional Gallery. Castle Hill dominates the skyline of Townsville and if you're feeling fit enough, the 2km trek to the summit will reward you with spectacular panoramic views of the city. At the base of Castle Hill, just a couple of blocks away, is the picturesque Queens Gardens, the ideal place for a relaxing picnic. Further south of Townsville, the Billabong Sanctuary is a 10-hectare wildlife park showcasing an array of Australian native animals and birds. Shows are scheduled regularly while visitors can also enjoy a barbecue here or go for a swim in the swimming pool. Activities and Tours If you crave adrenaline, then you may like being thrown from a plane in a tandem skydive operated by Coral Sea Skydivers. Otherwise, there are a few dive companies around offering dive courses and a trip to the Yongala shipwreck. Sunferries and Fantasea Cruising Magnetic offer trips out to the Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island from the terminals at the breakwater along Sir Leslie Thiess Drive and south of Ross Creek respectively.
Getting to Townsville
Townsville Airport is located just 5km west of the city in the adjacent suburb of Garbutt. The airport services regular domestic flights from most major centres in Australia. A shuttle bus (bookings required) at the airport takes visitors to and from the city centre while car rental desks and taxis are also readily available. The Townsville Transit Centre is located at 21 Plume St where agents for Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service are based. Available coach services run between Townsville and Brisbane, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach and Cairns. About half a kilometre from the city centre is the Townsville train station with a nearby office for Traveltrain Holidays run by Queensland Rail. Luxury travel trains for tourists such as the Sunlander, Queenslander and Inlander pass through Townsville as part of their journey. Getting Around The main city centre itself should be easy enough to get around by foot. Local bus services in and around Townsville are operated by Sunbus with route maps and timetables available at the Flinders Mall Visitor Information Centre booth.
Tourist Information
For more information on Townsville, Contact Us or the Flinders Mall Visitor Information Centre.
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