Top Things to do in Townsville
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10 Nature & Parks in Townsville That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Townsville, Australia including Anzac Park, Museum of Tropical Queensland, Billabong Sanctuary, Castle Hill, Lake Paluma, Queens Gardens Townsville, Townsville Palmetum, The Strand, Botanic Gardens, Townsville Town Common Conservation Park.
Restaurants in Townsville
1. Anzac Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By WorldTravla7 - Cairns, Australia
I was staying on Flinders St within walking distance of Anzac Park and came across the bright lights at the fountain as I was coming down Wickham St. The fountain is the centrepiece of the park. It was a magical place and I spent a while mesmerised by the light show. The colours change from red to blue to green, even rainbow. There is also a gazebo inside the park and I met a friendly possum there who seemed fine with humans. Well worth a stop off after dark.
2. Museum of Tropical Queensland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Want to explore a shipwreck, dive on the Great Barrier Reef and visit a rainforest, all in one day? Situated in the city centre, the Museum showcases life in the tropics from dinosaurs to modern day, with our travelling exhibitions and local displays adding a touch of the unexpected. The Museum is family-friendly and has free activities and tours every day including a great activity where you can help fire a ships cannon (at 11am and 2.30Pm daily, covered shoes required). Our Cafe is open from 10am to 3pm daily and serves great coffee, milkshakes, fresh sandwiches, wraps, slices and more. There are gluten-free options as well. And we've got FREE WiFi!
Reviewed By SallieRae
We visited the Museum of Tropical Queensland and were fascinated by the story of the HMS Pandora, it’s journey in 1790 to try to reclaim the HMS Bounty and its subsequent shipwreck on the Great Barrier Reef in 1791. The museum contains a life-size model of the bow of the HMS Pandora that provides enormous insight into the construction and size of the ship. The museum also houses numerous artifacts and provides visual storytelling of the discovery and investigation of the shipwreck of the HMS Pandora. A thoroughly enjoyable and informative museum.
3. Billabong Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 971 reviews
Billabong Sanctuary is Australia's best interactive wildlife experience. There are interactive talks and feeding shows throughout the day commencing at 9:15 am. At these wildlife presentations you will learn all about the unique characteristics of Australia's native animals. The talks are not only informative but a lot of fun, so will have one of your best experiences at an Australian attraction. The native animals are displayed in their natural habitats of wetlands, eucalypt forest and rainforest. Highlights of the Sanctuary are holding a koala, hugging a wombat, hand feeding a cassowary, holding a small crocodile and wrapping a python around your neck. You will also be able to sit next to a dingo for a photo opportunity and watch feeding of giant estuarine or saltwater crocodiles. The wildlife presentations are repeated in the afternoons so nobody misses out. You can also return the following day with no extra charge. There are picnic areas with free gas barbecues or enjoy a meal at the Blinky Bill Cafe. You can also cool off in our tropically landscaped pool.
Reviewed By helenag90 - Kinver, United Kingdom
If you want to meet some native Australian wildlife the Billabong is a great place to go. My family live nearby so my niece is an absolute pro at feeding the kangaroos, joeys and birds proving that anyone can do it if a 2 year old can! The animals are friendly, staff are very well informed and although it might be small compared to other venues it has everything you may want for a great day out.
4. Castle Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,814 reviews
Just metres short of a mountain, Castle Hill is the giant pink granite monolith that stands proud in the centre of Townsville - a perfect place for visitors to orientate themselves. As well as offering vehicle access, Castle Hill provides a number of popular walking tracks, which are frequented by more than 2,500 locals a day! The 360-degree views of Townsville at the top are well worth the journey. Be sure to have a camera on hand, particularly for sunrise or sunset as these are photo opportunities which shouldn't be missed. As well as offering an iconic centre piece for the city and spectacular scenic views, Castle Hill has a significant history. The Hill's vantage was used by visiting American soldiers during World War II. According to local legend, the visitors famously offered to demolish the hill and use the rock to build a bridge to Magnetic Island. A World War II observation bunker sits on one corner of the Hill reminding visitors of Castle Hill's military history. Castle Hill facilities include car parking, public amenities, drink fountains and shaded seating to enjoy while taking in some of the best views of the city and across to Magnetic Island.
Reviewed By A-Reel - Townsville, Australia
Wonderful workout routes abound to take you to the summit of Townsville landmark and great view. Mingle with Townsvillagers getting their exercise fix hiking to the top.
5. Lake Paluma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By AngelaMC62 - Townsville, Australia
We visited Lake Paluma on a very cloudy day and was surrounded and in clouds for most of the climb up to the Lake. It was lovely to see the different scenery on route. When we got to the Lake it was beautiful and clear and a lovely clean and quiet place. We had a lovely picnic and took in the wonderful scenery. Everything was very clean and very well maintained.
6. Queens Gardens Townsville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By GlobalWonderer - Townsville, Australia
Townsville is not renowned for mild summers. They are appalling actually. Yet this is a cool oasis in the middle of this mid sized regional city with interesting and beautifully planted gardens, water features and striking views of castle hill. It’s a real pleaser. Whether it’s for a visit as a tourist or an escape from the heat for the locals this should really be high on the list of things to do in Townsville for locals and visitors alike. Great spaces for kids to run around in, in total safety. Got to love it.
7. Townsville Palmetum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By Townsvillegal - Brisbane, Australia
Went and walked along the beautiful gardens, then found a seat with table. It was the first time we were able to sit down. Just a beautiful place to visit
8. The Strand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,469 reviews
Immerse yourself in the Townsville way of life and discover The Strand, Townsville's thriving beach foreshore! With a relaxed, yet energetic vibe, The Strand is bursting with activities to excite the whole family. The two and a half kilometre walkway offers spectacular views across to Magnetic Island and is popular for runners, walkers and kids with bikes and scooters. Enjoy the ocean breezes with a meal at one of the restaurants or cafes there. Alternatively treat the whole family to a barbecue or beach picnic. With a number of fantastic playgrounds and the popular Strand Water Park, The Strand will keep the kids entertained for hours. Take a swim in the ocean or the rock pool, test your balance on a Stand-Up Paddle Board or land on the beach after the adrenalin rush of skydiving! Enjoy the shade of the palm trees with a good book or grab a gelato and just enjoy the stunning views. For fishing enthusiasts, the jetty is a great spot to cast a line. At the end of The Strand, discover Jezzine Barracks and uncover the stories of Townsville's settlement. Learn of the regions significant military and indigenous history and enjoy the outdoor art.
Reviewed By Headsterb
This length of Townsville water front has something to offer everyone. Beaches (with stinger nets), BBQ’s, grassed picnic areas, playgrounds and family friendly cafes for families. For fitness enthusiasts, walk, run or ride the entire length of the wide concrete path in addition using the outdoor workout equipment. Romantic restaurants with 5 star menus and water views for couples. Bistros, Taverns and Pubs for group get togethers.
9. Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By ztrixsta - Mundingburra, Australia
This is a wonderful park, immaculately kept and right in the heart of Mundingburra. It is a great place to reconnect with nature and lovely to walk around.
10. Townsville Town Common Conservation Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
The park's wildlife viewing areas and walking and mountain bike trails offer a range of nature-based recreation activities close to the centre of Townsville. The park features deep-water lagoons and seasonal wetlands, coastal woodlands and vine thickets, and sheltered beaches fringed by rocky headlands. Summer rains transform the area into an immense wetland, attracting large flocks of waterbirds. Hike across Many Peak Range, enjoy expansive island views while riding the Under the radar mountain bike trail or walk the trail to enjoy a picnic in beautiful secluded Shelley Beach. For birdwatchers, the park is a paradise! From bird hides and observation points, watch flocks of magpie geese, brolgas, finches, wrens and cisticolas; up to 280 species have been recorded here.
Reviewed By RSV_12 - Brisbane, Australia
Townsville Town Common Conservation Park and Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park are located close to Townsville (about 6-10kim). They can be reached by car or public transport (bus#206. You can get the timetable and the route map at the Information Centre in Townsville, 280 Flinders St., Queensland Government Department of National Parks website has a lot of maps and useful information). I completed Freshwater - Many Peaks tracks loop recently (beginning of June) and liked it. The walk has a nice variety of terrain and forest, lots of wildlife (including eagles nesting) and there are spectacular 360 degree views from Mount Marlow summit over the Town Common wetlands and along the coastline. I recommend to start early in the morning (before midday heat and it's a great time to watch birds. Allow about 5hour). You can start this circuit from either the Walter Nesbit Carpark in Cape Pallarenda Road or inside the Town Common at the Freshwater Bird Hide car park. I choose 2nd option, starting at Freshwater carpark, and went clockwise, thus splitting Freshwater trail hike (3.6km -1h) into two 1.8km sections (each about 30min of slow walk), so you start and finish your long hike on the flat and easy sections. Bring binoculars, as there are a lot of wildlife on Freshwater trail in the morning. Many Peaks Track (5.7km - about 3h) goes through grassland, eucalyptus woodland and vine thicket with open sections and lookouts, but mostly it is stony and shady. In some areas the trail can be indistinct and you have to follow the orange trail markers. Mosquito repellent is highly recommended. There were plenty of small and blood thirsty mosquitoes even on the open and sunny parts of the track (when you move they are bearable, but once you stop... just bring repellent). If you go clockwise: it is 30min walk along Freshwater track, then join Many Peaks Track and it is 45min up to the summit of Mount Marlow, then about 2h descend towards the wetlands through vine thickets and woodland. At the end of the track I choose to have a short Wetland loop walk (about 850m) and then completed big loop and returned to the car via second section of Freshwater track (30min). Freshwater and Lagoon walks are the best early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when there are plenty of wildlife. Townsville Town Common is indeed a birdwatcher's paradise in the right time of the day. Also take with you a lot of water – there is no water sources on a tracks (sun-cream, hat and camera go without saying). I do not recommend hiking in this area in summer months. Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park, its historical former quarantine station, beaches and walking tracks are within few minutes walk from the bus stop. I had just a short 2-3km walk along Under the Radar trail(UTR) to Rock Gardens and a bit of Lagoon track to see what they were like for the future hiking plans. It looks like a nice day loop walk: Under the Radar trail (10.1km) – Lagoon trail (4.6km). UTR is a stony narrow path with lots of ups and downs, zigzagging along the coastline with stunning views on Coral Sea and the group of Palm Islands. I do not recommend wearing headphones while walking as walkers and cross country mountain bikers share this (and Lagoon) trail, so you need to be alert for bike riders approaching from either direction. I came across a few and it looked like they all, by various degrees, regretted their choice of riding place – they said it was really rough and difficult. But it is great for hiking (at least the bit I did). Lagoon trail is very easy, but can become boggy after the rain. Again, bring a lot of water and mozzie repellent. I am looking forward hiking this loop next time I am in the area. All in all I recommended both parks for anyone who likes hiking. Just choose the right season and take a lot of water with you.
