Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids in Townsville, Queensland

GUIDED JET SKI TOURS & HIRE Townsville WaterSports is a Jet Ski hire and drive company that provide tours of Cleveland Bay, The Strand and Cape Pallarenda and magnetic Island. Townsville WaterSports provides supervised Jet Ski hire out from the Townsville Strand. We also run tours out of Daydream Isalnd in the beautiful Whitsundays with a tour that encompasses the Mole Isalnd group.

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!

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.

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.

Capture a great overview of Townsville with a visit to Mount Stuart. Providing views overlooking the entire city and across to Magnetic Island and Cleveland Bay, Mount Stuart is a great way for visitors to get their bearings before further exploring Townsville North Queensland. Walk, run, ride or drive to the top of the 9km road, but if you plan to tackle it by foot ensure you have a good level of fitness and plenty of water as it is a steep climb in areas. Once you reach the top of Mount Stuart, enjoy the breezes, relax with a picnic, take in the views or further explore the short bush walks around the area.

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.