What to do and see in Townsville, Queensland: The Best Things to do

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.

Magnetic Island Ferries delivers you and your vehicle to and from Magnetic Island in comfort. Explore at your own pace with regular daily departures from Townsville and Magnetic Island. Visit beautiful Magnetic Island with one of Australia's leading marine tourism operator.

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.

Enjoy the secluded paradise of Magnetic Island, a tropical destination known for its quiet beaches, rugged landscape, and abundant wildlife. Easily accessible via the ferry from Townsville City, Magnetic Island is an idyllic place to get away even if just for a day. Board your boat at the ferry terminal and set off across the bay for a scenic ride to postcard-worthy Magnetic Island. With up to 18 trips and getting your there in 20 Minutes SeaLink provides the quickest link to Magnetic Island. Soon, you reach Magnetic Island, where the rest of the day is yours to do with as you please. Soak up the sun on the white-sand beach, go for a walk through the eucalyptus forest, or embark on a range of activities that include everything from snorkeling and hiking to visiting the Koala Village. When you're ready to return to Townsville, simply hop on the ferry for the ride back to the mainland.

A significant site for both the Australian military and local Aboriginal People, the Jezzine Barracks are now open to the public and include coastal boardwalks, artwork, traditional plantings and parklands. The 15-hectare heritage precinct commemorates the military and Aboriginal heritage of the Kissing Point headland through 32 specially commissioned public artworks, extensive interpretive signage and the restoration of significant elements of the Kissing Point Fort complex. The space includes a coastal walkway connecting Rowes Bay and The Strand, observation decks up at Kissing Point Fort, traditional plantings along the ethno-botanical walk, the Crossed Boomerang Amphitheatre, Norman and Brigadier North parklands and the Kennedy Regiment Plaza. The Traditional Owners of Garabarra are the Wulgurukaba people and the Bindal people, who retain an enduring 'connection to country' despite the impact of non-Aboriginal settlement in the area. For thousands of years Garabarra was the centre of a common food foraging area for local Aboriginal people - an area with immeasurable cultural and spiritual values. The Fort was established in 1870 after the British withdrew from the colonies and it was in continuous military use from 1885 to 2006. In 2007 a community trust was established to keep this land in public

Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is the world's largest living coral reef aquarium and the Australian Government's national education centre for the Great Barrier Reef. Reef HQ Aquarium provides the most outstanding Great Barrier Reef Aquarium experience through education, inspiration and entertainment. Discover the beauty and wonder of the 2.5million litre Coral Reef Exhibit will open your eyes to an amazing world filled with thousands of charismatic marine creatures. Immerse yourself in the underwater viewing tunnel offering magical views of a living coral reef and the predators that prowl the watery depths. Explore the remarkable 750,000 litre Predator Exhibit featuring a replica bow section of North Queensland's most famous shipwreck the S.S. Yongala, home to some the Great Barrier Reef's most iconic predatory species. Experience a creature feature workshop offering a supervised 'hands on' encounter with some of the amazing creatures that call the Great Barrier Reef home. Appreciate the challenges face by Reef HQ Aquarium's turtle hospital patients and how you can play a role in protecting marine turtles in the Great Barrier Reef. The turtle hospital operates and promotes the C.A.R.E (Conserver. Act. Rehabilitate. Educate) philosophy playing a key role in raising community awareness. Join our experienced and friendly reef interpretation staff on one the Reef HQ Aquarium's premier visitor experiences. Let our volunteers inspire you as they share their passion for the Great Barrier Reef. Located on Flinders Street East, Reef HQ Aquarium is an easy walk from Townsville's CBD, The Strand, Magnetic Island ferry terminal and the Townsville cruise terminal.