Townsville, Queensland
Access the reef, rainforests and the outback.

Map of the Great Barrier Reef

Located on the north-eastern coast of Australia, Townsville (see video below – 3:12) is the unofficial capital of North Queensland and one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. Situated on Ross Creek and overlooked by the 290m-high Castle Hill, Townsville is a thriving metropolis.

Townsville offers visitors a world of new experiences – from the Great Barrier Reef and its tropical islands through to the historic outback and the lush rainforests, waterfalls and world heritage listed national parks in the surrounding region.

From diving in the Great Barrier Reef, trying your luck at the Casino, rafting white water rapids or simply lazing on golden beaches, Townsville offers the best of all worlds.

The city and its precincts are continually evolving. Discover the latest redevelopment along Flinders Street East – a mix of funky nightclubs, bars and restaurants housed in beautiful heritage buildings. Dining is a serious business in Townsville.

Townsville harbor view on the Yacht Club Marina, The Strand and Castle Hill

Take a wander down Palmer Street and find restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, prepared using the freshest local seafood and produce.

The city is the perfect stepping-off point to experience the wonders of the region – the outback, rainforests, magnificent waterfalls, tropical islands and of course, the Great Barrier Reef.

Townsville marina in Queensland

The city has two botanical gardens. The old Queens Gardens, a 4 ha park with extensive stands of tropical trees and flowers, is located 2 km from the city centre with the main entrance being from Paxton Street.

6 km from the city centre in the suburb of Mundingburra is the new Anderson Park Botanical Gardens covering 32 ha including a lagoon, conservatory and a number of picnic places.

Reef HQ

Townsville’s many attractions include the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, an Australian native wildlife sanctuary, art galleries, museums, parks, restaurants and the spectacular Strand beachfront promenade.

The Strand and it’s jetty (pictured below) are part of a world-class beachfront promenade custom-built for enjoyment.

Dawn over Jetty, Townsville Queensland Australia

Along this palm tree studded stretch are bike and rollerblade paths, safe swimming beaches, pretty picnic spots, a water park and chic restaurants and bars with to-die-for water views.

Townsville is also one of Queensland’s premier event destinations, with an exciting annual line up of sporting, aquatic, historical and cultural events. Using Townsville as a holiday base, visitors can experience the natural wonders of the diverse North Queensland region through day tours, cruises or adventure excursions – all operating out of the city.

Townsville – A Regional Gateway

Townsville is also encircled by other interesting towns and places to see, such as Charters Towers (pictured below), a scenic gold mining city that is big on history and character just 90 minutes south-west of Townsville.

historic charters towers in Queensland

Around 80 Kms south of Townsville at the heart of one of the most productive sugarcane-growing areas is Ayr, a typical thriving coastal town. Magnetic Island is located just 8 kilometres off the coast of Townsville.

Townsville Accommodation

Townsville has many great hotels and resorts, perfect of a romantic getaway, weekend escape or family vacation. See a full list of over 60 Hotels in Townsville where you can check availability and compare pricing. Below are just some of the well priced 4 star hotels in Townsville.

More Townsville Accommodation

A1 Motel Rosslea
107 Bowen Rd Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4779 3999

Beach House
66 The Strand Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4771 6891

Billabong Lodge
94 Bowen Rd Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4775 2055

Casino City Motor Inn
100 Bowen Rd Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4775 4444

Cluden Park Motor Inn
Bruce Hwy Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4778 4555

Colonial Gardens Resort
Woolcock St Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4725 2222

Coolabah Motel
75 Bowen Rd Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4779 2084

Downtown Motel
121 Flinders St Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4772 5022

Hotel Allen
Cnr Gregory & Eyre Sts Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4771 5656

Midtown Hotel/Motel
718 Sturt St Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4771 5121

Motel Palms
44 Bowen Rd Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4779 6166

Motel Townsville
36­40 Bowen Rd Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4779 2179

Raintree Motel
Bowen St Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4775 3066

Rex City Motel
143 Wills St Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4771 6048

Sheraton Breakwater Casino­Hotel
Sir Leslie Thiess Dve Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4722 2333

Shoredrive Motel
117 The Strand Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4771 6851

South Bank Motor Inn
23 Palmer St Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4721 1474

Strand Motel
51 The Strand Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4772 1977

Summit Motel
6 Victoria St Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4721 2122

Town Lodge Motor Inn
15 Victoria St Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4771 2164

Townsville Ambassador
75 The Strand Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4772 4255

Townsville International Hotel
Flinders Mall Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4772 2477

Townsville Plaza Hotel
Flinders Mall Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4772 1888

Townsville Reef International
63 The Strand Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4721 1777

Yongala Lodge
11 Fryer St Townsville Queensland 4810
Telephone: (07) 4772 4633

Map of Townsville

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greatbarrierreef.org is a 'Web Magazine' website that is dedicated to all things related to the Great Barrier Reef. We are passionate about Australia's great natural wonder, its vast marine life, its golden sun-kissed beaches, its warm turquiose waters and the unforgetable experiences that are waiting for all who visit. Our aim is to discuss the Great Barrier Reef, its history, its environment, its marine life and its spectacular destinations. We hope that this website will inspire all who visit, just as much as the Great Barrier reef has inspired us.

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