Townsville is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to tourist destinations in Australia. Not only is Townsville a modern metropolis, it also has access to the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia's most sought-after attractions.
There's more than snorkelling to be done in this thriving metropolis - Townsville has culture, flawless beaches, lakes and access to Australia's dangerously mysterious Outback. Travellers love looking out the windows of their hotels to take in the beauty of the surrounding area. Townsville blends beauty and function, nature and culture to make one unforgettable tourist destination.
Getting in and around Townsville
Townsville Airport
Getting to Townsville by plane is quite simple with the Townsville Airport located just a few minutes outside the city. Major airlines like Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin offer flights to Townsville from most of Australia's major cities. It's also possible to take a train to Townsville. Queensland Rail offers trips to Townsville from Brisbane and Cairns several times a week.
Townsville Transport
Getting around Townsville is best done by bus or car. The Townsville bus system operates every day and can transport travellers to most attractions as well as many of the neighbouring communities and towns.
Townsville Car Hire
Car hire is also a great way to get around Townsville. Townsville car hire is available through most of the major car hire companies including Hertz and Budget.
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Townsville accommodation
Townsville has a nice range of luxury accommodation and budget hotels to choose from. Stay in style without breaking the budget or choose a modest place to rest your head and focus on all the adventurous activities Townsville has to offer.
Luxury
The Ville Resort and Casino has the best of both worlds with first class service and comfortable rooms along with a high stakes casino that visitors can't get enough of.
Bedarra Island Resort offers the best of privacy and luxury only two hours outside of Townsville. Guests enjoy total privacy and isolation at this resort eager to cater to your every whim. The Jupiters Townsville Hotel and Casino has the best of both worlds with first class service and comfortable rooms along with a high stakes casino that visitors can't get enough of.
Bedarra Island by Voyages offers the best of privacy and luxury in Townsville. Guests enjoy total privacy and isolation at this resort eager to cater to your every whim.
Mid-range
The Grand Chancellor Townsville can accommodate everyone from honeymooners to families in their stylish accommodation in the heart of the shopping district.
Aquarius on the Beach has all the attention to detail you would expect and is located on The Strand with waterfront views. The Sea-s-ta Holiday House can accommodate everyone from honeymooners to families in their stylish accommodation right on the beach.
Aquarius On The Beach has all the attention to detail you would expect, and is located on The Strand.
Budget
The Summit Motel offers ideal accommodation with affordable rates and is only a few minutes from the beach.
The Beach House Motel is among the best budget accommodations in Townsville with an ideal waterfront location on The Strand. The Summit Motel is ideal Townsville accommodation with affordable rates and it's just a few steps from the beach
The Beach House Motel is among the best budget accommodations in Townsville with an ideal waterfront location on the Strand.
Backpackers
The Civic Guest House is a hostel with very comfortable, affordable rooms. The Civic Guest House is very comfortable, with affordable rooms and air conditioning upon your request.
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Things to do in Townsville
Townsville is the ultimate vacation destination for travellers who like the city life but also want to experience the outdoors. Nearby lakes, beaches and, of course, the famous Great Barrier Reef, make for great outdoor destinations and activities.
The Strand is often the site of special events in Townsville and has bike and walkway paths, beaches, playgrounds, picnic spots, restaurants and bars - all with gorgeous water views.
Townsville Rugby. Rugby will always be one of Australia's favourite sports and Townsville is a great place to watch a local match. The North Queensland Cowboys play at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). Snorkel, free-dive or scuba dive the installations of the MOUA. The Coral Greenhouse is the only underwater museum in the Southern Hemisphere and is an unforgettable experience.
Riverway blends the natural world with the commercial world in this social hub where visitors enjoy shopping, dining, galleries and entertainment along the Ross River.
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Day trips in and around Townsville
Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Townsville is one of the most metropolitan launch points for exploring Australia's Great Barrier Reef. When visiting Townsville, a snorkelling or diving tour on the reef is a must. Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive is just one of many companies offering trips to the Great Barrier Reef.
Magnetic Island is a paradise with secluded beaches, magnificent wildlife and stretches of scenic hikes. The island is accessible by ferry and promises a day of beautiful bird life, wildlife and scenery. You can also stay a while and relax on the island with a wide range of accommodation options with everything from camping to luxurious resorts.
Yongala Wreck. The Yongala was a steam ship that wrecked just one year before the Titanic in 1911, and the wreck wasn't discovered until 1958. The wreck is now a hideaway for thousands of beautiful fish and marine life and makes one of the best dive sites in Australia.
Skydiving. Townsville has some of the best scenery, and what better way to see it than from the air? Skydiving Townsville offers skydiving trips that land right on The Strand.
Outback Tours. Townsville, even in all of its metropolitan glory, is a fabulous gateway to Australia's Outback. An Outback Tour from Townsville is a great way to escape the city and take in Australia's beautifully treacherous wilderness.
Lake Ross is home to numerous species of waterfowl and is also the site of the impressive Ross River Dam, which has the longest dam wall in the Southern Hemisphere.
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