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The 21 BEST Things to Do in Townsville, QLD [2023 Guide]

Great Barrier Reef Things To Do In Townsville

From hiking to the summit of Castle Hill to diving the the Great Barrier Reef, here is our list of the best things to do in Townsville! 

You may know this North Queensland destination for its palm-lined promenade ‘The Strand’, and as the gateway to the natural wonders of Magnetic Island and the world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.

However, as the largest urban centre north of the Sunshine State (and home to local legends, the North Queensland Cowboys), there is so much more to explore!

Townsville is a great place to come to experience life like a local by enjoying stunning hikes, eateries, night markets, botanical gardens, as well as a great place to anchor down to explore the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland.

Once you know what to do in Townsville, you’ll end up coming back again and again.

The Best Things to Do in Townsville

In the city itself you can spend your days biking, walking up Castle Hill, exploring the family-friendly public art trail, going to the Strand night markets, and hanging out with the wild koalas and wallabies on Magnetic Island or at the Billabong Sanctuary.

READ MORE: Heading further north? Don’t miss our epic guide to the best things to do in Cairns!

Then, within just a few hours drive, you can immerse yourself in ancient palm-filled gullies of the wet tropics, explore misty mountain villages of Tropical Queensland, cool off in freshwater crystal creeks, experience the thrill of standing beneath Australia’s tallest single drop waterfall, and discover the underwater world of reefs, wrecks, sea turtles and more. 

In case you’re still wondering if you should linger longer than you originally planned, our list of the top things to do in Townsville will convince you to stay for a few more days at least!

Jump on a boat and head out to the Great Barrier Reef – one of the best things to do in Townsville! Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

1) Climb Castle Hill

This iconic pink granite monolith is more than just a scenic backdrop to the city. With a number of trails ranging in difficulty and length, it’s a popular hiking trail for locals and tourists alike.

Spend a few hours climb the walking tracks to the top to see this city from above with a 360 degree panoramic view of this tropical Queensland city and Magnetic Island.

Castle Hill Townsville Views
Can’t beat the views from the top of Castle Hill! Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

2) Explore the Great Barrier Reef 

Townsville is one of the best…

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