The perfect 5-day Townsville holiday itinerary
ITINERARY
By Jess Pridmore
Published 1 day ago
One of the most beautiful regions along the Queensland coastline, Townsville’s magic draws visitors in year-round. As Queensland’s unofficial second capital, this burgeoning regional city is as unique as it is remote – and all against an utterly captivating backdrop.
Only have a couple of days? This 48-hour Townsville guide is for you. But do yourself a favour and stay a while longer; this city has so much more to offer than meets the eye – no matter your budget. Eat, play and stay: here’s your perfect five-day Townsville itinerary.
MOUA (Museum of Underwater Art), Townsville
Start your Townsville adventure bright and early, soaking up the tropical vibe and dipping a toe in the Coral Sea. With five days to play, it’s time to make the most of paradise.
- Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA): Sitting just off Townsville in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, this world-first underwater gallery is a must for divers and snorkellers. Featuring life-size installations by acclaimed sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, it’s a hauntingly beautiful fusion of art, culture, and reef conservation.
- SS Yongala Wreck: If MOUA has sparked your ocean obsession, the legendary SS Yongala takes things up a notch. Known as one of the world’s best dive sites, this historic shipwreck (between Townsville and Ayr) is now an underwater playground for marine life. Expect to swim alongside eagle rays, sea turtles, Queensland gropers, barracuda schools, sea snakes and more.
Afternoon
Ardo Hotel, Townsville
After a day beneath the waves, swap your wetsuit for your best threads and stroll The Strand as the sun sinks over Magnetic Island. Soak up balmy evenings, buzzing nightlife, and catch Ocean Siren glowing at the jetty.
For dinner, check out:
- Terasu: Set within the Ardo Hotel, it's a neon-lit nod to Tokyo serving up bold, flavour-packed Japanese bites in a lively, casual setting.
- Longboard Bar & Grill: Tacos, wings and margaritas with a sea breeze. This is casual eats done right on The Strand.
Where to stay: With a plethora of accommodation options in Townsville, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Choose between boutique digs the Ardo Hotel with a rooftop pool and bar, and The Ville Resort-Casino, a marina-side gem with retro-cool rooms and five tasty dining spots.
Day 2: Sunrise hikes, seaside vibes, and sky-high views
Morning
Hoi Polloi Cafe, Townsville
Start the day like a local and head straight for Townsville’s most iconic landmark. From sunrise summits to laneway eats, your morning is all about soaking up the city’s culture and character.
- Castle Hill at sunrise: Climb the Goat Track (just under an hour) to the top of this giant pink monolith and be rewarded with sweeping views of Townsville, the Coral Sea, and Magnetic Island.
- Breakfast at Hoi Polloi: Refuel at this favourite laneway café serving up scones, muffins, and subs made with local North Queensland produce.
- Street art stroll: Coffee in hand, wander Denham Lane, City Lane, and the city centre to spot vibrant murals from local and international artists – with plenty of boutique shopping along the way.
Afternoon
The Strand, Townsville
Slow the pace and lean into Townsville’s laidback coastal lifestyle. From beach hangs to history-rich boardwalks and sunset flights, the afternoon is made for slowing down and soaking it in.
- The Strand: This two-kilometre beachfront promenade is the place to swim, snorkel, SUP, or simply relax with Magnetic Island on the horizon.
- Jezzine Barracks: Explore this heritage precinct where Aboriginal and military history come to life through artworks, relics, and scenic coastal boardwalks.
- Helicopter tour: Cap off the afternoon with a bird’s-eye view. Take a scenic flight over the coastline, Magnetic and the Palm Islands, and Cape Cleveland Lighthouse – timed perfectly for sunset.
- Craft beer crawl: Cap off the day with local flavours at Townsville Brewing Co. and Tiny Mountain, two homegrown breweries pouring pints with a dash of TNQ magic. Feeling peckish? Pair your brew with a smoked brisket pizza straight from Townsville Brewing Co.’s kitchen.
Day 3 & 4: Kick back on island time
Big Mama Sailing, Magnetic Island, Townsville
You’ve seen it across the horizon, now it’s time to plant your feet on Magnetic Island. Exploring this beautiful natural wonder deserves at least an overnight stay; its deserted sandy cays and enviable access to the Great Barrier Reef, paired with rugged hiking trails make for a real Robinson Crusoe moment.
Getting there
Unleash your inner mariner with Big Mama Sailing. Offering a personalised approach to chartered tours (only 12 guests on board at any time and flexible departing times), arrive at Magnetic on an elegant sailing boat has never been more bougie.
Getting around
For peek holiday vibes, rent a jeep from M.I. Rentals & Jeeps on Maggie, and cruise around the island with the top down and salty wind in your hair.
What to do on Magnetic Island
- Forts Walk: History buffs will love WWII military ruins, decommissioned weaponry, and forts, paired with sweeping 360-degree views back to Townsville.
- Koala cuddles: Stop by Magnetic Island Koala Park to meet koalas up close and learn about native wildlife conservation.
- Beach time: There're 23 pristine beaches to throw a towel down at. Some of the best are Horseshoe Bay, Picnic Bay and Maud Bay. But honestly, you can’t go wrong sinking your toes in the sand anywhere on this island.
- Snorkel the reef: Explore two dedicated snorkel trails. Nelly Bay, filled with coral gardens, is perfect for beginners, while Geoffrey Bay is better for stronger swimmers. If you prefer a guide, jump on a Aquascene tour led by Master Reef Guides and uncover secluded locations.
- Sunset cruise: Sip and sail into the sunset aboard Pilgrim’s luxury 58-foot yacht. Catch golden hour across Cleveland Bay with a drink in hand.
Where to stay: Treat yourself to uninterrupted marina views and luxury suites at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort.
Day 5: Townsville, the gateway to the tropical north
Big Crystal Creek, Paluma Range National Park, Townsville
So, you’ve done the city, visited the islands, now it’s time to get a grip on why this part of the world is known as the ‘gateway to the tropical north’. Just 80kms from Townsville, Paluma Range National Park is the southernmost area of the Wet Tropics, where North Queensland’s wild and rugged landscapes are unapologetically BIG.
- Easy walking tracks: McClelland’s Lookout, Birthday Creek Falls Track and Paluma Rainforest Walk make for the perfect day visit no matter your fitness level. You’ll be rewarded with hidden lookout points and animal encounters.
- Freshwater swimming spots: No visit to Paluma is complete without a swim in Paradise Waterhole at Big Crystal Creek. Just 15 minutes away you’ll find Little Crystal Creek where you can cool down beneath a stone arch bridge built in the 30s. Don’t miss Ethel Creek Falls in the southern part of the park, it’s pure magic.
Where to stay: It would be remiss not to stay local at Hidden Valley Cabins. These gorgeous, award-winning eco-cabins are set high on the Paluma Range, ensconced in rainforest, making for the ultimate escape. Join one of their night safaris or famous platypus safari.
Day 6: All roads lead to Cairns, sort of…
Wallaman Falls
It would be easy to end the holiday here, but as the past five days have proven, you’ve only just scratched the surface in Far North Queensland. Now it’s time to choose your own adventure.
- Tack on a road trip of a lifetime from Townsville to Cairns, where the landscape becomes altogether more wild, more remote, and more exhilarating.
- Check out Charters Towers. An easy 1hr 30mins from Townsville, discover this gem of a historical town, full of pre-war architecture and grand old buildings of its gold rush roots.
- Explore Girringun National Park, home to a fairytale-like tropical rainforest, remote walking tracks, and the mighty Wallaman Falls - Australia’s highest single drop waterfall. Local tip: for the best views head to the main lookout point along the Djyinda track.
- Take the ‘Great Green Way’ towards Cairns. The approximately 4.5 hours journey is peppered with alluring landscapes; dense canopies and towering rainforests, and rugged coastlines with untouched beaches. Stop for a refreshing dip at the Babinda Boulders, or spend a day strolling through the lush gardens at Paronella Park.
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