Townsville Tourism & Travel

Townsville Tropical Far North Queensland

Townsville Australia

Townsville has a population of around 110 000 and is seen as The Tropical Capital of North Queensland. Townsville boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. Combining this glorious sunshine with a relaxed lifestyle and a diversity of attractions, Townsville is the perfect choice for a North Queensland holiday experience.

Townsville History

The citys colonial settlement beginnings go back to 1864 when a wharf was built to service the new inland cattle industry.

Townsville Today

Today the Townsville Harbour services not only the beef industry but also wool from the western plains, minerals from Mt Isa and Cloncurry, sugar and timber from the rich coastal region and its own manufacturing and processing industries.

Townsville is also a haven for the energetic. Rollerblading, cycling, walking, swimming and water sports are all popular at Townsville.

When the outdoors has worn you out or the sun finally goes down, whichever comes first, there is plenty of shopping and nightlife to keep you entertained.

The Strand Waterfront

The Strand waterfront near Townsvilles city centre is just as active, servicing locals and visitors who are looking to soak up the ambience of this tropical destination. The Strand features many historic buildings, restaurants, bars, the casino, accommodation, water sports, surf life saving clubs, safe swimming enclosures, parks and playgrounds. The atmosphere at The Strand has become an integral part of the Townsville lifestyle.

The Great Barrier Reef Wonderland Aquarium

Townsville is becoming a renowned centre for research into marine life and is the headquarters for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Nearby is the Great Barrier Reef Wonderland Aquarium. No other aquarium in the world maintains a living coral reef ecosystem on such a scale - watch schools of fish drift over coral, clownfish hiding inside anemones tentacles and turtles cruise past. Stroll beneath the glass tunnel that houses sharks and other predators, as well as a partial replica of the Tongala wreck. Smaller tanks house sea snakes, deep-sea nautiluses, baby turtles and lobster.