Day Trips from Townsville 2026, Best Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Near Townsville

Day Trips from Townsville 2026, Overview

Townsville is surrounded by remarkable natural attractions, Magnetic Island (20 minutes by fast ferry), Australia's tallest single-drop waterfall at Wallaman Falls, the historic gold mining town of Charters Towers and the Paluma Range cool-climate rainforest. Here are the best day trips from Townsville in 2026.

Magnetic Island (20 minutes by fast ferry)

One of the best island day trips in Australia, only 20 minutes from Townsville by SeaLink ferry. 23 stunning bays and coves, the Forts Walk (WWII fortifications with resident rock wallabies), Horseshoe Bay beach and the Koala Care Centre. Bicycle hire or bus from the ferry terminal. sealinkqld.com.au

Wallaman Falls (2 hours south-west)

Australia's tallest single-drop waterfall at 268m, within Girringun National Park. Spectacular plunge pool and hiking trails. The drive through the Paluma Range is itself memorable. Best accessed in the dry season (April-October).

Charters Towers (1.5 hours south-west via Flinders Highway)

One of Queensland's best-preserved gold rush towns. During the 1880s gold rush, "The World" (as Charters Towers was known) was Queensland's second largest city. Heritage CBD with restored buildings, the Venus Gold Battery, the Dalrymple National Park rock wallabies and the Charters Towers soundscape experience. charterstowers.qld.gov.au

Paluma Range National Park (1.5 hours north)

Cool-climate rainforest at 1,000m above sea level, a complete contrast to coastal Townsville. Hidden Valley Cabins, Little Crystal Creek rock pools and swimming holes, the McClellands Lookout panorama and Mount Spec summit views.

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