things-to-do
Things to Do in Townsville 2026: Top Attractions
Explore Townsville's best activities: Magnetic Island ferries, SS Yongala wreck dives, The Strand waterfront, Castle Hill walks, and free weekend attractions in North Queensland.
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Things to Do in Townsville 2026
Townsville is the capital of North Queensland, a large regional city with significant cultural institutions, Australia's best dive destination (SS Yongala wreck) offshore, and Magnetic Island just 20 minutes by ferry. The Strand waterfront, Castle Hill and the Museum of Tropical Queensland are the city's core attractions. townsvilleholidays.info
Iconic Townsville Experiences
- Magnetic Island National Park, 20-min ferry from Townsville. Hire a 4WD mini-moke, walk the Forts track (WWII lookout stations), snorkel Alma Bay and spot koalas in the Tea Tree Bay trail. The island is 50% national park. magneticisland.com.au
- SS Yongala Wreck Dive, 1hr by boat from Townsville. Rated one of the world's best wreck dives, an intact 1911 passenger ship at 16-28m, covered in marine life. adive.com.au
- Museum of Tropical Queensland, Flinders Street, Townsville. The museum of the reef, the rainforest and North Queensland history, featuring the most complete Pandora (HMAV, 1791) shipwreck display in the world. Free entry. mtq.qld.gov.au
- Castle Hill, 3.5km walk to the summit (286m) above Townsville. One of the world's largest monolith summits accessible from a city centre. 360-degree views. Free. townsville.qld.gov.au
Free Things to Do in Townsville
- The Strand waterfront, Townsville's 2.2km foreshore park with beach, ocean pool, playgrounds and dining. Free.
- Reef HQ Aquarium, small entry fee. The world's largest living coral reef aquarium. reefhq.com.au
Things to Do This Weekend in Townsville
Check the Townsville events guide at townsville.qld.gov.au for the latest weekend activities and events.
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