🌴 28 Unusual Things to Do in Townsville, QLD

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We were lucky enough to stay in Townsville, the capital of North Queensland for 3 months while we were stopped for work. During our stay, we did some house-sitting and looked after four gorgeous dogs, which also helped us save money to fund the next leg of our travels.

I can honestly say that this seaside town turned out to be quite a surprise! We discovered so many unusual things to do in Townsville with plenty more that we didn’t get to and have added to our ‘next time’ list.

Townsville is a bustling hub of a city, featuring The Strand, which overlooks the tropical waters to Magnetic Island. Exploring the city and surrounds will have you discovering plenty of free and family-friendly activities amongst a mix of city culture.

Being in a tropical climate, there are lots of water-based activities, such as the free water park, swimming pools and Reef HQ Aquarium.

If mountains and rainforest are more your thing, be sure to check out Paluma Range National Park and the rare ‘Cat Poo Coffee’ at Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms.

Here are over 25 unusual things to do in Townsville!

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Townsville Stats & Map

Townsville Quick Stats

Map of Things to do in Townsville

Use the map below to get an idea of where all of the unusual things to do in Townsville are in relation to the city centre or where you plan on staying.

Map Key:
🟡 Yellow Pin Drops = Unusual things to do in Townsville

Unusual Things to do in Townsville

Strand Rockpool

At the northern end of The Strand sits The Rockpool. It’s a stinger resistant ocean-water pool where you can swim for free. There’s plenty of nice green grass and some shady spots around for a picnic or BBQ.

You’ll find that the pool gently slopes down as you walk in, making it wheelchair accessible and a good splash area for young kids. As you make your way over to the wall on the beach-side, the pool is deep enough for swimming.

Castle Hill

No matter where you go in Townsville, you’re bound to be looking up at Castle Hill, the big pink granite mound that takes pride of place right in the centre of town. How can you possibly get lost with such a uniquely situated hill as your compass?

You can either drive right to the top or Castle Hill or walk up with the other 2,500 locals that frequent the walking tracks every single day (not even kidding)!

Once at the top, you can enjoy 360º views from way out west, right across to Magnetic Island and beyond. Take a stroll around all of the short walks across the top of the rocks to really capture the heart of Townsville.

The Palmetum Gardens

Townsville has a handful of beautiful botanical gardens, but the Palmetum Gardens are a little unique.

Here you will find one of the world’s largest collections of palms, hence the name. With only about 60 species of palms native to Australia, this collection showcases 300 from here and around the world.

As well as wandering the 17-hectare expanse of palm varieties, you can also enjoy a range of different habitats, grassy areas, water features, many different species of birds and a wetland area.

Hit the Beach

The beaches along the Townsville coast are just gorgeous, especially with Magnetic Island as a backdrop.

But… and this is a big but, there are crocodiles in the warm Townsville waters. Just because you might not see them, doesn’t mean they can’t come floating on by. It actually happened while we were in town and the beach was immediately closed.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the beaches though. There is a lovely patrolled and netted beach along The Strand where you can swim relatively safely from crocs and stingers.

Not to mention going for a walk along the beachside or throwing out a towel and soaking up some sun. With one eye open of course…

The Big Townsville Sign

The Townsville sign is a fairly new addition to the city’s landscape, being unveiled in 2018, just in time for the Commonwealth Games.

You can find the sign sitting alongside the Ross River at Central Park with many of Townsville’s iconic sights starring in the backdrop. Castle Hill is the standout feature, with the ‘Sugar Shaker’ builder, just off to the right (not pictured).

The nighttime experience of the Townsville sign is beautiful against the river and cityscape with its colourful LED lights.

Mount Stuart

For the most amazing views of the whole Townsville region, with views way out to Magnetic Island, head up to Mount Stuart.

Take the scenic 9km drive off the Flinders Highway, which winds through a craggy mountainside, leading you to the top of the world! Well, it’s more like 584m high, but you can literally find yourself standing in the clouds up there some days.

We went up one afternoon in the hopes of seeing a magnificent sunset, but it ended up being too cloudy. It’s also a popular place for hikers, cyclists and picnic-goers with BBQ’s onsite.

Museum of Tropical Queensland

The Museum of Tropical Queensland is a great attraction for the whole family to enjoy. There are a range of permanent exhibitions, which are highly interactive, as well as additional exhibitions that change from time to time.

If you want to visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland more than once, it’s worth getting an annual pass. Here’s a guide detailing plenty of things to do with the kids on school holidays in Townsville.

Riverway Lagoons

How great is this, another FREE swimming location in Townsville! Here you will find two massive pools, with varying depths up to 2 metres. The lower pool is more suited to younger children, while the upper pool has wheelchair access, handrails and deeper sections.

Lifeguards patrol the Lagoons, so you know you’re in safe hands. The pools open at dawn and close when the last Lifeguards finish their shift, which varies depending on the time of the year.

We visited for a night swim and enjoyed some fireworks that were on at the festival next door as we floated around. Does it get any better than that?

Magnetic Island

Just a short ferry ride (20 – 40 mins) from Townsville to Magnetic Island, you can enjoy a jam-packed day trip. With lots to explore, either take your car over on the ferry, use the bus system on the island or hire a car once you get there.

Maggie Island is not huge, only coming in at 11 kilometres long, but with permanent residents and plenty of tourists, you’ll find everything you need over there.

The Strand

Okay, so you’ve probably noticed The Strand popping up throughout this post. That’s because it’s one of the number one things to do in Townsville!

I was blown away with everything that The Strand has to offer tourists and locals alike. If you only do one thing while passing through Townsville, make this is the one! Go for a tropical walk along the beach, take the kids to the Splash Park or dunk yourself in the Rock Pools (all free).

Maybe you’re looking for somewhere to have a drink or a meal with an Island view? There’s an array of restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from. Take a dip in one of the two beaches and wear the kids out on one or all of the parks along the way.

Billabong Sanctuary

Just 20 minutes south of Townsville is the well-known Billabong Sanctuary. It’s been around since 1985 and is the passion project of Bob and Del. What began as 18-hour work days and living in a tent, resulted in their dream of a native animal sanctuary becoming a reality.

These days, the Billabong Sanctuary is a well-established wildlife park, housing a variety of Australian mammals, birds and reptiles. You’ll find different interpretive shows happening throughout the day as you explore the park and you can even feed a croc… if you’re game!

It’s well worth adding the Billabong Sanctuary to your list of unusual things to do in Townsville.

Strand Jetty

If fishing is your thing, check out the purpose-built Strand Jetty (sometimes called Strand Pier). As you may have guessed, it’s located along The Strand waterfront with front row seats looking across to Magnetic Island.

Even if you’re not into fishing, grab some fish & chips or an ice cream and take a wander along the jetty to take in the views. See what sea creatures you can spot from above. On the rare occasion, you may even spot a crocodile floating on by – it’s happened before!

Paluma Range National Park

If you take a drive north of Townsville for about 80 km, you’ll find the turn off into Paluma Range National Park. It’s known as the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics Heritage Area as is a popular tropical escape for Townsville residents and tourists alike.

Pack a picnic lunch, plenty of water, plus your togs and towels to explore all that is Little Crystal Creek and Big Crystal Creek.

Big Crystal Creek is just a short drive in from the highway. There you’ll find Paradise Waterhole, perfect for swimming and kayaking, plus a nice picnic ground with toilets for a lunch break.

Once you’re finished there, jump back in the car and drive a little further up the road to the carpark for the Natural Rock Slides. There is a short walk into the Rock Slides, so make sure you take a hat and water bottle.

Little Crystal Creek is further up the range, where you’ll find fresh water flowing down the creek and under the heritage-listed stone arch bridge (built sometime in the 1930s). You can swim there if you want to, but if you’re like me and hate freezing cold water, you might decide to give it a miss. Go for a wander and explore the boulders and waterfalls underneath and around the gorgeous old bridge.

If bushwalking is your thing, there are plenty of tracks to explore throughout Paluma Range National Park.

*Be aware that Paluma National Park may be closed during the wet season when the waters are overflowing.

Townsville BIG Things

While you’re in Townsville, check out some of the iconic Big Things that are spotted around. Some people tick off the Bigs in every town they travel through as a road trip activity. The Big Brolga and the Big Spiders are well-known Townsville Bigs, but what other ones are there?

For the entire list (with full street addresses) of Queensland Big Things, download the checklist below.

QLD Big Things Checklist

Collect over 150 Big Things as you travel Queensland!

• 17-page checklist
• Pre-filled with 150+ items
• Categorised into 6 regions
• QLD Regional Map
• Full street addresses
• Record finds & dates
• DIGITAL & PRINTABLE

Big Things Checklist

Reef HQ Aquarium

NOTE: Since December 2019, the Reef HQ has received $40.1 million in Government funding to upgrade the facility. Unfortunately, the aquarium will be closed during the overhaul. At this stage it’s set to reopen in 2023. Keep an eye on the Reef HQ refurb works.

To experience the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, head to the Reef HQ. The large aquarium is home to 130 coral species, 120 fish species and hundreds of other species, such as sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, feather stars, snails, worms and sponges. You’ll get the chance to see a real coral reef in living action without even getting wet!

Jezzine Barracks

The Jezzine Barracks are particularly significant for both the local Aboriginal people and the Australian military.

The traditional owners of Garabarra are the Wulgurukaba people and the Bindal people. Their connection to the land remains even through the impact of non-Aboriginal settlement throughout the area. Garabarra was a central food foraging area for thousands of years.

In 1870, the Fort was established after the British withdrew from the colonies. The military continued to use the Fort from 1885 to 2006. Come 2007, a community trust was created to keep the land in public hands.

Dive/ Snorkel the Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the world. This amazing living ecosystem stretches from the tip of Cape York to Bundaberg, a span of 2,300 km down the Queensland coast.

Throughout the largest coral reef system in the world, you’ll find an array of gorgeous colours and the fish and marine species are plentiful.

If you’re keen to explore a piece of the Great Barrier Reef, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive offers a great experience that leaves from Townsville and caters for a full day trip. Here’s a great read on what a liveaboard Great Barrier Reef experience is like.

Street Art Trail

For more of a cultural experience while visiting Townsville, grab your camera and head out to the Street Art Trail. There are fifteen works hidden in alleys, laneways and on warehouse walls.

Indeed the oldest piece of Townsville guerrilla art is the ‘Saint,’ which is painted on the side of Castle Hill. Go for a drive around the bottom of Castle Hill and look up, you can’t miss it! Apparently it was painted by a bunch of local students 50 years ago in the wee hours of St Patrick’s Day.

To see lots of images of the street art, head to the Queensland.com website. If you want to pick up a Street Art Walking Trail map, head to the Visitor Information Centre on Flinders Street.

Markets

Wandering the markets in different towns along your travels is a nice way to get involved in the local culture and support local small businesses. Here are a range of regular markets to add to your unusual things to do in Townsville, North Queensland.

Frosty Mango

Frosty Mango began back in 1989 and has continued to be a popular tourist stop along the Bruce Highway, as people travel north and south between Townsville and Cairns. Locals also enjoy escaping the heat to the cool air conditioning with an ice cream or fresh fruit sorbet, while exploring the well-established orchards.

Townsville Brewery

The Townsville Brewery offers unique and original craft beers and has been serving people since 2001. Head to the brewery for a beverage in the tavern, then move into the restaurant for a nice, hearty meal.

Carey Ramm bought the old Townsville Post Office building, which is filled with nostalgic Victorian charm and situated right in the heart of the city. Since he had no brewing experience, he enlisted the help of Irishman Brendan Flanagan to create beers that the locals would accept.

These days, it’s a bustling local hub, where locals can kick back with a brew and enjoy some delicious local food.

Townsville Heritage Walks

The Townsville Heritage Trail Walks are a perfect activity for those who are interested in historical architecture and stories, as well as tropical gardens and natural attractions. If you’re into history, be sure to add the heritage walks to your things to do in Townsville list.

Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms

The history of Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms is a colourful one. The property began as Eureka Hotel built by an early pioneer in 1865, which was one year after Townsville, the seaside township, was settled.

The Heritage Tea Rooms sit in Thornton’s Gap on top of Hervey Range. It lies on Georgetown Road, which was once the main road leading from the Port of Townsville out to the goldfields to the north and west.

Over the years, the property has been through a range of different identities, such as Sanitarium, Rolfe’s Hotel, the Range Hotel and Eureka.

Getting to the Tea Rooms is a scenic 30-minute drive along Hervey Range Road from Townsville. Be sure to stop at Piper’s Lookout on the way up or down, to take in the panoramic views.

Kopi Luwak (Cat Poo Coffee!)

Kopi Luwak is said to be the ‘rarest beverage on earth’ and was brought to the Heritage Tea Rooms menu in 2006. So, what makes this coffee so special? It’s all in the way it’s been produced… and let’s just say it’s not going to be everyones cup of coffee.

The coffee beans are eaten and passed through the digestive tract of the Asian Palm Civet (an Indonesian cat-like creature). As the coffee beans sit in the cat’s stomach, the digestive juices leech out much of the proteins that cause bitterness in coffee. The result is a much smoother and sweeter flavour.

Extracted from the forest floor are the whole arabica beans found in the Asian Palm Civet’s droppings. These coffee beans are roasted and ground to apparently make the perfect cup of coffee.

One cup of Kopi Luwak coffee will set you back $50 in the tea rooms. Are you game enough to try it?

You also have the option to take home a gift pack of 30g, 50g or 90g to enjoy later.

Have a look at the Hervey Range Heritage Tea Rooms website for full details, opening hours and menu options.

Kingpin Bowling & Laser Tag

If you find yourself stuck for ideas on things to do in Townsville on a rainy day, why not head to Kingpin Bowling. The Alley was fully renovated and upgraded in mid 2019, giving it a super modern and energetic feel.

Alongside tenpin bowling, you can enjoy the arcade with over 100 games, including the old school classics, plus the high-tech games of today. A new cocktail and food menu has been added, as well as offering laser tag, karaoke and pool tables.

Laneway Dining Precinct

For a metropolitan dining experience, head to the Laneway Dining Precinct – the only one of it’s kind in Townsville. The New York inspired laneway is complete with street art and quirky decor. The mishmash of seemingly clashing restaurants actually work really well.

There’s something for everyone, whether it be a lunch catch-up or a night on the town. Add the Laneway Dining Precinct to your list of unusual things to do in Townsville.

Donna Bionda
A modern industrial dining experience as you sit around the wood fired oven. Italian and seafood, share platters, nutella and caramelised banana calzone with wine and cocktails.

Born Wild Wholefood + Expresso
Enjoy a healthy lifestyle cafe serving whole food meals, drinks and snacks, available for dine in or take away.

Harri Dumpling
Renowned for delicious dumplings from 11 am daily. Wander down the laneway and give them a try.

Shaw & Co.
For a good mix of sport and great steak, head to Shaw & Co. Beef is handpicked from local farmers and butchers by Lyndsey and Matt. Together they boast over 20 years experience in the culinary scene and cattle industry, bringing their guests the best.

Sakana
For a taste of Japan, give Sakana a try. They do freshly prepared sushi, sashimi and other Japanese dishes. Try some of Japan’s finest beers and sake.

Syros Greek Street Food
Traditional Greek street food such as greek filo, quiche, sandwiches, wraps, salami rolls with feta, smoked salmon rolls, croissants, chicken schnitzels, baklava and loaded cronuts.

The Courtyard
Funky street art exterior with a retro beer garden. Inside will have you feeling like you’re in a Mexican cantina. On offer is a range of beers, ciders and American style street food.

The TapHouse
If you’re all about good food, craft beer and a great atmosphere, head to The TapHouse. The ten taps in house are on constant rotation, having served over 500 different beers since opening in 2015. Order share plates, tapas, bottled and tin craft beer, cider and wine.

Zizigo Korean Cuisine
For an authentic Korean taste, Zizigo is your place. Some of the dishes include Korean spiced pork, bibimbap and Korean style deep fried chicken.

Cape Pallarenda

With the discovery of gold in 1851, the population in the area grew exponentially. With people flocking in from different parts of the world, the introduction of diseases became an issue.

Initially, Magnetic Island was used for quarantining, but it eventually became apparent that it was too far away from the Townsville Port. Hence, it was relocated to Pallarenda and opened around 1916.

The former quarantine station is now heritage-listed and was built in 1915 – 1916 using the materials that were brought over from the quarantine station on Magnetic Island.

Today you can find the Cape Pallarenda Quarantine Station as you drive through the gates after the park at Pallarenda and head into the Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park.

Ross River Parkway

The beautiful Ross River Parkway is made up of continuous open community spaces linking over 30 km of cycling and walking pathways. There are footbridges and road bridges along the way, which link up both sides of the river, so that you can pass from one side to the other as you go.

Along the way you’ll find beautiful shady trees, toilets, playgrounds, picnic tables, BBQ areas and lookouts. For a beautiful nature walk that follows the river, add Ross River to your list of things to do in Townsville.

Alligator Creek

Just 29 km south of Townsville is the most beautiful forest with waterholes and waterfalls. Bowling Green Bay National Park is home to Alligator Creek, which flows between two mountains – Mount Elliot and Saddle Mountain.

You’ll find cool relief from the North Queensland heat at Alligator Creek about 5 km along Alligator Creek Road. The swimming area is right near the car park, so access is easy.

If you’re wanting more of an adventure, you can take the long hike into Alligator Creek Falls and enjoy a private infinity pool overlooking the landscape. This walk is 17 km return and you’ll need to allow 4 – 6 hours. Be sure to pack sun protection, plenty of food and water plus a First Aid Kit.

Townsville Accommodation

Bluewater Rest Area (FREE Camping)

As we headed south from Tully towards Townsville, we pulled into the Bluewater Rest Area, which is a Free Camping space for up to 48 hours. You have the opportunity to camp amongst beautiful big, shady trees and have all of the facilities you need on hand (dump point, water, toilets, bins, playground).

Bluewater Rest Area is a fantastic base if you’re only planning a short stint in Townsville. The commute from camp into the CBD is about 30 minutes south.

Townsville Caravan Parks

Once we realised we’d be staying in Townsville for a few months work, we moved to the Discovery Parks in Cluden, Townsville. Being right on the outskirts of town meant that exploring was much easier. We were able to set up for a comfortable stay with the jumping pillow and pool for the kids, plus power (air con!) and water for us all in the van.

During our search for the perfect base camp, we checked out just about every caravan park in Townsville. If you’re planning your own Townsville trip and are looking for a caravan park, check out the complete list below.

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