This place may not immediately come to mind when you think of tropical Australian travel, but this hidden gem is seeing an influx of travelers.
But there is one city that is attracting an increasing number of visitors, and for very good reason.
Townsville is the largest city in northern Australia, with a thriving regional population of 300,000.
Nestled between two UNESCO World Heritage-listed ecosystems – the Great Barrier Reef and the Paluma Rainforest – it makes it the perfect place for visitors looking to explore some of the most stunning scenery Australia has to offer.
With its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, a wealth of cultural and entertainment offerings and a vibrant beach with a wealth of restaurants, bars and breweries, it’s no surprise that this hidden gem is becoming more and more popular.
Townsville is growing in popularity. Photo: iStock
Lisa Wolfe, Townsville Enterprise’s Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing, revealed that tourism in the region is booming as more people discover all the city has to offer.
“By March 2024, Townsville North Queensland is set to achieve a record $1.2 billion in overnight visitor spend, on the back of year-on-year visitor growth of almost 5 per cent,” she told news.com.au.
“Our region was the only destination in Queensland to see an increase in holiday visitors during this period.”
There is so much to do in Townsville, but here are some experiences you can enjoy in the area.
For explorers
Your trip to North Queensland wouldn’t be complete without taking in the beautiful natural surroundings.
Day trip to Crystal Creek It is the perfect way to explore the Paluma Range National Park area.
Along the Paluma Range Highway, you’ll pass Little Crystal Creek and Big Crystal Creek, both of which are perfect spots to stop for a picnic, with plenty of swimming and bushwalking options.
Big Crystal Creek features a large swimming hole and picnic area, with smooth, slippery rocks that also create a natural slide for thrill seekers.
Little Crystal Creek features a series of pristine waterfalls that cascade beneath a historic stone arch bridge built in the 1930s.
Rock slides at Big Crystal Creek in Paluma Range National Park. Photo: Cameron Bates
Little Crystal River. Photo: Cheryl Larsen.
The water cascades down, creating numerous freshwater swimming holes, and as you continue to explore the area, you’ll likely find a swimming or relaxing spot that you can enjoy all by yourself.
It’s the perfect place for lunch. I recommend ordering the grazing platter in advance from Whites Corner Store And pick it up on your way to Crystal Creek.
You can then take advantage of one of the many picnic tables or find a spot on one of the large rocks overlooking the pools and enjoy your lunch in the sun.
There is a lot to see in the area, so if you want more time to explore the area, you can get a permit and spend the night in one of the designated camping areas.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic. Photo: news.com.au
Your trip to Townsville wouldn’t be enjoyable without checking out its beauty. Magnetic Island.
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville, the island features 23 bays and beaches, is surrounded by coral reefs, has kilometres of unique bush hiking trails and is home to the largest colony of koalas in northern Australia.
Ms Wolfe described Magnetic Island as “a jewel in our tourism crown”, saying it was a World Heritage island like “nowhere else on the Great Barrier Reef”.
“Magnetic Island plays a significant role in our tourism sector, supporting more than 25 per cent of tourism jobs in Townsville, North Queensland, and injecting more than $300 million into the regional economy each year,” she said.
“It’s a place where you can live like a local and immerse yourself in immersive, personal and unforgettable experiences.”
Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes from Townsville by ferry. Photo: iStock
Relax and recharge
After a day of exploring everything the area has to offer, you’ll likely need somewhere to recharge your batteries before heading back out again.
Located in the heart of Townsville, Grand Chancellor Hotel It is the perfect base for your visit to the city.
This 4-star accommodation gives you easy access to the best that Townsville has to offer and is the perfect place to relax after a long day.
Known locally as the ‘Sugar Shaker’ due to its unique shape, the hotel is the tallest building in Townsville and offers unparalleled views of the city and water.
Take in the views while enjoying a dip in the rooftop pool or head to the on-site restaurant and bar for a snack and a drink.
The Grand Chancellor is known locally as the “Sugar Shaker”. Photo: Supplied
The rooftop pool offers stunning views of the city. Photo: Grand Chancellor Hotel/Facebook
If you’re keen to see more of Townsville, you can take a relaxing stroll along StrandIt is a 2.5 km long beachfront promenade offering stunning views of Magnetic Island.
Along the palm-lined promenade, you’ll find scenic places to stroll, safe beaches for swimming, rock pools, playgrounds, exercise stations, and of course plenty of bars and restaurants.
For food lovers
Townsville has a thriving food and drink scene, with the city filled with busy restaurants, cafes, pubs, breweries and distilleries.
If you are a spirit lover, you can’t ignore it. Tan lines distillationLocated in the Rockpool Pavilion restaurant at The Strand.
Tan Lines Distilling is a local establishment, featuring the vibrant essence of North Queensland which is captured in their range of gins and vodkas.
Owner of Tan Lines Distilling, Aaron Reinitz. Photo: Beplate Tea
It’s the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink. Photo: news.com.au
Founder Aaron Reinitz chose Townsville as his base after falling in love with the region’s laid-back beach culture and vibrant natural beauty, inspiring him to create a range of spirits that embodied the essence of the region.
With an open space overlooking the beautiful waterfront views, this is the perfect spot to relax with a gin and tonic before heading out for dinner.
You will find it on the other side of the road. Beach housewhich combines modern Asian cuisine with the best local flavours in Townsville.
Shorehouse offers a delicious menu of modern Asian cuisine. Photo: Shorehouse/Instagram
The large dining terrace provides a relaxing atmosphere. Photo: Shorehouse/Facebook
The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, craft beers on tap and a variety of fresh, modern cocktails that perfectly match the delicious menu.
If you are overwhelmed by the choices and don’t know how to decide, the “Just Feed Me” option on the menu is an excellent choice.
For $63 per person, you will be served a selection of the Shorehouse’s best and most popular dishes, which can be modified to suit any dietary requirements.
This way, you can sit back and relax on the large outdoor deck and sip your cocktail while being served a selection of fresh, local foods that are sure to leave you more than satisfied.
This writer visited Townsville as a guest of the Townsville Enterprise.
