Townsville/Gurambilbarra might be the big smoke of the tropics, but there’s way more to this coastal city than meets the eye. Sure, you can sip cocktails by the water and dine at hatted restaurants, but look a little closer and you’ll find an epic playground for adventure-curious explorers.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, really. Wedged between the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed rainforests, Townsville is the best launchpad for every kind of thrill—reef, rainforest or red dirt.
Ready to chase your next nature hit? We’ve rounded up the best Townsville North Queensland adventures to tick off on your next trip to the tropics.
Dive A Historic Shipwreck
Just off the coast of Townsville lies the legendary S.S. Yongala shipwreck—one of the world’s top dive sites. Available only to Certified Advanced Divers, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive run unforgettable day trips to this marine oasis, or jump onboard with Yongala Dive from Ayr. Descend into a world of sea turtles, eagle rays and schools of barracuda. The wreck is encrusted with coral and teeming with life, offering a once-in-a-lifetime dive you’ll be bragging about long after you’ve surfaced.
Explore Magnetic Island
Just a short ferry ride from the city with either SeaLink or Magentic Island Ferries, Magnetic Island is a must-visit for nature lovers. Here, adventure means hiking to WWII forts with ocean views, snorkelling fringing reefs straight off the beach and koala-spotting across the island. Hire a topless car to cruise between bays, dive into Alma Bay’s turquoise waters and round out the day with a sundowner at Horseshoe Bay. For off-grid views of a lesser known bay, travel with MI Ride Discovery Tours for a bus tour like no other to watch the sunset from West Point.
Step Back In Time At Charters Towers
A 90-minute drive inland, Charters Towers feels like stepping onto a movie set. Once one of the richest gold rush towns in Australia, it’s now a fascinating outback adventure. Stroll heritage streets lined with grand 19th-century buildings, visit the Miner’s Cottage for a glimpse of history, or catch golden hour at Towers Hill Lookout. The drive alone—through dusty red landscapes and open skies—reminds you just how vast North Queensland really is.
See The Great Barrier Reef
You can’t visit North Queensland without paying a visit to the iconic natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef. From Townsville, it’s easy to join a reef tour to the breathtaking central section, home to vivid coral gardens, giant clams and playful turtles. Snorkel or dive among the kaleidoscopic marine life, or hop on a scenic heli-fllight for a bird’s-eye view of this World Heritage-listed masterpiece.
It’s not just the natural beauty of the reef that’s worth exploring either. The Museum of Underwater Art is home to an incredible selection of art installations that you can dive and snorkel around. It’s the Southern Hemisphere’s only underwater museum and the Guiness World Record holder for the largest underwater art structure.
Climb Castle Hill In Townsville
Towering over the city, Castle Hill is Townsville’s most famous natural landmark—and a must for sunrise chasers. Lace up your sneakers and tackle the scenic Goat Track for a cardio challenge with million-dollar views at the top. From up here, you’ll get panoramic views across the city, Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea beyond.
Uncover The Burdekin’s Hidden Beauty
Just an hour south of Townsville, the Burdekin region is an underrated gem for those who love the road less travelled. Explore sugarcane country, go fishing, or join a local Indigenous tour to experience the culture and stories woven through this iconic agricultural heartland.
Hike Across Hinchinbrook Island
Hinchinbrook Island is nature at its finest. Just over an hour’s drive from Townsville, you can head out from Ingham (AKA Queensland’s little Italy) to tackle the famed Thorsborne Trail—a bucket-list multi-day hike through rainforests, mangroves and deserted beaches. For something a little less strenuous, simply join a day tour to experience Hinchinbrook’s Insta-worthy peaks and waterfalls.
Kayak The Ross River
Find yourself a kayak or canoe and hit the Ross River. Paddle through lush greenery, spot birdlife along the banks, and take in a completely different perspective of Townsville. With calm conditions on the water, it’s an active way to spend a morning before cooling off at The Strand or the Townsville Kayak Clubhouse, or exploring the nearby dining precincts.
If you’re on the hunt for your next jam-packed escape, Townsville North Queensland is ready and waiting with reef, rainforest and outback adventures that put the real in unreal holidays.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Townsville Enterprise and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Townsville Enterprise
