About Townsville

Townsville combines the lure of the tropics with the attractions of a major city. From diving in the Great Barrier Reef, trying your luck at the Casino, rafting white water rapids or simply lazing on golden beaches, Townsville offers the best of all worlds.

Located in North Queensland's ‘dry tropics’, Townsville and Magnetic Island boast an average of 320 days of sunshine each year. Combining this glorious sunshine with a relaxed lifestyle and a diversity of attractions - Townsville is the perfect choice for a North Queensland holiday experience.

The City is the perfect stepping-off point to experience the wonders of the region - the outback, rainforests, magnificent waterfalls, tropical islands and of course, the Great Barrier Reef.

Townsville's many attractions include the world's largest living coral reef aquarium, a wildlife sanctuary, casino, beaches, museum, theatres, galleries and restaurants.
Townsville is also one of Queensland's premier event destinations, with an exciting annual line up of sporting, aquatic, historical and cultural events.

Using Townsville as a holiday base, visitors can experience the natural wonders of the diverse North Queensland Region through the availability of day tours, cruises or adventure excursions - all operating out of the city.

DISTANCE FROM BRISBANE (State Capital): 1457 kms

Discover Queensland’s tropical delights in comfort aboard the country’s most innovative train, the Tilt Train. Travelling between Brisbane and Cairns, and stopping at Townsville, twice a week, the Tilt Train is a comfortable and convenient way to get to your accommodation destination, Aquarius on the Beach.

Transport within the Region

Public transport (bus service) operates to all areas of Townsville city, suburbs and beaches. Taxis are available for transport throughout the city and suburbs.
All national car hire companies have offices at the Townsville Airport and throughout the city. A selection of private car hire companies and limousines are also available.

Coach

All major coach companies operate into and out of Townsville connecting with regional centres and major cities.

Rail

The Queenslander has developed an international reputation for food, service and facilities, linking Townsville with Brisbane and regional centres.

Air

Townsville Airport ensures easy access with frequent daily flights connecting to capital cities, regional centres and Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts.

Road conditions and fuel

Fully sealed roads are maintained by the Department of Transport and road conditions are of a high standard. Service stations are located frequently throughout major traffic areas and within suburban areas.

Banking Facilities

Banking hours are:
Monday to Thursday - 0930 to 1600 hours
Fridays - 0930 to 1700 hours
Selected banks open 0900 to 1300 on Saturdays.
Most major banks have Automatic Teller Machines available, operating 24 hours.
All major credit cards are generally accepted throughout the City.

Shopping facilities

Tropical Flinders Mall, a palm fringed shopping precinct in the city centre, offers a quality shopping experience, in close proximity to city hotels and ferry terminals.

Shopping hours for the City - Flinders Mall are:
Monday to Thursday - 0900 to 1700 hours
Friday - 0900 to 1900 hours
Saturday and Sunday - 0900 to 1300 hours

Shopping hours for the Cotters Markets are:
Sunday - 0900 to 1300 hours

Within easy walking distance is the new Bi-Lo Shopping Complex offering 7 days a week grocery shopping (1700 hours close on the weekend).

Townsville also offers an additional number of large shopping complexes within the outlying suburban areas of the city.

Shopping hours in the suburbs are:
Monday to Wednesday - 0830 to 1700 hours
Thursday - 0830 to 2100 hours
Friday - 0830 to 1700 hours
Saturday --0830 to 1600 hours -

Local tourist information outlet

Visitors Information Centre / Flinders Mall Information Centre
Townsville Qld 4810
Phone: +61 7 4721 3660
(Mon-Fri 0900 to 1700, Sat & Sun 0900 to 1300)

Highway Information Centre
Bruce Highway (South)
Stuart Qld 4811
Phone: +61 7 4778 3555
(Monday to Sunday 0900 to 1700 hours)