With an average of 320 days of sunshine per year, it always feels like summer in Townsville and this makes it the perfect place to enjoy a break with the family. There’s so much to see and do, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Choose from laid-back activities to wildlife experiences, outdoor exploring or culture.
Here’s our list of the top 9 things to do in Townsville with the kids!
1 – Splash around The Strand Waterpark
The Strand is a fantastic beach foreshore with 2.5km of walkway, amazing views to Magnetic Island, outdoor gym equipment, kids playgrounds and of course, the Strand Waterpark. This free attraction will keep the kids entertained for hours as they splash and play with slides and water cannons and cool off under a huge tipping bucket!
2 – Visit Magnetic Island for the day
Take a day trip to Magnetic Island! You can swim or snorkel in one of the many secluded bays, take a hike through pristine bushland, see the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay in the evening, spend some time at the Bungalow Bay Koala Village, take a guided tour of the island or even check out the self-guided Magnetic Island snorkel trail! Magnetic Island is a natural wonderland with beautiful scenery and native flora and fauna. Hop on a return ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island departing from the Breakwater Ferry Terminal which is just a short walk from Mariners North Holiday Apartments.
3 – Explore the Maritime Museum of Townsville
Maritime Museum of Townsville is a treasure-trove of artefacts, relics, displays, exhibits, photographs, model ships and other items that tell the history of everything nautical from Townsville’s and North Queensland’s maritime history.
Run by volunteers, the museum is generally open:
Open 9:30am to 2pm October to April.
Open 9:30pm to 2:30pm May through to September.
Closed Sundays, Easter Friday, Christmas Day through New Years Day.
Location: 42-68 Palmer Street, Townsville.
4 – Billabong Sanctuary
Set in beautiful natural surrounds on the banks of a billabong you can experience wildlife in a range of settings including eucalypt forests, rainforest and wetlands. Located just twenty minutes from Townsville you can get up close to some of Australia’s amazing wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, crocodiles and more!
Open daily from 9am to 4pm.
Closed Christmas Day.
Visit the Billabong Sanctuary website for more information.
Location: 17km south of Townsville in Nome on the Bruce Highway.
5 – Museum of Tropical Queensland
The Museum of Tropical Queensland delivers a snapshot of North Queensland with galleries telling the stories of World Heritage listed rainforests, coral reefs and the tragic tale HMS Pandora, which was shipwrecked while attempting to capture the Bounty mutineers. In addition to permanent and visiting exhibitions, there’s also an onsite cafe and museum shop.
Open daily from 9:30am to 4pm.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day.
To discover more visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland website.
Location: 70-102 Flinders Street, Townsville.
6 – Perc Tucker Regional Art Gallery
Set in a beautiful 1885 colonial building the Perc Tucker Regional Art Gallery showcases local artists, and national and international touring exhibitions. The art is spread out over two floors and depending on which artists are on display can include everything from oil and watercolour paintings, pottery and ceramics to sculpture, photography and linocuts. If you time it right you may be able to take in one of the performances or talks that are held with each exhibition. With an every-changing program don’t forget to check out the gallery’s website.
Entry to the Perc Tucker Regional Art Gallery is FREE!
Open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm.
Open Saturday and Sunday 10am to 1pm.
Closed Mondays, public holidays and during exhibition change overs.
Location: Corner Flinders and Denham Streets, Townsville.
7 – Climb to the top of Castle Hill
Castle Hill, just metres short of a mountain, is the giant pink granite monolith that stands majestically in the centre of Townsville. The Hill offers a number of great walking tracks, as well as amazing 360 degree views from the top. Facilities include car parking, public amenities, drinking fountains and shaded seating. Don’t forget to take your camera!
8 – Explore The Great Barrier Reef
Explore the outer Great Barrier Reef on this Museum of Underwater Art and Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Day Trip. All equipment is provided including snorkels and wetsuits, you’ll also be given a full demonstration and instruction of snorkelling techniques. The minimum age for this tour is 6 years old. For more information visit Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip.
9 – Family Friendly Dining
Townsville is home to a long list of excellent dining choices that are kid friendly. Many restaurants and cafes offer kids menus, highchairs or booster seats. There’s even some dining venues with dedicated kids play rooms.
Of course, there’s loads more to do with kids in Townsville. Book your accommodation and come explore this fantastic region with your family.
Townsville accommodation!
As the one and only absolute oceanfront accommodation in Townsville, Mariners North Holiday Apartments takes pride of place on The Strand on prestigious Mariners Peninsula – the most exclusive location in Townsville. Every holiday apartment has ocean views, private balconies, full-size kitchens, and a wide range of onsite facilities that your family will love. Enjoy our large saltwater swimming pool, tennis court, BBQ area, Free WiFI and more. It’s the perfect base for your Townsville family holiday!
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland