So what to do? Enjoy the beaches and range of water activities of course! Here are a few that you might like to put on your ‘simply must try’ list when visiting Townsville.
Enjoy Townsville’s Beaches
Townsville’s beaches are mostly to the north of the city or on Magnetic Island (25 minutes by ferry). If you are after a day at the beach there’s a range of options including Rowe’s Bay, Cape Pallarenda, Bushland Beach, Saunders Beach, Toolakea Beach, Toomulla Beach and Balgal Beach. Not to scare you but you do need to be aware of Stinger season which runs from November to May, and during these months only swim in enclosures. Also, watch out for saltwater crocodiles and always observe croc warning signs. Never swim in any estuaries.
Splash about with the kids on The Strand
If you have kids with you then the Strand’s Waterpark is a must. It features low-pressure water cannons, a huge tipping bucket and lots of other areas for kids to splash about it. It’s also perfectly situated along the 2.2km stretch of palm-lined beachfront path. Oh and don’t forget to zip line into the rock pool swimming lagoon!
Explore magnificent Magnetic Island
Only a short 25 minute ferry ride from Townsville is Magnetic Island. It’s a beautiful tropical island paradise where you can either spend a day exploring all the secluded bays and beaches, enjoy some snorkelling and scuba diving or head down to Horseshoe Bay, which is the best beach for water sports. There are more than 20 beaches on the island so you will be spoilt for choice, however, some of these can only be accessed by boat or by hiking.
Spend some time on a Cruise Boat
There is a wide selection of cruise boat tours that you can take from Townsville. They depart from Townsville Marina and offer a range of experiences including day trips to Magnetic Island, diving on the SS Yongala Wreck, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef or even a sailing yacht adventure. .
Relax at Riverway
If you’d enjoy a more relaxed day then Riverway, which is situated in Thuringowa Central on the magnificent Ross River frontage, has plenty of options with two huge swimming lagoons, the Riverwalk, an Arts Centre and restaurants. You can choose to either swim, walk, run, cycle, fish, water ski, or just relax and watch the wildlife. Find out more at Riverway
Experience a Kayak or Stand-up Paddle Board
The best places in Townsville to kayak or Stand-up Paddle are from the beaches along The Strand. Alternatively you can kayak on the Ross River. For a day trip, you could head up to Paluma Dam (2 hour drive from Townsville).
Browse and book dozens of Townsville tours and attractions through our online booking partners Experience Oz.