Unearth the history and culture of Townsville during your next stay at sites both above and below the water!
Queensland Museum Tropics
Located in the heart of Townsville, the Queensland Museum Tropics explores life in the tropics from prehistoric times to the modern day. You can also discover the stories of World Heritage-listed rainforests, reefs and the tragic tale of HMS Pandora, the ship sent to capture Bounty mutineers.
Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA)
MOUA is a series of globally-significant artworks located on the Great Barrier Reef in Townsville, created by Jason deCaires Taylor, the world’s leading underwater sculptor. MOUA is the only underwater art museum in the Southern Hemisphere and can be explored by snorkelling or diving tours.
If you’d prefer to stay dry, you can also check out ‘Ocean Siren’ on The Strand. The sculpture is best viewed in the evening and reacts to live water temperature data from the Davies Reef weather station on the Great Barrier Reef and changes colour in response to live variations in water temperature. Ocean Siren is modelled on local Wulgurukaba Traditional Owner, Takoda Johnson.
Castle Hill
Castle Hill, the giant pink granite monolith that sits proudly in the centre of Townsville, has a significant history. The Hill’s vantage was used during World War II by visiting American soldiers, with an observation bunker still sitting on one corner of the Hill today.
Jezzine Barracks
This 15-hectare heritage precinct commemorates the military and Aboriginal heritage of the Kissing Point headland through 32 specially commissioned public artworks, extensive interpretive signage and the restoration of significant elements of the Kissing Point Fort complex. It’s also home to the Jezzine Barracks Military Museum | Army Museum North Queensland.
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Residing in one of Townsville’s finest heritage buildings, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is a dynamic visual arts centre with an impressive collection of North Queensland art.
Riverway Precinct
The Riverway Precinct is home to the Riverway Arts Centre, Pinnacles Gallery, a public art trail and the Ngulu Marga Yulga Uriny Games Trail where you can learn about traditional games that were played by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
SS Yongala Dive Site
SS Yongala is located in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The vessel sank more than a century ago, in 1911, and since then a diversity of marine life and corals has made the wreck home. Certified divers can join an SS Yongala Wreck Dive from Townsville.
Townsville Museum and Historical Society
The Townsville Museum is dedicated solely to preserving and displaying the history of Townsville from the early 1860s. Offering an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs and building plans of early Townsville buildings, some of which no longer stand today. The Museum is the memory bank of Townsville’s past, preserving it for future generations to experience and enjoy.
Book your accommodation staying at Mariners North Holiday Apartments for your next Townsville Queensland holiday. Located on The Strand, Mariners North offers a selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom Townsville holiday apartments with excellent onsite facilities including swimming pool, tennis court and BBQ area.
*Image of Ocean Siren courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland