Visiting Townsville
With more than 320 days of sunshine each year, Townsville is an ideal base for exploring North Queensland. Whether you’re visiting for a fishing charter, a tropical island escape or a few days discovering the region, there’s plenty to see and do both on and off the water.
Why Visit Townsville?
Townsville combines a relaxed coastal lifestyle with easy access to tropical islands, national parks, rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The city is compact and easy to explore, with waterfront dining, walking tracks, beaches and many of its major attractions within a relatively short distance of the city centre.
Things to Do While Visiting Townsville
Go Fishing
Townsville offers a diverse range of fishing, from mangrove-lined creeks and estuaries to inshore reefs, islands and bluewater. Fish City Charters offers personalised half and full day fishing charters for small groups, with trips tailored to the conditions, season and the style of fishing you’d like to experience.
Visit Magnetic Island
Just a short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island is an easy day trip or a destination in its own right. Explore beaches and walking tracks, spot wildlife, enjoy the island’s cafés and restaurants, or simply slow down and enjoy the tropical setting.
Explore Castle Hill
Rising above the city, Castle Hill offers sweeping views across Townsville, Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island. You can drive to the top or tackle one of the popular walking tracks, with early morning and late afternoon particularly pleasant times to visit.
Discover Paluma and the Rainforest
Head north from Townsville into the Paluma Range for a change of scenery and temperature. Rainforest walks, mountain views, freshwater swimming spots and picnic areas make the Paluma area a popular day trip and a striking contrast to the tropical coast.
Enjoy The Strand
Stretching along Townsville’s waterfront, The Strand is a great place for a walk, swim or relaxed meal overlooking Cleveland Bay. With beaches, parklands, cafés and views across to Magnetic Island, it’s an easy place to spend a few hours before or after exploring the city.
Go to the Footy
Townsville is home to the North Queensland Cowboys, with home games played at Queensland Country Bank Stadium during the NRL season. If you’re travelling to Townsville for the footy, why not make a weekend of it and add a morning or day on the water to your visit?
Experience the Great Barrier Reef
Townsville provides access to the central Great Barrier Reef, with opportunities to experience the reef through diving, snorkelling and boating. The region’s reefs, islands and surrounding waters are an important part of what makes North Queensland such a distinctive place to visit.
Meet North Queensland Wildlife
North Queensland is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, from koalas and wallabies to tropical birds and marine life. Wildlife parks and natural areas around Townsville provide plenty of opportunities to encounter some of the region’s native animals.
Fishing in Townsville
For visiting anglers, Townsville offers fishing opportunities throughout the year, with different species and locations coming into their own as the seasons and conditions change. Explore our local guide to fishing Townsville for more information about the species, seasons and fishing options available around the region.
Planning Your Townsville Fishing Trip
If fishing is part of your Townsville visit, it’s worth getting in touch before you arrive. We can discuss the type of fishing you’re interested in, the number of anglers in your group and the options that best suit the season and conditions during your stay.
Ready to plan your time on the water? View our charter options or contact Fish City Charters to discuss your Townsville fishing trip.