Townsville
Townsville is a coastal city in northeastern Queensland. It’s close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, means that it is home to amazing visitor attractions. As a culturally rich city, there are opportunities to get a glimpse of Australia’s wildlife and marine life. A great spot for family adventures.
British Consulate General Brisbane
100 Eagle Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
Australia
www.gov.uk
+61 (07) 3223 3200
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: Triple Zero (000)
- Language: English
- Currency: Australian Dollar
- Country Code: AU
- Travel Visa: Required (click here for more info)
- Population: 178,860
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 000 from any phone, for not so serious situations please dial 101.
Hospitals in Townsville
Tourist Offices
Travelling Around
Townsville is a well connected city, offering services from car and bus. Sunbus runs local bus services around the city, a cheap way to get around and explore. Townsville does not have it’s own suburban rail service. However, Queensland Rail does offer routes in part of its schedule. Taxis are another popular way of getting around the city, with taxi ranks being verified in locations.
Airports
Train Stations
Townsville Safety
Townsville Safety
What are some safety tips I should know?
Always pay attention to safety warnings when venturing to the countryside; Townsville is home to some of the world’s most dangerous animals, including crocodiles and snakes.
Remember to stay cool and protected from the sun. Townsville’s tropical climate makes wearing suncream, hats and sunglasses a must.
The summer months see the box jellyfish and other stingers float through the local waters. There are stinger suits but it is advised not to swim at all. Stings can be fatal, if anything happens seek medical attention immediately.
When withdrawing cash from ATM try to go inside the bank. Beware of withdrawing cash from cash points on pedestrian walkways. Try to withdraw small sums and don’t flash your cash around even in the bank.
Are there any areas to avoid?
There are no real crime hotspots in the city, take extra care in busy tourist areas and apply the usual safety precautions. Watch out for quiet areas after dark and stay in the well lit main streets, and stay within the crowd.
How do I keep up with the local news?
What are the common crimes?
Beware of pickpockets as they tend to operate in tourist areas, keep your belongings secure at all times and be careful if strangers try to make conversation or distract you as it could be an attempt to steal your valuables.
Credit card fraud, cloning cards can be an issue be careful where you use your cards. Also if you are withdrawing money from cash machines make sure you cover your pin and be discreet about the amount of cash you withdraw.
House burglaries and break-ins are common crimes in Townsville, although as a tourist this is unlikely to affect you too much. Keep an eye on your personal belongings wherever you, and be wary on public transport.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Townsville Events
The Townsville Show
Starting in 1876, the Townsville Show is a long-standing tradition that the city celebrates. Held at Townsville Showgrounds, this event is home to a large scale Agricultural show, bringing together farming communities. In the month of July, this event showcases their livestock, traditional produce and locally made items. It is a celebration of their heritage, sticking to their roots and gives visitors a glance in to the time old methods of farming and lifestyle.
Short and Sweet Festival
A theatre festival with a difference. In the world of Schools of Arts Theatre, performs have a time limit of ten minutes to showcase their pieces. Local actors, directors and writers make this an annual treat. Get a chance to vote for the Best Production, with qualifiers attending the Queensland Finals in Brisbane.
Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival
The city of Townsville has recently started hosting this diverse sport festival. As an action-packed weekend, sporting events are hosted over picturesque locations. With a range of sports taking place, this festival is one for sports enthusiasts.
Townsville Highlights
Townsville Highlights
Where should I visit?
Riverway
A riverfront parkland which stretches for around 7 miles off the Ross River The parklands cover areas at Pioneer Park, Loam Island, Apex Park and Ross Park at the Ross River Dam. Which all are great areas to visit, spend the day wandering around and enjoy the freedom of nature and the wide open spaces that the parkland offers.Castle Hill
This attraction rises out of Townsville, a total height of over 80 meters that dominates the skyline. From the top it offers amazing views of the city and over to Magnetic island just of the coast. A must climb for all visitors to the city.Are there any wildlife attractions?
The Museum of Tropical Queensland
A museum dedicated to natural history and archaeology, it’s a great place to visit and gives people in insight in to the history of the region and the country. There are lots of exhibits and interactive models for visitors to enjoy, it is located in the same complex as Reef HQ. Worth a visit.Reef HQ
Situated in Townsville and is the largest living coral reef aquarium, the Coral Reef Exhibit has over 130 different coral species and over 100 different fish, many other sea inhabitants that make is a wonderful experience to visit, the environment lends itself perfectly and the way the tanks are set up it feels as if you are immersed in the reef itself. Great fun and a taste of the ocean without getting wet.The Billabong Sanctuary
Situated in around 27 acres of beautiful wildlife park, it is home to hundreds of resident species including many mammals and bird life, there are also reptiles and other life that combines to make a wonderful environment, there is a really cool natural billabong or lake in the middle of the place which give the area its name.Are there any cultural highlight attractions?
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
A public art gallery in the city, situated on the corner of Flinders and Denham, the Gallery itself is home to around 2,000 artworks, it also hosts many touring exhibition and also has a space used for art classes, talks, lectures and creative workshops. For art lovers it worth checking out and maybe getting involved with some of the galleries creative activities.Castling Street Heritage Centre
The National Trust owns this collection of three restored period homes, ranging from a farmhouse to a grand villa.The S.S. Yongala
One of the best wreck dives in the world; the ship sank in 1911 with all on board, today it is home to an incredible variety of marine life, from gropers to sea snakes and turtles. The wreak is around 27 meters below the surface and divers descend on a line through the dark water until the bow of the ship comes out of the darkness. The wreck is an amazing once in a lifetime dive, so much fun for all dive enthusiasts.
